newjerseynewsroom.com

BY BOB HOLT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Heavy rains are expected to move into San Francisco over the weekend, which could play a big part in the New York Giants Conference championship playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Accu-Weather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Bloomberg, “It looks like the first half of the day it’s raining, then the rain may move out in time for game time. There could be an inch or two out there, which is significant.”

The slower playing surface may force both teams to attempt to run the ball more. The Sporting News reports that 49ers have the best record in the NFL at stopping the run and the Giants averaged only 3.2 yards per rushing attempt in a 27-20 loss to San Francisco on Nov. 13.

Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks says he may use shoes with spikes anywhere from a quarter-inch to a half-inch longer, for additional traction in adapting to the conditions. Nicks reminds himself to lean forward and focus on his routes, telling the New York Daily News, “Nose over toes.”

Defensive back Antrel Rolle says the field condition won’t be a factor in the outcome. “We play in muddy games, rainy games. I don’t feel there are any advantages.”

According to CBS Sports, the Giants and the 49ers have met seven times in the postseason, with San Francisco winning four of the games. But in 1990, the Giants defeated the two-time defending Super Bowl champion 49ers in the Conference championship at Candlestick Park on their way to their own Super Bowl victory.

Rolle said, "We are not going to be denied at this point.”