Giants vs. 49ers in NFC Championship: D茅ja vu all over again?
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There are some New York baseball fans still upset with the Stoneham family for to San Francisco after the 1957 season. But that only has only added to the passion of the New York football Giants fans over the years when they've met with their brethren in San Francisco during the in the past three decades.
The New York at the end of the 1981 NFL season. San Francisco, behind quarterback Joe Montana, prevailed and went on to win the franchise's first Super Bowl over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The two teams met three more times in playoff games during the 1980s, playing in consecutive seasons from 1984 to 1986. In that last year, the Giants won聽 their first Super Bowl over the Denver Broncos.
Then, at the end of the 1990 season, the Giants and 49ers faced off for the first time in the . In a tough defensive struggle, the Giants prevailed behind five Matt Bahr field goals, 15-13.
New York went on to win its second Super Bowl title, beating the Bills when Buffalo kicker Scott Norwood missed a late field goal attempt.
The Giants and 49ers met twice more in the playoffs in subsequent years. San Francisco beat New York in a 1993 NFC divisional playoff game and a 2002 wild card contest.
What to expect this Sunday
The 1990 NFC championship game could offer a window on this Sunday's contest, as the Giants once again boast a highly-rated defense. And the 49ers, despite giving up 32 points to the New Orleans Saints in the divisional playoffs last Saturday, have a defense that has improved steadily throughout this 2011 season.
Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty says that he's 鈥淭his is not going to be a cute football game. It鈥檚 not going to be for the meek and mild."
Is it ever in a NFL playoff match?
Both teams field productive offenses, with the . Eli Manning of the Giants is a seasoned leader, and has a Super Bowl MVP award to his credit. The 49ers' Alex Smith will be enjoying his first NFL playoff go-around.
Giants and 49ers fans: Who do you think will win this time around 鈥 and by what margin of victory?