Although the two teams are stationed on opposite coasts, the Giants and 49ers once had something of a heated rivalry. Both teams have rich histories and have each won multiple Super Bowls. In recent years, the two teams have gone in opposite directions. The Giants have become one of the NFL’s elite, while the 49ers have plunged into mediocrity. Although their record is 2-4, the 49ers still have some potent weapons, including dynamic RB Frank Gore. Stopping Gore is always a must when facing the niners, but easier said than done. Here are five other keys to making sure the Giants don’t lose another winnable game.

1. Run and Pass

This is strategizing at its finest. The 49ers are in the bottom half in both rush and pass yards allowed per game, and are equally mediocre in each facet. A balanced attack is more necessary now than ever, because there is seemingly no glaring weakness in the defense; it is just pretty bad overall (outside of fantastic LB Patrick Willis). They are allowing 28 points per game (5th worst in the NFL), but have recorded 8 interceptions (5th best in the NFL).

2. Don’t Force it to Plax

There were times in Monday night’s game against the Browns that Eli Manning seemed to make up his mind on who to throw it to before the play developed. On most of those occasions, it was to Plaxico Burress, and the results were less than stellar. He had a pass intended for Plax intercepted, as well as a couple thrown into double coverage that fell incomplete. If he continues to work the middle of the field with Steve Smith like he did, the plays to Plaxico will open up. It also might not have helped that Burress was coming back from a two week suspension.

3. Get to O’Sullivan’s Pot O’ Gold

49ers QB J.T. O’Sullivan is a tricky little fellow with a bit of magic up his sleeve. After a performance in which the Giants defense did not manage one sack, it is most important that they reach the other side of that rainbow against the 49ers. J.T. has decent skills and can manage the offense, but his escapiness is something of a question mark. He has been sacked more than any quarterback in the NFL (23), but has the third most rush attempts of any quarterback in the NFL (25).

4. Put Hixon on Kick Returns and Bradshaw on Offense

Domenik Hixon may be the fastest man on the team. Ahmad Bradshaw is definitely the shiftiest man on the team. To be a good return man, you must be fast. To be a good 3rd down back, you must be shifty. You should maybe get what I’m trying to say here? Hixon was great on returns last year and Bradshaw has been explosive in limited play on offense this year. It doesn’t taka genius to figure this one out.

5. Have Fun Out There

Remember that it is still a game. Being a professional athlete is a lot of pressure. These men go out there every week and play their hearts out in front of thousands to billions of people. They know that the mood of diehard fans everywhere will depend upon their actions, and they can single-handedly decide whether I am going to have a good week or not. Sure, they get paid like Gods, but money isn’t everything. It doesn’t mean that they don’t have emotions like all of us. They are not robots. Except for Brandon Jacobs.