Yes, the Niners will come out and play tough in the beginning. That said after about the first quarter in San Fran you could just tell they are not on our level anymore. I am always nervous playing them, but on T-Give I was eerily calm the whole game after the first quarter. I am sure that the Hawks went through that as well, and in so doing know going into this one what they found out in that one.
Sure, I think Papapki will try to go back to his old ways of running more and slinging it around the field, but we handled that well enough when he was doing it with confidence. He has none now. The offensive line is not the same. The LB's are not the same. They just cannot hang with us if we are prepared and playing well. And we are prepared and will play well.
It is like playing hoops in the front yard with my little brother. He may get a couple lucky shots to fall, but then I just beat him. I control the tempo, I lock down the D, I score plenty and beat him. That said I do not crush him like I could. But it is convincing and a good reminder to him that I am bigger, stronger and better.
I think this game will be like that.
Hawks 31
Niners 13
Go Hawks!!