Ever since the NFL has implemented its rules aimed at protecting quarterbacks and receivers from unprotected hits, there has been clamoring from players, analysts and fans alike voicing displeasure with the attempt to "wussify" the National Football League.

I have echoed this sentiment for quite a while as Brian Dawkins has been my favorite NFL player for years. His ability to lead, tackle and do shoulder rolls during his entrance endeared the long-time Eagle to me. From decleating Alge Crumpler in the 2004 NFC Championship game to his ability to occasionally german suplex opponents a la Kurt Angle, his aggressive, hard-hitting style always appealed to me.

I was a card-carrying member of this group and, as a fan of defense, I was offended by the idea of NFL officials trying to take away the big hits that I had grown to know and love every Sunday.

I thought this could ruin the game.

The San Francisco 49ers have changed my opinion.

Of the many storylines in San Fran's 20-17 overtime loss to the Giants, such as the inevitable comparison between Eli and Peyton (enough already), the question as to whether or not Alex Smith "has arrived" (please...) and which fast-food chain will Kyle Williams be working for next year (my money is on In-N-Out Burger...darkhorse pick), the biggest takeaway I took from this game was that the 49ers have the best tackling team defense that I have seen in my lifetime.

The 11-hats-to-the-ball mentality of this team is far superior to any other in the league, including the aging Steelers and Ravens.

Patrick Willis (who is not only the best linebacker in the league, but is as good RIGHT NOW as Ray Lewis was in his prime) put on an "Open-Field, Solo Tackling for Dummies" performance while the mere presence NaVorro Bowman caused Victor Cruz to do a convincing Claude Lemieux impression twice on crossing routes in the second half.

If one guy didn't bringing you down, which they normally did, then four others did.

The tackling clinic put on by the 49ers made me realize what the real problem is: many NFL players either can't or won't tackle.

Let me preface this by saying that the unwillingness to properly tackle is not the ONLY question that can be raised with today's game. Are their questionable and downright ludicrous calls on a gamely basis? Absolutely. Does it seem like NFL referees are a bit trigger happy? That's an understatement. Does Ed Hochuli do push ups or does he simply push the Earth down? I choose to believe the latter.

The one point that defensive enthusiasts fail to bring up is the omission of basic tackling principles in an effort to make the Sportcenter Top Ten.

What are the first things you are taught in pee-wee football when it comes to tackling? Break down into a good tackling position, wrap up and drive through the ball carrier.

The problem is that if you truly look at the way most NFL players approach the ball carrier, none of these rules are followed.

Take the NFC Divisional round matchup between the Giants and the Green Bay Packers for instance. In the first quarter, New York's Hakeem Nicks ran 15 yards down the field and darted across the middle on a crossing route. After making the catch and taking two steps, Green Bay's Charlie Peprah (starting SS, 94 tackles, five interceptions this season) was primed to end the play there, giving the Giants a first down near mid-field.

Instead of breaking down, wrapping up and driving through Nicks to end the play, Peprah ran in leading with nothing but a shoulder, did not even attempt to wrap the athletic receiver and promptly bounced off the former Tar Heel as he scampered for a 66-yard touchdown.

This is not to pick on Peprah specifically. This is to point out a flaw found in nearly every NFL defense. Everyone is looking for the big, ambulance-beckoning hit without realizing that only bad came come from this style of play in today's game.

Imagine if Nicks did not have time to set his feet and absorb the hit. If he had just landed and Peprah landed the same hit for a tackle or pass breakup, he would have been flagged and fined. One of two things will happen on this sort of play: a flag or a touchdown. I'm not saying that a flag is right; I'm saying that a flag will be thrown. Ask James Harrison.

The argument that NFL players were taught to play this way is disingenuous. They were taught to play like the 49ers.

The moral of the story is that you can be an effective, intimidating, hard-hitting defense while still playing within the confines of the new NFL. We just have to get back to basics.

Other thoughts from Sunday's 49ers/Giants game:

-Vernon Davis should be (but isn't) as productive as Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski. I cannot imagine what that guy could do with Brees or Brady throwing him the ball.

-Slow motion makes every hit look so much better. The expressions on Eli's face on a few of those sacks were goofier than his regular face.

-It was nice to see Devin Thomas staying busy.

-The 49ers desperately need a wide receiver in this years draft. I say they trade up a few spots for Notre Dame's Michael Floyd or South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery.

-Justin Tuck had the coolest facemask in football.

-Brandon Jacobs is 8-for-16 for his career at converting fourth-and-one plays. Surprising giving his size and the Giants history of running the football. He was invisible on Sunday.

Until next time,
SP