Focal point: Shockey vs. Peterson ESPN.com The Matchup: Jeremy Shockey vs. Julian Peterson The Game: Giants at 49ers, Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX. The Question: Who will get the best of this matchup? Jeremy Shockey Julian Peterson By Merril Hoge Special to ESPN.com People may say 49ers linebacker Julian Peterson had great success against Chiefs' tight end Tony Gonzalez this season. But that was Gonzalez; on Sunday, he faces someone even better -- the Giants' Jeremy Shockey. Despite being a rookie, Shockey is a better route runner, is more fluid and has a better overall feel for the game than Gonzalez, making Shockey even more difficult to defend. He thrives on making plays against one-on-one matchups. Coming out of Miami (Fla.), which runs a pro-style offense, Shockey understands where people are on the field. He knows how to widen a defender and give the quarterback a passing lane. He understands how to play against leverage and create separation. He has tremendous hands and concentration, so he will make all the tough catches. Shockey is not easily frustrated. He takes big shots and doesn't allow them to bother him. As hard as he is to beat physically, Shockey is even harder to beat mentally. His matchup against Peterson won't be easy. Peterson is a great football player who is physical and athletic. But Shockey is already the most complete tight end in football. By Mark Schlereth Special to ESPN.com While Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey has had an outstanding rookie season, few people noticed the play of 49ers linebacker Julian Peterson although he was voted to his first Pro Bowl this season. To figure out how Peterson can slow down Shockey, all you have to do is look at film of the 49ers game against Kansas City, when Peterson shut down the NFL's best tight end, Tony Gonzalez, holding him to one reception for six yards. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Peterson is a tall, lanky player with long arms. He is also athletic and quick. While I don't see him as a big weight-room guy, Peterson has what I call "country" strength. He is naturally strong and uses great body leverage to keep tight ends off his body. Once he is able to lock tight ends out and keep them from getting deep into his body, Peterson is athletic enough to run with them on their patterns without being flatfooted. That's what he was able to do against Gonzalez. Shockey is a physical player, and the Giants' offense is leaning more on him. But Peterson will rise to the occasion. He won't let Shockey beat the 49ers.

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