New York Giants stun San Francisco 49ers as Alex Smith picked off thrice – NFL Recap
The defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants showed their best performance of the current season after completely outclassing the San Francisco 49ers, 26-3, in Week 6 game on Sunday, October 14, at Candlestick Park.
49ers defence found its match in Giants defence that intercepted quarterback Alex Smith three times.
Smith completed 19 of 30 passes for 200 yards and did not provide any touchdown. The only scoring move from 49ers came in the first quarter in which they scored a field goal.
It looked like Giants were saving their best for this game. In a desperate hope to avenge last year’s National Football Conference (NFC) championship loss, 49ers started the game well, but the Giants completely dominated the next three quarters to win the
game.
Running back Ahmad Bradshaw was again given the ball a number of times by quarterback Eli Manning. Bradshaw finished with completing 116 yards on 27 carries. He also got a touchdown.
Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks was also back for Giants after missing three games. He finished with 44 yards on three catches.
Manning completed 15 of 28 passes for 193 yards and scored a touchdown.
Although the offence played its role nicely, most of the credit for the victory goes to the defence that stopped every movement of 49ers offence.
Giants had done ample homework on their opponents and it looked like they already knew where Smith would throw the ball on any given drive.
Out of Smith’s three interceptions, two were made by Antrel Rolle, while one by Prince Amukamara.
It was Giants’ second straight victory. They are 4-2 and leading National Football Conference (NFC) East.
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said after the victory:
“A very good football game for our team. The players were very excited about playing this game. There wasn’t any doubt about the way we went through our week of practice - there was great enthusiasm, great energy every day.”
The Giants just did not defeat the 49ers, but they also provided areas for other teams to target the 49ers, who otherwise are a force to reckon with.
49ers are 4-2 and leading NFC West along with Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks.
It was the most miserable loss for Jim Harbaugh as head coach of San Francisco. He said after the defeat:
“We didn’t do enough. We put ourselves in a position we couldn’t come back from, more turnovers than we’re accustomed to. Plan-wise, it wasn’t the right one. We’ll try to figure out what the next one we’ll be.”
After going three points down in the first quarter, Giants took the lead in the second quarter by scoring a touchdown and a field goal.
They added another touchdown and two field goals in the third quarter, while another field goal in the final quarter sealed victory for the defending champion.
Giants will take on Washington Redskins in Week 7, while 49ers will face Seahawks.
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