For the second straight week two New York Giants’ teammates had phenomenal games. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw exceeded expectations with his play and safety Antrel Rolle had two interceptions to help guide the New York Giants to a 26-3 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Candlestick Park. Rolle’s picks were his first on the season.
Bradshaw — who rushed for a career-high 200 yards last week against the Cleveland Browns — had another spectacular day with big runs behind a much-improved offensive line. He tallied 116 yards in 27 carries and a third-quarter touchdown.
The running back’s one-yard score was the first allowed by the 49ers’ defense to a running back this season and only Bradshaw’s second rushing touchdown this season.
It was a game the Giants were not supposed to win, being doubted by the majority in this rematch of last season’s NFC Championship game with one of the NFL’s top teams. However, it was the New York defense – not the vaunted 49ers’ – that dominated with six sacks and three interceptions while holding the 49ers to just 80 yards rushing.
After a 42-yard field goal by San Fran kicker David Akers in the first quarter gave the 49ers a 3-0 lead, New York quarterback Eli Manning and the Giants’ offense put their foot on the gas pedal and did not let up as they scored 26 unanswered points.
Wide out Victor Cruz scored the first touchdown of the day for the Giants with a six-yard reception early in the second quarter – his fourth touchdown in two games. Cruz is tied for second in the NFL with six touchdown receptions.
With 14 seconds remaining in the half and a 10-3 lead, the Giants surged once again. Unfortunately, New York head coach Tom Coughlin called a timeout a bit too early. Even if the lead was extended with a field goal made by kicker Lawrence Tynes, there would still be time for the Niners to score. Fortunately for the Giants, Akers missed on the 52-yard attempt as time expired at the half. The west coast team would not see an opportunity as good as that one to score again.
The Giants’ defense gave 49ers’ quarterback Alex Smith fits on nearly every drop-back; a pleasant sight for most New York fans. Having sputtered through the season’s first five games, Giants’ defensive coordinator Perry Fewell made some changes this week to the way his team was going after the quarterback and it worked to perfection.
Big Blue’s defense nearly doubled their season numbers from a week ago, blitzing more often and utilizing linebacker (and natural defensive end) Mathias Kiwanuka on the defensive line. The result was a number of key sacks, including two from D-lineman Jason Pierre-Paul. This forced Smith to be skittish in the pocket and make foolish mistakes – which the Giants gladly capitalized on.
Despite their dominance, the Giants’ offense was underwhelming in the red zone. They settled for four field goals, unable to get into the end zone. Ultimately though, they put plenty of points on the board and left the San Francisco area with another game in the “WIN” column.
In the end, New York ended their Sunday battle with their heads held high and maybe, a sly grin on their faces. Though doubted (as they so often are), the Giants proved once again why they are the defending Super Bowl champions and why they must be considered amongst the NFL’s top teams.
While inconsistent certainly, the 4-2 Giants have an impressively well-balanced offensive attack anchored by a dependable offensive line leading the campaign up front. With a rejuvenated pass rush, they return home to host the Washington Redskins (3-3) and rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, who has been sacked 12 times so far and hit nearly three times as much.
The Giants are 0-2 in the NFC East so far but a victory against the ‘Skins would give them a substantial divisional lead before heading down to Texas to take on the Dallas Cowboys.
Louis Musto is a contributor for the Sports Journey Broadcasting Network covering the NFL and NBA. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.