1st Quarter:
The San Francisco 49ers on their opening drive did a great job establishing the run, and moved the ball downfield. San Francisco would go on to take the lead on a field goal.
The New York Giants got a big 49 yard play to Odell Beckham Jr., on an Eli Manning play action pass. However, the Giants failed to score in the red zone. Andre Williams was stopped on the goal line and New York was forced to kick a field goal which tied the game 3-3.
New York played good defense following the score, and forced a 49er punt. This was large in part due to the defensive pressure the Giants got on Colin Kaepernick.
2nd Quarter:
The Giants started the quarter converting on a 3rd and 7, on a 31 yard reception by Beckham Jr. New York has really looked to get Beckham Jr. involved early and often. This play set up a 2 yard touchdown reception by Shane Vereen to put New York up 10-3. The defense of New York looks hungry out there. The Giants are limiting the yards after catch, and the run defense has stepped up. New York stuffed a run by Carlos Hyde for 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage, setting up a 49er punt.
On the next possession, the Giants would have a 10 play 43 yard drive which lead to a 41 yard field goal by Josh Brown. Dwayne Harris had a critical drop on 3rd down which could’ve extended the drive. Manning has made the no huddle offense look good and effective in the 1st half.
San Francisco showed some toughness in the next drive, and responded with a field goal of their own. The 49ers were lucky to come away with 3 points. Kaepernick fumbled on a scramble, but recovered his own fumble.
With just 1:01 left in the half, Manning led the Giants down the field. It looked almost too easy, but was spoiled when Manning made a terrible decision. Manning threw an interception in the end zone trying to get the ball to Beckham Jr., preventing the Giants from scoring before half. New York would go into the half up 13-6.
Prediction:
If New York can keep the pressure up on Kaepernick and Manning doesn’t make any more mistakes, New York can easily come away with a victory. (New York 27 – San Francisco 12)
Barry Holmes is a Feature Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732.