New York Giants 20, San Francisco 49ers 17 in O.T.
The Giants had some unlikely stars in yesterday’s NFC Championship Game. To me, the star of the game was WR Devin Thomas as he recovered 2 fumbles that led directly to 10 points and the game winning field goal by Lawrence Tynes. Eli Manning had a very solid game as he completed 32 of 58 passes for 316 yards with 2 TD passes and 0 INTs. Ahmad Bradshaw led the way on the ground yesterday with 74 yards rushing on 20 carries (3.7 ypc). He also caught 6 passes for 52 yards (8.7 avg) last night. Brandon Jacobs pitched in with 5 carries for 13 yards (2.6 ypc) and he also caught 2 passes for 8 yards. WR Victor Cruz had another huge game to lead the way for the Giants in the passing game yesterday when he caught 10 passes for 142 yards. Hakeem Nicks (5 rec, 55 yards), Mario Manningham (1 rec, 17 yards, TD) and TE/FB Bear Pascoe (1 rec, 6 yards, TD) also helped out in the passing game yesterday. The Giants finished up with 85 yards rushing on 26 carries (3.3 ypc) and they also completed 32 of 58 passes (55.2%) for 267 yards as they had possession of the ball for 39:36.
The defense was good against the pass, but not so good against the running game yesterday. LB Chase Blackburn (7 tackles) and DE Jason Pierre-Paul (6 tackles, 1/2 a sack, 1 tackle for a loss, 1 pass defensed and 1 QB hit) led the way for the Giants in this game. The 49ers finished up with 150 yards rushing on 28 carries (5.4 ypc) and they also completed 12 of 26 passes (46.2%) for 178 yards. The Giants now have a rematch of the last Super Bowl they won with the New England Patriots.
