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| 49ers QB Alex Smith threw three INTs in the 49ers' loss to the New York Giants on Sunday at Candlestick Park. (US Presswire) |
Make sense of this: A week after becoming the first team in NFL history to run and pass for 300 yards in the same game, the 49ers were unable to strike a balance between the two and were forced out of their element in a humbling 26-3 loss to the New York Giants at Candlestick Park.
Offense: D
After converting first downs on four of six third-down opportunities in the first quarter, the 49ers failed to convert on third down in their eight chances the rest of the game. QB Alex Smith threw three INTs -- he threw just five all of last season -- and the team failed to establish the run. Once it fell down 17-3 at the beginning of the third quarter, San Francisco felt obligated to get a quick score and nearly abandoned the run. The lack of balance allowed New York’s pass rushers to pin their ears back and rush Smith without having to worry about recognizing the run. Previous game’s grade: A
Defense: B-
Not much blame can be placed on the defense, which was continuously put in tough spots as a result of INTs and poor kick coverage. The Giants’ first TD punctuated a 7-play, 67-yard drive, but on their other trip to the end zone, they needed to cover just 32 yards. Two of New York’s FGs came despite the Giants not picking up a first down. The 49ers' run defense allowed a 100-yard rusher (Ahmad Bradshaw, 27 for 116) for the first time in 22 home games. Previous game’s grade: A
Special Teams: D
Two of the team’s strengths from a year ago -- kick coverage and field-goal kicking -- were trouble areas in the loss. K David Akers was just 1 for 3 on his FG attempts against the Giants, missing both left and right. Rookie David Wilson returned a kickoff 66 yards to begin the second half, which set up a TD to make the score 17-3. It was a momentum swing the 49ers couldn’t recover from. Only a blocked FG by Tarell Brown saved the team from a failing grade. Previous game’s grade: C+
Coaching: D-
One week offensive coordinator Greg Roman is being hailed as a future NFL head coach, the next his play calling failed to generate a TD. Coach Jim Harbaugh said after the game and again on Monday that the plan wasn’t up to par, but the players blamed lack of execution. It was certainly a combination of both, but it was clear the Giants' coaching staff had their team more prepared. It added up to the worst margin of defeat since Harbaugh took over as coach before the 2011 season. Previous game’s grade: A
Follow 49ers reporter Kyle Bonagura on Twitter @CBS49ers and @KyleBonagura.
