IN A SNAP
This time, there will be no epic comeback. The Giants, who have now been outscored 63-6 in three first half this season, dropped 30-12 to the unbeaten San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football.
WHAT COMES NEXT
The Giants have 11 days before their next game after playing twice on the road in five days. On Monday Night Football, they will face the Seattle Seahawks in their third primetime game of the season.
WHAT WE FOUND OUT ABOUT THE OFFENCE
Prior to Thursday night, the Giants had ruled out four players due to injury, three of whom were on offence: running back Saquon Barkley (foot), left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring), and interior offensive lineman Ben Bredeson (concussion). Barkley was injured with 1:02 left in the Giants’ thrilling 31-28 win against the Cardinals. On the team’s last offensive drive, his lower leg bowed awkwardly at the conclusion of a two-yard run. Bredeson was also concussed during the game and is still in the procedure.
The Giants used their third different offensive line in three games without Thomas and Bredeson. The starts were Joshua Ezeudu, Shane Lemieux, rookie John Michael Schmitz, Marcus McKethan, and Evan Neal, from left to right. Only Schmitz and Neal began their careers in Week 1.
Wan’Dale Robinson, a wide receiver, made his 2023 debut and caught four catches for 21 yards. His rookie season was cut short on November 20 when he tore his ACL against Detroit, a game in which the second-round pick had nine catches for 100 yards. He previously hurt his knee in the season opener against Tennessee and missed the next four games.
The Giants only gained 88 yards and converted three of seven first downs in the first half, allowing the 49ers to win time of possession 20:00-10:00. The chasm widened from there. In total yards, they were outgained 441-150, running yards 141-29, and time of possession 39:10-20:50.
The Giants have been outscored 63-6 in three first half this season: 26-0 against the Cowboys, 20-0 against the Cardinals, and 17-6 against the 49ers.
Matt Breida, who spent his first three seasons in San Francisco, took Barkley’s spot from the start. On an eight-yard dash up the middle, the veteran reached the end zone to pull the Giants within five points early in the second half. They didn’t score again as the 49ers finished with 13 straight points.
Jalin Hyatt, who led the Giants with 89 yards on only two receptions in Week 2, was held without a target on Thursday.
WHAT WE’VE LEARNED ABOUT DEFENCE
Azeez Ojulari, an outside linebacker, missed his second straight game due to a hamstring ailment.
The Giants became the first team since the 2007 Jets to go two games without a takeaway or sack after reaching the playoffs. On the first drive of Thursday’s game, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux sacked Brock Purdy. The Giants’ second sack was shared by defensive lineman Leonard Williams and D.J. Davidson.
Micah McFadden, an inside linebacker, had one of the more active games of his short career, with a personal-best four tackles for loss. With 11 tackles, the second-year pro topped the club.
The Giants struggled to get off the field in the first half, as the 49ers converted seven of their ten third downs and controlled the clock for precisely 20 minutes.
Deonte Banks, a rookie cornerback, sustained an arm injury in the first half. Darnay Holmes took up the slot when Adoree’ Jackson went back to the outside.
WHAT WE FOUND OUT ABOUT SPECIAL TEAMS
Graham Gano matched a club record with a 57-yard field goal late in the first half after hitting the game-winning field goal on Sunday. Gano hit a 57-yarder against Chicago last season, while Aldrick Rosas also hit one from that far.
Gano now has 21 field goals of 50 yards or more with the Giants. Joe Danelo has nine wins in team history.
REPORT ON IN-GAME INJURIES
CB Deonte Banks (arm), DL D.J. Davidson (elbow) for the New York Giants
INACTIVES
New York Giants: RB Saquon Barkley (ankle), CB Cor’Dale Flott OLB Azeez Ojulari (hamstring), OL Ben Bredeson (concussion), T Andrew Thomas (hamstring), DL Jordon Riley (hamstring)
SF: G RB Nick Zakelj DT Kalia Davis, ILB Jalen Graham, WR Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder), CB Ambry Thomas (knee), QB Brandon Allen.
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