49ers Beat Giants Despite Red Zone Struggles

Liam O’Connor

September 23, 2023

(Running Back Christian McCaffrey stiff arms Giants Cornerback)

On Thursday Night, the San Francisco 49ers beat the New York Giants in a primetime game with a final score of 30-12. This game again showed how dominant the 49ers can be once both sides of the ball are clicking, but it took a while to get there in this game. The score at the end of the first quarter was 3-3, which meant this was the first time the 49ers hadn’t scored a first quarter touchdown since week 12 of last season; or 8 regular season games ago. The defense was great all game, only allowing one touchdown in the middle of the 3rd quarter. The giants started their touchdown drive from the San Francisco 36 yard line, so it wasn’t very hard for them to score, Other than that drive, the defense was nearly perfect, pressuring Giants quarterback Daniel Jones on nearly every possession. Rushers Nick Bosa, and Arik Armstead, and Javon Hargrove all seem to get past the Giants line pretty easily, forcing Jones to through quick passes that led to a lot of incompletion. In the game, ones threw for only 137 yards, with one interception, and a low go rating of 41.6. The giants whole offense seemed to struggle, as they only produced 150 yards in the ENTIRE game compared to the 49ers 441 yards. 49ers general manager John Lynch has seemed to always focus more on the defensive line, and this year it has been paying off greatly. When the 49ers face teams with a weak offensive line, they always take advantage and seem to force the quarterback to throw in an average of less than 3 seconds. Once again, the loss of Demeco Ryans as defensive coordinator has not seem to have an affect on the ability of the defense to perform in big time games. They have given up an average of 14 to the opposing teams through 3 games which is on pass to best the best in the league for the second straight year.

( Star Edge Rusher Nick Bosa gets his first sack of the season against Daniel Jones)

The offense scored 30 points again for the 3rd straight game this season. 30 seems to be the teams lucky number! Quarterback Brock Purdy had arguably his best game of the season, although many people on social media didn’t think so. Purdy threw for 310 yds, with 2 touchdowns, and a qb rating of 58.3. Although his stats look great on paper, he is still being doubted by a lot of people out there. One of the main reasons for the offensive struggle in the first quarter was because of Purdy. He nearly threw 2 interceptions, but bounced back in the second quarter and led 2 touchdown drives. The main concern about him, is that he is still the last pick in the draft and at some point his luck will run out. However, I just dont understand all the criticism. He has yet to lose a game that he has played all snaps in, and has proven that he can win in any circumstance. He might make some mistakes at moments, but who doesn’t. He is continuing to get better, and I truly think he can take this team to win a Super Bowl. His top target in the game was Debo Samuel, who had another monster game with 129 yds and one touchdown. Without the presence of Brandon Aiyuk, Debo balled out this week and proved again why he is the best receiver on this team. He continues to be a problem for opposing defenses and has showed major strength and the ability to get a lot of yards after the catch. Next week the 49ers will be facing a weak defense in the Arizona Cardinals and im sure Debo will have another great game. Running back Christian McCaffrery has continued to prove why he is the best back in this league, and how he can truly dominant opposing defenses. He ran for 85 yards and 1 touchdown, which for him was an off day. He scored a touchdown for the 12th consecutive game, and with one more he will break Jerry rices record for most touchdowns in consecutive games as a 49er. The 49ers trade foe him that happened almost a year ago has proved to be one of the best in NFL history, as it had boosted this teams already amazing run game. The 49ers have really hit their stride on both ends, and dont seem like slowing day any time soon. They remain Super Bowl favorites, and will play the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday at 1:25 and will try to remain undefeated.

(Tight End George Kittle celebrates a first down catch)