SAN FRANCISCO — This is the live blog for the third quarter of the 49ers’ Week 6 game against the Giants. I’ll update this frequently with observations and analysis from the press box.
3:02 The 49ers are losing 10-3. The Giants will receive the ball first.
3:03 David Wilson returns the kick 66 yards to the SF 35 yard line before he’s tackled by Perrish Cox. The kick coverage has been terrible this season. They need Blake Costanzo.
3:08 Bradshaw rushed 11 yards to set up first and goal from the five. Then Manning handed off to Bradshaw three times in a row, and on the third time Bradshaw jumped over the pile to score a 1-yard TD. It was clear Kevin Gilbride wanted to run that TD in and send a message that the 49ers are not tougher than the Giants today. 17-3 Giants.
3:09 The 49ers have hit Manning just twice.
3:16 Leonard Davis jumps offside on third and 1.
3:16 On third and six, Smith sails a pass over Manningham’s head, Antrell Rolle picks it off and returns it 20 yard to the SF 12.
3:18 On second and ten, Manning throws a pass right to Rogers’ stomach but Rogers drops it.
3:19 On third and ten Manning throws behind Hixon in the end zone. Tynes on the field to attempt a 30-yard field goal.
3:19 Tynes makes it. 20-3 Giants with 9:51 left in the third quarter.
3:20 Down 17 points, Greg Roman now has to call passing plays. He should have called more running plays in the first half.
3:25 On second and 4, Linval Joseph beats Alex Boone to sack Alex Smith. On third and 11 Smith gets flagged for delay of game. On third and 16 Smith throws behind Crabtree, Rolle picks off the pass and returns it to the 49ers’ 5 yard line. That’s Smith’s third pick of the game. This the worst game Smith has played in a couple of seasons.
3:28 The Giants go three-and-out and Tynes makes a 22 yard field goal. 23-3 Giants with 6:10 left in the third quarter. Alex Smith has to pass the 49ers back into this game, and his QB rating today is 29.4.
3:30 Skip Bayless just tweeted: “Alex Smith is turning back into Alex Smith.”
3:31 Roman called a read option play for Smith on first down. He gained no yards. Roman’s going to have to do better than that.
3:32 Smith play fakes and hits Randy Moss deep for a 55-yard gain. Perfect deep pass.
3:33 Kaepernick comes in the game and loses 11 yards on first down. Pierre-Paul sacked him. Smith is back.
3:34 Smith throws a short pass high over Walker’s head and it’s almost picked off. Third and 21.
3:35 Smith completes a check down pass to Hunter for 6 yards, and they’re going for it on fourth and 15.
3:35 Smith completes a short pass to Vernon Davis who gets tackled 8 yards shy of the first down marker. Horrible decision by Smith there. He didn’t give the offense a good chance to convert that fourth down. Giants ball at their 27 yard line. 2:54 left in the third quarter.
3:39 Joe Staley has a concussion and he is out of this game.
3:40 The Giants punt with 1:25 left in the third quarter. Touchback. The 49ers will start this drive at their 20. They need a touchdown.
3:41 Boone is the left tackle and Leonard Davis is the right guard.
3:44 Alex Smith completes a 12 yard pass to Crabtree on the first play of the drive. The Roman takes Smith out and brings Kaepernick in. He completes a 7 yard pass to Crabtree. Then he sails a pass over Randy Moss’ head. Then Kaepernick loses a yard on an option run. That’s how the quarter ended. None of Greg Roman’s play calls are working. His trick plays worked against the Jets and the Bills but they aren’t working against the Giants.
3:48 Phil Barber just tweeted: “Alex Smith’s current passer rating of 42.1 would be his lowest since Nov. 4, 2007, vs Falcons.”
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Time for these guys to get it going! Got a half to go, keep the faith!
It’s okay for your faith to temporarily wane with kickoff returns like that.
Well said!!
We need a turnover! Our ST is suckin!
They need to hit Eli given him to much time.
Joe Buck is way too happy??? Hater
You right, he is all into the G man
Thank god, we’re on the other side of the field, now. After all, according to an earlier comment, it was the “swirling winds” which caused the Smith interception. Whew. Good thing it had nothing to do with the inability to beat a team with a winning record.
Who’d have thought at the start of the season that KW would be one of our better special teams players through the first six games? ST coverage units have been atrocious all season.
Now!!! Are all of y’all happy that we have a game managing offense led by a qb thy plays it safe? This is why we need a potent offense. You dummy’s! Defense can’t win every game. Lets go smith! Show me what cha got
moments of truth on the balance …..
will AS be aggressive
will CK have to come in to exhibit this aggressiveness after his 32yd pass at end of 1st half
will roman change up his play calls
and has the secondary of niners found their familiar stride
Let’s not chew up the clock Roman!
I hate those trick plays
I told y’all that INT might be in his head now. He hasn’t been aggressive since
Grant… your page per quarter is not a winning game plan, imho.
Why?
Because Ribico is the elmer’s cut and paste artist. He can’t get responses to his work if you spread it across 3 pages.
we forget to move to the next blog
most of the comments for the current quarter are still in the previous quarter’s page. for each quarter so far.
Do the opposite of what we did vs Vikings. No huddle would be nice occasionally.
Out coached and outplayed, our special team sucked,our defense has no pressure in the pocket our corners are being schooled by Giants defenemen and can I say it, Justin Smith has losted a step.
Look at the ball buddy, no need to take a false start on a running play.
Time to bench Alex
Sit down son
Smith is awful today, game is going to be a blow out, time for Kaep to play.Smith lost his mojo and has regressed.
Smith wsy to go, dummy
Way
That’s it, Alex is off today. Maybe it’s the finger? May have to use CK now.
please don’t blame it on the finger, he barely even taped it. this is the same alex smith everyone has been waiting for
rogers. sheesh.
Complete team failure in this game so far.
Calos.. Damn
Needed that pick Rogers.
so alex smith just threw one bad pass, right takmB?
oh look Eli missed 3 straight in the red zone, including a sure pick. He sucks, right haters?
Who would you rather have Eli or Alex?
Gosh. Those darn “swirling winds” again.
Come on Niners. They should kick our a$$ at home. Bench Alex, lets get it going
Shouldn’t
Alex has really made some bad decisions today. Looked to me like Crabtree was coming open on the other side of the field on that last pick. Manningham was well covered, should never have been an option.
CR had a pick 6…..Okay, were down like this against the same team in 2002. We came back and won that playoff game. LETS gO!!!
Kaep needs to play now, time to make a change Jimmy
Giants D will loosen up now and give us 5 yard passes all day to keep clock running. Need a big play now.
I think AS finger is a bigger deal than they made it out to be. I’m aware what the haters will say but its kind odd he’s having a bad game against a pathetic defense.
its not odd, its alex smith. if it was his finger, niners wouldve put more than a tiny piece of tape on it
Ya, whens the last time you seen him play like this?
his whole career minus a careered last season
Like that finger made a difference last week against a poor defensive team. We’re also aware of the Alexcuses the Smithers will make here.
why is Ginn not returning kick offs? he’s better with that straight away speed
Told you.
Put in CK!!!!!!!!
Time for Moss and manningham
Giants are stacking the box now. They know Alex is playing scared
CK 7 time!!!
Not a good game for Smith.
Alex thinks Roll is on the Niners
This is embarrassing!
will it take three interceptions before we go to kap?
Jordan is gonna come in here smokin.
Alex Smith needs to sit down – damn garbage
Huh. You would think the home field QB could handle the winds at the Stick. Can’t figure out why he keeps throwing picks. Maybe we can change the schedule and just play Buffalo for the rest of the year.
That wasnt even a 1st down pass. y throw it
Wow. Just wow. Alex is making awful decision after awful decision. Definitely time for CK7!
Below average alex is stinkin the joint up today… Hope my G-men see that chump in the playoffs again. lol!
It would be nice if the niners could rely on the QB come back but have not seen too many of those in 8 years , I’ve seen the D do it but not the O
+1
D is keeping the score respectable
Bring in CK!
so alex smith is still an mvp candidate, right? …..pahaha
Matt Ryan threw three picks today. Guess we should pull his name out of the hat as well.
matt ryan throws the ball 50 times a game. alex smith throws it 25 or less. tell me whose 3 int’s are more important? you think alex could pass the niners back into this game like an elite qb could after a pick? i dont think so
They’re sitting on those medium and short routes. WE have MOSS and Manningham. Time to throw it deep!!!
yo called it. maybe Big Niner should be calling plays
All 3 of the Int’s have been the fault of the receivers. None of them tried for the ball. Alex Smith is playing great!
Where are the Smithers now. The Precious is stinking up the joint against a legit D
I don’t know what’s more embarassing..the way AS is playing or the way you’re reveling in it. Some fan…
I’m not a fan of a single player. I want the team to win. Smith is stinking it up and I’m calling it like I see it
Then start cheering for the team instead of calling out people who support a player from their favorite team.
Now I am pretty critical of Alex Smith, but I think that you have to look at this long term. It’s better for the 49ers as a team if Alex Smith is made to work through this. If you bail him out by putting Kaepernick in when things get tough and Kaepernick obviously isn’t ready you are just putting your team in a worse position.
It’s sad to watch, but he’s learning. It’s up to him as a leader on this team to take this game and own up to the fact he let his team down.
Agree. Alex Smith is not the problem. It’s the fault of everyone else that he has less than 100 yards passing in the 3rd quarter and 3 Int’s. Leave him out there even if he has 10 Int’s.
I wasn’t a fan of resigning Smith. I haven’t been a fan of 8 years of waiting for him to develop. I just don’t think the organization is prepared to go with anyone else just yet.
Thank you Moss / Smith
Where are the Smithers?
hating how this game is going. Unlike the haters, who are jumping for joy.
Ck7 please!
We can come back…..lots of time
WE WANT KAEP!!!
Alex Smith is such trash.
Garcia, Owens….
tough game to watch….abandoned the run too soon
bout time!!
Alex Smith is the top rated QB in the NFL. He isn’t the problem. It’s everyone elses fault
lol
So you are saying the rest of the team is playing lights out this game?
We’re going to come back.
Maybe not.
For those of you making Alexcuses saying his finger might be bad.. I didn’t see anything wrong with it on the long completion to Moss. He’s just having an Alex-like game.
and right after the long completion, he almost throws int number 4
And that’s why you don’t put Kaepernick in when he’s not ready
And why do you take out the momentum with a 50 yard completion to moss by putting kaepernick in? What an idiot this OC is.
+1 WildKrap!!!
chris, i’m pasting an agreement to that.
trick plays….
Put in Tolzien
check down on 4th an 15 wtf???????/?/
What the hell was that? Checkdown on 4th and 15. Seriously?? You’re better off chucking it towards the end zone or just throwing it right into double coverage. At least you have a chance.
4th and 15 and you dump it off 3 yards? Great call Roman. Great call. I think Stanford has an opening for you. I heard there is a head coach in SF headquarters who can pull some strings to get you in there.
that wasnt the call. smith checked down, per usual
The 3 yard route is part of the play call. I agree he shouldn’t have checked down to Davis, but I am also saying that there shouldn’t have been a 3 yard hook route in the play call.
nice, alex smith checks it down on 4th and 15. THINK HOW GOOD NINERS COULD BE WITH A REAL QB
what a joke!!
Jackyll an Hyde! Mostly Jackyll today.
It’s no wonder the 9ers have so many drops. It’s hard to catch a 100mph fastball off your back shoulder from 10 feet away.
4th and 15 down by 20 points and Alex throws a 3 yard pass????????????????????????? WTF???????????????
Hmmm, check downs on both 3rd and 4th and long… If ever there is a time to be aggressive and risk the INT, it is 4th and long!
another bad play call. when roman is on, he is great…when he is off, like today and Minn….well it looks pitiful
Great decision by Alex. 5 yard pass on 4th & 15. It’s Davis fault he didn’t fight through tacklers for the 1st down.
Why is Davis running a 3 yard route on 4th and 15?
It’s called a route combination. Davis runs a shorter route to pull defenders up in order to open the intermediate routes for the WRs. Smith MUST throw the ball for 1st down yardage. Give the WR’s a chance to make a play. Smith’s decision made no sense whatsoever. Even if the ball is intercepted it’s still a turnover. Smith basically just gave up and gave the ball back to the Giants.
Too bad alex cant play Buffalo’s defense every week.
So, based on my calculations, the Alex-ers will not be able to make any comments about CK7 until….2018. Since we have to align with their list of excuses, we also have to give Kaep an equal amount of years for excuses, too.
G roman is lousy!!! period!!
Worst performance of Alex’s career considering that its a big game and that he is in the middle of his eighth year. He played so well last week and this was his chance to step up in a big game. A huge step in the wrong direction.
Wrong, Domingo. Alex Smith is NOT in his 8th year. According to excuse #359, Alex is only in his second year. Apparently, a QB only counts the number of years he has with the same OC and HC. Since Roman will be gone next year, the clock will revert again, and Alex will be in his first year. See?
When you can’t count on special teams or play calling, it’s hard to win in the NFL. I don’t care whose under center.
Not one Kaep run today, Is Kyle Williams the best we can do on kick off returns?
now staley is hurt?
f cruz!!!
Have to stop with tye CK thing.
1. He faked to nobody.
2. He had time to trow it away. CAN’T TAKE A 11 YARD SACK AFTER WE GET 50!
rodgers had his moment to transcend and dropped the ball
AS had his chance to transcend and it sort of looked like the moss catch was going to be the beginning ….then roman submarines that moment by bringing in CK
pretty strange game after the beginning two offensive series of the game was seemingly pretty solid….
what the frick happened…..
oh the secondary started cracking
and AS is having a meltdown……
You can hear a pin drop in Smitherville right now.
They’ll be back when we play a bad team again.
4th and 15 down by 20 points the ball MUST be thrown 16+ yards in the air!!!! Disgusting Hofer. Just throw the ball up!
hurry up offense
Staley with a concussion. That sucks with the quick turnaround.
why is the OC trying so hard to lose this game
Yup, started in the 1st qtr bringing in the gimmick plays. Continuity is key AND no other team does it in the NFL.
I feel like puking!!!
play calling sucks, they need to go 2 minute offense from here on
clearly can see JH determining who has the hot hand at QB by putting CK in even when AS shows some success…..
don’t have a problem with that….except the play calling is still to cutesy instead of designing plays that take slant shots down field instead of the drag plays where lots of hands can get in the way
bad timing with the Kaep subs today
Every NFl analyst is going to bash SF coaching decision to keep putting Kaepernick in killing momentum.
Yup, the blamers don’t get it but TAikman has been saying it the WHOLE game. AS was moving the ball on the 1st two series in the 1st qtr and they bring in CK. How the hell can you get a rhythm going?!! GR and JH are over thinking how valuable the run option is!
Do you think the beat writers will ask about it?
It’s Kap’s fault Smith threw 3 picks today. He didn’t have an excuse last week or the week before. Let Kap play. Smith is done. We’ll let him play against The bad teamster. Those are the teams that he plays well against.
Poor Kaep. I guess he loses his “rhythm” when they keep putting that #11 in all the time.
Enjoy the loss!!
Probably not Hofer. These reporters only ask softball questions around here.
Typical Smith. Let’s run out of bounds on 3rd and 10.
Do you think Smith’s finger is playing a part in his missed opportunities?
I think thats it. It’s the fault of the WR’s and the finger. Good call.
Lee,
Alexcuse 106. He has a badly sprained finger and its affecting his brain and making him throw into double coverage. His favorite target today, Antrelle Rolle!
if you were a fan you’d know Thursday’s game is bigger. He’ll be back…will you??!! LOL
No, by my count, it is excuse….hold on, I’m adding them up….it’s excuse #1,223. Yup. Jordo, you forgot Climate Changes, New Tight-Fitting Uniforms, and Presidential Election Year. Don’t worry, I’ve been writing them all down for my next book.
Knowing you call yourself a 49erfan is embarrassing.
3rd and 10 down by 20 points in 4th qtr, throw the damn ball 10 yards!! Don’t run out of bounds like Jim Everett!!
we need a defensive td
Mr Conservative,
He has thrown 3 picks and is afraid to take a risk with Crabs
Neal – Alex had me fooled that he had become a good QB. I’m a FOOL!
Neal,
He is who I’ve always said he was. He has never fooled me. I know a fake when I see one. I know a horrible QB when I see one. JH and Roman weren’t chasing Manning for kicks. They know that they don’t have a QB in Smith.
We were chasing the wrong Manning.
Jordan you will get the last laugh.Today the whole team is.a fake.
we can do it. cmon guys
It seems like he’s being pressured, he isn’t trusting his throws, and potentially his finger is giving a heck of a time. I believe it’s his middle finger on the throwing hand. A lot of the gripping strength comes from that finger. I know he’s played bad games in the past, but I wanna wait to see how he holds up after this game and how/if he bounces back. I have faith! GO NINERS!!!
I hope we can beat the Hawks on Thursday, Giants are way better than us. Better coach , better QB, and betters receivers for starters.
Grant wrong again on his predictions.Nice try.
Neal,
How was Grant wrong on his prediction? He was right. The 49ers will continue to struggle when facing elite QB’s whose team can also run a bit, and with Staley likely missing Thursday due to his concussion today things are not looking so hot.
The only good to come out of today was the Bills beating Arizona.
Grant, if I have my numbers right (after a brief search), the Niners are 1-5 under Harbaugh when they pass more than they run with the one victory being vs. the Saints. Even at half when it was close they threw 19 times vs. 10 runs. Why did they stray from the formula again? That’s the second time this season. They got crushed by the Vikings when they did it as well.
Also, is Smith’s finger affecting his passes more than advertised?