49ers Take 17-6 Halftime Lead Over Giants

The New York Giants defense allowed way too many third-down conversions to the San Francisco 49ers in the first half.

Author:
Hunter De Siver
Publish date:
Sep 21, 2023 9:49 PM EDT

In this story:

The San Francisco 49ers lead the New York Giants 17-6 at halftime. New York's defense did a solid job of getting 49ers possessions to third down, but they simply couldn't stop them on the next play, as San Francisco converted 7-of-10 of their third-down attempts in the first half.

The Giants defense had zero sacks (both lowest in the league) in the first two weeks of 2023, but they logged two pressures and a sack by edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux on the first drive alone against the 49ers. New York's second pressure came on San Francisco's 15th and final play of the drive, as linebacker Bobby Okereke hit quarterback Brock Purdy at the release and rookie cornerback Deonte Banks batted it away in the endzone. 49ers kicker Jake Moody converted the easy 28-yard FG.

The 49ers took nearly nine minutes to score three points on their first drive, but the Giants only took a little over three minutes. Quarterback Daniel Jones connected with receiver Wan'Dale Robinson for his first catch since tearing his ACL last season. A few more positive gains, including an 18-yard catch-and-run by running back Gary Brightwell, set up a 44-yard field goal by Graham Gano.

Both teams would punt on their respective second drives, including a 60-yarder from Giants' Jamie Gillan. However, the Giants punt was all but certain after 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa went unblocked (possible miscommunication between tight end Daniel Bellinger and right tackle Evan Neal) and recorded his first sack of the season.

Two third-and-long screens by 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and receiver Deebo Samuel added up to 47 of their 77 yards on their third drive. Giants linebacker Micah McFadden racked up two tackles for loss on the possession. Still, it would be all for naught after 49ers seventh-round rookie receiver Ronnie Bell caught a nine-yard touchdown against Banks, a first-rounder.

The Giants next drive ended after three plays, as 49ers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave swam over left guard Shane Lemieux to sack Jones. San Francisco's offense took advantage with a couple of long runs, a wild catch, and a few more third-down conversions led to a 4-yard touchdown run by McCaffrey.

Jones was quick and efficient in the Giants' two-minute drill, as a few strikes to tight end Darren Waller and Darius Slayton led to a 57-yard field goal by Gano.

A couple of jabs between 49ers left tackle Trent Williams and Giants defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson ended the half with the score 17-6 in the 49ers' favor.

Stat leaders at the half:

Passing yards: Brock Purdy (157)
Rushing yards: Christian McCaffrey (61)
Receiving yards: Deebo Samuel (43)
Tackles: Xavier McKinney (6)

Blue Notes

Cornerback Adoree' Jackson suffered an apparent injury with 1:44 left in the first half. His status for the second half is to be determined.
Players not in uniform included running back Saquon Barkley, cornerback Cor’Dale Flott, safety Gervarrius Owens, outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari, left guard Ben Bredeson, left tackle Andrew Thomas and defensive lineman Jordon Riley.
Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson is active.
The Giants' starting offensive line is left tackle Joshua Ezeudu, left guard Shane Lemieux, center John Michael Schmitz, right guard Marcus McKethan, and right tackle Evan Neal.