Grading the Giants

OFFENS: D

He's not a machine, he's a Manning. The Giants' quarterback threw two interceptions and could not finish the game-tying drive, even though he completed 26 of 40 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Victor Cruz dropped an easy pass and a potential fourth-quarter TD slid off the fingertips of Mario Manningham. Brandon Jacobs was somewhat effective early -- he had 18 carries for 55 yards -- but the Giants went with D.J. Ware for most of the second half. The Giants converted 7 of 14 third downs and 2 of 3 fourth downs.

DEFENSE: C

Well, at least they stopped Frank Gore. The 49ers' running back was held to zero yards on six carries and did not play for most of the second half with what was announced as a knee injury. But once Michael Boley left with a hamstring injury, that meant Greg Jones had to play in coverage and the 49ers took advantage of the Giants' inexperience. Aside from the one-minute span in which 15 points were scored, though, the Giants played well, allowing only three third-down conversions out of 11 attempts.

SPECIAL TEAMS: D

The 49ers recovered an onside kick in the second quarter that led to a field goal and a 9-6 lead. It was the second time David Akers stung the Giants with such a play in a year. Steve Weatherford shanked a punt that went out of bounds at midfield and set up the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. Rookie Da'Rel Scott made his debut as a kickoff returner and had two chances to bring the ball out. He went 31 yards on one and was stopped at the 11 on the other.

COACHING: D

Tom Coughlin admitted that the Giants were surprised by the 49ers' passing game after preaching all week about their dangerous running attack. The game essentially ended on the fourth-and-2 play that was batted down, but the third-and-2 run on the previous snap was a difficult call to justify. The defensive game plan shrunk with Boley not available. The Giants looked ill-prepared for the onside kick.