The NFC Championship had to be decided in a tied game at 17 all. The game was within reach for both teams throughout the game in a close contest. Victor Cruz was the story for the Giants offense from a possession stand point and Vernon Davis the offensive story for the 49rs.

Third down efficiency was part of the games big picture. The 49rs only converted once in regulation and the Giants struggled after getting 7 on 12 attempts. After that the Giants could not convert on third either. The Giants controlled the clock by more than 8 minutes in regulation.

Eli manning hit 32/58 for 316 yards and 2 TD’s. The Giants rushing game was slim with a total 85 yards led by Bradshaw with 74 yards. The Giants had 352 total yards in the game and no turnovers.

Alex Smith hit only 12/26 for 196 yards and 2 TD’s. Frank Gore had 74 yards of the 49rs 150 yards on the ground. Alex Smith had 42 yards on the ground at key moments to keep drives alive. The 49rs had 2 turnovers in the game and one of them in overtime to give the Giants good field position on a fumbled punt.

After the fumble recovery the Giants moved into field goal range and had a 26 yard attempt to win the game. After a delay of game by the Giants moving the ball back 5 yards for a 31 yard try, Lawrence Tynes hit a 31 yard field goal to win the game.

The weather played a factor in the game that was played mostly in rain on a soggy field. The field held up well that is notoriously a bad track when wet. At the end of the day, the Giants had more bigger plays and will take on the New England Patriots in the Superbowl on February 5th, 2012 in Indianapolis.

image courtesy of timesunion.com