New York Giants Bring The San Francisco 49ers Back To Earth 26-3

October 14, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Anthony Dixon (24) runs on to the field at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

The San Francisco 49ers were riding high after the 45-3 domination of the Buffalo Bills, looking forward to the rematch against a New York Giants team that knocked them out of the playoffs a season ago. Alex Smith had been playing at an MVP level, leading the league in quarterback rating and controlling the flow of the game through tough runs and possession passing. Playing from behind for most of today, Alex Smith brought back some bad memories from the past going 19 of 30 through the air for 200 yards, no touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.

Ahmad Bradshaw had a career game for the New York Giants, rushing 27 times for 116 yards and a touchdown. He led a balanced New York offensive attack that was able to capitalize on turnovers from their surprisingly stout defense. They managed to keep the 49ers out of the endzone for the entire game, allowing only the one field goal, which was scored late in the first quarter. Lawrence Tynes and Antrel Rolle finished the game from that point on, with the Giants scoring 26 straight points on way to the win.

After the mayhem of the verbal coaching battle throughout the week, most thought the home team would come out swinging for their coach. The team looked lost on the field, their most exciting play coming on a long bomb to Randy Moss later in the game. Mario Manningham played well against his former team, with 5 catches on 10 targets for 72 yards. The rest was placid, ineffective, and lead to three turnover and four Andy Lee punts.

San Francisco won’t have much time to sulk, with the Seattle Seahawks rolling into town on Thursday Night for, what could be, a NFC West defining battle. The teams are tied at 4-2 in the division now, although Seattle has had trouble both on the road (1-2) and within the division (0-2). However, they do that the momentum after pulling at a win at home against the high flying New England Patriots. It will be the second Thursday Night matchup for the NFC West in three weeks, and should shake up the NFC West regardless of the final outcome.