What we learned from New York Giants’ 30-12 loss to San Francisco 49ers

The Giants had only 150 yards of offense in the game. That is their lowest output in 10 years (Sept. 22, 2013, they gained 150 yards in a 38-0 loss at Carolina).

Much of that was by design. With running back Saquon Barkley out, the Giants ran the ball just 11 times in the game, which was a one-score contest until the early fourth quarter. Their 29 rushing yards is their lowest figure since the 2020 season opener against Pittsburgh.

They also did not expose Daniel Jones to the 49ers’ pass rush. He rushed the football out on nearly every pass play, taking two step drops and practically trying no shots downfield in the game (rookie wideout Jalin Hyatt was not targeted). Their longest gain through the air was an 18-yard catch and run by running back Gary Brightwell.

All of this was likely because the Giants were missing their two starters on Jones’ blindside, left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring) and left guard Ben Bredeson (concussion).

That led to the conservative play calling through the air and on the ground. Jones rushed just twice in the game. The only way they were going to win this game was with big plays and running the ball effectively. The makeshift offensive line prevented that.