Giants Vs. 49ers: New York Defense Shuts Down San Francisco Passing Game

Read More: Vernon Davis (TE - SFX), Frank Gore (RB - SFX), Alex Smith (QB - SFX), Kendall Hunter (RB - SFX), New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers

The second half is underway in the 2012 NFC Championship game between the New York Giants and the hometown San Francisco 49ers. Early in the third quarter, the Giants lead by a score of 10-7.

The Niners came up with another big stop on New York's first possession of the half, forcing a punt. San Francisco started on their own 32 yard line and quarterback Alex Smith was sacked on the first play of the possession for a significant loss. On 2nd and 17, Smith hooked up with Frank Gore for a gain of three yards. The Niners were charged with a false start and found themselves looking at a 3rd-and-19 situation.Smith took the snap out of the shotgun, shook off a tackle and scrambled out of bounds. There was a flag on the play as the Giants were charged with illegal contact prior to Smith being forced out of the pocket, giving the 49ers a new first down.

Kendall Hunter took a pitch and reversed to the right side, cutting through the New York defense and picking up a first down for San Francisco. Frank Gore picked up four yards on the next play with a run up the middle. Smith targeted Vernon Davis on 2nd-and-6, but the pass came up short. Smith was pressured again and saw another pass get broken up, leading to another San Francisco punt.

For updates and analysis on these teams leading up to their matchup, visit 49ers blog Niners Nation, Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York and SB Nation Bay Area. Don't forget to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for all your playoff news.