There are numerous storylines following the 49ers 27-20 victory over the New York Giants. One of the biggest has to be the 49ers ability to overcome a struggling ground game to emerge victorious. Frank Gore rushed six times for zero yards and gave way to Kendall Hunter in the second half. Gore made his way back onto the field at a couple points, but he had some ankle and knee issues that limited him.
The 49ers ground game finished up with 77 yards on 20 carries, with Alex Smith rushing for 27 of those yards. Kendall Hunter had some very strong runs and his second half contributions cannot be underestimated. However, the 49ers passing game had to win this one. The defense provided some great positioning at times, but this one was on Alex Smith and his receivers.
It was not some monstrous 300+ yard day, but it was a bang-up job by Smith & Co. It was not an air show, but it was not a game manager role. This was Alex Smith making some big plays all day long in the pass game. This game might not have been quite so close had Ted Ginn not deflected an easy catch to Corey Webster, so it's possible to underestimate Smith's work. If Ginn catches that ball, the 49ers get at least a field goal, and maybe a touchdown. Nonetheless, the team bounced back in the second half with some big pass plays.
After the game, Jim Harbaugh apparently said Frank Gore would be good to go next week against the Arizona Cardinals. We'll have to wait and see how he does in practice and whether or not he's limited during the week.