Golden Nuggets: Effort present but results not

The 49ers saw a much better product on the field Sunday night, especially on the offensive side, but the final score was not what they wanted to see. QB Colin Kaepernick has been the target of much criticism, but for this game he was able to tame whatever demons were plaguing him in previous weeks. He was able to orchestrate a good balance between passing and running, scoring three touchdowns on drives of 80+ yards.

Losing never tastes good, but since the season opener this was actually the first game where the 49ers had a solid chance of winning in the final minutes. The adjustments made by Geep Chryst seem to have helped Kap find his confidence and rhythm back, and this is definitely something he can work on for upcoming games. It was a good sign that Colin's receivers got behind him and the offensive line was not as atrocious this time out.

What is most concerning is that defensive adjustments, especially in-game ones, seem to be coming at a slower pace. Eric Mangini's defense has a tendency to give up numerous big plays in the secondary and a big part of it looks like it's related to scheme confusion on who is supposed to cover what. For this defense to work, they need to solidify their communication on coverage packages and make better in-game adjustments to what opposing offenses are doing.

Game Recaps

Giants beat 49ers on touchdown in final minute (Inman)

Colin Kaepernick bounces back, but it's not enough to defeat Eli Manning, Giants (Barrows)

49ers, Colin Kaepernick suffer heartbreak in Meadowlands (Gutierrez)

What We Learned from 49ers vs. Giants (49ers)

Odell Beckham Jr. injures self while celebrating, Giants win anyway (Yahoo)

Post-game Analysis

49ers lose on late Manning TD - welcome back to the Singletary era (BASG)

49ers report card: Team shows effort they can build off (Barrows)

Close 49ers loss might be a sign of improvement (Thompson)

Report card: 49ers offensive improvement offset by defensive collapse (Inman)

49ers 27, Giants 30: Grades (G.Cohn)

Sunday Night wrap-up: Eli Manning overcomes his mistakes (PFT)

Giants avoid Odell Beckham injury scare, upset scare, sit alone in first (ESPN)

Individual Spotlights

5 Notable Performances in 49ers Matchup with Giants (49ers)

Boldin-Kaepernick connection returns for 49ers (Inman)

Colin Kaepernick Shakes off Adversity in Losing Effort vs. Giants (49ers)

49ers WR Boldin: Kaepernick sloughs off pressure, had fun (Maiocco)

Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith Praise Colin Kaepernick's Two-touchdown Performance (49ers)

NaVorro Bowman Reacts to 49ers Last-minute Loss in New York (49ers)

Jim Tomsula: 'There Are No Moral Victories' (49ers)

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