Eli Manning finally put the New York Giants on the board in the first half after another great drive. Manning connected with Victor Cruz down the right sideline for 36 yards to bring the ball into San Francisco territory. Manning then completed two more passes (one to Cruz, one to Nicks) before finding Bear Pascoe for a six yard touchdown to tie the game.
The 49ers have stalled on offense their last two drives, allowing the Giants to move down the field their final possession, and it was Manning again finding Cruz. Eli connected with Cruz for catches of 11, 15, 17 and 13 yards to get the Giants into field goal range, and Lawrence Tynes kicked a 31 yard field goal. Manning has completed 16 of 27 passes for 181 yards, and Cruz has eight catches for 125 yards.
Alex Smith needs to get get going. Other than his 73 yard touchdown to Vernon Davis, the 49ers quarterback is 1 for 6 for six yards. San Francisco does have 144 yards of offense, but they need to get the ball moving through the air if Manning keeps on throwing the way he's throwing.
To discuss the NFC Championship game with 49ers fans, go to Niners Nation. To talk about the title contest with Giants fans, head on over to Big Blue View.