John Fennelly , Executive Editor

Most games played at Candlestick Park are affected by the weather. If you’ve ever been there, it’s a strange convergence of wind, sun, fog and dew. Yesterday, after the fog lifted, the weather could not have been more perfect: Sunny with a kickoff temperature of 61° ; Humidity: 80%, Wind: Northwest 7 mph.

DT Rocky Bernard (quad), S Kenny Phillips (knee) and RB Andre Brown (coHe ncussion) did not make the trip. WR Jerrel Jernigan, TE Adrien Robinson, DE Adewale Ojomo and OL James Brewer were inactive. The Giants used all of their active players except backup QB David Carr.

Of the questionable starters who played, the Giants received a mixed bag. TE Martellus Bennett (knee) played 57 snaps (88%) on offense and 8 plays on special teams (29%). He was targeted only twice in the game, catching one pass for 9 yards.

• WR Hakeem Nicks (knee, foot) also started and was on the field for 80% of the offensive snaps. He appeared to be struggling to accelerate but still caught three of the five passes thrown in his direction for 44 yards.
• CB  Jayron Hosley (hamstring) started and played on 59% of the defensive snaps. He also played one play on specials. He recorded three tackles.
• LB Keith Rivers (hamstring) did not get much run yesterday (7 plays, 1 tackle) but as it turns out, the Giants didn’t really need him. He actually got to  his hamstring for another week.
• S Antrel Rolle (knee) played every snap on defense, had six tackles and 2 INTs.

QB Eli Manning did not have his best game (15/28, 193 yds 1TD) but he did not turn the football over nor was he sacked. The only blemish was the red zone management: 2-for-6 with 2-for-4 in goal-to-go situations. They could have really embarrassed the 49ers had they been better down low.

49ers QB Alex Smith came into the game leading the NFL in passer rating (108.7) and fell flat on his face (19/30 for 200 yards, but threw three picks). He was sacked four times. His backup, Colin Kaepernick, actually fared better (4/7 for 82 yds with no picks) but was sacked twice.

Frank Gore only carried the ball 8 times for a meager 36 yards. TE Vernon Davis was invisible, catching only three passes for 36 yards. Former Giant Mario Manningham was one of the few bright spots for the Niners offense (five receptions for 72 yards and a 7-yard rush)

The Giants had a nice balance on offense yesterday. They registered 19 first downs: 8 rushing, 10 passing and one via a penalty.

The Giants defense had six tackles for losses. They played disciplined football: only two penalties for 20 yards and no turnovers.

The 49ers never got into the red zone. The Giants were there six times and had an average start of possession on their own 40. SF PK David Akers missed FGs of 43 and 52 yards.

KR David Wilson ripped off a 66-yard kickoff return and had another for 46 yards that was reduced to 27 by a holding penalty on Jacquian Williams

Giants’ Ten Longest Plays from Scrimmage

39 – Manning pass deep right to D.Hixon to SF 24 for 39 yards. Caught at SF27. 3-yds YAC
26 – Manning pass deep left to H.Nicks to SF 44 for 26 yards.
23 – Bradshaw up the middle to NYG 43 for 23 yards.
20 – D.Wilson up the middle to SF 23 for 20 yards.
16 – Manning pass deep left to D.Hixon to SF 6 for 16 yards. Caught at SF6. 0-yds YAC
16 – Manning pass deep left to V.Cruz to 50 for 16 yards. Caught at 50. 0-yds YAC
16 – Manning pass short left to H.Nicks to SF 34 for 16 yards. Caught at SF36. 2-yds YAC
15 – Bradshaw left guard to NYG 42 for 15 yards.
14 – Manning pass short right to D.Hixon to SF 30 for 14 yards. Caught at SF30. 0-yds YAC
13 – Bradshaw right guard to NYG 27 for 13 yards.