New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers Highlights: Watch the Video Recap

Candlestick Park was doused in rain leading up to the NFC Championship Game between the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers. The weather would become a perfect metaphor for a sloppy, defensive game.

Each team was unrelenting in pressuring the opposing quarterbacks, but Eli Manning and Alex Smith somehow led their teams to 17 points apiece by the end of regulation. Both teams failed to deliver on chances to drive for the winning score before the end of the fourth quarter.

Overtime didn't provide too much offensive excitement either, with the deciding play a fumbled punt return. The Giants recovered the ball deep in 49er territory, ran a few plays and then kicked the winning field goal.

Alex Smith Picks Up Where He Left off

The San Francisco 49ers fed Frank Gore the ball to start the game but returned to their stud tight end to break a large play. 

Vernon Davis meandered towards the sideline on a wheel route, caught a well-placed ball from Alex Smith and outraced the New York Giants defensive backs to the end zone for a 73-yard score.

Vernon Davis Should Be Paid More Defensive Attention

The San Francisco 49ers offense reverted to an old Madden video game trick: when a play works, flip it and use it on the other side of the field.

In a similar-looking route to the one Davis scored on prior, the tight end cut slightly towards the sideline and then straightened out towards the end zone.

Alex Smith again hit him in stride as Davis entered the end zone resulting in a 18-yard touchdown pass.

Mario Manningham Enters the Game

Mario Manningham had failed to record a single catch in the first three-plus quarters of the NFC Championship Game. He made up for it with one play.

The New York Giants were able to convert on the first turnover of the night when Eli Manning found Manningham for the 17-yard score.

Kyle Williams Makes a Costly Error

Neither offense had been able to move the ball in overtime, much like the entire 60 minutes of regulation. 

However, Kyle Williams intervened in the defensive stalemate by fumbling a New York Giants punt inside the San Francisco 49ers 25-yard line.

Giants wide receiver Devin Thomas jumped on the ball, for what would prove to be the definitive play of the game.

Lawrence Tynes Finally Breaks the Tie

Despite a delay-of-game penalty moving the kick back five yards, Lawrence Tynes kicked the New York Giants back to the Super Bowl from 31 yards out. 

Punter Steve Weatherford saved a short snap from ruining the opportunity, as he was able to get the ball into position in time.

The Video Recap

Here are all the highlights from the New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers NFC Championship Game via NFL.com.