New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers: 5 Halftime Adjustments Giants Must Make

So far in San Francisco, it has been a hard-fought and physical football game amidst the rainy weather. With the 49ers keeping it close with the New York Giants throughout the first half, it is imperative that the Giants switch some things up in order to take control in the second half.

Here are five halftime adjustments the New York Giants need to make.

Play to your strengths

All during the season, Eli Manning has been the spark for the Giants' offense. They averaged 295.9 passing yards per game, which ranks them fifth in the league, and Manning has threw for nearly 5,000 yards this season. 

With wide receivers like Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and Victor Cruz, the Giants must keep giving the ball to their playmakers in the second half in order to have success on offense.

Not only are the Giants averaging the worst rushing yards per game in the NFL (89.2 ypg), but the 49ers have the best run defense in the league.

Take care of the football

If you play against the 49ers, you would expect their defense to bring the pressure. Manning will have to be even more aware of the pressure and make sure he's careful with the football in the pocket.

The blitzes could force Manning to make some quick throws, so the chances of Manning forcing some passes are high. Even at the start of the first half, Manning showed some signs of trouble when he lost his grip on the football while standing in the pocket.

The rainy and colder weather will make the football tougher to hold on to, so it's imperative that Manning keep a tight grip on the football when standing in the pocket.

Limit Vernon Davis' production

With the skills that Vernon Davis possesses along with his height and speed, he is almost impossible to stop for an entire game.

However, the Giants will have to limit his production in the second half.

The Davis touchdown midway through the first quarter clearly shows how dangerous he can be in open space. He outran three Giant defenders on his way to a long touchdown run after the catch.

The Giants' defense needs to contain Davis by either assigning another man to cover him, or keep him from beating you deep down field.

Utilize Travis Beckum

The 49ers defense will be focusing on Victor Cruz, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks, so that should open things up for tight end Travis Beckum.

He only had five receptions for 93 yards this season, but his receiving ability sets him apart at the tight end position. The Giants should have Beckum come off the line and run routes in the middle of the San Francisco zone defense.

He should find great success, especially if Manning can get enough time to get him the ball. Today could shape up to be a breakout game for Beckum.


Where's Jason Pierre-Paul?

Jason Pierre-Paul is one of the biggest reasons why the New York Giants are even in the position to advance to the Super Bowl. 

However, Pierre-Paul has been relatively quiet in the first half as it seems the 49ers offensive line has done a great job of limiting his impact.

On the season, Pierre-Paul tallied 16.5 sacks this season and was an absolute force on the defensive line. 

He needs to wake up in the second half and apply some pressure to Alex Smith in the backfield. Force him to make some turnovers and the Giants will be in position to take control of this football game.