In a bold statement ahead of the NFL trade deadline, the San Francisco 49ers didn’t just beat the New York Giants—they sent a clear message to the league: they’re not done yet. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite a 34-24 victory, the 49ers’ performance raised more questions than answers. Are they truly contenders, or just a team capitalizing on weaker opponents? Let’s dive in.
With the trade deadline looming, Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium was more than just a matchup—it was a final audition for the 49ers to prove they deserve additional reinforcements. And while they dominated the Giants for three quarters, the win wasn’t exactly a masterpiece. Mac Jones, stepping in for the injured Brock Purdy (inactive for the seventh time in nine games), threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns, securing the team’s sixth win of the season. But was it enough to convince the front office to pull the trigger on a big move?
The defense, which had been a liability in their loss to the Texans, showed signs of life thanks to the recent additions of Keion White and Clelin Ferrell. White, acquired mid-week from the Patriots, and Ferrell, elevated from the practice squad, brought much-needed pressure. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the fact that they were facing a struggling Giants offense led by rookie QB Jaxson Dart. And this is the part most people miss: the 49ers’ defense is still far from elite.
Injuries continue to plague the team. With Nick Bosa out for the season and Yetur Gross-Matos sidelined again due to a hamstring setback, the defensive line remains a patchwork unit. Mykel Williams, a first-round pick, left the game with a leg injury in the fourth quarter, leaving his status uncertain. While Bryce Huff is expected to return next week, the defense desperately needs another veteran presence—a point coordinator Robert Saleh surely isn’t ignoring.
Offensively, the 49ers showed flashes of brilliance. Jones led the team to touchdowns on their first two drives, including a five-yard pass to Christian McCaffrey and an 11-yard strike to Jauan Jennings. McCaffrey’s late 39-yard scamper sealed the game, but it was a critical early decision by head coach Kyle Shanahan that set the tone. On fourth-and-short, Shanahan initially sent out the punt unit before calling a timeout and opting for a QB sneak. That conversion flipped the momentum, but it also highlighted the team’s thin margin for error.
Here’s the kicker: the Giants have one of the worst defenses in the league. The 49ers’ ability to control the game wasn’t a testament to their dominance as much as it was an exploitation of their opponent’s weaknesses. Against a top defense like the Texans, they crumbled. Against the Giants? They did just enough.
So, where does this leave the 49ers? At 6-3, they’re projected to be favored in five of their remaining eight games, and the potential returns of Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall could boost their offense significantly. But their defense remains a liability, as evidenced by the Giants’ early touchdown drive and Dart’s late success. Holding down a rookie QB and an injured offense isn’t exactly a badge of honor.
According to Jay Glazer, the 49ers are among the most aggressive teams ahead of the trade deadline. But should they be? They’re contenders in a wide-open league, but their defense could be their undoing. Do they need a blockbuster move, or is their current roster enough to make a playoff run? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
As the clock ticks down to Tuesday’s deadline, one thing is clear: the 49ers’ win over the Giants was just the beginning. Next week’s showdown against the Rams will be the real test. Will they rise to the occasion, or will their weaknesses be exposed? Stay tuned—this story is far from over.
