The New York Giants are headed to Indianapolis to faceoff against the New England Patriots in a rematch of Super Bowl XLII. While the Giants did plenty to win Sunday night games, especially on defense, San Francisco 49ers fans may understandably be a bit bitter about their 20-17 loss in overtime. Specifically, Kyle Williams' two lost fumbles on punt returns, filling in for the injured Ted Ginn no less, led to 10 points for the Giants including the game-winning fielf goal.
First, a note on Williams. @NinersNation reminds fans to have some perspective, and show some humanity after an emotional loss.
@NinersNation
NinersNation I'm still in a state of disbelief, but that won't stop me from thanking the 49ers for an amazing season.
Favorite Retweet Reply
@NinersNation
NinersNation This sucks, but at the end of the day, it's a game and nobody deserves the wrath some people will place on Kyle WIlliams shoulders
Favorite Retweet Reply
Meanwhile, Doug Farrar of Yahoo! Sports said what was on the minds of many fans during the game.
@SC_DougFarrar
SC_DougFarrar Kyle Williams, Bill Buckner. Bill Buckner, Kyle Williams.
Favorite Retweet Reply
David Fucillo over at the Niners Nation blog was still distraught.
It doesn't get much worse than that. The 49ers had chances to win this game and advance to Super Bowl XLVI, and instead the season is over. This one is going to sting all offseason and beyond. The chances were there and it didn't happen. I don't know what else to say. This is about as low as it can get. Yes it is amazing the team got into this position, but right here, right now, that does not make it any easier to accept what just happened.
The San Francisco Chronicle praised the unlikely run the Niners made to the NFC Championship Game, but just had to, HAD TO, bring up San Francisco's championship game loss to New York on a field goal over 20 years ago.
It ended a remarkable season for the 49ers, who were given no chance by anybody to get this far. The fourth-quarter comebacks, the great defense and stellar special teams will be remembered. But first, 49ers' fans will remember the burning feeling of another Giants field goal sending them home. New York also ended the 49ers attempt at a three-peat in the 1990 Championship Game.
Finally, from someone on the field himself. Donte Whitner explains the feeling after a bittersweet season (via Matt Maiocco of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area).
@MaioccoCSN
Matt Maiocco 49ers S Donte Whitner: "It's not the end of the world, but right now it feels like it."
Favorite Retweet Reply
Stay tuned to the SB Nation New York StoryStream for more post-game coverage of Sunday's AFC Championship Game. Check Big Blue View to join a discussion with Giants fans. For complete coverage of the NFL playoffs you can also visit the SB Nation NFL Hub Page.