EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- A few thoughts on the New York Giants' 16-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium:
What it means: A fifth straight loss for the Giants, who at 3-7 have a worse record after 10 games than they did last season.
Stock watch: Eli Manning -- Down. The Giants quarterback threw a total of six interceptions in his first nine games, but he managed to throw five in Sunday's loss. He was under pressure all game, and the fifth was on a forced throw and tipped pass at the goal line. But early in the game he was making bad throws and bad decisions. It was an unfortunate resurrection of the "Bad Eli" who threw a league-leading 27 interceptions last year and who had largely disappeared in a new offensive system designed to limit his mistakes. It was especially unfortunate for the Giants that it happened in a winnable game.
Offensive line woes continue: Right tackle Justin Pugh left the game early with a quad strain and did not return. Pugh is not having a very good year, but replacement Charles Brown was awful. The 49ers were able to generate consistent, disruptive pressure on Manning by attacking Brown and right guard John Jerry with an assortment of pass-rush games. The inability to get the run game going against San Francisco's strong defensive front didn't help with the protection, but it also underlined the fact that the Giants' offensive linemen aren't good enough to win their physical matchups without help.
Game ball: LB Mark Herzlich. Pressed into starter's duty at the weakside linebacker spot due to the injury to Jacquian Williams, Herzlich made nine tackles, broke up a pass and was a big part of blowing up the 49ers' botched field goal attempt. He hasn't been a major contributor on defense, but the Giants' coaches think he is a better option against the run than Spencer Paysinger or Devon Kennard at this point. Herzlich's effort against the 49ers' run game proved them right this week.
What's next: The Giants host the 7-3 Dallas Cowboys, who are on bye this week, in an 8:30 p.m. ET home game next Sunday at MetLife Stadium.