The 49ers defense, anchored by players like defensive tackle Justin Smith, linebacker Patrick Willis and safety Donte Whitner, physically outplayed the Giants.

WSJ: NFL: The 49ers Defensive Effort Falls Short

After the game, San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis said the 49ers prevailed because they refused to give up and stuck together as a team, just as they have all season long.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

They are already being cursed in certain spots around the league as the team that created a guide for maneuvering around (circumventing, some would say) the 30% rule with t he contract for linebacker Patrick Willis.

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