SAN FRANCISCO — To say Kyle Williams had a very bad day at the office would be an understatement.
Williams had two key punt return fumbles for turnovers — one early in the fourth quarter that led to a Giants’ field goal and one in overtime that ultimately led to the Giants’ 20-17 victory in last night’s NFC Championship at Candlestick Park.
PHOTOS: GIANTS BEAT 49ERS TO ADVANCE TO SUPER BOWL
If ever there were a goat for the loss and a reason why the 49ers are not going to the Super Bowl, Williams would be it.
“I feel bad for Kyle. He played his tail off for us all season,” offensive lineman Joe Staley said. “We have a lot of confidence in him. He is one of our guys.”
Shortly after the post-game locker room opened to reporters, Williams was nowhere to be seen and teammate Ted Ginn, Jr., who was at the next locker, said Williams would not be giving interviews because “It was too much for him [Williams] to talk today.”
Williams also played most of the game at receiver in place of Ginn, who was inactive due to a knee injury. Williams had no catches in the game.
Williams, however, came out to face the music and a crush-load of reporters wanting to know what happened on his two major gaffes.
“It was just one of those situations [the fumble in overtime],” Williams said. “I caught it and tried to head up field and it ended up for the worst.”
Williams took the heat for a few minutes and was clearly distraught at the turn of events.
“It is hard to be the last guy to touch the ball [for the 49ers]; to have it end this way in a game of this magnitude,” said Williams, who then ended the interview and walked out of locker room.
Vernon Davis, who had the opposite type of game of Williams — scoring two touchdowns on long catches — defended his teammate and said he tried to console him.
“Kyle did have a tough game, just like anyone can have a tough game,” Davis said. “I just told Kyle that it’s all right, to keep your head up, stay focused and just keep fighting.”
Quarterback Alex Smith, who had his own issues with his inability to move the 49ers’ offense, was asked about Williams’ miscues.
“I know it is tough for him [Williams],” Smith said. “He is going to be thinking about those two punt returns for quite a while.”
Blake Costanzo played on the special teams with Williams and came to his defense.
“I wouldn’t want any other guy back there [fielding punts] than Kyle,” he said. “Every time he touches the ball it is special.”
Unfortunately for the 49ers, Williams was far from special on this night against the Giants.