49ers Stun Saints In Playoff Classic

Wow.

I was going to to a blog after all four of the divisional playoff games, but after witnessing the first contest between the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints, it was too hard not to open the laptop!

In short, this one was a classic.

The whole build-up this week was about the contest between the prolific Saints offence with record breaking QB Drew Brees and the tough defence of the 49ers.  Who would come out on top? Well, against the majority of expectations, it was the 49ers defence that won the day today.

Drew Brees never really got out of second gear as he struggled all day to get any kind of rhythm.  There were signs of his trademark pinpoint accuracy with his 2nd TD pass to Jimmy Graham, his only 20+ yard completion in the first 3 quarters of the game.

The 49ers defensive coverage was outstanding, providing very few options for Brees to aim for.  Colston struggled to get any ball time and Brees resorted to passing short and running through Darren Sproles.

Defensive linebacker Patrick Willis prevents Jimmy Graham

getting the ball as part of an outstanding defensive display

As much as the 49ers defence dominated, only getting stronger through the game, the special teams also played a crucial role, forcing a couple of turnovers.  It looked for a while that San Francisco weren't capitalising enough on those turnovers, and the Saints eventually dragged the early 49er lead back.

For what was essentially a long and uneventful first 3 quarters,the game came to life in the 4th, particularly as the quarter wore on. 

San Francisco converted a couple of field goals through Dan Akers to take a 23-16 lead, only for the Saints to respond with a Darren Sproles TD to take a lead of 1, their first time leading the game.  With 4:02 left on the clock, 49ers QB Alex Smith took his team down the field including a huge 37 yard passing play to Vernon Davis who was outstanding all day posting180 receiving yards - the most in a game by a tight end in NFL postseason history.

The Saints defence then held the 49ers at the 28 yard line with 3rd down and 9.  Up steps Alex Smith takes the ball himself with brilliant offensive blocking to run down the left side of the field to score a touchdown in spectacular fashion. With all of the euphoria around Candlestick Park, Smith and Co had to quickly regroup to get the 2 point conversion, but failed with some tough defence from the Saints.

2:11 left on the clock, Saints ball.

Two quick first downs get the Saints to their own 37 yard line.  Then Brees throws to Jimmy Graham who runs it in for a 63 yard play and TD.  Saints get the 2 point conversion to take a 3 point lead with little over a minute left on the clock.

Alex Smith took to the field knowing he had to lead his team down the field to at least get a FG opportunity to tie the game and take it into OT.

If Smith had nerves, he sure didn't show it as he passed to the unstoppable Davis for 47 yards and within FG range.  And then, wit 9 seconds left on the clock, Smith drops back in the pocket and then rifles a pass to Davis who collects and falls into the endzone.  TD 49ers.  Game over.

49ers win the game 36-32 after the lead changed hands 4 times in the last 3 minutes and 53 seconds.

The much fancied Saints are out and stretch their miserable playoff record away from the Superdome to 0-5.  The 49ers progress to the NFC Divisional Championship game next week against the winners of tomorrows Giants vs Packers game.

The 49ers have a 5-0 record in Superbowls.  With the defence playing the way they are, the special teams chipping in and Alex Smith increasing in confidence, who's to say they can't make another one next week and go on to take a sixth?