San Francisco 49ers vs New Orleans Saints: A Prospector's Guide
by David Fucillo on Sep 15, 2010 10:00 AM PDT
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Well, the season certainly got off to a roaring start last week for our beloved 49ers. Normally I go right into the information from the media release but I've saved all that for after the jump. I've got a few thoughts on the game itself of my own that are not canned commentary.
There is all sorts of turmoil and trouble in the organization right now and we can only hope they get their act together in time for Monday Night. The 49ers came into the season with high expectations and have seen those expectations take a nose dive in many people's eyes. It's obviously only been one week and the 49ers are not the only team to deal with problems in week 1. Of course, given our passion for the team it might only seem that way.
As we head into this week 2 matchup, I'm almost willing to argue that I'd much rather face a team like the Saints in week 2 on Monday Night as opposed to facing say the Raiders or some other relatively weak opponent (not sure I can say the same about the Chiefs and Bucs at this point). Coming off a tough loss like the team had this past Sunday, having to face the defending champions might provide a better opportunity for the organization to right the ship.
Obviously the 49ers could lose and find themselves 0-2 just like that. However, I think the upside of the momentum that could be established is worth the risk of a second ugly loss. And we might really know what kind of team this is given that they are facing serious adversity and don't get a patsy they can handle. Of course, if the 49ers roll over and get slapped around on MNF, then I guess we'll really know what kind of team we have.
In the first of four primetime games of the season for the 49ers, the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints make a visit to Candlestick Park in a nationally televised game on ESPN's Monday Night Football.
San Francisco is 22-10 all-time at home on Monday Night Football, including a 2-0 mark against the Saints at Candlestick Park. The 49ers have outscored the Saints 73-20 in those two contests.
The Niners are coming off a divisional loss to Seattle in the season opener last Sunday after jumping out to a 6-0 lead. CB Nate Clements intercepted the first play of the game from Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck, marking the second consecutive year that Clements registered and INT in the first game of the season (at Arizona 9/13/09).
49ers-Seahawks Saints Connections
Coaches
- 49ers head coach Mike Singletary, pass rush specialist coach Al Harris and Saints head coach Sean Payton all played for the Chicago Bears in 1987.
- 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye, special teams coordinator Kurt Schottenheimer and Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. coached together with the Redskins in 2001. Carmichael Jr.also coached with 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky while with the Chargers from 2002-05.
- Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye coached with Saints assistant head coach/linebackers Joe Vitt for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2000.
- 49ers special teams coordinator Kurt Schottenheimer was the secondary coach in St. Louis under former head coach and now Saints assistant head coach/linebackers Joe Vitt in 2005.
- 49ers special assistant to the head coach/secondary Johnnie Lynn coached with Saints head coach Sean Payton while with the Giants in2002.
- 49ers quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson, Saints secondary coach Dennis Allen and Saints defensive line coach Bill Johnson coached together in Atlanta in 2005.
- Saints offensive line/running game coach Aaron Kromer coached under 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye in 2004 while with the Raiders.
SAINTS-NOR CAL CONNECTIONS: Saints head coach Sean Payton was born in San Mateo, CA ... G Carl Nicks is a native of Salinas, CA ... RB Lynell Hamilton is a native of Stockton, CA ... CB Leigh Torrence played at Stanford University from 2000-04.
49ERS-LOUISIANA CONNECTIONS: 49ers S Curtis Taylor (2004-2008) and DT Ricky Jean Francois (2005-08) were teammates at Louisiana State University ... 49ers secondary coach Vance Joseph was born in Marrero, LA ... 49ers special teams coordinator Kurt Shottenheimer was the defensive backs coach at Tulane during the1983 season and then served as the linebackers coach at LSU from 1984-85... 49ers wide receivers coach Jerry Sullivan served in the same position at LSU from 1984-90 ... 49ers assistant wide receivers coach Wendell Davis was born and raised in Shreveport, LA, from there he went on to play at LSU as a wide receiver where he was a first-team All-America selection as a senior ... 49ers quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson played quarterback while 49ers national scout Matt Malaspina played center for the CFL's Shreveport Pirates from 1994-95 ... 49ers southeast area scout Justin Chabot resides in Baton Rouge, LA ... 49ers assistant equipment manager Donovan "Doc" Dressler served as the head equipment manager at Northwestern Louisiana State from 1999-00.
TENNESSEE TIES - 49ers NT Aubrayo Franklin and Saints CB Jabari Greer were teammates at Tennessee from 2000-02.
THE "U" - 49ers RB Frank Gore played at Miami with Saints TE Jeremy Shockey and LB Jonathan Vilma in 2001.
RED RAIDER RELATIONSHIPS - 49ers WR Michael Crabtree played at Texas Tech with Saints DE Brandon Sharpe from 2007-08.
BUCKEYE BROTHERS - 49ers WR Ted Ginn, T Alex Boone and QB Troy Smith played at Ohio State with Saints S Malcolm Jenkins from 2005-06. During that time frame, Troy Smith won the Heisman Trophy.
TROJAN TEAMMATES - 49ers Chilo Rachal won a National Championship at USC while playing with Saints RB Reggie Bush and DT Sedrick Ellis. 49ers rookie S Taylor Mays and Saints rookie T Charles Brown were also teammates at USC from 2006-09.
Series Highlights
Matchups: 70
Series Record: 49ers lead series 45-23-2
49ers Home Record vs. Saints: 49ers lead series 22-10-2
First Meeting: 10/22/67, 49ers win, 27-13
Last Meeting: 9/28/08, Saints win, 31-17
Current Streak: Lost 5
Longest 49ers Win Streak: 8 (9/15/74-11/27/77)
Longest Saints Win Streak: 5 (10/20/02-9/28/08)
Most 49ers Points: 42 (11/22/93), 42-7, vs. New Orleans
Most Saints Points: 43 (11/23/69), 43-38, at New Orleans
49ers Shutouts: 5 times, Last: (1/6/02), 38-0, 49ers win, at New Orleans
Saints Shutouts: None
NEW ORLEANS 31, SAN FRANCISCO 17
At New Orleans, LA, September 28, 2008
RB Deuce McAllister's hard running gave the New Orleans Saints the credible power running threat they needed to open deep throws for QB Drew Brees in a 31-17 Saints victory at the Louisiana Superdome. Brees was 23-of-35 for 363 yards and had 3 scores, including TD passes of 47 yards to WR Robert Meachem and 33 yards to WR Lance Moore. Brees also set up scores with a 52-yard pass to Meachem and an 81-yard connection with WR Devery Henderson. McAllister saw his most extensive action of the year, gaining 73 yards on 20 carries, including a 1-yard TD run in the 4th quarter.
The 49ers had 3 turnovers, including two QB J.T. O'Sullivan passes that were intercepted by the Saints in the end zone. Despite the big plays and turnovers, the 49ers still had a chance with 4 minutes left to play. Leading 28-9 with just over 6 minutes remaining, New Orleans elected to go for the TD on a 4th-and-goal situation from the San Francisco 1-yard line. S Michael Lewis forced a fumble that was recovered by LB Patrick Willis following a pass from Brees to FB Olaniyi Sobomehin.
The 49ers responded with a TD drive that was helped by a 43-yard pass interference penalty against the Saints that gave the 49ers a 1st down at midfield. O'Sullivan completed a19-yard pass to TE Vernon Davis and a 36-yard pass to WR Arnaz Battle to get in position for a 5-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce to close the Saints lead to 28-17 after the successful two-point play with 4:08 left in the game. The 49ers tried to get the ball back, but failed to convert the onside kick attempt, and the Saints took advantage of the good field position with a FG to seal the victory.
After San Francisco took a 3-0 1st quarter lead, New Orleans countered with 21 points in the 2nd quarter. Early in the quarter the 49ers had their first turnover when O'Sullivan was stripped of the ball on a sack at the 49ers own 32-yard line. That play set up the Saints first TD, a 5-yard pass from Brees to Moore. Brees had TD passes of 33 yards and 47 yards on the Saints next two series sandwiched between a 49ers FG to take a 21-6 halftime lead. The 49ers opened the second half with a 10-play, 48-yard drive into New Orleans territory but the Saints forced the 49ers to settle for a FG. The 49ers drove deep into New Orleans territory on their next two drives, but both times O'Sullivan was picked off while attempting a pass into the end zone. Battle had his first NFL 100-yard day, finishing with 120 yards on 7 receptions.
2010 Statistics
| 49ERS (rank) | SAINTS (rank) | |
| 0-1 (t-3rd NFCW) | Record | 1-0 (t-1st NFCW) |
| 6.0 (28th) | Points per game | 14.0 (t-18th) |
| 263.0 (22nd) | Total Offense | 308.0 (15th) |
| 49.0 (26th) | Rushing Offense | 79.0 (22nd) |
| 214.0 (13th) | Passing Offense | 229.0 (12th) |
| 32:45 (7th) | Possession Avg | 33:43 (5th) |
| 31.0 (t-24th) | Points allowed/gm | 9.0 (t-3rd) |
| 242.0 (4th) | Total Defense | 253.0 (6th) |
| 77.0 (6th) | Rushing Defense | 91.0 (13th) |
| 165.0 (t-10th) | Passing Defense | 162.0 (8th) |
| 1 (t-19th) | Sacks | 1 (t-19th) |
| 41.5 (t-15th) | Punting Avg (Gross) | 43.2 (11th) |
| -1 (t-19th) | Turnover Differential | +1 (t-3rd) |
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Comments
I dont know why
But i have a feeling that were gonna bounce back with an upset, and i think that if they do this might be the turning point in the season. lets just hope the issues are resolved by now.
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."-Bill shankly
agreed
I have a good feeling about this game and honestly, even if they play well but don’t win, I’ll be happy. On the other hand, if they get destroyed like they did against the Seahawks then change will be demanded. Not only by us as fans, but hopefully by Jed too. That should force Sing’s hand to hopefully fire Raye and promote Mike Johnson.
"We've set out to win the division. We're going to win the division, I promise you. Remember me when we do." - Mike Singletary
(Support Alex Smith)
by return2greatness on Sep 15, 2010 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
if it was a fact that Johnson would replace Raye
I’d sign up for a blowout
I don’t think that at all… and of course this is all speculation on your behalf
by Drew K on Apr 14, 2010 2:05 PM PDT
I think we can win
Brees is very predictable with his passing and the Saints D line isn’t all that great
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
Sedrick Ellis was making a lot of stops in the Vikings game
So if we continue to run up the middle, we could have some problems running the ball. That said, I don’t find their LBs that threatening outside of Vilma so I would hope to see formations with two TEs or both Westbrook and Gore to try to expose those OLBs.
And while Brees may be predictable, he’s quick to get the ball out of his hands and he has a great O-line in front of him. It will be hard to put pressure on him, but the best thing to do is give him no time for the plays to set up.
by ZeroOneInfinity on Sep 15, 2010 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Nine players caught passes against the Vikings last week. Seven Saints caught more than 35 passes last season. Twelve players had touchdown receptions. In the go-ahead TD drive in the Super Bowl, Brees completed 9 consecutive passes to 8 different receivers.
Predictable how? Predictably and historically accurate?
If I am good I could add years to my life / I would rather add some life to my years.
Predictable as in 2/3rds of his passes are in the middle third of the field
and less than 10 yards deep.
Brees makes his living off his receivers getting YAC.
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
He makes his living off being the most accurate quarterback ever to play the game.
If I am good I could add years to my life / I would rather add some life to my years.
If any QB can lay claim to that it's Steve Young
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
Well, if any QB can lay claim to that, it’s actually Chad Pennington, who has the highest career completion percentage, at 66.1%
Steve Young’s career completion percentage is 64.3%, though in 1994 he completed 70.3% of his passes.
Last year Drew broke the NFL record for most accurate season, completing 70.6% of his regular season passes. His career completion percentage is 64.9%.
If I am good I could add years to my life / I would rather add some life to my years.
If we lose a tough hard fought game ...
… like we did against the Colt’s , i’m kewl with that , but what i really want to see , is third down conversion ( 1 for 15 ) is beyond poor football and coaching … Attacking Defense , less penalties , better communication all around and ton’s of first down’s , just to name a few …!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's juz my game ...!!
You know
I’m not kewl with losing, no one should ever b. You can take loss if you want but if we want to make statement this would be the week. Plain and simple win and it cures all
VD is a good thing and nobody wants to catch Crabs this year
Just keeping it real , i know we're not in the same league with the Saint's yet ...!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's juz my game ...!!
Although it may seem like it at times
We are NOT in the CFL…
by ColoradoNiner on Sep 15, 2010 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
TYPO
49ers – Seahawks connections……?
49ers – Saints
Great post Fooch. Im excited to see the team come out energized and prove themselves. If we lose, but play well, our expectations rise and the team and fans become more confident. And if we win, which isn’t out of realm, we make a statement against National Champs
C'mon Beane! Close off the bottom deck and reopen the top!
I believe the 81 49ers had that huge comeback against the saints
and it spurred them to a super bowl. hopefully this game will do the same?
Awesome link
I see a few parallels in that season and now. we have had losing seasons the past 7 of 8 years. Second year coach trying to win with his QB whos been with him for 2 years (although alex has played for 6).
Still Lets get a win and that will fix these discussions of “whats wrong with our football team”
"We are not a charity, we cannot GIVE them the game." -Mike Singletary
I do have a different feeling about this game.
I think our Niners may surprise us. How could the possibly be so stupid last week…. AND THEN TOTALLY REDEEM THEMSELVES!
by IRONxMIKE on Sep 15, 2010 10:49 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Not likely
That last game was bad. The problems exposed in the offense and on the sidelines are way too big to fix in one week. I don’t see any weaknesses on the saints team that would warrent that level of hope. Sorry, I would really love to get on board with this one…..
Not impossible
The Saints were not exactly running on all cylinders last week, and their D had help from issues with the Viking’s offense and Favre.
It really depends on how the team and coaches respond to last week. I argue we do have the talent to beat any team in the NFL – yes, with Smith as QB. We just have to play well as a team to do it.
by ColoradoNiner on Sep 15, 2010 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Haha!
Dumb and Dumber
Futbol players pretend they're hurt when they're not. Football players pretend they're not hurt when they are.
"Yeah, he was really rusty—you know, first run 50 yards."
-Alex Smith on Frank Gore's scant work during the preseason
by Tazer2340 on Sep 15, 2010 11:24 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Critique comments all you want...
But insulting the poster shows a total lack of maturity and intelligence.
by ColoradoNiner on Sep 15, 2010 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
LOL
he was referencing the reference to the movie “Dumb and Dumber”
Proud member of the "Bring Back Semenov" Club
So you lose against the seahawks then you stubbornly pound the rock for a win against the Saints… AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!
Coaches Sing and Raye ride off on a moped
by mcwagner on Sep 15, 2010 1:29 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Haha yup!
Wasn’t insulting anyone, sorry for any confusion
Futbol players pretend they're hurt when they're not. Football players pretend they're not hurt when they are.
"Yeah, he was really rusty—you know, first run 50 yards."
-Alex Smith on Frank Gore's scant work during the preseason
by Tazer2340 on Sep 15, 2010 2:36 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
It's cool
Easy to misconstrue meaning in posts…
by ColoradoNiner on Sep 15, 2010 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions
WTF
do you mean by that? That’s seriously BS dude, not cool at all.
by mr. instigator on Sep 15, 2010 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions
1981
49ers drop their first game, which was a road game in Detroit. Game number two was at home, hosting the Bears which the 49ers won to pull to 1-1. The next week at Atlanta the game was lost by a 34-17 margin to drop to 1-2. The Lombardi Trophy was hoisted four months later.
Conversely, the 49ers have started each of the past 3 seasons either 2-1 or 3-1, and we all know how those years turned out.
The offensive quagmire does worry me, but it’s not like we haven’t overcome problems before. I trust that these issues will be ironed out, and on Monday night, at home, for Jerry Rice, we will beat the Saints.
by mr. instigator on Sep 15, 2010 11:17 AM PDT reply actions
I think your making a good point strating off with the last 3 season, better to have thes problems now
VD is a good thing and nobody wants to catch Crabs this year
by azNinerfan on Sep 15, 2010 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I am terrified of this matchup...
The Saints are a passing team, and have so many weapons on the outside for Brees to hit. And while our defense is strong, the secondary is definately it’s weakest point. I could see Brees exploiting that all night. Could get real, real ugly.
Although, if the offense gets back on track, the play calling issues are resolved, Smith finds some accuracy, and Crabtree decides he wants to play football at a high level…well, maybe we could make things interesting.
I’ll be cheering all out for the Niners of course, but this matchup makes me very, very worried. A win would be huge in helping me forget last week’s debacle, though!
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
Tweet Tweet.
by ZeroIndulgence on Sep 15, 2010 11:59 AM PDT reply actions
Oh dude,
I would squirt everywhere if we win
by mr. instigator on Sep 15, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Here's the thing about Brees
He doesn’t take many shots down the field. The opening game almost 2/3rds his passes were to the middle of the field and were less than 10 yards—Right where TKO and P-52 like to play. Their offensive line struggled against the VIkings, especially Jon Stinchomb on the right side who looked like our own Anthony Davis during that first game.
Obviously they have quick strike abilities but Brees’ bread and butter is his receivers making YAC.
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
Yea the problem with this arguement is
The 49ers dont have Jared Allen the Williams wall and Ray Edwards playing on their front line
The Vikes have a much better defensive front that pressured Brees so the Saints made 2nd half adjustments and ran nthe ball down their throat
What i dont get is all the doubts ya’ll have in our O-line we have the best O-line in the league
World Champions at last
by mississippisaintsfan on Sep 19, 2010 7:43 AM PDT up reply actions
I just hope
The Saints only have game film from last week game to plan from, we correct our errors and mistakes, and catch them flat footed. lol It would be nice to see. This is going to be a battle from start to finish I think. (hope) Let us get our record to 1-1.
R.L.
all we need is #52 charging up the middle and sending an angry message to brees and company just like he crammed one down favres throat and we win!
by afrikabamboodle on Sep 15, 2010 12:45 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I'll give you the prospect alright
Strap on ur chin strap and pucker up ur cornhole, it’s not gonna be anything nice.
I just hope its at least close.
A 0-2 start is what is to be expected, anything better is a small miracle.
by Italia1970 on Sep 15, 2010 1:07 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
we know Saints don’t have much to go on from the film since we didn’t do much last week.
by return222 on Sep 15, 2010 1:55 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
they have all of last year
I seems we are doing exactly the same thing.
I don’t think that at all… and of course this is all speculation on your behalf
by Drew K on Apr 14, 2010 2:05 PM PDT
That is pretty close to what I said immediately after the game.
..
“Thank goodness we aren’t playing the Rams next!”
..
I’m almost willing to argue that I’d much rather face a team like the Saints in week 2 on Monday Night as opposed to facing say the Raiders or some other relatively weak opponent
Curb your Enthusiasm
Alex smith in most peoples minds at this point, not down to half a season or a few games in his 49er career. It’s truely down to a number of plays. How can the fan base condone such quarterbacking. This dude has stepped up to the challenge and worked to make things right, he has earned my respect without question, but the team always falls short when it comes to all 4 downs, and especially when it’s 3rd down.
The pressure is too much, he can’t do it and now that, the trap door to the gallows has fallen. The enevitable will occur. Go Troy smith!! Dude won a Heisman! Huhhuh
J GO
So did Ron Dayne
Matt Leinart, Jason White and Chris Weinke. Where are they now?
Besides, sending Troy out there would be suicide with the coaching staff’s issues.
Coach Boone: And who's team is this, Gary? Is this your team? Or is this your daddy's team?
Bertier: Yours.
Coach Boone: Now get on the bus. Put on your jacket first and then get on the bus.
I'm going to forget that last Sunday ever happened
Vernon will overmatch anyone the Saints got. Gore will blast his way to the endzone with Iupati bulldozing a path for him. Pat and Takeo will make sure that PT and Reggie are non-factors. Our pass rush will make sure that Brees doesn’t get any time to find Colston, Henderson, Moore, Shockey, Meachem or Thomas (dang, he has a lot of receivers).
GO NINERS!
Coach Boone: And who's team is this, Gary? Is this your team? Or is this your daddy's team?
Bertier: Yours.
Coach Boone: Now get on the bus. Put on your jacket first and then get on the bus.
Is Alex still perfect in Primetime games?
I hope his record stays untarnished! Lets go Niners, you can do this! But we have to sack Brees and play as a TEAM (as someone above mentioned)
"We are not a charity, we cannot GIVE them the game." -Mike Singletary
I think the Niners have a chance
As long as Nate Clements doesn’t gamble like Charles Barkley in Atlantic City after an all night drinking binge.
"My father's name is art, and my name's pride, and while my destiny reads a recipe for confusion I'm looking for whoever writes, so empty inside." -Slug
Best pass Offense vs weak Pass D
We have no pass rush, 1 SS that doesn’t cover anyone, and CB’s that try to get a pick every pass attempt.
We are in for a long night and an even longer week after to try and figure out what exactly we are going to do this season.
MIght as well be optimisitic . Go Niners!
New Orleans is a class above hitherto. If we beat them, despite how they played last week, it will be a major victory and a wonderful one. My biggest worry is that it will look like 2010 vs. 1985 and we’ll be shown up for our lack of awareness again of what the modern NFL is about: passing. We should except NO to come with a killer instinct wanting to drive the score up mercilessly and totally dominate in all phases of the game. That’s what the great times do. Hopefully we’ll catch them overconfident as we were against Seattle.
I doubt the Saints will be overconfident
The Saints know that every team they play this year will be looking to knock off the champions. Sean Payton has been pounding it into their heads. The Saints are not defending anything this year, they are going to do everything in their power to make it to the playoffs.
Best bet for Niners, run run and then run some more. Eat up the clock and wear out the defense. Keep Brees on the sideline. Win the turnover battle. And hope that the Saints receivers drop as many balls as they did last week, else Brees will surpass the 75% completion rate that he had.
But whatever the Niners play callers do, expect the unexpected. All homerism aside I would rank our offensive coordinator (Sean Payton) and our defensive coordinator (Greg Williams) among the best in the league. The DC being the harder job right now because of talent, but I expect an improvement this year on defense.
"Why do you even ponder passing? I mean, you can take a knee and try a 56 yard field goal! This is not Detroit man, this is the Superbowl!" -- Paul Allen's call after Tracy Porter intercepted Brett Favre in NFCCG
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