Predict the 49ers’ first offensive play, tackle, and touchdown versus the Saints

After a 10-day break, the San Francisco 49ers are on the road to face the New Orleans Saints. The Niners are significant underdogs, but I have a feeling this game will be close as San Francisco’s season is on the line. They’re going to give the Saints everything they have.

The predictions will include:

1. The first offensive play the 49ers will run/attempt to execute,

2. The first player on defense (not special teams) who will make a tackle, and

3. How the team’s first touchdown will be scored (if you think one will be scored).

Here are the ground rules for the predictions.

Offensive Play Prediction Guidelines: Try to be as specific as you can on what you think the 49ers’ first offensive play will be. Don’t just say “pass play” or “run play.” Instead, say, “Mullens throws a slant route to Brandon Aiyuk for 11 yards” or “Jerick McKinnon runs right side and picks up three yards.” You can also predict incompletions, interceptions, fumbles, touchdowns, and even a safety if you really think that will happen on the first offensive play!

Defensive Tackle Prediction Guidelines: Predicting the first defensive play is much more obscure, so this one is a simpler category — project who you think will make the team’s first tackle that does not come on special teams or a returned interception/fumble.

First Touchdown Against the Saints

f you do not think the 49ers will score a touchdown, say “no touchdowns” as your answer. Otherwise, predict how you think the 49ers’ first offensive touchdown will be scored, along with the person(s) who will score. You can predict it to be on offense, defense, or special teams. If you predict a passing touchdown, name both the quarterback and the receiver.

Here is the template you can copy+paste for your comments:

First Offensive Play:

First Defensive Tackle:

First Touchdown:

Here are my predictions.

First Offensive Play: Trent Williams is back, so it’ll be a run behind him. Jerick McKinnon toss to the left for a gain of three yards.

First Defensive Tackle: Dre Greenlaw tackles Jared Cook for a gain of six.

First Touchdown: Jordan Reed catches a seam throw for a seven yard touchdown.