San Francisco 49ers (6-4) – New Orleans Saints (4-7) : 13-0
Buccaneers defeat, Falcons loss, Panthers win : the equation is simple for New Orleans at the dawn of this game. Win and get closer to the clearly attainable first division spot in one of the most contested (not to say weak) NFC South. On the Californian side, it is necessary to extend the series of three consecutive victories not to see the rivals of Seattle escape at the head of the division.
rusty attacks
Victorious last Monday in Mexico, the 49ers arrive confidently in the first period, and let their defense take place on the field after winning the toss. A daring but paying bet, since from the first drive the inevitable Fred Warner (7 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1 QB Hit) causes a fumble from Alvin Kamara (7 runs, 13 yards, 6 receptions, 37 yards, 2 fumbles ). We expect the red and gold steamroller in attack to bend the game. But despite all its playmakers, the attack does not explode, a wet firecracker at best. If they score a field goal after recovering the fumble, it is then a series of 3 sterile possessions (2 punts, 1 turnover on down at 1 yard from the end zone) thanks to an iron defense on the Saints side.
The problem is that NOLA’s offense doesn’t capitalize on the respite offered by the defensive squad. 5 possessions in the first period for a grand total of 0 points, the repeated penalties distributed by the refereeing body (13 penalties in total) not helping to extend the drives. 10-0 for the locals at halftime after a lucky touchdown from Jauan Jennings (6 receptions, 49 yards, 1 TD).
San Francisco’s defense hasn’t lost its mojo
Upon returning from the locker room, the match restarts on the same basis. The Californian running game fails to get going (Running back Elijah Mitchell is injured, as is Guard Spencer Burford) and with a fairly one-dimensional game, Jimmy Garoppolo (26/37, 222 yards, 1 TD) does not not easily find his receivers (Aiyuk at 65 yards, Samuel at 43, Kittle at 26). SF is content with a field goal to lead 13-0.
Incredible statistics, the Californian defense was three second halves in a row without a single point conceded. A real challenge for Andy Dalton (18/29, 204 yards), sometimes replaced by Taysom Hill (6 races, 13 yards, 0/1 in the pass), but above all little help from his teammates. First with a 48-yard field goal missed by Will Lutz. Then, especially, in the fourth quarter time, the Saints arrive at a yard of the promised land, but the safety Talanoa Hufanga causes a new fumble of Alvin Kamara. On the next possession, the Saints are back to 4 yards from the end zone? Sack by Nick Bosa, already 11.5 this season, on fourth attempt and new turnover. The California defense of coordinator DeMeco Ryans is simply possessed and won’t back down.
San Francisco picks up the ball for the umpteenth time, revving the clock through its runners, and earns a victory that leaves them leading the NFC West.
With this fanny match, the Saints interrupt a series of 332 (!) consecutive games with points scored. It was the longest running NFL streak. It dated back to 2001 and a game against… the 49ers.