Saints vs 49ers: Report Card Grades for Each Team's Star Players

Both the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers have some star players, and we saw some of them all in San Francisco's victory.

This was a game dominated by tight ends, and, not coincidentally, the 49ers and Saints both have a star at tight end. Would the 49ers have won this game without Vernon Davis? Would the Saints have even competed without Jimmy Graham?

It's no surprise when elite players put up elite performances, and we saw plenty of that in this game. Some were dominant, and some were only decent. But all were seen, and all are graded.

Drew Brees

Though he threw two interceptions, Drew Brees carried the New Orleans offense. Brees threw for 462 yards and four touchdowns while completing 63.5 percent of his passes. 

Yes, Brees' turnovers were costly. He struggled to get into a rhythm at the start of the game and didn't play like himself until later.

However, the Saints would have been lost without Brees. The team's rushing attack was virtually nonexistent, and Brees provided for more than 90 percent of New Orleans' total offense. 

Grade: A-

Darren Sproles

The NFL's single-season leader in all-purpose yards, Darren Sproles did not come up short in this one. Sproles caught 15 passes for 119 yards and was instrumental to the Saints' offensive success.

However, Sproles didn't do much outside of the passing game. He rushed for just 3 yards and his returns combined for just 28 yards.

To criticize Sproles would be misguided at best. He was great as a receiver and scored a key touchdown down the stretch. But Sproles wasn't as effective in the other aspects of the game as he usual is.

Grade: B+

Jimmy Graham

With 103 receiving yards and two touchdowns, Jimmy Graham was dominant. San Francisco couldn't guard him, and Graham was focused despite suffering an injury early in the game.

Graham was obviously incredible as a receiver, but he contributed as a blocker, too. Graham threw a block that sprung Darren Sproles's 44-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Graham is New Orleans' one dominant receiver, and he showed up against the 49ers. 

Grade: A+

Alex Smith

Say what you want about Alex Smith, but he came up big when it mattered. Smith threw for 299 yards while tossing three touchdowns and no interceptions. Down the stretch, Smith was able to lead the 49ers to several late scores.

Smith didn't throw for 400 yards and he didn't have five touchdowns. He did a lot more than just manage the game, though. The former No. 1 overall pick was the focal point of the San Francisco offense and deserves credit for this victory.

At some points, Smith didn't look great. He occasionally looked awful. But when it mattered, Smith was able to put it all together and win the game. The 49er quarterback lived up to the challenge and then some.

Grade: A-

Frank Gore

Surprisingly, Frank Gore didn't get too many chances. The star running back was successful on his 13 carries, gaining 89 yards, but he was unable to put together a huge game.

Gore didn't just contribute as a runner, though. He caught seven passes for 38 yards too and helped manage the clock.

It's hard to blame Gore for his not-so-dominant performance. He made the most of his chances. However, he can't be given credit for what he didn't do either.

Grade: B

Vernon Davis

Vernon Davis was the star of this game. Davis was a huge mismatch for the San Francisco offense, and it showed as he caught seven passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

The Saints simply could not contain Davis. He scored a 49-yard touchdown to start the game, and he scored on a 14-yard pass to end it.

As his tears showed, Davis put everything on the line here. He was responsible for more than half of Alex Smith's yards, and he may have won the game for San Francisco.

Grade: A++