Saints vs 49ers: 6 Players Who Impressed Most in Epic Divisional Round Game

This playoff contest between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers was a game for the ages. Drew Brees threw for over 450 yards, Alex Smith led the 49ers to 36 points and Jim Harbaugh looked like a genius.

The game itself was mesmerizing. The score went back and forth in the final minutes of the game, and it really went down to the wire.

What made it even more incredible was the insane individual performances. Brees was obviously fantastic, and each team's tight end put together some unbelievable numbers.

This game will not be forgotten for a long time, and neither will the contributions of some of these players.

Alex Smith

In this game, Alex Smith did everything the 49ers could have hoped for and more. Smith threw for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns and did not throw an interception.

No, Smith was not playing against an elite defense here, but he was the focal point of a successful 49ers offense. Though the former No. 1 overall pick did fumble twice, he played relatively mistake-free football and made some plays as well.

Drew Brees

Though he wasn't able to win the game, Drew Brees put together an electrifying performance. Brees passed for 460 yards and four touchdowns, but he did throw two costly interceptions.

Unlike Alex Smith, Brees did not have the benefit of a run game. Brees had to carry the offense by himself and he did so successfully. The Saints star led the team to 32 points against one of the NFL's best defenses.

Darren Sproles

Despite playing running back, Darren Sproles primarily contributed as a receiver. Sproles caught an unbelievable 15 passes for 119 yards. 

On the ground, Sproles didn't accomplish much. Fortunately, he was effective enough in the pass game to make up for it. Sproles wasn't just okay, he was electric, and his 44-yard touchdown was a huge play in the game.

Jimmy Graham

Jimmy Graham suffered an injury early in the game, but that didn't stop him from terrorizing the San Francisco defense. Graham caught five passes for 103 yards, and, more importantly, scored twice.

Graham contributed as a blocker too. The former Miami Hurricane threw one crucial block that helped spring Darren Sproles's 44-yard touchdown. New Orleans looked to Graham to create mismatch, and he came through.

Vernon Davis

Though Jimmy Graham was excellent, Vernon Davis was even better. Davis caught seven passes for an astounding 180 yards and two touchdowns. The former No. 6 overall pick could not be denied.

In a game that was more offense than expected, Davis was the most dominant player. He used his outstanding speed, agility and athleticism to take over the game. New Orleans had no answer for the star tight end.

Dashon Goldson

For whatever reason, Dashon Goldson didn't demand a big contract in free agency last year. Now, Goldson is looking to get paid after a great year and an even better performance against the Saints.

Goldson made a great play to intercept a Drew Brees pass, and he looked phenomenal in coverage. Donte Whitner did a great job as well, but Goldson looked like a freak back deep.