Saints vs. 49ers: 4 Ways the Niners Could Beat New Orleans

Unlike last week, when I wrote a sarcastic and witty article about how the Lions could beat the Saints, this week, I will go back to what has always worked: writing about the Xs and Os of the football game.

Truthfully, the more film I watch of this Niners squad, the more I believe they are complete frauds—the product of a soft schedule and luck in terms of the turnover ratio.

That isn’t to say the 49ers aren’t a good team, but realistically, they’re probably a 10-6 or 11-5 squad, aided greatly by the almighty turnover.

That being said, there are ways this Niners team could upset the New Orleans Saints and ruin the rematch every football fan wants to see: Saints and Packers.

Here are the four most likely ways the Niners could do that. 

1. Win with the Passing Game

In case you missed it, the Detroit Lions and Matthew Stafford threw all over the Saints defense Saturday night. They did it mostly by throwing to the freakiest of freaks at receiver: Calvin Johnson. 

The Niners have a player who resembles Calvin Johnson in freakish athleticism. Additionally, Michael Crabtree has elite athleticism and speed. Those two players could create some big plays for the 49ers, enough to cause the Saints defense significant problems.

This is most likely, given the Saints’ struggles against the pass at times this year and the 49ers’ common game plan when playing against teams with explosive offenses. Against such teams, the Niners actually come out throwing in hopes of establishing some big plays and a lead to give their defense an advantage.

The Saints need to be prepared for the Niners to come out throwing early. If the Niners can hit a few big plays, it would allow them the opportunity to play with a lead—exactly what they are hoping to do. 

2. Win with Special Teams

These two teams bring to the game the two best punters in the NFC, great veteran kickers and explosive returners. As a result, they have the best special teams of the teams remaining in this season's playoffs. 

So, it would seem unlikely that either would gain a huge advantage from this area of the game. But if the 49ers are able to gain that advantage, it would go a long way to acquiring an advantage in this football game. 

Unlike the Saints, the Niners are almost always going to kick on fourth down—be it a punt outside the 40 or a field goal inside 40. For that reason, field position could be gained, making it more difficult on the Saints to score touchdowns—something they’ve struggled with on the road (mostly because of penalties).

That being said, the Niners know they aren’t going to win this game just by kicking field goals.

3. Win by Rushing Four

Though the Niners are a base 3-4 defense, they line up four guys on the line and rush those four on a large amount of defensive snaps. 

Saturday, that is the Niners' best chance to slow down this explosive passing offense. If the Niners have to blitz much, they will get shredded by the veteran signal-caller on the opposite side of the field. 

By keeping seven in coverage, that gives San Francisco their best opportunity to cover the Saints' multiplicity of options. They have done a good job against explosive offenses such as Detroit, New York Giants and Pittsburgh, rushing four and playing coverage. 

But they have also given up the fifth-most explosive pass plays of any team in the league. These generally take place when the Niners get crafty and try to rush more than four. 

It's really a pick-your-poison situation for San Francisco. You can rush four and let Brees move the ball methodically, hoping to create enough pressure that he can't hit some intermediate throws. Or, you can blitz him, knowing he's likely to pick you apart but obviously gaining a more likely advantage in pressure. 

The option seems quite obvious if you're Vic Fangio. You have to make Brees feel pressure with four. 

4. Win by Possessing the Football

The Niners cannot come back against this explosive Saints team. But if they're able to get ahead, run the football and force the Saints to kick field goals, they could win. 

Frank Gore probably won't rush for 100 yards in this game, but if he can get 25 carries, that figures to bode well for San Francisco. 

Though the Saints are among the most explosive offenses in NFL history, they are also one of the best in the league at possessing the football. The Niners need to find a way to keep the ball away from Drew Brees. If you give him enough shots, eventually he'll take advantage.