Saints vs. 49ers: 5 Halftime Adjustments for San Francisco

The 49ers defense is playing like the 1985 Bears and Alex Smith is showing why he was a No. 1 draft pick.   Here are five things San Francisco needs to do to keep it rolling.

1. Keep up the Intensity

The 49ers came out with trademark Harbaugh fire and took it to the visiting Saints.  Donte Whitner’s hit on Pierre Thomas made Ray Lewis look like a little girl.   But don’t forget how explosive the Saints offense can be.  San Francisco is going to need to keep that chip on their shoulder if they are going to keep Drew Brees down in the second half.

2. Come Out Aggressive on Offense

The Saints are not used to playing from behind—their biggest comeback of the year was from 10 down against Tennessee.  The 49ers need keep the dangerous Saints offense down and put some points on the board early in the second half.

3. Use the Shot Clock

Sometimes the best defense is a good offense.  Harbaugh teams are famous for their long, grinding scoring drives that keep the opposition’s offense off the field.  The Saints offense won't stay down forever, and if the 49ers are going to hold on they are going to need to come through with a few time-sucking scoring drives in the second half.

4. Get Kendall Hunter the Ball

Gregg Williams is notoriously blitz happy and the Saints defense will probably get more aggressive in the second half to try and turn this game around.  Kendall Hunter’s speed is the perfect counter to a blitzing defense.  Look for him to get the call on a few draws and screens in the second half.

5. Get the Crowd Back In It:

The Candlestick faithful was rocking for most of the first half, but a late Saints comeback has put a muzzle on their cheers.  The 49ers offense needs to give them a reason to get loud again in the second half.