Saints vs 49ers: 5 Moments Where the Game Turned the Most

The San Francisco 49ers' thrilling victory over the New Orleans Saints last night might have been one of the greatest finishes in the history of the NFL Playoffs. The game turned so many different times that those of us who were watching it had our heads spinning in circles. 

Somewhat like this. 

There were so many different points in the game that changed the eventual outcome: from the five turnovers that the 49ers forced to Drew Brees' amazing touchdown pass towards the end of the first half; from Donte Whitner knocking Pierre Thomas out of the game to Vernon Davis doing his best impersonation of Jerry Rice. 

This article will look at the five key turning points in a game that will live in the mind and spirit of the city of San Francisco in particular and the NFL in general. 

5. Donte Whitner Knocks Pierre Thomas out of Game and Forces Big Turnover

The New Orleans Saints were driving in their initial opportunity early in yesterday's divisional playoff matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. 

It seems that their momentum from an amazing wildcard victory over the Detroit Lions was continuing early on in this game. 

Then, on third down, Donte Whitner laid Pierre Thomas out inside the five-yard line, forcing a fumble. Not only did this stop any momentum that the Saints had, it knocked their starting running back out of the game. This was huge considering many figured that New Orleans would have a hard time on the ground against the best rush defense in the NFL. 

Well, it made the Saints offensive attack more one dimensional and set a physical tone against what many considered to be a "soft" team in New Orleans. 

It also keep the Saints off the scoreboard early. 

4. Alex Smith Hits Vernon Davis for First Touchdown of the Game

This play not only gave the 49ers the first lead of the game, it gave the offense confidence that their passing attack could succeed against a relatively weak New Orleans Saints defense. 

Alex Smith hit Vernon Davis for a 49-yard touchdown just outside of the three-minute mark in the first quarter. 

This connection would prove to be huge later in the day. 

3. Dashon Goldon Continues Turnover Party with Interception of Drew Brees

Immediately after the San Francisco 49ers jumped out to a 7-0 lead, their defense would set a tone that suggested Drew Brees wasn't perfect after all. 

They played two deep zone coverage and it worked out perfectly. Dashon Goldson stepped in front of a Drew Brees pass, intercepted it near midfield and returned the ball inside the Saints five-yard line. 

Three plays later Alex Smith would connect with Michael Crabtree on the quarterback's second of four touchdowns on the day. 

3. Justin Smith Helps Set Tone with 49ers Offense Struggling

Lost in all the amazing play of Alex Smith towards the end of the game was that fact that the 49ers offense looked downright anemic at times in the second half. 

Whether it was attempting two trick plays in the middle of a succession of three and outs, or Michael Crabtree dropping multiple balls, they looked out of sync for the first 25 minutes of the second half. A lot of this had to do with Greg Williams dialing up the blitz on third down, forcing Alex Smith to get rid of the ball too quick, but the 49ers offense was horrible over that aforementioned duration. 

It took San Francisco's defense to step up big time in order to take any momentum that the Saints own defense might have gotten. Justin Smith destroyed double teams, bull rushed the Saints line and ran really nice stunts in order to put a great deal of pressure on Drew Brees. 

In this, the future Hall of Fame quarterback looked as uncomfortable in the pocket that I have seen during his great career. 

This helped the 49ers offense grab momentum later with the game still well within reach. 

2. Alex Smith Runs 28 Yards for a Go Ahead Touchdown

It was one gutsy call on third down with the 49ers within range for a game-tying field goal. They call what many would call a naked bootleg to the left. Alex Smith got around the corner, ran down the side line and picked up an amazing block by Joe Staley in route to a 28-yard go ahead touchdown. 

Even more amazing than the play itself was the call. It looked as if the Saints had drawn it out and the 49ers were going to have to settle for a field goal. Instead, the blocking was perfect and the 49ers took the lead. 

1. Alex Smith Game-Winning Touchdown to Vernon Davis

You couldn't draw up a better storyline than this. Alex Smith, who had been labeled a "bust" more often than Pamela Anderson, connecting with Vernon Davis for a game-winning touchdown to put the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. 

It was a play that had usually been reserved for the likes of Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, but this time Alex Smith pulled a trick out of his hat in a moment that will forever live in the hearts and mind of the Bay Area. 

This was probably the second single greatest play in the history of the San Francisco 49ers' franchise. It came from a much maligned quarterback and someone that the fans of this team love to hate. Much has been made about the catch that Vernon Davis made, but Alex Smith put the ball in a spot where only he could make the catch. 

Although not incredibly accurate, Alex Smith had the look of an elite quarterback for just that one play...hell for that entire last drive. 

Simply amazing!