Saints Flex Their Offensive Muscles Against 49ers

The New Orleans Saints flew past the San Francisco 49ers with the type of offensive outburst that has within the last few years become synonymous with the Saints.

Saints QB Drew Brees tossed 23-of-35 passes for 363 yards and and three touchdowns.  He also got picked off once by Niners linebacker Takeo Spikes.

The Saints running game was rendered ineffective, however.  Reggie Bush was held in check for just 3.1 yards per carry and Deuce McAllister only averaged just over 3.5 yards a carry.  But McAllister did score a touchdown.

Three Saints accumulated at least 80 yards receiving—receivers Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, and Devery Henderson.  Moore had seven catches for 101 yards, Meachem two for 99, and Henderson one for 81.   

New Orleans's offensive line did an outstanding job of keeping Brees untouched.  Not one 49er sacked him.

The Saints D brought 49ers field general JT O'Sullivan back to reality, as he was contained for 18-of-36 completions for 257 yards and a touchdown along with two interceptions.  O'Sullivan couldn't get into any resemblance of a rhythm as he was sacked five times by an average New Orleans front seven.

Frank Gore made his presence felt on the ground, averaging over five yards per carry on his way to 82 yards. 

Niners receivers Arnaz Battle and Isaac Bruce led the passing game.  Arnaz reeled in seven throws amassing 120 yards and Bruce registered five receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown. 

Placekicker Joe Nedney provided a special teams boost to the offense with three field goals.

On the defensive side of the ball, the best performances came from San Francisco.  Strong safety Michael Lewis racked up eleven tackles and inside linebacker Patrick Willis, last year's top-ranked tackler in the NFL, collected nine tackles.  All tackles for both players were solo.

Defensive end Will Smith led the way for the Saints defense with three tackles—one assisted—and a sack in addition to a forced fumble.

This week the Saints travel to Minnesota to play the Vikings.  This should a tough game, a great one to watch. 

The Saints survive on their dynamic offense, whereas the Vikings get by on their insane defense.  I expect another game similar to the Panthers-Vikings game—the Saints may get an early lead, but the Vikings have too much lose from a loss in this game.  They'll be giving 150 percent.  Plus they have their deafening crowd noise.  

The 49ers play the Tom Brady-less Patriots this week.  I expect Frank Gore or JT O'Sullivan—maybe both—to have a great game against New England.  And New England doesn't have any offense at the moment, so the 49ers should win if someone comes up with a big game.