Recap: 49ers Beat The Saints, 36-32
by Brandon on Jan 15, 2012 1:47 AM CST
in Green Bay Packers Games
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This was the game to watch on Saturday. For the defensive minded 49ers, it was a huge game from QB Alex Smith that was the key to their victory.
What I saw from the 49ers
The Saints offense was very good, and the 49ers had trouble stopping them throughout the game. But the 49ers did an excellent job of forcing five turnovers (two on special teams). They only scored 13 points off of those turnovers, but on the Saints first possession, S Donte Whitner forced a fumble of RB Pierre Thomas near the goal line that took some more points off the board. Their defense rushed only three to five guys at Drew Brees, and DE Justin Smith and LB Aldon Smith were excellent (2 sacks and 9 QB hits combined).
For some reason, Jim Harbaugh decided to keep their best receiver, TE Vernon Davis, in to pass block a lot. Then in the fourth quarter, they realized they should unleash him. The 49ers had 221 of their 407 yards in the fourth quarter and Davis caught the game winning touchdown pass.
What I saw from the Saints
Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. It was remarkable that the Saints were able to stay in this game when they committed five turnovers. Their offensive line has three Pro Bowl players on it, but they had a lot of trouble in pass protection. However, that poor pass protection didn't necessarily slow their offense down or directly lead to turnovers. Brees's first interception came when he had plenty of time to throw. In the end, their offense scored four touchdowns and gave their team every chance to win.
The Saints defense was blitzing everyone (I saw as many as seven guys rushing Alex Smith) but that aggressive scheme also worked against them. The 49ers took advantage of an overload blitz to the right side to run Alex Smith on a designed sweep to the left side for a touchdown with just over two minutes to go in the game. They did a pretty good job of keeping the 49ers offense in check, except for TE Vernon Davis, who killed them with 180 receiving yards (nearly half of their total offense) and two touchdowns.
It's been a great season for the Saints, but now it's the 49ers who will play in the NFC Championship game.
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The 49ers really exploited the blitz. And that qb end around was a great call
The Saints tackles were really struggling. NO kept going downfield but most times SF was ready and had someone there to break up the play.
The 49ers special teams was great. No surprise there. Good kicks and great coverage
lol
Da Who Dats gotta go lick dey wounds
"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson
No more score predictions...
Its gonna be a LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG
offseason in New Orleans after 2 consecutive one-and-dones.
Tired of the Saints talk. Now it won’t have to overshadow today’s game.
2 and done this season, won last week in the dome. 1 and done last year.
Hopefully in the off season we can get some defense. 9ers D is definitely stout
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
What am I thinking?
forgot about last week already. My bad Jricky.
Easy enough to forget about,
since they played the Lions!
"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."
"We're nobody's underdog!"
"We don't play scared!"
After further review,
the Munsters of the Midway still suck!
49ers Dline rivals the Giants in talent and production.
I was glad to see a dominant Dline handle probably the best Oline in the game. I hope to see more of that today
"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson
No more score predictions...
Saints interior is great
But their tackles are mediocre
by Big10freak on Jan 15, 2012 8:18 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
unfortunately (for you) Drew Brees is not Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers does not need to be protected particularly well in order to make plays
football does not build character, it reveals character.
their D-line is impressive, but the biggest strength they have that the Giants don't is at linebacker
that is a scary defense, no doubt.
And with Whitner head-hunting at the back end it can’t be any fun for receivers either
football does not build character, it reveals character.
You’re right Sheehan. It seemed every hit they put on our backs and receivers sounded with a bang.
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
dont 4get
49ers also imo have better dbs
by Nels Winkler on Jan 15, 2012 1:37 PM CST up reply actions
Damn straight they do Nels
Those guys are stingers! Every hit was hard, not some damn soft tackling. The way a defense should be played
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
Whats up Packer fans
Tough loss yesterday after the thrilling game against the 9ers. I gotta hand it to them, after being down 17-0 they fought their way back and still had a chance even though they turned it over 5 times. Whoever faces the 9ers in the Championship game, I gotta say, their defense is damn good, and they hit hard. They created turnovers very well.
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
That was the hardest hitting D that I saw all year.
When they showed the stat that teams with a +4 turnover margin in the playoffs have a 71-1 record, I thought you guys might be the second team to defy the odds. Most Packers fans are relieved to see the Saints out of the playoff race. Although, it means nothing if we don’t take care of business today.
Well said Ice Bowler. That Defense! Man, they hit hard and go after the ball. They got the job done. We had the chance yes. But I must say, our defense needs a TON of work. They’re not the Ball hawking defense they were in 09. Not having a healthy or young Darren Sharper in the backfield, really has made a difference.
Most Packers fans are relieved to see the Saints out of the playoff race.
Lol I bet they are. You might have been looking at a 55-52 game on either side. I will say, I’d rather have your defense than ours.
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
Agree
It would have been a shootout for the ages with those 2 QBs. I’ll reserve comments about our D until I see them today. As you know, we’ve had our “issues” all year. Like your 09 team, our D has forced a ton of turnovers despite giving up a lot of yards.
Yeah we struggled with both on D. Not stopping the other team and not creating any turnovers
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
I'm not relieved, I would have rathered see the Pack face a finesse team like the Saints at Lambeau next week
if it’s bad weather it could favour the niners.
But, gotta take care of business today or else that all becomes meaningless.
football does not build character, it reveals character.
But, gotta take care of business today or else that all becomes meaningless.
Damn straight. Nothing can be predicted in the NFL, especially in the playoffs. We didn’t take care of business yesterday. But nonetheless, it was one epic game. Both teams fought till the end.
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
Wow.
Yesterday’s Saints-Niners clash supplanted the season-opening Packers-Saints tilt as the Game of the Year. What a doozie! A highly entertaining game with an insane five minute finish.
The Saints’ Michael Jenkins’ Q rating, measuring what percentage of the public recognizes his name, must be through the roof today. On replay after replay, the viewing public could clearly see Jenkins’ uniform name and number as he chased downfield after Vernon Davis, catch after catch. Any publicity is good publicity, eh?
The Niners’ Justin Smith is a diesel locomotive. Maybe a tandem set of train engines. He was just driving the Saints’ left tackle back into Brees.
Fantastic game. Hoping Sunday’s first game is a thriller; hoping the second game is a blowout snoozer…in GB’s favor!
Nitschke never wore an earring!
Well Said Packer Pete
Man, even with the loss, it was one of the most epic playoff games in a long long time. You never what happens in post season. I give credit to their Defense for creating the 5 turnovers. That’s how you play defense.
And the fact that we turned the ball over 5 times and still put up 32 points against the number 1 defense? Ain’t a damn thing wrong with the offense
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
"Ain’t a damn thing wrong with the offense"
One little thing
the fact that we turned the ball over 5 times:)
"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."
"We're nobody's underdog!"
"We don't play scared!"
After further review,
the Munsters of the Midway still suck!
Lol. Ok I’ll agree with that. But you gotta give credit to the 9ers D. They created the turnovers and made hits in the right areas. What I meant about the offense is we can pile up yards and points like crazy. And to still put up 32 points after turning the ball over 5 times in addition against the number one defense says alot.
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
I'd say it means
that if the Packers can avoid turnovers (assuming we win tonight), we should win the game next weekend. The Saints and Packers offenses are up there with each other.
Symphony X is the best band that ever was.
DanielHeiman4Kamelot!!! (or bring back Roy Khan)
by TGPackersTwins19 on Jan 15, 2012 10:41 AM CST up reply actions
not all of them
the 2 special teams tos were pretty attrocious. not falling on the botched kickoff was nearly as bad as lee’s decision in week 17, and you never see sproels holding the ball that far away from his body. those two were sloppy.
by Nels Winkler on Jan 15, 2012 1:41 PM CST up reply actions
The Saints and Packers offenses are up there with each other.
The 2 best in the league no doubt. Can you imagine if both our teams had SF’s defense? Holy crap!
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
undefeated season for sure if that was the case
football does not build character, it reveals character.
I know. Hell, even an improved defense would make a world of difference. Looks like Gregg Williams won’t be there next season. And i’m totally fine with that. Time for changes to be made.
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
yeah he strikes me as too aggressive with his defensive gameplans
that works well against inexperienced or erratic QBs, but veteran guys like Rodgers will just pick you apart if you blitz too much
football does not build character, it reveals character.
Agreed
There must be balance on defense or other teams figure it out quickly
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
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