There was little sign of the Saints high octane offense of last season in this hard won battle at the San Fransisco 49ers, however worryingly for the rest of the NFC they now have a much better defense who certainly stepped up in this one. The 49ers managed 417 yards offense but they couldn’t turn yards into scores and ended up giving away 4 turnovers which ultimately cost them dear. They had a great chance to go in leading at half time but Delaine Walker lost the ball on the 3 yard line and the Saints went in 9-7 up at the half.
The 49ers got back into the game in the second half taking the lead i the 3rd and getting back on level terms with a slightly fortunate 2 point conversion inside the 2 minute warning. Still the Saints were left with enough time for a final drive and as time expired Garrett Hartley kicked his 3rd field goal to snatch the win.
Both teams will take a lot from this game with the 49ers looking a different team to that which capitulated against the Seahawks in week one, and the Saints will take great heart from the fact their defense looks capable of winning games for them this year. If their offense begins to click again then the Saints could be set for a return trip to the Super Bowl.
Saints celebrate after kicking the winning field goal.
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