49ers and Saints Come Down to End

San Francisco got out to an early 17-0 lead in this one, but with Brees at quarterback for the Saints you knew the game wasn’t over.  If I told you Alex Smith threw for 3 TDs and ran for another would you believe me?  If I told you Darren Sproles had 15 receptions would you think I exaggerated?

Well, in this game I saw 4 TDs in the last 4 minutes.  Alex Smith’s game winning red zone dart to Vernon Davis brought the Pro Bowl tight end to tears hugging his coach Jim Harbaugh in elation (CAN WIN WITH THEM).

This was one of the best finishes I have seen recently in a playoff game.  Each team matched a score with San Francisco scoring last in their 36-32 victory over an explosive Saints team.

Drew Brees still threw for 462 yards with 40 completions, but he did throw two early interceptions.  The Saints turned the ball over 5 times.  Alternatively, Alex Smith didn’t throw any interceptions.  Vernon Davis had a career day for the 49ers with 180 receiving yards and 2 TDs.  Jimmy Graham had 103 yards receiving.  Two other Saints in Marques Colston and Sproles both had over 100 yards receiving as well.  Like Drew Brees said in his press conference,”Unfortunately, just wasn’t enough.”

In the first half even though the Saints were able to cut it to 3 point lead at halftime, The 49ers defense had been the story early in the game.  Justin and Aldon Smith both registered sacks on the defensive line and safety Dashon Goldson had a beautiful interception of Brees.  He had 6 on the regular season.  Linebackers NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis combined for 19 tackles.

The 49ers failed to make the playoffs last year in a division where a below .500 team won the division in Seattle.  This year they are in the NFC Championship game under Coach Harbaugh.  San Francisco will play the winner of the Giants and Packers.  Let’s hope the game is not played in San Francisco.  The lights might go out or their might be an earthquake or something.