:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3900185/156945742.0.jpg)
Two Drew Brees interceptions returned for touchdowns, no running game, and an overpowering 49er pass rush with five second half sacks were too much for the Saints to overcome as they traded punches for a while, before eventually falling to San Francisco by a final score of 31-21.
Marques Colston's record-setting touchdown reception, and Brees's continuing passing streaks were nice, but they don't mean much in the loss as the Saints came up short against a very good 49ers team in an important game that could have set the Saints up for a nice run right into the playoffs.
Speaking of playoffs, the three teams ahead of the Saints for the final wild card spot lost, so while the Saints missed the chance to control their own destiny, at least they aren't eliminated yet.
I'm going to get out of the way now so we can all start breaking down this loss and then set it aside to get fired up for Falcons Hate!!!
Review the recap, check the stats, vote for your non-Drew Brees Saints player of the game, and then let it all hang out (within reason) in the comment thread.
49ers vs Saints coverage
* * *
Team Stats
| San Francisco | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Downs | 18 | 19 |
| Passing 1st downs | 10 | 12 |
| Rushing 1st downs | 7 | 4 |
| 1st downs from penalties | 1 | 3 |
| 3rd down efficiency | 6-13 | 3-11 |
| 4th down efficiency | 0-0 | 1-3 |
| Total Plays | 56 | 67 |
| Total Yards | 375 | 290 |
| Passing | 231 | 231 |
| Comp-Att | 16-25 | 26-41 |
| Yards per pass | 9.2 | 5.6 |
| Rushing | 144 | 59 |
| Rushing Attempts | 31 | 21 |
| Yards per rush | 4.6 | 2.8 |
| Red Zone (Made-Att) | 2-4 | 3-3 |
| Penalties | 10-68 | 4-53 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 2 |
| Fumbles lost | 1 | 0 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 2 |
| Possession | 30:06 | 29:54 |
Top Performers
| NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | ||||
| Passing | Cmp | Att | Yds | TDs |
| D. Brees | 26 | 41 | 267 | 3 |
| Rushing | Car | Yds | Avg | TDs |
| C. Ivory | 8 | 34 | 4.2 | 0 |
| M. Ingram | 10 | 27 | 2.7 | 0 |
| Receiving | Rec | Yds | Avg | TDs |
| D. Sproles | 7 | 65 | 9.3 | 0 |
| L. Moore | 3 | 61 | 20.3 | 0 |
| SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS | ||||
| Passing | Cmp | Att | Yds | TDs |
| C. Kaepernick | 16 | 25 | 231 | 1 |
| Rushing | Car | Yds | Avg | TDs |
| F. Gore | 19 | 83 | 4.4 | 0 |
| K. Hunter | 4 | 28 | 7 | 0 |
| Receiving | Rec | Yds | Avg | TDs |
| D. Walker | 3 | 81 | 27 | 0 |
| M. Manningham | 5 | 69 | 13.8 | 0 |