A small note to visiting Niners fans
I've been lurking your forums. There are a quite a few misconceptions -
1. Yes, our Defense isn't great against the run....but it isn't as bad as it seems either. Last week the Saints gave up two long runs by Michael Vick that were actually broken pass plays. The D did a solid job against Falcons RBs. Gore will have some success but the Saints D have been very good at keeping opponents out of the endzone.
2. Getting to Brees isn't easy....13 sacks in 11 games. Let me repeat 13 sacks in 11 games. That averages out to little over one sack per game after facing guys like Julius Peppers and John Abraham. Brees quickly gets rid of the ball. But the OL also is completely capable of giving him time to throw the deep ball.
3. Our receivers don't begin and end with super rookie Marques Colston. Colston hasn't played in two weeks yet the Saints continue lighting up secondaries. I believe last week Brees threw to 10 different receivers (WRs, TEs, RBs, and FB). The Saints still also have wiley old vet Joe Horn too. But more bad news, Colston is expected to play so get ready to see what all the talk is about.....
4. Get ready for a big dose of Deuce......Sean Payton is looking for balance as the playoffs get closer. Deuce had 70 yds. against the Falcons and that was only early and late in the game. If your D co ordinator decides to keep a nickel back in, keep an eye on #26 he'll be the one carrying your LBs over the first down marker.
5. The Dome will be as loud as you've ever heard.....
Good Points. But let me add some relatively minor things:
Re 1: The Saints run defense has definitely improved this year, added Hollis Thomas up front has helped, IMO, and the new LBs, while not particularly talented, play with discipline. They do their job. However, IMO, while the focus of the 49ers running game has been Frank Gore, who has done extremely well, the real key to the 49ers running game has been the resurgent offensive line. It's no accident that the 49ers 3 game win streak came with the return of Larry Allen. The left side, with Allen and Jonas Jennings, has simply been dominant in the running game. Gore ran for over 200 yds against Seattle, but he wasn't being touched the first 5-10 yards. The holes Allen and Jennings are opening up are amazing, especially considering that teams generally speaking are showing norespect for the 49ers passing game.
2. I agree completely with the Brees comments. To top it off, the 49ers have real problems creating pressure on opposing QBs. Brees should have another outstanding day. The only thing is, the 49ers defense has been creating turnovers. Even last week, it didn't show up in the stats because they had two turnovers taken away due to questionable calls, but they are generating turnovers. All in all though, the Saints offense should have a big day.
3. I think Henderson will have a big day. 49ers secondary will be without Spencer; Harris has been playing extremely well for 49ers, but the other corner position will probably be Marcus Hudson or Sammy Davis, neither are enticing choices.
4. I don't know about a big dose of Deuce; if you're the 49ers, if given a choice of Deuce running the ball or Brees throwing it, they'd rather see Deuce.