BLUE 1,026 Posted January 14, 2012 (edited) January 13th, 2012 | Author: Ben Stockwell The first encounter of divisional weekend is the only game of the four that isn’t a rematch from the 2011 regular season, but it does provide the matchup between arguably the best defense in the league and the best offense. A true meeting of fire and ice. Coming into the season, the prospect of the Saints travelling to an NFC West team on divisional playoff weekend would have seemed absurd, no one could have expected an NFC West team to secure a bye, but the 49ers have done just that and they will need their defense to be at its best to ensure the Saints leave the left coast with another defeat. The 49ers have faced some good offenses this season in the shape of the Eagles, Lions, and Giants but nothing comes close to the Saints’ explosive, deep, and varied attack. As good as the 49ers’ defense has been this season, this is a new test. Barring the 49ers’ defense proving that they are in the same bracket as defenses such as the Ravens’ of 2000 and the Bears’ Superbowl-winning squad, the offense will need to score points on a Saints’ D constructed largely of smoke and mirrors. The San Francisco offense has been methodical and efficient this season, but has only topped 30 points on three occasions while the Saints have only been kept under thirty points six times–and never under 20. The 49ers’ defense has been special, but to succeed it will need to win every matchup and likely keep the Saints to a season-low points total. Here are some key matchups that could turn the opening game of the second weekend of the NFL playoffs. Last Meeting: New Orleans 25 – San Francisco 22 (2010, Week 2) There was no meeting between the two squads this season, but Week 2 of the 2010 season saw these two sides face off with largely similar personnel and that produced a Saints victory by only three points in San Francisco. The 49ers kept the Saints’ offense under 30 points and limited their total yardage to less than 300, two feats they will need to repeat this weekend. It was the turnovers that sank the 49ers on that occasion, handing the ball to the Saints four times while taking none back. This was a missed opportunity for the 49ers but their performance level, particularly on defense, should give them hope for repeating and bettering that score line, especially with an offense that takes better care of the football this season. The 49ers have improved personnel on the defensive side of the ball with Ray McDonald only seeing 32 snaps in that game and neither McDonald or Justin Smith providing their usual pass rush. The Saints got the win, but the 49ers, looking back, will be able to draw crucial positives from it. All Pro vs. All Pro This weekend affords us not only great team matchups but also great one-on-one matchups and the first of these comes between New Orleans left guard Carl Nicks and San Francisco right defensive end Justin Smith in an encounter between two PFF All-Pro’s. Nicks is our second team guard and ended the season as our fourth-highest graded run blocker (+5.7) at the position and our second-ranked pass protecting guard (+17.5). Both facets of his game will be tested against our Defensive Player of the Year, Smith, who has been our top-ranked 3-4 end for three straight seasons (+47.5 overall this season). In the last encounter between these two, Smith had one of his most average games of the last two seasons, registering only two pressures and failing to make his customary impact against the run. The Saints’ quick passing attack often deflates pressure numbers but Smith will need to raise his game not only for himself, but also to steal the attention of Nicks and left tackle Jermon Bushrod. Doing so helps to free up 49er rookie phenom Aldon Smith to take advantage of favorable matchups and get in the face of Saints QB Drew Brees. If Nicks is able to take Smith one-on-one, opening up avenues in the playbook and freeing up blockers for the Saints, the domino effect in the 49er defense could prove decisive. Covering the Middle of the Field Whether or not the 49er defense shuts down the Saints’ offense, the San Francisco offense is going to need to move the ball, control the clock, and score. A key area of attack for them will be the middle of the field with Vernon Davis. Having cut Braylon Edwards and due to other injuries, Davis is one of only two legitimate receiving threats for Alex Smith along with Michael Crabtree. Davis will be targeting a crucial weakness in the Saints defense, the coverage of their linebackers. Last week, between the line of scrimmage and 20 yards down field in between the numbers, the Lions completed 16/18 for 192 yards and two touchdowns as the Saints struggled to pick up Calvin Johnson working to the middle of the field. Clearly Davis isn’t a receiver at the same level of Johnson but he offers similar issues for the Saints to cover physically and the ability of the 49ers to find plays to get him the ballover the middle are likely to be a litmus test for their offensive success. Lightning in a Bottle The Saints’ offense is akin to a basket of poisonous snakes, even if you manage to put the lid on them, there is still a good chance that one will wriggle free and bite you when you least suspect it. The deadliest addition to their offense this season has been do-everything running back Darren Sproles (+14.7 overall) and how the 49ers choose to combat him is just one of the intriguing factors that will play out when the Saints have the ball. The 49ers certainly have a fine pair of inside linebackers with both NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis featuring in our All Pro team, but this is a new and unique test. The 49ers last faced Sproles in Week 15 of the 2010 season and he was limited to 32 total offensive yards. A repeat performance would be a monumental victory if it doesn’t come at the expense of giving up big plays. Sproles’ short area quickness has been a massive addition for the Saints and both Bowman and Willis will need to be at their best–particularly Willis who wasn’t in top form on return from injury in Week 17–to prevent Sproles from having a game-winning effect. Source: ProFootballFocus.com Edited January 14, 2012 by BLUE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Piggly Wiggly 960 Posted January 14, 2012 26 20 The dome babies are 0-4 on the road in the postseason. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vin+ 3,121 Posted January 14, 2012 49ers declared TE Delanie Walker, WR Joe Hastings, QB Scott Tolzien, G/C Daniel Kilgore, G Michael Person, DT Ian Williams and CB Shawntae Spencer inactive for the Divisional Round against the Saints. No surprises for the Niners as they play in their first postseason game since the 2002-03 season. The fact that Walker (broken jaw) has yet to be placed on injured reserve suggests the 49ers are optimistic he'll be able to play in the NFC Championship Game if they are able to advance today. Justin Peelle has been filling in as the Niners' primary blocking tight end in Walker's absence. Lance Moore (hamstring) is inactive for Saturday's Divisional Round game against the 49ers. As expected, run-stuffing SS Roman Harper (ankle) is active. Moore's third straight absence means Robert Meachem will make another start across from Marques Colston. Although Moore's absence was not a factor as Drew Brees shredded the Lions for 466 yards in the Wild Card round, it could loom larger against the 49ers' elite defense as the Saints take their show outdoors. Also inactive for the Saints are TE John Gilmore, TE Tory Humphrey, G Eric Olsen, DE Turk McBride, LB Nate Bussey and CB Leigh Torrence. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanatos 2,847 Posted January 14, 2012 (edited) 27 22 Niners struggles in the redzone will kill them in this game. If they can convert redzone opportunities, and not turn the ball over, then they win. If they don't, then they lose. Edited January 14, 2012 by Thanatos19 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteVo+ 3,702 Posted January 14, 2012 Yeah the Saints are a dome team on the road, and yeah San Fran's defense has been stout as hell at home, but the 49ers' offense will fail on 3rd downs and in the red zone, which will be their undoing. 27 16 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RazorStar 4,025 Posted January 14, 2012 When it's offense against defense in the playoffs, defense usually wins. I'll take the team who makes the key stops when they need to. I have to believe that San Fran has the edge here, and I'm not even sure if Drew Brees veteran savvy will be enough to combat this defense away from home. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Favre4Ever+ 4,476 Posted January 14, 2012 Screw New Orleans man.... San Fran - 24 New Orleans - 21 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baltimoreravens 19 Posted January 14, 2012 This is a good game so far. I think the Saints will pull it out but I hope the Niners win. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllYouNeedIsLovie 377 Posted January 14, 2012 Been a very good game thus far. Should be an exciting 2nd half. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteVo+ 3,702 Posted January 15, 2012 To the 4th quarter. Saints with possession and their offense seems to finally be building momentum. Gonna be a good finish. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteVo+ 3,702 Posted January 15, 2012 What. A. Football. Game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllYouNeedIsLovie 377 Posted January 15, 2012 Game of the year right there. Props to the 49ers. They're such a likeable team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanatos 2,847 Posted January 15, 2012 What a great game. 49ers certainly were pretty good in the redzone today, and they only turned the ball over one time. That was the difference. Congrats, 49ers fans! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bay 2,003 Posted January 15, 2012 Simply amazing. I never thought we win a shootout against the fucking Saints of all teams! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigBen07 285 Posted January 15, 2012 SUCK IT AINTS!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bay 2,003 Posted January 15, 2012 Thanks everyone for the kind words. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
badgers 380 Posted January 15, 2012 (edited) Thank god the Saints lost. If only the Broncos would be able to beat New England it would be a perfect Divisional round saturday. Unfortunately that doesn't appear likely. Edited January 15, 2012 by badgers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 442 Posted January 15, 2012 Really great to see the 9ers take the Saints out. I'll keep rooting for them the rest of the way. Maybe we'll get to see a better version of the Harbowl in a few weeks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Piggly Wiggly 960 Posted January 15, 2012 Had a bet with Heath Evans and I have $50 incoming from him. Thank you, Niners. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eefluxx 113 Posted January 15, 2012 Congrates to the Niners and their fans. Last 5 minutes of the game were unbelievable with all the scoring. 5 turnovers by us didn't help our cause. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glanvilles Grits 142 Posted January 15, 2012 I believe there are people on these forums that need to eat some serious crow. Before the season began I said that this would be Alex Smiths year to PROVE he is capable to be an NFL quarterback, and that he is going to prove he is more than a game manager. This guy can make all the throws, he's been showing it. If that touchdown pass to Davis between the safety and the linebacker didn't prove it to you, than you're just looking for reasons to destroy Alex Smith. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites