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Week 9 matchup preview: Saints at San Fransisco 49ers

By Ty Anania

Nov 9, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by New Orleans Saints inside linebacker Ramon Humber (53) during overtime at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The 49ers won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by New Orleans Saints inside linebacker Ramon Humber (53) during overtime at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The 49ers won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New Orleans Saints come into their week 9 matchup against the 49ers with some momentum after handing Seattle their second loss of the season.

The game should bring back some bitter memories for Saints fans. I may never get over the heartbreak of that 2011 NFC Championship loss to the 49ers. And on top of that, the Saints have dropped three of their last four games to SF. But they’ve got a new coach, an old and underwhelming quarterback, and a number of injuries on defense. It’s a new day.

And it may be the right time for payback. In many ways, the Saints matchup very well against this 49ers team. Not to mention the fact that, at 1-6, they’re just not very good.

Saints offense vs. 49ers defense

If you think the Saints defense has put up bad numbers this year, then you should check out the 49ers record. They’ve been hemorrhaging points. After shutting out the rams in their first game, the Niners have gone on to surrender 46 points to the Panthers, 37 to the Seahawks, 45 to the Bills, 34 to the Buccaneers, for a whopping average of 36.5 points a game. That’s an absurd statistic for a team that hasn’t yet faced an elite offense all year.

Considering all that, this offense will face that rare challenge: if they don’t put up huge numbers against this defense, regardless of the outcome, it’ll be disappointing. I figure the Saints will come out shooting. Expect to see fireworks.

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The Niners also sport the worst run defense in the league. 185 yards a game, on average, for opposing running backs. 185 yards. In a game where the New Orleans will reportedly take a RB by committee approach, there should be plenty of room to shine for Mark Ingram and Tim Hightower.

Saints defense vs. 49ers offense

Much of the 49ers offense is based around one player, Carlos Hyde. And Hyde has been limited in practice all week with an AC joint injury. He missed their week 7 game, and the team was on their BYE last week. As of now, Hyde is questionable for the matchup.

When he’s healthy, Hyde is a problem. He’s a great runner and is heavily involved in the passing game. If he can’t suit up, that’ll really take the teeth out of this offense.

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Meanwhile, stepping in for the underwhelming Blaine Gabbert, Colin Kaepernick is now starting his third straight game for the Niners. He’s a dual threat QB, who’s run extremely well in his last two games, averaging 75 yards on 8.5 rushes. But he was second string behind Gabbert for a reason. He’s regressed significantly as a passer.

The Saints have obviously had problems containing the run. But expect the team to focus heavily on that area all week in practice. The Niners will certainly commit to their ground game, so this will be a nice test for the Saints front.

Next: Key Saints return to practice

Just like on offense, this is an opportunity for the Saints defense to really take it to a team. Especially if Hyde can’t suit up, I want to see a blowout here. Anything less will be a morale defeat.

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