New Orleans Saints: Week 14 Rapid review and reactions, Niners stun Saints

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(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

First Half (SF 28; NO 27)

First Quarter

The first quarter was an all-out slinging battle between New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees and San Francisco 49ers’ Jimmy Garropolo. On the first drive, Drew Brees hit Kamara, Hill, and eventually a 30-yard bomb to Jared Cook. The 49ers came back with Jimmy G throwing three straight long balls to Emmanuel Sanders and Deebo Samuel, eventually getting a touchdown to Bourne.

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Without hesitation, Brees came back with a 26-yard touchdown pass after great field position set up for a second time by kick returner Deonte Harris. Jared Cook pulled in his second touchdown of the day despite a penalty for unnecessary roughness leading to a failed Saints’ 2-point conversion attempt. A third-down sack by Demario Davis forced the Niners into a three and out.

After another great return for Deonte Davis (107 return yards in the first quarter), Drew Brees started on the SF 26 yard line and ended the quarter on the two-yard line.

Second Quarter

Drew Brees threw for his third touchdown of the day on the first play of the second quarter to tight end Josh Hill. Jimmy G threw for a 75-yard touchdown to Emmanuel Sanders on the first play of the 49ers’ next drive. In a crucial next drive, Drew Brees marched down the field after a couple of highlights from Alvin Kamara and Brees rushed for his 4th touchdown.

Emmanuel Sanders, yes the wide receiver, threw a touchdown on the next drive for 35 yards to Raheem Mostert. It was 27-21 with 5:59 still left in the quarter.

The Saints then went three and out for the first time today. Mostert ran for a 10-yard touchdown and the last one of the half — a shootout of 28-27 at the half, Niner in the lead. The 49ers exited the first half averaging about sixteen yards per play. That is crazy.