The New Orleans Saints game against the San Francisco 49ers looked eerily similar to the game against the Arizona Cardinals a week agao. The Saints were climbing back from behind and Spencer Rattler was tasked with a critical fourth quarter drive.
For the second week in a row, that drive fell short. The hope didn't feel as high in this last moment. The Saints had just went three and out on the previous drive, so the momentum wasn't flowing towards the Saints. The Saints didn't get all the way to the red zone. The drive stalled around midfield.
The Saints fall to 0-2. This felt like the most likely win in the early slate of action. It didn't bounce the Saints way once again, but it's hard to put this on one play.
Saints couldn't topple the injured 49ers
Coming into the game, there was a lot of conversation about the Saints chances of getting their first win due to the 49ers being heavily injured coming into the game. Brock Purdy and George Kittle missed the game due to injury and will miss multiple weeks. Trent Williams and Jauan Jennings were hurt, but both were able to push through.
The talk of this being the worst quarterback matchup in NFL history was ridiculous. Rattler had another steady day for the Saints. Purdy's replacement, Mac Jones, had a solid day. He made multiple impressive throws and had a couple of athletic plays you wouldn't normally associate with Jones. Overall, he had a solid day.
The final score had nothing to do with the injuries to the San Francisco offense. Both offenses had their moments, but it came down to big plays by the defense. The Saints made plays late defensively, but the 49ers made the final and most important plays.
The Saints had two attempts to go win the game in the final four minutes of the game. Both drives ended with a big sack by the 49ers. The first time it was Nick Bosa on Kelvin Banks Jr. In the final minute, Bryce Huff stripped Rattler on fourth down after a great pass rush rep versus Taliese Fuaga.