The San Francisco 49ers were impressive as they recorded three consecutive second-half shutouts. Their haughty defense was aware of their capacity for even more.
The Niners were able to keep New Orleans off the scoreboard for the duration of the game by applying physical pressure, forcing a crucial turnover, and a small amount of luck.
San Francisco defeated the New Orleans Saints 13-0 for their fourth straight victory, forcing two turnovers from Alvin Kamara and snapping the NFL’s longest active scoring run, which had lasted 332 games and nearly 21 years.
According to linebacker Fred Warner, “this one was very memorable because of the method we had to earn it.” “They didn’t play the entire game just within the 50-yard line. They frequently sniffed the goal line while they were right there. When you’re looking your teammates in the eyes and saying, “We have to pull this off,” time seems to kind of slowdown. These are the ones you will always cherish.”
From the first drive, when Warner forced a fumble by Kamara that he recovered, the Niners (7-4) set the tone on defense and didn’t let up.
They recorded their first shutout since defeating Washington 9-0 on October 20, 2019, stopping the Saints (4-8) twice in the second half close to the goal line — including another fumble by Kamara.
With their latest shutout occurring against the 49ers in the 2001 championship game, New Orleans enjoyed the fourth longest streak in NFL history.
On a day when the offense struggled and the running game was shut down, Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 222 yards and a touchdown as San Francisco came out on top.
In more than 94 minutes of play, the Niners haven’t given up a point. They have also gone four games without giving up a second-half point, becoming the fifth side to do it since 1991.
The Saints were only able to gain 63 yards on the ground while Andy Dalton completed 204 passes.
Coach Dennis Allen stated, “We had some opportunities, and you can’t beat a talented club until you make plays that are there to be made. You cannot defeat a strong squad if you turn the ball over.
In the third quarter, Wil Lutz missed a 48-yard field goal attempt after Ryan Ramczyk made a false start while the Saints tried to go for it on fourth-and-5.
In the fourth quarter, Kamara fumbled once more close to the goal line. Juwan Johnson almost successfully caught it in the end zone for a Saints touchdown after Talanoa Hufanga knocked it loose.
However, after Johnson was struck by Hassan Ridgeway, the ball squirted loose, and Dre Greenlaw recovered it at the 1, keeping the Saints off the scoreboard.
Just a foolish attempt, said Greenlaw. “Oh snap!” I said as I looked up at the ball, which was about 30 feet in the air. As I attempt to go collect the ball, I observe one of the guys successfully catch it. It was like Christmas right there when he dropped it.”
The Saints were then stopped by San Francisco when Nick Bosa sacked Dalton on fourth down, following a first-and-goal from the 4. From there, the Niners finished the game quickly.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward stated, “I’ve never played on a better defense than this one.” “All we are is ballers.
San Francisco started the game passing for the second week in a row, with Garoppolo completing 28 passes in the first half, a career best and the most by a 49ers quarterback in a half in thirteen years.
However, San Francisco only managed a field goal on its first drive before scoring with 13 seconds left in the half on a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to wide receiver Jauan Jennings.
The 49ers had a third-quarter drive where four consecutive plays were penalized by the officials. A penalty for illegal contact on Chris Harris Jr. negated a pick by Garoppolo, preventing the Saints from having a chance at first-and-goal from the eight.
Allen stated, “I disagree with the call. “The game’s biggest play was that one. a crucial game move. A call that completely altered the game’s momentum.”
On the subsequent play, holding by San Francisco center Jake Brendel was called, then roughing the passer on Malcolm Roach and an illegal shift on Kyle Juszczyk.
In the first half, CB P. J. Williams (knee) suffered an injury.
49ers: RB Elijah Mitchell departed the game in the third quarter with what may have been a sprained MCL, while OL Spence Burford left the game with an ankle injury in the second half.
