Alex Smith and the 49ers Outduel the Saints

Today featured some good match ups in the NFL but around the Bay Area, all we cared for was the one at the Stick. The San Francisco 49ers played their first postseason game in 9 years and they did it at home in front of nearly 70,000 fans of theirs. The 49ers came in with the best run defense in the NFL and one of the best overall defenses. That run defense didn't seem to apply much to Drew Brees and the Saints, their opponent.

The Saints came marching in and looked to pounce on the 49ers early. They might've of done so if not for a fumble caused by Donte Whitner that was recovered by the 49ers. It was in fact the 49ers that managed an early lead. Two TD passes by Alex Smith in the first quarter and then a FG by Akers in the 2nd put the 49ers up 17-0. Despite already a couple of INTs thrown by Drew Brees, he keep passing and eventually started to hurt the D. Brees would throw 2 TDs of his own by the half to make it 17-14.

The 2nd half came and the 3rd quarter was quiet with a Akers FG being the only noise. It was not until the last few minutes of the game did it all blow open. Brees hooked up with Darren Sproles for a 44 yard TD pass with 4:02 to go giving the Saints the lead, 24-23. The 49ers offense had to come out of their funk they had for most of the game and somehow grab the game back. Smith managed a drive together and scored a TD off a 28 yard QB sweep run to the outside. They lead by 5 due a failed two point conversion.

The problem for the 49ers? There was 2:11 still on the clock. Drew Brees and the Saints didn't need even half of that. A throw to Jimmy Graham for a 66 yard TD reception gave the Saints a 3 point lead due to a successful two point conversion. The 49ers had to claw back again, this time with 1:37 left to go. They somehow did it. Some nice throws from Smith, with included Vernon Davis, got them within 15 yards of the endzone with a third down play with about 14 seconds left. Smith hiked it, threw it, and somehow Vernon Davis caught it and hung on to it despite the coverage and scored a TD with 9 seconds left. The Saints were good but not that good. Davis let the emotions out and the 49ers win a photo finisher, 36-32.

I still can't believe the 49ers came back from behind to take the lead twice in the final few minutes against the Saints. A great game by the 49ers, especially with Alex Smith and Vernon Davis who came up clutch. That defense of the 49ers was good too but they were getting tired trying to kept Drew Brees out of the endzone. That offense came alive for them at the end to help them out. Perhaps with this win, perceptions about Smith will change like they have for Vernon Davis. I know my perception about has changed.

Anyway, the 49ers are in the NFC Title game and await their opponent. The Packers or the Giants. Either one, bring it on.

P.S. How is this game the 2nd story on Sportscenter? The other one was a blow out and over before halftime. NOW I'm annoyed by Tebow.