49ers Focus
By Robert Haugh

The Saints came marching into Candlestick Park, and were sent marching back to New Orleans for a long off-season as the 49ers defeated the Saints in a thrilling 36-32 win on Saturday, January 14.

Marching to an early 17-0 lead, the 49ers were in fine form early, though the Saints fired back, scoring two TDs to come within three on the 49ers. Duking it out, the 49ers and Saints were swapping scores, including four lead changes in the final four minutes of one of the most exciting games of the year.

After moving ahead late in the game on an Alex Smith TD run, the 49ers were up by three when the Saints scored a go-ahead TD, giving the Saints a 32-29 lead with just over one minute remaining.

Smith and the 49ers came fighting back, advancing to the Saints’ 20, and into field goal range with under 30 seconds remaining. Smith connected with Vernon Davis for a TD strike with nine seconds remaining, sealing the 49ers a spot in the NFC Championship Game. Smith finished a stellar 24-for-42 with 299 yards, three TDs, and a 28-yard TD run.

In addition to Smith’s career game, Vernon Davis was instrumental, hauling in seven catches for 180 yards and two TDS. The defense played nearly flawlessly against the highest-powered offense in the NFL. The hard-hitting 49ers D amassed two INTs, three fumbles, three sacks, and allowed only 37 yards rushing by the Saints.

Though the 49ers came out on top in grandeur, they are struggling on third down, going 4-for-15 and punting the ball eight times.

With their win, and the Giants knocking off the Packers in Green Bay, the 49ers host the NFC Championship Game Sunday, January 22 at Candlestick Park. The Giants will be looking at avenging a Week 10 loss to the 49ers.

The 49ers have the tools in place to be a championship team.