“Goulden” Kick Lifts 49ers Over Saints

Sunday’s Bayou shootout between two of the top teams in the NFC drove those who bet the under miserable. For everyone else, however, it was a joy to watch two elite quarterbacks duel. Drew Brees and Jimmy Garoppolo went at it all afternoon and put on an offensive showcase. 

Clutch Factor

The back and forth action culminated in a late-game heroic drive from Garoppolo and the 49ers, capped by a 30-yard game-winning field goal from Robbie Gould. 

The kick led San Francisco to a huge 48-46 NFC victory, putting them in control of their conference standing.

“Everyone was calm on the sideline, we were all in a good state of mind,” Garoppolo said after the game on his team’s final drive. “We went out there and just executed, that’s really what it comes down to in those situations.”

Offensive Prowess

Execute is exactly what Garoppolo and the 49ers offense did all afternoon. Jimmy came right out of the gates strong, completing four of five passes on his first drive. He finished off his opening drive with a six-yard touchdown strike to Kendrick Bourne, his first of two touchdown receptions on the day.

Garoppolo finished his day 26/35 through the air with 349 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. His four-touchdown performance was his second of the season, with the other coming just two weeks ago. Garoppolo’s numbers since week eight have been beyond impressive: 18 touchdowns, just four interceptions, a quarterback rating of 113.9, and a 68.7% completion rate. 

Emmanuel Sanders made his presence known to 49ers fans once again, and to the Saints secondary. He hauled in seven passes for 157 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown bomb early in the second quarter. Sanders was not just catching touchdowns, however…

The 48 points San Francisco put up is the most points allowed by the Saints defense all year. Their 516 yards of total offense is only the second time a team has gone for over 500 yards on New Orleans all year, the other happening in week three with the Seahawks. 

Making History

This 49ers offense has not been just good, it’s been historic. This is the second time this San Francisco team has gone for over 500 yards of offense this season. That hasn’t happened to the 49ers since 1999. This was also the first time a 49ers team has thrown five touchdown passes in a regular-season game since 1990. 

Ain’t No Riddle, Just Find George Kittle

“Very” does not really come close to how important George Kittle is to Kyle Shannahan’s offense. He is second in the NFL amongst tight ends in receiving yards per game, averaging just over 68 yards per contest. This big play late in the fourth quarter proves why he is among the league’s best.

“Jimmy gave me a good ball and just let me run with it,” said Kittle on the fourth-down play. It was Kittle’s fourth reception of 30 yards or more this season. George finished with 67 receiving yards on six catches and one touchdown. 

In addition to the aforementioned history with this 49ers offense, Kittle is making waves in the record books himself this season.

Rookie Sensation

South Carolina product Deebo Samuel continues to come up big for San Francisco this year. He is currently fourth amongst rookies in receiving yards this season. 

While he did not find the end zone on Sunday, he was instrumental in the 49ers offense once again. Samuel concluded the day with 76 yards on five receptions.

Looking Ahead

San Francisco returns home next week to take on the Atlanta Falcons. The win over the Saints did leave some wounded warriors, however, as Adam Schefter pointed out on Twitter.

With the Seahawks losing to the Rams, the 49ers now hold sole possession of the top seed in the NFC with an 11-2 record. 

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @Noush9602 for more NFL news and notes. Also, check out the Overtime Heroics Forums to join me and others in some sports discussion. Lastly, check out our shop to get yourselves some Overtime Heroics gear.