Grading the New Orleans Saints' performance vs. the San Francisco 49ers

OFFENSE: 3 FLEURS-DE-LIS

The good news: With the game is the line, calmly Drew Brees led the Saints to the winning field goal, with a 30-yard strike Thurs Marques Colston Defining the Show. Brees finished 28-of-38 for 254 yards and two touchdowns was and as efficient as ever. More good news: zero turnovers. The bad news: Reggie Bush was injured. The running game was stagnant. The 49ers - save for Colston's big reception - Took away the Saints' deep passing attack and forced Them into a series of screens Thurs move the ball. And with a chance to end the game with a first-and-goal, New Orleans had Thurs Settle for a field goal, the 49ers wakes Allowed Thurs drive and tie the score. But the 49ers Give credit: Their game plan was effective that, and inside linebacker Patrick Willis showed a National TV audience they That's the best linebacker in the league.

DEFENSE: 2 fleurs-DE-LIS

With the game in the ITS hands, the Defence Ministry Allowed San Francisco Thurs drive 82 yards in less than a minute Thurs tie the score. The Defense looked gassed at That point, Largely Because It had Thurs chase and Tackle 49ers running back Frank Gore, Ken ran for 112 yards, and San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith, Ken one Played of the best games of at his checkered career. His big completions and scrambles for Crucial first downs on the tying drive in the fourth quarter were impressive. That last possession Almost overshadowed The Three turnovers forced the Defense earlier, Kept wakes up in the Saints game. Almost.

Special Teams: 4 fleurs-DE-LIS

After missing badly is a two field-goal attempts in the-opening win against the Vikings, kicker Garrett Hartley More Than Himself redeemed by Knocking a knuckleball Between the uprights from 37 yards That Allowed the Saints Thurs Sneak out of San Francisco with a win. Also, they drilled 46 field goals from 19 yards and, looking like the player Ken sent the Saints Thurs Their first Super Bowl. Courtney Roby's recovery of a muffed punt looked like it was going Thurs seal the game for the Saints. It was a huge turn of events on the 49ers forced New Orleans on Thurs punt just-three plays. It the Saints Gave a short field and a chance to a lot of burn clock. Reggie Bush Recovered a punt, they missed, but their play the Zapraszamy Have Been very costly as they are injured at his right leg on the play and had to Be carted to the locker room.

Coaching: 3 fleurs-DE-LIS

Well-coached teams do not beat Themselves. They do not turn the ball over in the red zone (Twice), do not rough the passer at a Crucial Moment, do not take a delay-of-game penalty coming out of a timeout, Do not Muff a punt , do not waste a timeout late in the game. All hmmmm Mistakes cost the 49ers. Sean Payton's bunch Did not look sharp vain Played smart football, was exceptionally poised on the drive and Stole winning a game it had no Probably the business winning. The Saints Need to figure out a way to get Their passing attack is a vertical track, Especially since the Atlanta Falcons got to see every screen play in the Saints' playbook Monday night.