49ers Travel to New Orleans to Face the Saints

Brimming with confidence, the 49ers (2-1) take their suddenly high-scoring offense to New Orleans in a match-up against the equally powerful Saints (1-2). After a 31-13 victory over Detroit, San Francisco has scored thirty-plus points in two straight wins. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz, quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan and the 49ers’ offense have meshed nicely after a pedestrian scoring effort to open the season against Arizona. The Saints’ defense won’t necessarily test the 49ers’ offense, but playing on the road in front of a hostile indoor crowd will.

At this point, O’Sullivan appears to be a keeper and has been praised for his quick release, strong arm and tough attitude. He has a commanding presence in the huddle not in the mold of a Farve or Manning, but present in ways Alex Smith never proved to be. Maybe it’s his history as a career backup that pushes him forward, pushes him to play with a sense of urgency.

The 49ers’ offensive success resides in their ability to spread the ball around to multiple receivers, two tight ends in Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker as well as Frank Gore out of the backfield. Against the Lions, O’Sullivan spread the wealth to eight different receivers. Isaac Bruce didn’t have a catch against Arizona, but has since become one of O’Sullivan’s favorite targets along with Bryant Johnson. Martz’s offense is all about unpredictability, about keeping opposing defenses off balance and unable to key on one receiver.

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The 49ers clicked offensively against the Lions, a weak defensive team, which could be part of the reason, but more importantly, the players appear to be more comfortable in Martz’s various sets. Martz is known for utilizing a thick book of plays, which takes time to learn and master. As the 49ers go along, it will be interesting to see how the offense progresses and how creative Martz becomes.

In a contest that promises to feature plenty of points, defense and turnovers could determine the outcome. The 49ers will have to contend with the Superdome’s disrupting environment. It will be another learning experience for O’Sullivan as he makes his way through the NFL as a starting quarterback.

By Jim Bucci
ProFootball-fans.com San Francisco 49ers Correspondent