49ers Dumped By Saints, 31-17

The San Francisco 49ers (2-2) received a heavy dose of reality in New Orleans in a 31-17 loss to the Saints (2-2). A confident bunch to start the game, the 49ers grew frustrated, especially on offense where the same timing and smoothness between quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan and his receivers failed to exist. On defense, the San Francisco didn’t fair much better as the Saints’ Drew Brees torched the team’s secondary with a series of long passes. So, are the 49ers simply an average team capable of beating up on the NFL’s worst or something more? With a home games against New England and Philadelphia in the next two weeks, the answer will come soon enough.

With four games under his belt as the 49ers’ starting quarterback, O’Sullivan’s strengths and weaknesses have begun to show. Yes, O’Sullivan has a strong arm, can make plays and if given time will find receivers such as Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson for large gains. But, O’Sullivan’s stubbornness to not give up on a play has hurt the 49ers. At times, his toughness and ability to escape a rush has resulted turnovers. He doesn’t know when to throw the ball away and instead attempts to create something out of nothing.

Against the Saints, O’Sullivan went 18-for-36 for 257 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and one fumble. The fumble occurred as O’Sullivan desperately tried to avoid the Saints’ rush, but was stripped from behind. His two interceptions were crushing blows, which thwarted San Francisco drives deep in New Orleans territory. Both picks were similar in that O’Sullivan simply didn’t see Saints’ defenders lurking in the area. But, O’Sullivan and the 49ers’ offense weren’t the only story. The team’s defense played their poorest game of the season.

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Brees completed five passes of 20 yards or more against a 49ers’ secondary, which is considered the most experienced in the league. Cornerbacks Nate Clements and Walt Harris, as well as the rest of the secondary, were fooled and allowed Saints’ receivers to slip behind the team’s defense. The 49ers’ defense is average, and besides linebacker Patrick Willis doesn’t have another star. Free-agent Justin Smith is a nice player, but is more complementary than standout. One wonders why the 49ers cut such a hefty check for a role player.

San Francisco’s offensive line looked like Swiss cheese as Saints’ defenders rushed through the open holes. New Orleans sacked O’Sullivan six times, which has to be a concern for a team hoping to pass the ball frequently. The 49ers’ weak offensive line and O’Sullivan’s desire to make a play is a dangerous combination.

The 49ers defining moment has arrived. With tough games ahead, San Francisco has the chance prove themselves against the league’s elite or fade away and fall back into mediocrity. If the 49ers can tread water until their bye week, there’s no reason they can’t hang around the playoff picture in the NFC West.

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