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The 49ers were expected to become a serious contender in the NFC because of a strong defense and an offense that couldn't help but improve in a weak division. But their first effort of 2010 was a disaster -- a 31-6 loss at Seattle on Sunday.
San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith showed no signs of the expected growth heading into his sixth season, throwing for 225 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions -- one of which was returned for a touchdown by the Seahawks. And that highly touted defense wasn't impressive against a Seattle team that was expected to struggle.
It's still early, and the 49ers will be motivated to try and turn their season around against the Saints, the reigning Super Bowl champions, on national television. This will serve as a great reminder for what New Orleans will be up against all season: Every week will be the "Game of the Year" for the opposing team.
49ERS OFFENSE
If San Francisco's offense was an ice cream flavor, it would be sugar-free vanilla.
Led by defensive-minded coach Mike Singletary and old-school offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye, the 49ers are a run-first and run-second team. They do have the right player for the job in workhorse tailback Frank Gore, who has run for more than 1,000 yards the past four seasons.
The 49ers were hoping to create more balance, with Smith building off a decent comeback season last year. Tight end Vernon Davis had a breakout Pro Bowl season in 2009 and could cause matchup issues for the Saints. Second-year receiver Michael Crabtree is a superb talent with a chance to become a special player, but he missed the entire preseason with a neck injury. Crabtree and Smith clearly weren't on the same page against the Seahawks. Both interceptions came on attempts to find Crabtree, who caught two passes for 12 yards.
The 49ers also had communication problems, with the play calls taking too long to be relayed from the coaches to Smith, sometimes getting cut off before the 15-second deadline. In other words, they need to clean up a lot between Week 1 and Week 2.
49ERS DEFENSE

The Associated Press
Patrick Willis has been very good for the 49ers defense.
San Francisco poses a legitimate threat, with a dynamic 3-4 defensive front led by three-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker Patrick Willis.
The 49ers don't have any particular standout pass rushers, but they've got good balance at the end and outside linebacker spots.
The Saints have had some trouble with 3-4 fronts, though they usually find a way to score against any defense -- and they should be able to attack a thin San Francisco secondary. The 49ers have question marks and some injury concerns behind starting cornerbacks Nate Clements and Shawntae Spencer and could struggle to match up against New Orleans' three- and four-receiver sets.
SPECIAL TEAMS
This is not a particular area of strength for the 49ers.
San Francisco ranked last in the NFL in punt return yardage last season -- the only team ranked below the Saints. The 49ers ranked 23rd in kickoff return yardage, and to make matters worse, their top return man -- Ted Ginn Jr. -- sprained his medial-collateral knee ligament against Seattle.
San Francisco's coverage units ranked 19th and 10th against punt and kickoff returns in 2009.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Sept. 28, 2008
The Saints cruised to a 31-17 victory at the Superdome, led by a swan-song performance for tailback Deuce McAllister (73 yards and a touchdown) and a breakout performance by receiver Lance Moore (seven catches, 101 yards, two touchdowns).
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees threw for 363 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown pass to Robert Meachem and an 81-yard pass to Devery Henderson.
The Saints sacked the 49ers' J.T. O'Sullivan six times, including a forced fumble by defensive end Will Smith.
WORTH REPEATING
"The most important thing was that we stay together as coaches and players, " Singletary said, explaining why he called a team meeting late Sunday night to clarify his postgame comments. "I felt that after the game, some of the comments I made were very hard comments, very honest comments. I wanted to make sure everybody was on the same page and didn't leave here having conversations in the parking lot and having conversations in the bathroom, and not fully understanding what I was saying."

New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers scouting report | NOLA.com

Choupique

A turnover waiting to happen.

homerj07

I think they will pull it together.... SOME. BUt not enough to beat us.

I loathe the Whiners & want to see a BLOWOUT (by halftime)

DRsaints

As long as we're on top of our game, I think we should handle them pretty easily.

neugey

Thank you Pete Carroll and the Seahawks for exposing the 49ers. Now we'll take over after 10 days rest, film and game prep and exploit them.

Turbo Saint

i want sean to step on the gas...50+ points for us

Crusader

I don't care how much we score as long as we win. I just want to see Jenkins light that punk Craptree up.

strato

Better stop VD..

Rugby Saint II

Alex Smith isn't going to know what hit him. GW gave an experienced Brett Favre nightmares, imagine what he's going to do to Smith.

SmashMouth

More analysis to follow ....
Week 2 matchup: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers - NFL - Sporting News