49ers Defense Looks To Stop Brees, Red-Hot Saints
Drew Brees piled up points, yards and accolades in a record-setting season for the New Orleans Saints.
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Drew Brees piled up points, yards and accolades in a record-setting season for the New Orleans Saints.
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has announced what's at stake in his bet with San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on the outcome of Saturday's NFL playoff game between the Saints and the 49ers.
t the end of last season, Doug Smith never imagined his son would play for the San Francisco 49ers again, not after hearing the quarterback get booed out of Candlestick Park and yet another coaching change on the way.
One of Sean Payton's offseason priorities was shoring up the Saints' run defense.
Coach Jim Harbaugh has told 49ers quarterback Alex Smith the team plans to re-sign him beyond this season.
The 49ers (13-3) could use the bye week that comes with the No. 2 playoff seed in the NFC, with wide receivers Ted Ginn Jr. (ankle) and Kyle Williams (concussion) out for the finale. Running back Frank Gore sat out the second half with what Harbaugh vaguely described as "something that was bothering him," although Gore said he was not hurt.
With San Francisco's receiving group depleted by injuries and the team's decision to release veteran Braylon Edwards earlier this week, offensive coordinator Greg Roman hinted Brett Swain may start in Sunday's regular-season finale in St. Louis.
Linebacker Patrick Willis, defensive end Justin Smith, cornerback Carlos Rogers and tackle Joe Staley will start for the NFC from the San Francisco 49ers (12-3), who had only Smith and Willis make the Pro Bowl last year.
Struggling wide receiver Braylon Edwards has been released by the San Francisco 49ers following surgery on his right knee earlier this season.
Resurgent San Francisco has put itself in about the best possible position heading into the franchise's first playoff appearance in nine years.
