From: marshall@nebula.ssd.lmsc.lockheed.com (Bob Marshall)
Subject: 49ers/Saints
Reply-To: marshall@nebula.ssd.lmsc.lockheed.com
Organization: LMSC, Sunnyvale, California
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 92 01:03:11 GMT

Whew! The 49ers pulled out a huge win over the Saints in a game they
probably did not deserve to win. New Orleans kept the 49ers under
their thumb for three quarters, but then let the 49ers get away. Until
the 49ers unveiled their no-huddle offense the Saints had pretty much
kept the 49ers under wraps. But the Saints did not seem to be able to
handle the no-huddle; the 49ers moved the ball pretty much at will
with it.

Early in the 4th quarter the Saints were up 20-7, and after the 49ers
came up empty after having first and goal at the seven (Cofer doinked
a FG attempt off the upright) the Saints seemed to have the game wrapped
up. But the 49ers immediately forced the Saints to punt and then drove
all the way down the field to close within 20-14 on a TD pass to Jones.
After some exchanges of punts the 49ers got the ball on their own 26
with about four minutes to go, and they used the no-huddle offense to
move the ball all the way down the field again for another TD pass
to Jones (seven yards) with just 46 seconds left to make the score 21-20.
The Saints made poor use of the 46 seconds and could not cross midfield,
so the final score was 21-20.

Question : why were the 49ers in such a hurry with 1st and goal at the
seven and 50 seconds left? Huddle up and let the clock run a little bit
for crying out loud! Fortunately it didn't end up costing them.

Through the first three quarters the 49ers' defensive line once again
failed to put any pressure on Hebert. But they did come alive somewhat
in the 4th quarter and harried Hebert enough to force the Saints to punt.

Rickey Watters picked up 92 yards rushing in the 1st half, then had to
struggle to make 100. I think he ended up with about 115 yards rushing.
Strange passings stats again for Young. Through the first three quarters
he was averaging only about seven yards per completion. I guess that
points up how little time Young had to throw, so he had to rely on the
short passes. What a shame to not be able to take advantage of deep
threats like Rice, Sherrard, Taylor, and Turner.

So, a commendable game by the Saints, but in the end I think you have
to say they got out-coached. The no-huddle was a stroke of genius. Well,
maybe that's stretching it a little. Whatever, the 49ers did what it takes
to win, which is what winners do.

Hats off to the Saints. I'm sure glad I'm not a Saints fan; I'd be
pulling my hair out after the two losses to the 49ers which easily
could have gone their way. Face the facts, though : the 49ers are
the better team in the long run.

Great day all the way around for the 49ers : Saints lose, Cowboys lose,
Vikings lose, Eagles lose, Redskins lose. And, to put the icing on the
cake, Bears lose!
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Bob Marshall                     \\     "Women aren't as smart as they
Lockheed Missiles & Space Co.     \\     think they are; they think we
Sunnyvale, CA                      \\    men know a lot more than we
marshall@force.ssd.lmsc.lockheed.com\\   really do."
"I tell the truth 'cept when I lie"  \\     - Tim the Toolman
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Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro