Jimmy Garoppolo says Superdome noise helped 49ers ‘lock in more,’ Niner Faithful’s strong presence was felt

The San Francisco 49ers entered what is considered one of the most challenging road environments in the NFL, and won a wild shootout against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo engineered a game-winning drive that ended with a Robbie Gould field goal kick and lifted San Francisco to the 48-46 win in what is sure to become an instant NFL classic.

"People always talked about the noise and everything (at the Superdome), and I actually thought the noise helped our guys lock in more," Garoppolo said after the game. "In the huddle, on the sideline, whatever it was, you could see it in guys' eyes. This game meant a lot, and this was a big one for us."

Garoppolo believes these last two games, the first in Baltimore and then this one at the Superdome, were playoff atmospheres and will serve the team well as it prepares for a post-season run in January.

49ers fans were there in force, showing a lot of support for the road team. It was something that was even noticeable on the streets of New Orleans during the days leading to the game.

Garoppolo and his 49ers teammates noticed the strong fan presence immediately and greeted many of them before kickoff.

"It was incredible, especially pre-game," Garoppolo said. "We went out there, all the red and everything, I mean, they were loud. We heard the defense chants and everything when our defense was out there.

"I mean, for them to travel to New Orleans all the way from the Bay, shout out to The Faithful. That was awesome."

The strong 49ers fan presence likely wasn't entirely from the Bay Area. After all, the Niners have a significant nation-wide following.

Garoppolo finished the game 26-of-35 for 349 passing yards with four touchdowns, an interception, and a passer rating of 131.7. Sunday was his fourth consecutive game with a passer rating of 110.2 or better, and his third 300-plus-yard game this season.

You could even see the 49ers fans' presence after the exciting victory.