Rapid Reaction to the 49ers’ 27-13 loss to the Saints

Well, somewhat rapid. This was an incredibly frustrating game. Afterwards, I had to take a walk, cool down, laugh it off and just get my mind off of this dumpster fire of a season for awhile.

1) Lack of execution

The first quarter went fairly well. After deferring, the Saints kicked off and I admit to having some angst about a quick three and out. Instead, we saw the 49ers drive down and score a touchdown on the opening drive. Great start! Next, a three and out for New Orleans. Once the Saints muffed that first quarter punt and the Niners recovered, it sure felt like a 14-0 lead was going to happen. Instead they got it to 10-0, but this was still a surprise! Then, things fell apart.

The Saints were able to cut the lead to 10-3, then it would be Ken Webster who didn't know where the ball was on a punt. It bounced off him and the Saints recovered. It went from bad to worse as Kentavius Street was called for a ridiculous roughing the passer penalty.


Once New Orleans tied the game, the 49ers' offense could not seem to execute. After electing to not go for it earlier after the incredible catch by Jordan Reed, the offense went for a 4th and 1 at the Saints' 41. Out of the shotgun, Jerick McKinnon took a handoff right into the defensive line. The Saints would score before the half, leading 17-10.

The second half would be worse as the offense could not do much of anything, despite being in a one-score game with no Drew Brees as well as a couple other players out for New Orleans. It didn't matter. Mullens threw two picks, C.J. Beathard underthrew an open Richie James that would have been a touchdown, James fumbled a punt, and the running game did next to nothing. The offensive line was offensive again and penalties were committed at the worst of times.

Some of it may have been playcalling, but let's face it: the 49ers, especially on offense and special teams, simply failed to execute.

2) Nick Mullens was worse than inconsistent

There are times when Mullens looks like a pretty good quarterback. However, when there is just a little pressure, he makes more bad throws than good throws. The other issue today was there were almost no good throws in the second half. The third quarter interception was a killer and he just wasn't able to get much of anything going. It was definitely a forgettable day for Mullens.

3) Missed opportunity

With Drew Brees being injured, the 49ers missed a monster opportunity to steal this game. The turnovers, lack of running game, and penalties on both sides of the ball simply prevented any chance for a score to make this a close game in the end.

Jimmie Ward missed a huge interception that could have changed the game. Instead, the Saints punted and Richie James would then muff the punt which essentially ended the game, as New Orleans would score to extend its lead to 27-10. Had Ward made the play, San Francisco could have climbed back in the game and would have had a chance to steal this. Instead, it enters the bye week at 4-6.

Extra Points

- Jordan Reed made an absolutely unbelievable catch in the second quarter


- Running back JaMycal Hasty broke his collarbone.

- Ahkello Witherspoon was a healthy scratch for the second straight week, which is a clear sign he probably won't be back in 2021.

Next up is the bye week. Finally. We'll see who comes back and if the 49ers can beat the Rams the following week.