New Orleans, LA (SportsNetwork.com) – Phil Dawson’s 35-yard field goal with
5:14 remaining in overtime completed a stirring San Francisco comeback that
lifted the 49ers to a crucial 27-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Dawson’s game-winning kick came one play after Ahmad Brooks sacked Drew Brees
deep in New Orleans territory to cause a fumble that Chris Borland recovered
at the Saints’ 17-yard line.
Dawson also knocked through a clutch 45-yard field goal with 44 seconds left
in regulation to force extra time, a boot set up by Colin Kaepernick’s 51-yard
pass to Michael Crabtree on 4th-and-10 with just over a minute to play.
San Francisco (5-4) came up with a pair of interceptions of Brees earlier that
helped the Niners halt a two-game skid and avoid falling further behind in the
NFC playoff race.
Brees shook off the early picks to throw for 292 yards and three touchdowns,
two of which went to Jimmy Graham. The second of those catches had given New
Orleans a brief 24-21 lead with 1:52 left in the fourth quarter.
Kaepernick finished with 210 yards and a touchdown pass to Anquan Boldin, who
amassed 95 yards on six catches. Frank Gore added 81 yards and a touchdown on
23 carries in the win.
Mark Ingram rushed for 120 yards on 27 attempts for New Orleans (4-5). Graham
had 10 receptions totaling 76 yards, while Brandin Cooks put up 90 yards on
five catches and hauled in Brees’ other touchdown toss.
