49er’s Defense Too Much for the Saints[Video]

The New Orleans Saints launched an 88-yard drive with two minutes left in Saturday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, and I thought they had won. 

But not to be out done, the 49ers upstage them to take the win as they moved it down the field and scored on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Alex Smith to Vernon Davis with 9 seconds left.The problem for the Saints was the amazing 49ers defense, which forced 5 turnovers for the Saints. In fact with the Saints poised to score on its opening possession, Donte Whitner delivered a crushing blow that knocked out running back Pierre Thomas and forced the first of five Saints turnovers. Was that a violation of the helmet rule? I wonder.

San Francisco's hard-hitting, opportunistic defense set the tone in the 49ers'  36-32 playoff win the same way it has all season.

From Justin Smith and Aldon Smith harassing Drew Brees all day, to Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman shutting down the running game and Dashon Goldson making punishing hits and key plays from the secondary, the defense is the biggest reason for the resurgence in San Francisco that has the 49ers (14-3) back in the NFC championship for the first time since the 1997 season.

They will play the Giants next Sunday, Jan. 22  at Candlestick Park after New York defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers 37-20. Kick off is set for  5:15 pm.

The Houston Texans lost to the Baltimore Ravens Sunday 20-13.  So that means,  it will be the Baltimore Ravens against New England Patriots  in the AFC Title Game Sunday, Jan. 22  with a 1 pm kick off.