NFL power rankings: Close isn't enough for 49ers entering Week 5

NFL power rankings: Close isn’t enough for 49ers entering Week 5

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball during a kick return as he is tackled by Michael Davis #43 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

27 of 33

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 30: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints. 7. team. 15. . W, 33-18 @ Giants. Previous:

Kind of a weird win for the Saints, who didn’t get a touchdown pass from Drew Brees and saw Michael Thomas have just 47 yards on four catches.

But New Orleans found other ways to win over the Giants, namely relying on running back Alvin Kamara’s three-touchdown performance in the Saints’ 21-point second-half outburst in New York.

When the Saints offense isn’t quite rolling, that’s a very positive achievement.

Yet the bigger point of emphasis was how New Orleans’ defense managed to bounce back after giving up 103 points over the first three weeks. This had been one of the Saints’ biggest question marks, especially after the defense was surprisingly good a year ago.

Looks as if this group is turning things around at the right time after being exposed early.