Grades, analysis from SF 49ers turnover-prone Week 10 loss to Saints

The SF 49ers came into the Super Dome heavy underdogs and put up a decent effort before succumbing to the Saints 27-13. Niner Noise hands out grades.

After a bad bad loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday night, albeit one marred by Covid-19 concerns and practically the practice-squad of the SF 49ers on the field, there wasn’t much to expect from this Week 10 game against the New Orleans Saints which turned into a 27-13 defeat to put San Francisco at 4-6 on the season.

After all, last year, the SF 49ers barely squeaked out a win in a thriller with a Herculean effort by tight end George Kittle. This year, the Niners were without practically every player who made a meaningful impact last year.

Despite that, San Francisco played quite well, especially early on. A strong drive consisting of ball control and complementary play resulted in an opening touchdown pass. Following some good defense and a bad offensive drive, the 49ers caught a break on a muffed punt but could only muster a field goal.

From there, things started to fall apart in the most disappointing of ways. The defense still played well, but some bad offensive trips began to stall the momentum, and then, a fair catch was muffed, causing a short field for the Saints. A questionable (read inexcusable) roughing the passer call gave the Saints life, and from there, it was the start of a slow sad afternoon.

From a baffling interception to special-teams miscues along with questionable play-calling, this was a game that, despite the several injuries, the SF 49ers should have pulled away with had they executed.

But they didn’t, so here we are, picking up the pieces. Let’s start the grades.