Biggest studs, duds from 49ers’ shutout victory over Saints

49ers stud: Entire defense

Any time your squad posts a shutout, there is cause for celebration. The 49ers did so in a convincing fashion, thanks to defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.

The Niners defense kept Saints quarterback Andy Dalton at bay, him completing just 18 of his 30 attempts, and only two of those completions were for more than 18 yards as the big plays were nearly eliminated for New Orleans.

Overall, San Francisco held the Saints offense to just 260 yards, including just 63 yards rushing. A third of those yards on the ground were gained by Dalton scrambling and not their running backs, Alvin Kamara or Mark Ingram.

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The 49ers forced two fumbles from Kamara, and both turned into key plays, while EDGE Nick Bosa tallied a sack for a loss of 7 yards.

Furthermore, the Niners held the Saints to just 14 first downs: eight by passing, four by rushing and two by penalty.

Considering the chatter and praise around the league about the offense, perhaps San Francisco’s biggest stud was the defense.