Checking in at spot #24 in our list (see Game #25 here), another game that I probably should remember, but to be totally honest don’t–I likely refused to watch it, still smarting from the 2009 New Orleans Saints cheating beating my Minnesota Vikings to go to the Super Bowl…suspect I was pretty happy with the outcome.  To be honest, I would have suspected that this game would have been in the middle of the Colin Kaepernick era, not the Alex Smith era.

WAS THIS GAME IN THE ORIGINAL LIST FROM THE BOOK?

Obviously not, since this game happened almost 20 years after that book was published.

The 2011 Divisional Playoff: San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints

The 2011 NFC Divisional Playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints is heralded as one of the most thrilling and memorable games in NFL history. Played on January 14, 2012, at Candlestick Park, this matchup featured dramatic comebacks, unforgettable plays, and a nail-biting finish. It encapsulates the very essence of why football is beloved by millions and rightfully earns its place among the top 25 NFL games of all time.

Pre-Game Context

The 49ers, under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, had transformed from a struggling franchise to a dominant force in the NFC. Finishing the regular season with a 13-3 record, the 49ers boasted one of the league’s best defenses and a revitalized offense led by quarterback Alex Smith. The Saints, coached by Sean Payton, entered the game with a 13-3 record as well, featuring an explosive offense orchestrated by quarterback Drew Brees, who had set the single-season record for passing yards.

The First Half: Defensive Dominance

The game began with the 49ers’ defense showcasing why it was one of the best in the league. The 49ers forced the Saints into five turnovers in the first half, including two interceptions and three fumbles. Despite these turnovers, the Saints managed to keep the game close, thanks to their resilient defense and a late touchdown in the second quarter. The 49ers took a 17-14 lead into halftime, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.

The Third Quarter: Tension Mounts

The third quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. The 49ers’ defense continued to pressure Brees, while the Saints’ defense tightened up against Smith and the 49ers’ offense. A field goal by 49ers kicker David Akers was the only scoring in the quarter, extending San Francisco’s lead to 20-14.

The Fourth Quarter: A Legendary Shootout

The fourth quarter of this game is what cements its place in NFL lore. It featured four lead changes in the final four minutes, making it one of the most thrilling finishes in playoff history.

  • Saints Take the Lead: With just under five minutes left, Drew Brees connected with Darren Sproles on a 44-yard touchdown pass, giving the Saints a 24-23 lead. This was the first of many clutch plays in the game’s closing moments.
  • 49ers Respond: Not to be outdone, Alex Smith led a quick drive down the field, culminating in a 28-yard touchdown run on a quarterback sweep, reclaiming the lead for the 49ers at 29-24 after a failed two-point conversion.
  • Brees Strikes Again: With less than two minutes remaining, Brees orchestrated another scoring drive, finding tight end Jimmy Graham for a 66-yard touchdown. The Saints converted a two-point attempt, putting them ahead 32-29.
  • The Game-Winning Drive: With just over a minute left, Alex Smith and the 49ers offense took the field. Smith made several clutch throws, including a crucial 47-yard pass to tight end Vernon Davis. With only nine seconds remaining, Smith found Davis in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown, securing a 36-32 victory for the 49ers.

Key Performances

  • Alex Smith: Smith’s performance was nothing short of heroic. He finished with 299 passing yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning pass to Vernon Davis. His ability to stay composed under pressure and execute in crucial moments was pivotal to the 49ers’ victory.
  • Drew Brees: Brees showcased why he is one of the all-time greats, throwing for 462 yards and four touchdowns. Despite the loss, his performance kept the Saints in the game until the very end.
  • Vernon Davis: Davis had a career-defining game, catching seven passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. His emotional game-winning catch and reaction have since become iconic images of NFL history.

Post-Game Impact and Legacy

The 49ers’ victory over the Saints had several significant impacts:

  • 49ers’ Resurgence: This game marked the official return of the 49ers as a powerhouse in the NFL. Jim Harbaugh’s first season as head coach was a resounding success, leading to multiple playoff appearances in the following years.
  • Defensive Showcase: The game highlighted the importance of a strong defense in playoff football. The 49ers’ ability to force turnovers and pressure the quarterback was a key factor in their victory.
  • Memorable Moments: The final minutes of this game provided some of the most memorable moments in NFL playoff history. The back-and-forth scoring and the dramatic finish are still talked about today as examples of the excitement and unpredictability of football.
  • Vernon Davis’ Legacy: Davis’ game-winning touchdown catch became known as “The Catch III,” a reference to the 49ers’ storied history of iconic playoff catches. It solidified Davis’ place in 49ers lore and is frequently replayed during highlight reels of great NFL moments.

Why It’s a Top 25 Game

  1. Dramatic Finish: The multiple lead changes in the final minutes created an electrifying atmosphere and showcased the unpredictability of football.
  2. Clutch Performances: Both quarterbacks delivered under pressure, with Alex Smith’s game-winning drive and Drew Brees’ relentless pursuit making for compelling viewing.
  3. Historic Impact: The game’s outcome had lasting effects on both franchises, cementing the legacies of key players and coaches.
  4. Emotional Moments: Vernon Davis’ game-winning touchdown and his subsequent emotional outburst encapsulated the passion and drama of playoff football.

Conclusion

The 2011 NFC Divisional Playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints is a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of football. From the defensive dominance in the first half to the offensive fireworks in the fourth quarter, this game had everything that makes NFL football great. The dramatic finish, historic performances, and emotional moments combine to make it one of the greatest games in NFL history, earning its place in the top 25.

For fans of the sport, this game is a reminder of why we love football—the excitement, the tension, the comebacks, and the unforgettable moments that keep us on the edge of our seats. Whether you’re a 49ers fan, a Saints fan, or just a lover of the game, the 2011 Divisional Playoff is a game that will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.