49ers blow out Saints in NFC West Showdown

The Louisianna Superdome was electric Sunday as the New Orleans Saints had the opportunity to take control of the NFC West. Surprisingly, they came into the game with a 6-2 record and were atop the standings ahead of the San Francisco 49ers, who were 5-2. The Saints haven’t had this much excitement around their team for a few years now, but the Niners showed that they were still the kings of the division as they blew out the Saints 42-14 to take the lead back in the division and quiet the Saints’ faithful.

Steve Young and Merton Hanks stole the show. Young went 19 of 25 passing for 269 yards and 4 TDs. He is leading the league again in passing efficiency. Today he used his running backs to attack the Saints’ defense. FB William Floyd caught 7 passes for 90 yards and 2 TDs, while HB Garrison Hearst caught 3 passes for 68 yards including a 41-yard TD catch and score.

Merton Hanks picked off Saints’ QBs three times in the game and returned one for a TD late in the game. The Niners defense smothered the Saints as they held the Saints to only 237 yards total offense. The defense also had 3 sacks and 4 INTs.

Next week, the Niners will have their annual showdown with rival Dallas, while the Saints will have their bye and then travel to Oakland in two weeks.

1997 Game 112 Stats