{"id":1399301,"date":"2025-09-15T20:14:45","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T19:14:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=nfl-news&p=1399301"},"modified":"2025-09-25T16:07:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T15:07:54","slug":"game-recap-new-orleans-saints-21-26-san-francisco-49ers-49ers-hold-off-late-charge-to-stay-unbeaten-in-week-2","status":"publish","type":"nfl-news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/nfl\/nfl-news\/game-recap-new-orleans-saints-21-26-san-francisco-49ers-49ers-hold-off-late-charge-to-stay-unbeaten-in-week-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Recap: New Orleans Saints 21\u201326 San Francisco 49ers \u2013 49ers hold off late charge to stay unbeaten in Week 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

San Francisco 49ers extended their perfect start to the 2025 NFL season, defeating the New Orleans Saints 26-21 at the Caesars Superdome in front of 70,078 fans. The 49ers took command early, never trailing, before holding off a spirited Saints rally in the second half. This was a data-rich contest defined by efficient quarterback play, pivotal defensive moments and physical running games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Quarter by Quarter Breakdown<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First Quarter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The visitors set the tone with a 14-play, 80-yard drive culminating in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Mac Jones to tight end Luke Farrell. Eddy Pineiro, newly installed as the Niners’ kicker, missed the extra point but San Francisco left the first quarter up 6-0. On the other side, Saints’ initial drives sputtered, with New Orleans unable to convert a 48-yard field goal attempt or capitalise on field position after an early 49ers’ punt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Quarter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Field position continued to favour the 49ers. Pineiro kicked a 44-yard field goal to extend the lead to 9-0. The Saints responded with an 84-yard, 12-play drive, featuring a critical 18-yard touchdown pass from rookie QB Spencer Rattler to Juwan Johnson, confirmed after replay. Blake Grupe’s PAT cut the deficit to 9-7. San Francisco\u2019s Jones completed a 77-yard drive just before halftime, including a 29-yard strike to Jauan Jennings, capped by a quick-fire 7-yard pass to Christian McCaffrey for a touchdown and a 16-7 halftime advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third Quarter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Saints emerged stronger after halftime, capitalising on a Chris Rumph II sack-fumble recovery to set up a 10-play, 47-yard drive highlighted by Rattler’s 3-yard TD pass to Rashid Shaheed (Grupe PAT, 16-14). The Niners’ answer was methodical: a 49-yard drive ending in another Pineiro field goal from 46 yards (19-14). San Francisco\u2019s ball control kept Rattler off the field for long stretches; the Saints’ defence remained under pressure throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth Quarter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Big plays abounded. Jauan Jennings broke the game open with an explosive 42-yard catch-and-run TD from Jones (Pineiro extra point, 26-14). The Saints countered with a relentless 13-play, 71-yard march, Rattler connecting with Devaughn Vele for a short touchdown. With less than seven minutes left, the gap was narrowed to five (26-21). San Francisco\u2019s final drive ended in a successful clock kill, helped by McCaffrey\u2019s chain-moving runs and Jones\u2019 steady game management. New Orleans stalled in their final offensive effort, Rattler sacked on his penultimate play; the 49ers knelt out the clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Player Observations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n