Saints glad Sanders is on their side in rematch with 49ers

With a slew of big plays including touchdowns receiving and throwing, Emmanuel Sanders was a big reason San Francisco 49ers pulled out a 48-46 shootout against Saints in Superdome less than one year ago.

“I’m always going to remember that game,” Sanders said. “That game was probably greatest game I’ve played in. Obviously, I’ve played in Super Bowls and whatever. But just from an offensive, play-calling standpoint of two coaches going at it like it’s () Mden (video game), it was unbelievable to be a part of and to watch.”

w Sanders is on or side of rematch on same field, which would seem fortunate for him, given how both teams’ 2020 seasons have gone so far.

49ers (4-5) have been plagued by injuries and have an uphill climb to return to playoffs only one season after vancing all way to Super Bowl.

Saints (6-2) have won five straight — latest a 38-3 demolition of Tampa Bay — and sit atop NFC South as y aim to win division a fourth straight year.

Sanders has contributed to New Orleans’ success with 30 catches for 342 yards and three touchdowns in six games. And Saints are gl y don’t have to defend him anymore, because last year, “He was a pain in butt,” Saints coach Sean Payton said.

Sanders h seven catches for 157 yards receiving against New Orleans last December , including a 75-yard touchdown in which he fell backwards making a catch on a deep throw, quickly sprang to his feet and broke a tackle to get to end zone. He also threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Raheem Mostert after taking a toss on a reverse.

“He’s one of those real smart football guys,” Payton said. “He can track ball down field. Hopefully, we can find him some of those explosive plays as we move forward.”

San Francisco returns to dome without two or stars from last year’s meeting who are w injured: quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tight end George Kittle.

Niners also are dealing with injuries on defense, including to cornerback Richard Sherman and defensive end Nick Bosa, which won’t make stopping Sanders any easier.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge going against him, just kwing that what he did for us last year and obviously seeing what he’s done on tape this year,” Niners linebacker Fred Warner said.

Sanders confidence in Saints’ chances is evident in his description of a text he described sending to 49ers receivers coach Wes Welker.

“I told him, ‘We’re about kick y’all (butt),'” Sanders recalled. “I want to kick ir (butt) and n after game we can hug it out.”

Incidentally, Sanders’ TD pass against New Orleans was second of his NFL career. Perhaps ar is in store before too long, given Payton’s penchant for drawing up creative plays.

“Yeah, we’ll see,” Sanders said. “We might have some tricks up our sleeve.”

FAMILIAR FACES

Sanders won't be only ex-Niner in Saints colors. Linebacker Kwon Alexander, acquired in a tre with San Francisco earlier this month, practiced with New Orleans for first time this week and is on track to play on Sunday.

Alexander player for LSU and started his career NFL career in Tampa Bay, so Saints were quite familiar with him when y acquired him. Saints QB Drew Brees describes Alexander as a “very explosive player,” and “real good athlete,” who has "great speed and key and diagsis ability.”

CROWD ISE

Niners will play ir first game of season in front of fans. y haven’t been allowed to have any at home games this season and played in front of empty stiums in ir first three ro games. While players are happy to get a better environment with about 6,000 ticketed fans permitted to attend, y won’t miss din of a sellout crowd in Superdome.

“Probably won’t be same craziness that was last year in New Orleans," tackle Mike McGlinchey said. "From an offensive lineman standpoint, that is actually OK ... because it’s tough to block people when you have to look at football whole time to see if it was snapped.”

TOUGH MATCHUP

Warner has been one of best in league at his position when it comes to cover. He could have a tough test this week if he has to match up against New Orleans back Alvin Kamara. Kamara is tied for third in NFL with 60 catches this season and his 565 yards receiving are best on Saints.

“He’s just such an exceptional athlete in terms of just his balance and footwork,” Warner said. “y use him in all different s of ways with catching ball out of backfield. Obviously, I think that’s what separates him from a lot of guys in league,"

FABULOUS FILL-IN

With most of San Francisco’s top receivers sidelined last week by injuries or COVID-19 protocols, Richie James Jr. me most of his opportunity. He h nine catches for 184 yards and a TD with three catches for at least 40 yards. only or 49ers to have that many yards and a TD in a game since merger are Jerry Rice (four times), Terrell Owens, George Kittle, John Taylor and Anquan Boldin.

Im credits: AP