Could this be a watershed game for the 49ers? Colin Kaepernick will start over a healthy and medically cleared Alex Smith.
Kaepernick will have opportunities in the passing game. The Saints like to play a defense similar to the 49ers, with their cornerbacks up on the line and bumping the receivers. If the receivers can get off the bump, big plays could result, because, unlike the 49ers, the Saints like to play their safeties up, which leaves ample space down the field.
That might be one reason Kaepernick is starting the game. He is more likely to exploit holes in the Saints secondary, particularly deep, than Alex Smith.
The Saints’ running game is also similar. They use a number of different runners and they like to use tight end/H-back David Thomas as a “wham” blocker. The 49ers do the same with Delanie Walker; using him to run across the formation at the line of scrimmage to broadside a linemen or linebacker charging up the field. The running back then uses the hole to run through.
Both defensive front sevens might have to read and react more in the run game.
This game could also come down to which tight end is better. Vernon Davis torched the Saints man coverage with Malcom Jenkins or Roman Harper for 180 yards and two touchdowns in the 49ers’ 36-32 playoff win.
Saints tight end Jimmy Graham is a better route runner than Davis and the 49ers are likely to mix coverages on him. It’s unlikely the Saints will leave Davis in man coverage unless they want him to explode for another big performance. In the last game between these two teams, Graham caught five passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Davis caught seven passes for 180 yards and two scores.