SAN Francisco — It is better to taketh away than to give. This has been the modus operandi the for the 49ers all season, and it was no different in San Francisco’s wild 36-32 win yesterday against the visiting Saints in the NFC Divisional playoffs.
If the Giants defeat Green Bay today, they would play at San Francisco on Jan. 22 and would have to face the 49ers’ turnover-minded defense, which forced five turnovers against the Saints’ vaunted offense.
San Francisco came into the game ranked first in the NFL with a plus-28 turnover advantage with the most takeaways (38) and the fewest turnovers (10) in the league this year.
“I’m not surprised [at the turnovers],” 49ers safety Dashon Goldson said. “We have been doing this all year.”
The turnovers were out of character for New Orleans, which fumbled the ball away just five times during the regular season, but had three lost fumbles yesterday.
In addition, Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who had 14 interceptions during the regular season, threw two picks.
“Turnovers are always key,” 49ers defensive lineman Justin Smith said. “A 5-1 difference, even with the Saints and Drew Brees — that is hard to overcome.”
Two of the Saints’ fumbles were on special teams play and Franklin Lakes, N.J., native Blake Costanzo was involved in both.
After the 49ers scored their second touchdown late in the first quarter, the ensuing kickoff was fielded by New Orleans’ Courtney Roby, who muffed the catch. Roby recovered, took a few steps and was hit by San Francisco’s Madieu Williams, causing Roby to fumble again. Costanzo recovered the ball at the New Orleans 13-yard line.
San Francisco took advantage of the Costanzo recovery and kicked a field to give the 49ers an early second quarter 17-0 lead.
Early in the third quarter, Costanzo made another big play.
After a 49ers punt, Costanzo put a solid hit on New Orleans returner Darren Sproles and forced a fumble. San Francisco’s Colin Jones recovered the loose ball at the New Orleans’ 26-yard line.
That led to a David Akers’ 41-yard field goal to give San Francisco a 20-14 lead.
“I’m just looking to do anything to help this team, so I’ll take it,” Costanzo said. “I am just so grateful to be on this team.”
San Francisco, San Francisco, New Orleans, Blake Costanzo, 49ers, Courtney Roby, Saints, the Saints, 49ers safety Dashon Goldson, Drew Brees, Francisco
Nypost.com
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