"29:37".
Twelve weeks into the regular season, the San Francisco 49ers' away game against the New Orleans Saints came to an end. The home team was ahead of the visitors and the visitors were behind. The 49ers, who were undefeated in the season, once again took away a victory from the away road to complete their 2012 season. The record improved to eleven wins and zero losses, and the winning streak continued again.
Simply looking at the score, an eight-point difference and a touchdown difference of two extra points seemed to be a fierce game, and it seemed to be a game with a clear winner, but as long as the audience actually watched the game Everyone knows that the actual game process is far more intense and exciting than the scores indicate.
In the entire game, the two teams only punted three times, the New Orleans Saints twice, and the San Francisco 49ers once. At the same time, both teams completed seven offensive scores each, and the New Orleans Saints scored two times respectively. touchdowns and five free kicks, while the San Francisco 49ers had four touchdowns and three free kicks.
In other words, although the final score difference was eight points, the two teams scored the same number of offensive points. The only difference was that the San Francisco 49ers' red zone offense was more efficient than the New Orleans Saints. There were only two more touchdowns - and Brees just unfortunately completed the free kick, so the eight-point gap came out.
During the competition, any slight deviation in details may lead to completely different results.
Compared with the San Francisco 49ers defensive team, there is still a significant gap in the strength of the New Orleans Saints defensive team. This also allows Lu Ke to always maintain ultra-high intensity in the offense, facing the injury of Logan Newman and the absence of receiving players. In the predicament of poor condition, Lu Ke cleverly activated Randy Moss, allowing the future Hall of Fame wide receiver to shine again on the court.
Throughout the game, Lu Ke attempted twelve passes toward Moss's position. Moss caught ten of them and advanced a total of 143 yards, averaging 14.3 yards per catch. Two items All the data set new season highs, completely making up for Logan's absence and becoming the number one receiving player in the game.
Then, Lu Ke completed a passing tactical system around Moss. He repeatedly used Moss's elusive running routes to attract attention, relieve defensive pressure on other receiving players, and wait for opportunities to complete the pass. Crabbe The recovery of Terry and Vernon's condition has become the biggest gain of this game.
A total of eight players became Lu Ke's passing targets. Except for the rookie wide receiver AJ Jenkins, who unfortunately failed to complete the ball, all the other seven players completed the ball. The offensive situation was in full bloom. The New Orleans Saints defense was really hard to defend against.
At the same time, the running backs also successfully continued the recovery momentum from the last game against the Chicago Bears.
In the game against the New Orleans Saints defense, although the opponent's ground defense was also last in the league, neither of the two main running backs could advance more than 100 yards. Marcus and Gall combined for a total of 166. It's just yards, and it can be seen that there is still a gap between their state and the first half of the season; however, under the cover of the passing attack, they still completed their tasks conscientiously.
Among them, Gall completed two running touchdowns, one was a three-yard running touchdown in the red zone, and the other was a twelve-yard running touchdown in the red zone. The San Francisco 49ers accounted for half of the four touchdowns in the game. Therefore, overall, the running back still played an indispensable role and became an effective part of the offensive team.
"Through this game, we can confirm that Lu Ke is becoming a better and more mature quarterback. In the face of difficult situations, he has shown the style of a top quarterback in terms of tactical layout and passing choices. Without Logan Newman, Lu Ke is trying to break his tactical habits and offensive routines and tap more potential of the offensive team.
As shocking as it sounds, the fact is that this offense continues to improve. You know, the person standing on the opposite side of the field is Drew Brees. This is the second time in Lu Ke's career that he defeated Drew Brees. Looking at the performance of this game, I don't think anyone will raise any objections, even if Drew Brees himself must admit that the second-year quarterback did a great job. "
These are the words of the commentator in the studio when summarizing after the game. In fact, the official post-game statistics also support his point of view.
Drew Brees, 33 of 47 passes, 455 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions, quarterback rating of 108.3, PFF rating of 1.2.
Lu Ke, 31 of 41 passes, 398 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, quarterback rating of 121.8, PFF rating of 1.7.
It is no secret that Lu Ke's performance surpassed Brees in all aspects. Although the number of passing yards was lower than Brees, the offensive efficiency in the red zone, passing success rate, balance control of passing and running, effective control of mistakes, etc. were all far behind. Taking the lead and completely gaining the upper hand in the strong matchup, there were far fewer thrilling and critical moments compared to the divisional match at the beginning of the year.
Of course, that was the playoffs and this is the regular season, and it's still different after all.
However, victory is victory, and no one knows more clearly than the players themselves that the difference between winning and losing the game is far more distinct than the distance shown by the scores.
Drew Brees realizes this, too.
After the game, Brees took the initiative to come over and say hello to Lu Ke. In fact, this was not a night game, and this was the home court of the Saints. If Brees turned around and left, no one would blame him, but Brees still came over.
"Wonderful game." Brees held Lu Ke's right hand, and the smile on his face was a little bitter. "God, I still thought I could win this game. After all, this is home court, and your Both the offensive and defensive ends are not in the best condition. The fatigue after the winning streak has begun to show. It's just a little bit, so weak, but... you still gritted your teeth and persisted until the end. Congratulations. ! This is your victory!"
Brees' words were very sincere. They were not gloating, but a sincere reminder.
Anyone with a discerning eye can see that the San Francisco 49ers' fatigue is slowly emerging, and the next games may become increasingly difficult.
Lu Ke let out a breath, then smiled, "Why are you congratulating me now? I'm also looking forward to competing again in this year's playoffs. You know, defeating the strongest opponent can inspire the strongest status. Or are you giving up now?"
The New Orleans Saints are indeed facing many difficulties this season. Although the "Bounty Gate" headed by Sean Payton is deeply disgusting, Brees' character is unquestionable. It is a pity that Brees alone will not be able to win after all. Still unable to make the Saints run wildly with their heads high like Maradona made the Pampas eagle soar.
After losing to the San Francisco 49ers, they need to face the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants in consecutive away games, and then return home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose defensive team is temporarily ranked fifth this season. The New Orleans Saints are currently in poor condition. There is indeed little hope, and the hope of the playoffs is dimming little by little.
Brees touched his wet head, revealing the "M"-shaped hairline, with a big smile on his face, "Don't be so arrogant, be careful of the second half of the season capsizing. There is still a long time before the Super Bowl." There is a long way to go, be steady and steady, this year, I am optimistic about you and your team."
This is appreciation from competitors, and it is also appreciation from Drew Brees. Even as calm as Lu Ke, it is inevitable that he is a little agitated now.
But Brees immediately changed the subject, "As for us, don't worry, we will fight until the last moment. Any opponent who underestimates us may become a stepping stone for us to the playoffs. This season, we will not be defeated." We are optimistic about the side, but it is also a year where we try our best to improve our strength. So, you have to be careful. With today's state, the result of the game may be completely different in the playoffs."
Lu Ke could feel Brees' sincere advice. This time, he no longer talked nonsense, but said seriously, "Thank you."
Brees didn't say anything more and accepted his thanks as a matter of course, but raised the helmet in his hand and said, "How about it, do you want to exchange helmets today?" It is very likely that this is the only time this season. Opportunity.
"Since the famous Drew Brees has made a request, I naturally accept it happily." Lu Ke also handed over his helmet. The same helmet held different memories.
"My second son Bowen likes your playing style very much. He thinks Bambi's game is better than his father's." Brees joked with a smile, "I gave this helmet to him after I got home today. , maybe he will bring it over next time we play a home game."
"Haha, then the fans of the home team may have some opinions." Lu Ke laughed heartily. "Since it is given to Bowen, do you need me to write a few words on it? You know, I am working hard to win over the fans. The more the merrier, and I desperately needed recognition from outside of San Francisco.”
Such ridicule also made Brees laugh happily, "If possible, Bowen will be very happy."
Later, Lu Ke returned to the locker room with his helmet and Brees's helmet, and before leaving New Orleans, he handed over the fully signed helmet to Brees through the home staff.
Although the chat between Lu Ke and Brees was very relaxed and pleasant, when they turned to leave the court, they still felt heavy and uncontrollably began to worry.
He raised his head and looked at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in front of him. The fans were leaving the stadium with waning interest and demoralization. Last season, they were one of the league's biggest favorites to win the championship, but this season they have fallen into a situation where they may miss the playoffs. In this predicament, the ups and downs are really hard to describe.
This is the NFL, it's so close, anything is possible.
