En route to beating the Saints for the first time since Steve Young's penultimate game, the 49ers got big games from Jeff Garcia, Garrison Hearst and Terrell Owens as well as big plays from Kevan Barlow, Ronnie Heard and Chike Okeafor.

Garcia matched his career high of four touchdown passes in going 21/34 for 252 yards. Hearst had his first 100 yard rushing game since the January 1999 playoff victory over Green Bay. Owens caught eight passes for 100 yards and also ran an end around for 12 yards.

Despite allowing almost 500 yards in total offence to New Orleans the Niners defence held Aaron Brooks to two touchdown passes, whilst keeping Ricky Williams out of the end zone. Held to two touchdowns and four John Carney field goals, New Orleans came up a point short.

Down 3-0 in the first quarter Garcia hit Owens on a 25 yard touchdown strike, quickly adding to it with a five yarder to Owens.

Brooks' 22 yard pass to Joe Horn made it 14-11 before Barlow took a short pass from Garcia and ran through the entire Saints defence for a 61 yard touchdown, the first touchdown catch of Barlows short career.

Down by a deficit of 21-14 at half time New Oreans rallied to lead 24-21 going into the fourth quarter with Brooks' second TD pass to Horn and Carney's third field goal.

With the Saints deep in their own half, Okeafor made his big contribution, stripping Williams of the ball.

The 49ers took possession on the Saints 30 yard line, and took advantage on Garcia's ten yard pass to rookie tight end Eric Johnson.

Heard's big play came on Willie Jacksons 63 yard catch and run. The safety ran down Jackson from behind saving a touchdown and earning himself a game ball in the process. Carney kicked his fourth field goal after Ricky Williams dropped a pass in the end zone.

The 49ers then ran out the clock on the back of Garrison Hearst's running.