Studs and Duds: Niners huge win over Saints led by Christian McCaffrey and Mac Jones?

"Kyle Shanahan's 49ers can't help it. Whenever they go to New Orleans, they end up in a shootout. Sunday's Week 2 matchup between the 49ers and Saints was more entertaining than it had any right to be, and the Niners have a 2-0 record that shows that guts matter a heck of a lot in the NFL. Here are the studs and duds (in no particular order) from the Niners' 26-21 win."

"STUDS Christian McCaffrey RBIs he a perfect offensive football player? Sunday's performance was good evidence to confirm that suspicion. For a large portion of the game, it was McCaffrey or nothing for the Niners. That's apparently good enough to be a functional offense. My goodness, was he good. Ricky Pearsall WRFolks, the only Niners receiver who could consistently separate on Sunday was Pearsall. He's a star."

"Jauan Jennings WRI'd be remiss not to shout out the warrior-like performance from Jennings. His shoulder was busted up, his legs looked like they weighed 100 pounds each, and yet he still caught five passes for 89 yards, including a 42-yard, game-winning touchdown. Bryce Huff DENo one doubted that he could rush the passer as a hand-in-the-ground defensive end. Huff was not only a consistent winner as a pass rusher, but he's held up better in the run game than I ever imagined."

Whenever the 49ers play in New Orleans, games turn into shootouts and the 49ers improved to 2-0 with a 26-21 road win. Christian McCaffrey carried the offense, often serving as the primary playmaker and delivering an elite all-around performance. Ricky Pearsall was the only receiver who consistently separated. Dee Winters produced back-to-back standout defensive performances, altering the defense's swagger. Jauan Jennings delivered a gritty five-catch, 89-yard outing capped by a 42-yard, game-winning touchdown despite injury. Bryce Huff provided consistent pass rush and stout run play, including a game-changing forced fumble. Kyle Shanahan successfully leaned on earlier play concepts to scheme an effective attack.

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