Dashon Goldson turned Marques Colston upside down just as the receiver leaped for a pass over the middle.
As Colston landed on his head and lay motionless for several seconds, safety Donte Whitner snagged the deflected pass on New Orleans 42 and weaved his way past Drew Brees and Co., all the way to the end zone.
That was but one of the big plays turned in by a San Francisco defense that was as brutal as it was spectacular in a 31-21 victory Sunday that snapped New Orleans' three-game winning streak and put a dent in the Saints' playoff hopes.
"We know how good our defense is, especially coming off of last week's (32-7) win against Chicago," 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis said. "When it counted, our defense held together and won the game for us."
Colin Kaepernick was the winning quarterback for the second time in as many starts, which will only prolong the debate in San Francisco over whether Kaepernick deserves to retain the starting job that he inherited when Alex Smith went out with a concussion.
"That would be coach's decision," Kaepernick said. "I'm just trying to take a similar approach that I've been taking, just keep my head down, keep working and see where it takes me."
It may not have mattered who played quarterback for the 49ers in New Orleans.
AP
The Niners' defense had two interceptions for touchdowns, one each by Whitner and linebacker Ahmad Brooks, and a pass rush led by Aldon Smith sacked Brees five times.
"That was a real rough, tough, physical football game," San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh said. "Big plays by the defense really swung the game for us."
Kaepernick was solid in his second career start, while Alex Smith, deemed healthy enough to suit up after recovering from a concussion, watched from the sideline. Kaepernick passed for 231 yards, including a short touchdown to Frank Gore. He also ran for a 7-yard score on a read-option run that fooled the Saints' defense. He threw his first career interception, but it was inconsequential.
Kapernick committed two false-start penalties, was saved by receiver Randy Moss from throwing a second interception, and the Niners' offense became the first this season to gain fewer than 400 yards against a Saints defense that came in ranked last in the league.
"We got a win," Kaepernick said, "so that's all that really matters."
Harbaugh implied the decision to start Kaepernick had more to do with Smith's health than performance, but he was noncommittal about who might start next weekend at St. Louis.
Smith did not seem to think he required more time to heal.
"Obviously I want to play. I want to start. I think I should, but it's not my decision," Smith said. "I'm part of this team and it's great to go out and get a win."
Brees finished with 267 yards and three TDs. One of Brees' scoring passes went to Marques Colston, who set a Saints record with his 56th career touchdown for the club, surpassing Deuce McAllister.
New Orleans (5-6) managed only 59 yards rushing against San Francisco (8-2-1).
The Niners gained 144 yards rushing, led by Gore's 83. San Francisco tight end Delanie Walker had three catches for 81 yards, including one for 45 yards to set up Gore's touchdown.
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