49ers notes: Saints' Deuce gets loose for 73 yards, TD

NEW ORLEANS — The 49ers tried to match the Saints’ personnel on Sunday, 49ers coach Mike Nolan said.

Because the Saints employed a lot of multi-receiver formations, the 49ers played mostly their defense that included five defensive backs in their 31-17 loss at the Superdome.

The Saints countered effectively with the running of Deuce McAllister, who came into the game with just two rushes on the season. He was called upon 20 times for 73 yards and a touchdown Sunday — his most extensive playing time since sustaining torn knee ligaments last season.

“It was pretty exciting to get in the end zone after not playing for a year. I had to let Patrick Willis know that I still had it and that I could go over the top,” McAllister said of a fellow Ole Miss product. “It felt good just to be able to get into the end zone.”

McAllister, it turned out, played a more important role for the Saints than the man who was the focus of the 49ers’ defense: Reggie Bush.

Bush rushed for 31 yards on 10 carries, and he caught five passes for just 7 yards. Instead, it was McAllister who carried the load in the running game.

“We anticipated him to play,” Nolan said. “He did a good job. But the thing that hurt us the most were the explosive plays we gave up. Yes, you don’t want to have a guy get first downs, but that’s going to happen from time to time. But the big pass plays ... those things were game-changing plays.”

Because the 49ers went primarily with an extra defensive back, that meant safety Dashon Goldson got the start in place of outside linebacker Manny Lawson.

Lawson played only a handful of defensive snaps, and was not credited with any tackles. However, he took part in most special teams. Lawson was the only 49ers player on the injury report with a left hamstring strain. His availability for next week’s game against the New England Patriots is uncertain.

SMITH’S SHOULDER IMPROVES

Quarterback Alex Smith, who is out for the season with a small fracture in his right shoulder, is progressing well and looks as if he will not require surgery to insert a screw to aid in the healing process.

Smith might have a procedure to remove the wire sutures that were inserted in the surgery to repair his separated shoulder last December. Smith’s future with the 49ers is up in the air because of a scheduled $9.625 million salary in 2009.

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

Quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan said he felt like he recognized when the Saints would be bringing added pressure. He tried some quick slants to beat the Saints’ pressure, hitting Arnaz Battle early in the game for a 9-yard gain. But then the Saints started jumping the route.

“We made some adjustments, but it didn’t come up again,” O’Sullivan said.

O’Sullivan was sacked six times for minus-36 yards. In four games, O’Sullivan has been sacked 19 times for minus-98 yards.

“We knew their four down guys were good players,” Nolan said. “What I think you’ll find is that it wasn’t one lineman or just the linemen. Protection involves everybody, from their receivers running routes, and it involves the quarterback trying to hit the receiver. But it does start with the line.”

Saints defensive end Charles Grant, working mostly against right tackle Barry Sims, was credited with two sacks and four quarterback hurries.

EXTRA POINTS

Tight end Vernon Davis and O’Sullivan spent extra time working on deep routes after practices Wednesday and Thursday. The result: Davis’ first and only catch of the game, a 19-yarder, came with 6:20 remaining in the game.

Receiver Bryant Johnson, who was questionable with a hamstring strain, started and played most of the game. However, he was held without a reception.

The 49ers inactives were quarterback Jamie Martin (No. 3), cornerback Marcus Hudson, cornerback Reggie Smith, cornerback Shawntae Spencer, linebacker Ahmad Brooks, center Cody Wallace, tackle Jonas Jennings and linebacker Tully Banta-Cain.

Linebacker Takeo Spikes got his first start at the strong inside position, as he took over for Jeff Ulbrich, who started the first three games but saw a steady reduction in playing time. Spikes recorded eight tackles with two quarterback hurries, and made a first-quarter interception that led to a 49ers field goal.

For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at 49ers.pressdemocrat.com. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com