49ers Defeat Saints in Dramatic Fashion
When the 49ers clinched a spot in the playoffs I instantly began a countdown to photograph this game. Everything is different in the playoffs and emotions are at the highest levels for everyone involved in the game.
This game was no exception.
With four lead changes in the final five minutes drama and emotion was running at an all-time high. When the 49ers regained the lead on an Alex Smith touchdown with just over two minutes in the game I was flying high. I had great pics of Smith crossing the goal-line and I was sure those were the photos all the media outlets were going to be using.
Then I remembered they were playing Drew Brees and the Saints. Sure enough… the Saints would score quickly. Leaving the 49ers the ball, trailing by three points with under 1:40 remaining in the game.
I admit I did not expect the 49ers to get very far. They gained some good yardage on a couple of plays but the clock was ticking. Then that moment when it feels like time slows down occurred. I saw Smith throw the ball deep towards tight end Vernon Davis who was running down the sidelines towards me. As a photographer, it felt like the ball was just floating in the air and I all I was doing was waiting for it to come down from the sky. I had no thoughts going through my head except… “you better get this shot if he catches it!”… and sure enough… he caught it! (… and I got the shot thankfully). I turned towards the photographer next to me and pure disbelief and shock ran across our faces. We couldn’t believe what was happening! The Niners were still in this game!
Fourteen seconds remained. What were the 49ers going to do? A field goal would get them into overtime… and I think just about everyone there was thinking that’s where we were headed. I switched to my shorter lens and when the ball was snapped Smith fired a rocket to Davis. I panned with the play (… Davis’ back was to mine)… and when I realized he caught the ball I continued taking pictures while shouting, “Oh my goodness!” … Simply put… it was pure insanity. The players went crazy and the fans could barely contain themselves. Definitely was one of the greatest sports moments I’ve experienced to this day.
