49ers Go to 7-1 Through Big Easy

It hasn’t taken much for the San Francisco 49ers to win seven consecutive games.

All it seems was needed was a schedule that pitted them against NFC West teams for nearly two months. In a lackluster outing Sunday, they defeated New Orleans, 23-0, holding the Saints to 142 yards.

“We came in feeling lackadaisical,” 49er receiver Terrell Owens said. “I don’t know why, but when we had to get started we were ready. That’s what matters.”

Steve Young passed for two touchdowns and Gary Anderson kicked three field goals for the 49ers (7-1).

“Offensively we expect perfection, but we haven’t played together long enough,” Young said of San Francisco’s injury-wracked offense. “It wasn’t our usual game, but their defense was as stiff against us as any we’ve seen.”

It was the first time in the Saints’ 31-year history they had been shut out in back-to-back games. New Orleans (2-7) lost, 13-0, to Carolina last week.

“I guess I was wrong last week,” said Saint Coach Mike Ditka, who said the team had hit bottom. “I guess we got a little lower. It was bad and I don’t know if a bye week will help us or not. We will try to regroup.”

It also was the first time since 1992 that an NFL team was shut out in consecutive games. New England was shut out in the 12th and 13th games that year.

New Orleans made only six first downs, not getting one until 19 seconds remained in the first half. The Saints did not get past midfield until the fourth quarter.

Starting quarterback Danny Wuerffel was pulled after three quarters and Heath Shuler was taken out after one series, allowing Doug Nessmeier to finish up.