Niners hand Saints first shutout loss since 2001

Jimmy Garoppolo passed to Jauan Jennings for the game's only touchdown and the host San Francisco 49ers handed the New Orleans Saints their first shutout in more than 20 years 13-0 on Sunday. Robbie Gould added two field goals and Garoppolo completed 26 of 37 passes for 222 yards as the 49ers (7-4) won their fourth consecutive game. Andy Dalton completed 18 of 29 for 204 yards, but Alvin Kamara had just 50 yards from scrimmage and lost two crucial fumbles for the Saints (4-8). New Orleans reached a first-and-goal twice in the fourth quarter, trying to avoid the shutout and pull within one score, but the 49ers defense stood strong both times. It was the first time New Orleans failed to score in 333 games, dating to Week 17 of the 2001 season against the 49ers. On the first possession of the second half, the 49ers drove 47 yards to Gould's 46-yard field goal that increased their lead to 13-0. New Orleans drove to the San Francisco 35, looking for the first second-half points against the 49ers in four games. The Saints lined up to go for fourth and 5, but committed a false start and Wil Lutz missed a 48-yard field goal. That enabled the 49ers to take the 13-0 lead into the fourth quarter. New Orleans reached the San Francisco 6, but Kamara fumbled after a pass reception and Dre Greenlaw recovered for the 49ers at the 1. The Saints reached the 4 on their next possession, but on fourth down, Dalton was sacked by Joey Bosa. The first possession of the game ended when Kamara fumbled and Samson Ebukam recovered for the 49ers at the Saints 43. Eleven plays later, Gould kicked a 24-yard field goal and the 3-0 lead held up through the end of the first quarter. The 49ers defense forced a three-and-out and the offense took over at their 43 after the punt. Nine players later, Garoppolo threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jennings with 13 seconds left, increasing the lead to 10-0 at halftime. --Field Level Media