The Saints had every right to use injuries and suspension as excuses for losing Sunday's game.  Because they refused to all week long, they were able to win it.

Jim Henderson

Sean Payton and his alter ego, Drew Brees, conveyed just the right mind-set in dealing with a tidal wave of absences.

The Saints were essentially without both starting wide receivers, starting tight end, starting fullback, starting left guard, and starting cornerback.

But instead of lamenting those losses, they challenged those who would replace them.  To paraphrase that noted football historian -- Tina Turner --"we just need another hero."

And look at how many Saints embraced the spotlight:

Carl Nicks was a road grader at left guard.

Kevin Kaesviharn and Tracey Porter had their first interceptions as Saints -- both in the end zone.  It would take some exhaustive research to find out if a Saints' secondary had ever done that.

Sedrick Ellis had his first sack.

Lance Moore had never had a two touchdown day as a Saint receiver.  Yesterday he had two in two series in the second quarter.

Drew Brees' heroic efforts are weekly.  But yesterday while missing three of his best targets, he threw for 363 yards against a 49er defense that hadn't permitted anyone to pass for 200 yards against it in the first three games of the season.

And then there was Deuce McAllister scoring his first touchdown in over a year, rising over the Niners on the goal-line and rising from what looked to be his professional grave as a running back. 

What he did and how he did it will provide a lasting memory for those lucky enough to be in attendance yesterday.

Yesterday there were no third-and-one failures.  In fact there were no third-and-one situations for the Saints all day long.

No one bemoaned their absence.  There was too much to celebrate in the presence of those who came to play, came to step up their games, came to win.

And who did.