Bush catches TD pass from Brees to help Saints take 9-0 lead over 49ers after 1st quarter

Saints lead 49ers 9-0 after 1st quarter

SAN FRANCISCO — Reggie Bush caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees in his first game since giving back his Heisman Trophy and the New Orleans Saints led the San Francisco 49ers 9-0 after one quarter Monday night.

Despite coach Mike Singletary’s bold proclamation that San Francisco would stop Brees and the Saints, the Niners got off to a rough start in their home opener against the defending Super Bowl champions.

They gave up a safety on their first possession, failed to get a first down on their first two tries with the ball and threw an interception to end their third drive after moving inside the New Orleans 30.

There was a festive beginning to the game with receiver Jerry Rice running out in his Hall of Fame jacket for the opening coin toss before his jersey retirement ceremony at halftime. His former quarterback, Joe Montana, and owner, Eddie DeBartolo, were on hand for the event.

That sentiment didn’t last long as Moran Norris was called for holding on the opening kickoff to back up the Niners to their own 10. Three plays later, David Baas sailed a shotgun snap well over Alex Smith’s head for a safety.

After a short free kick, Brees easily moved the Saints down the field on a 46-yard touchdown drive. He capped the drive with the TD pass to Bush, who beat All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis with an inside move for the score.

Bush was playing for the first time since giving back his 2005 Heisman Trophy won while with Southern California. The NCAA punished USC after concluding that Bush and his family took money and gifts from sports agents while Bush played for the Trojans.

The Niners didn’t have the same problems getting the plays from offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye to Smith, but were still unable to reach the end zone for the first time this season.

Singletary and Raye spent the week trying to fix the problem that led to unnecessary timeouts and delay of game penalties in the 31-6 loss at Seattle last week. While moving Raye down to the field was discussed, he stayed put in the booth to call the plays and Smith sported a wristband with go-to plays in case that happened again.

The 49ers were only able to move the ball on one of their first-quarter drives. But that ended when Smith’s pass deflected off Gore’s right hand and right to Roman Harper for an interception.