Bush, Gore trade TD catches and Saints lead 49ers 9-7 at halftime

Saints lead 49ers 9-7 at halftime

SAN FRANCISCO — Reggie Bush caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees in the first quarter of his first game since giving back his Heisman Trophy and Malcolm Jenkins recovered a key fumble late in the second quarter to help the New Orleans Saints take a 9-7 halftime lead over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

Frank Gore answered Bush’s touchdown reception with one of his own for San Francisco in the second quarter to keep the Niners close in their home opener against the defending Super Bowl champions.

The Niners had a chance to take the lead with a drive deep into Saints territory late in the half. But Jonathan Vilma stripped Delanie Walker of the ball after a short reception and Jenkins recovered at the 3 with 1 minute remaining.

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. The 49ers gave up a safety on their first possession, allowed Bush’s touchdown on New Orleans’ first time with the ball and threw an interception to end their third drive after moving inside the Saints 30.

The mistakes started right away for the Niners as Moran Norris was called for holding on the opening kickoff to back them up 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 as they did in the opener, but were still only able to manage one score.

Coach Mike 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.

After gaining 29 yards on their first three drives, San Francisco moved the ball 82 yards for a score early in the second quarter on Smith’s 12-yard pass to Gore.

The Niners were moving it again late, but Walker’s fumble thwarted their chance at taking the lead.