Daily Madden: The Tough Road Test For The 49ers
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - The 49ers are three point underdogs as they prepare to play the Saints in New Orleans Sunday.
"Sometimes home field means something and sometimes it doesn't mean anything," John Madden told the KCBS Radio morning crew. "In this case, I really believe it does. The Saints are a totally different team when they play in the Dome. And they're really hard to play. I think not only are they different as a team, I think (quarterback) Drew Brees is different. He's a lot more efficient, a lot more effective. He can do what he wants, there's no noise. Conversely, on the other side, the offense has to deal with the noise."
Madden said the Saints are an elite team that will be difficult to beat.
"Sometimes this is a mistake, (but) the last time I saw the Saints play and compare that to the last time I saw the 49ers play, I would say yes, the Saints are going to beat the 49ers."
The Raiders are in Houston to face the Texans. Madden said Oakland quarterback Terrelle Pryor will have a hard time moving the ball if his sore knee isn't better.
"When you rely on your legs and your legs aren't 100 percent, say they're 75 or 80 percent, then you lose 75 or 80 percent really of your effectiveness. I think that's the key with Terrelle Pryor."
Elsewhere, the Indianapolis Colts had to come from behind to beat the Tennessee Titans 30-27 Thursday night.
"(The Colts) are playing well at the end of the game," Madden said, crediting quarterback Andrew Luck. "For a young quarterback, he's had more comeback wins probably than any young quarterback ever in history. That's kind of become who and what (the Colts) are." (6:45)
Daily Madden
Listen to the John Madden segment live weekday mornings at 8:15 on KCBS All News 740 AM/106.9 FM. And catch John's extra report at 9:15 am Mondays and Fridays on KCBS during the NFL season.
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