Donte Whitner Knocks Pierre Thomas Out with Helmet Hit, Causes Goal Line Fumble

The Saints were on the march on their first drive, about to score when Drew Brees threw a short pass to Pierre Thomas at the 5 yard line. Thomas turned up field and was blasted by 49ers safety Donte Whitner right before Thomas crossed the goal line. The play was properly not called unnecessary roughness for a helmet to helmet hit because Thomas had turned and run for two steps and lowered his head. Had the hit occurred a step and a half earlier, it likely would have been flagged and the outcome different.

Regardless, Pierre Thomas fumbled the ball after being knocked unconscious. It is doubtful he is allowed to return to this game, and the impetus now falls on Darren Sproles. After that fumble, which prevented a Saints score, the 49ers scored on a Vernon Davis touchdown, and just intercepted Drew Brees and converted it into another touchdown. San Francisco 14, New Orleans 0.