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Brees looks to continue monster season, faces 49ers

Nov 28, 2006 - 10:30 PM San Francisco (5-6) at New Orleans (7-4) Sunday 1:00 pm ESTNEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- Drew Brees has enjoyed the best five-game stretch for a quarterback since 1970.Brees attempts to continue his monster season Sunday when theNew Orleans Saints host the San Francisco 49ers.After spending his first five seasons with San Diego, Breessigned a six-year, $60 million contract with the Saints as afree agent.Brees has rewarded the Saints with an MVP-caliber season. Heleads the league with 3,463 passing yards and is third with 19touchdowns.Entering this contest, Brees has five straight games with atleast 300 yards, totaling 1,954 yards, the best span in the NFLsince 1970.Another big day may be in order for Brees, who faces a 49ersteam that ranks 31st in scoring defense - allowing 25.9 pointsper game.Last week, Brees threw for 349 yards and two touchdowns to leadthe Saints to a 31-13 victory at Atlanta.Brees was able to put up the big numbers against the Falconsdespite missing rookie wide receiver Marques Colston, who wassidelined with a sprained ankle. Colston has 54 catches for 869yards and seven touchdowns.With Brees leading the way, the Saints have a one-game lead overCarolina in the NFC South.While Brees has carried the Saints, running back Frank Gore hasbeen a major suprise for the Niners. Gore leads the NFC and issecond overall with 1,177 rushing yards.Gore rushed for 134 yards and a touchdown in last week's 20-17loss at St. Louis. It was his third straight 100-yard game andhis sixth of the season.Gore also should have an opportunity to increase his impressivenumbers since the Saints rank 29th against the run, allowing140.0 yards per game.San Francisco is just 1-4 on the road.