Great game BUT HORRENDOUSLY coached.
I dont expect the QB to think mid run to slide, but if you are the coach and you call a QB run at that point you must tell him if he makes the 1st down to slide.
By scoring a TD there, their chance of winning was about 60% (see Pinny live lines). If he slides inside the 10, their chances are at least 97% if not 99%.
But it gets worse for the Saints.
Up 3 with 40 seconds left and the ball at the SF 30, you dont even rush any linemen. You tackle every receiver, tight end, and running back immediately. You give up 5 yards, 5-10 seconds go way and you repeat. The first time 10-15 seconds probably goes away as the QB figures out what the hell is going on. 30 seconds later, SF is sitting at midfield, throwing one hail mary trying to win.
If you don't want to do that, surely with 14 seconds left and the ball at your 10 or 15, you tackle all of the above. Then there's 6-7 seconds left at the 5 and they must kick the FG. If they run a second play you tackle everyone again. Use this strategy and you can not lose in regulation there. IDIOTS