1989 San Francisco 49ers season

1989 San Francisco 49ers season
1989 San Francisco 49ers season
Owner	Eddie DeBartolo, Jr.
General manager	John McVay and; Carmen Policy
Head coach	George Seifert
Offensive coordinator	Mike Holmgren
Defensive coordinator	Bill McPherson
Home field	Candlestick Park
Results
Record	14–2
Division place	1st NFC West
Playoff finish	Won Divisional Playoffs; (vs. Vikings) 41–13; Won NFC Championship; (vs. Rams) 30–3; Won Super Bowl XXIV; (vs. Broncos) 55–10
Pro Bowlers	6 QB Joe Montana; RB Roger Craig; WR Jerry Rice; WR John Taylor; G Guy McIntyre; FS Ronnie Lott;
AP All-Pros	8 QB Joe Montana; RB Roger Craig; WR Jerry Rice; PR/WR John Taylor; LB Mike Walter; CB Don Griffin; FS Ronnie Lott; K Mike Cofer;
	← 1988; 49ers seasons; 1990 →;

The 1989 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 40th in the National Football League (NFL), their 44th overall and their 1st season under head coach George Seifert. After going 14–2 in the regular season, the 49ers completed the season with one of the most dominant playoff runs of all time, outscoring opponents 126–26, earning their fourth Super Bowl victory and their second consecutive, where they defeated the Broncos, 55–10. They finished with the best record in the NFL for the first time since 1987. Their two losses were by a combined 5 points. The 49ers became the 2nd team in NFL history to win 4 Super Bowls, the first being the Steelers.

In 2007, ESPN.com's Page 2 ranked the 1989 49ers as the greatest team in Super Bowl history.^[3]

This was the season where the 49ers added the black trim on the SF logo on the helmets which lasted until the 1995 season.

Quarterback Joe Montana had one of the greatest statistical passing seasons in NFL history in terms of efficiency in 1989. Montana set a then-NFL record with a passer rating of 112.4,^[4] with a completion percentage of 70.2%, and a 26/8 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

In the playoffs, Montana had arguably the greatest postseason performance by any quarterback in NFL history. He posted a 78.3% completion percentage, 800 yards, 11 touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 146.4 passer rating. Cold Hard Football Facts calls Montana's 1989 season "the one by which we must measure all other passing seasons."^[5]

The 1989 49ers ranked #5 on the 100 greatest teams of all time presented by the NFL on its 100th anniversary.^[6]^[7]

Offseason

NFL Draft

1989 San Francisco 49ers Draft
Round	Selection	Player	Position	College	Notes
1	28	Keith DeLong	LB	Tennessee
2	56	Wesley Walls	TE	Mississippi
3	84	Keith Henderson	RB	Georgia
4	112	Michael Barber	WR	Marshall
5	122	Johnnie Jackson	CB	Houston	from Los Angeles Raiders
6	167	Steve Hendrickson	LB	California
9	251	Rudy Harmon	LB	LSU
10	279	Andy Sinclair	C	Stanford
11	289	Jim Bell	RB	Boston College	from Los Angeles Raiders
11	307	Norm McGee	WR	North Dakota
12	319	Antonio Goss	LB	North Carolina	from Los Angeles Raiders

^[8]

Training Camp

The 1989 San Francisco 49ers season held training camp at Sierra College in Rocklin, California.

Personnel

Staff

**1989 San Francisco 49ers staff**
	Front office Owner/president – Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. Executive vice president/general counsel – Carmen Policy Vice president/general manager – John McVay Administrator of football operations – Neal Dahlen Director of college scouting – Tony Razzano Director of pro personnel – Allan Webb Head coaches Head coach – George Seifert Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks – Mike Holmgren Running backs – Al Lavan Wide receivers – Sherman Lewis Tight ends – Lynn Stiles Offensive line – Bobb McKittrick			Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Bill McPherson Defensive line – John Marshall Linebackers – Bob Zeman Defensive backs – Ray Rhodes Defensive assistant – Tommy Hart Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Lynn Stiles Strength and conditioning Physical development coordinator – Jerry Attaway

Roster

**1989 San Francisco 49ers roster**
Quarterbacks (QB) 8 Steve Young 13 Steve Bono 16 Joe Montana Running backs (RB) 23 Spencer Tillman 30 Keith Henderson 32 Terrence Flagler 33 Roger Craig 44 Tom Rathman FB Wide receivers (WR) 80 Jerry Rice 82 John Taylor PR 85 Mike Wilson Tight ends (TE) 81 Jamie Williams 84 Brent Jones 89 Wesley Walls		Offensive linemen (OL) 60 Chuck Thomas C 61 Jesse Sapolu C 62 Guy McIntyre G 66 Terry Tausch G 69 Bruce Collie G 74 Steve Wallace T 77 Bubba Paris T 79 Harris Barton T Defensive linemen (DL) 64 Jim Burt NT 67 Pete Kugler NT 75 Kevin Fagan DE 76 Rollin Putzier DE 78 Pierce Holt DE 91 Larry Roberts DE 96 Danny Stubbs DE		Linebackers (LB) 53 Bill Romanowski OLB 54 Matt Millen ILB 56 Steve Hendrickson ILB 58 Keena Turner OLB 59 Keith DeLong ILB 94 Charles Haley OLB 98 Antonio Goss OLB 99 Michael Walter ILB Defensive backs (DB) 21 Eric Wright CB 22 Tim McKyer CB 26 Darryl Pollard CB 29 Don Griffin CB 31 Chet Brooks SS 40 Johnnie Jackson SS 42 Ronnie Lott FS 46 Tom Holmoe FS Special teams 6 Mike Cofer K 9 Barry Helton P				Practice squad 68 Dave Cullity T -- Jeff Roth NT 63 Ricky Siglar G/T -- Jeff Stephenson LB Reserve 24 Harry Sydney RB (IR) 49 Jeff Fuller S (IR) 50 Riki Ellison LB (IR) 55 Jim Fahnhorst LB (IR) 65 Jeff Bregel G (IR) 72 Jeff Stover DE (PUP) 83 Terry Greer WR (IR) 88 Mike Sherrard WR (PUP) 95 Michael Carter NT (IR) -- Chris Washington LB (IR) Rookies in italics 47 active, 10 reserve, 4 practice squad

^[9]

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	Recap
1	August 5	Los Angeles Rams	L 13–16 (OT)	0–1	Tokyo Dome	43,896	Recap
2	August 12	at Los Angeles Raiders	W 37–7	1–1	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum	36,739	Recap
3	August 19	Denver Broncos	W 35–17	2–1	Candlestick Park	58,641	Recap
4	August 23	San Diego Chargers	W 17–14	3–1	Candlestick Park	54,471	Recap
5	September 1	at Seattle Seahawks	L 17–28	3–2	Kingdome	58,641	Recap

Regular season

The 49ers' offense was just as dominating as it had been during the previous regular season. Quarterback Joe Montana threw for 3,512 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions, giving him what was then the highest passer rating in NFL history (112.4). Montana also rushed for 227 yards and 3 touchdowns, and earned both the NFL Most Valuable Player Award and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. Wide receiver Jerry Rice had another outstanding season, catching 82 passes for 1,483 yards and 17 touchdowns. Running back Roger Craig was the team's leading rusher with 1,054 yards and 6 touchdowns, and he recorded 49 receptions for 473 yards and another touchdown.

But other stars on the 49ers' offense began to emerge, enabling the team to spread the ball around. After being used primarily as a punt returner during his first 2 seasons, wide receiver John Taylor had a breakout season, catching 60 passes for 1,077 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also returning 36 punts for 417 yards. Tight end Brent Jones recorded 40 receptions for 500 yards. Fullback Tom Rathman had the best season of his career, rushing for 305 yards and catching 73 passes for 616 yards. Even Montana's backup, quarterback Steve Young, had a great year, throwing for 1,001 yards and 8 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions, while also rushing for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns. With all of these weapons, San Francisco's offense led the league in total yards from scrimmage (6,268) and scoring (442 points).

The 49ers' defense was ranked #3 in the NFL. Three starters from the defense made the 1989 All-Pro Team: Ronnie Lott, Don Griffin, and Michael Walter.

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	Recap
1	September 10	at Indianapolis Colts	W 30–24	1–0	Hoosier Dome	60,111	Recap
2	September 17	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 20–16	2–0	Tampa Stadium	64,087	Recap
3	September 24	at Philadelphia Eagles	W 38–28	3–0	Veterans Stadium	66,042	Recap
4	October 1	Los Angeles Rams	L 12–13	3–1	Candlestick Park	64,250	Recap
5	October 8	at New Orleans Saints	W 24–20	4–1	Louisiana Superdome	60,488	Recap
6	October 15	at Dallas Cowboys	W 31–14	5–1	Texas Stadium	61,077	Recap
7	October 22	New England Patriots	W 37–20	6–1	Stanford Stadium^[A]	51,781	Recap
8	October 29	at New York Jets	W 23–10	7–1	Giants Stadium	62,805	Recap
9	November 6	New Orleans Saints	W 31–13	8–1	Candlestick Park	60,667	Recap
10	November 12	Atlanta Falcons	W 45–3	9–1	Candlestick Park	59,914	Recap
11	November 19	Green Bay Packers	L 17–21	9–2	Candlestick Park	62,219	Recap
12	November 27	New York Giants	W 34–24	10–2	Candlestick Park	63,461	Recap
13	December 3	at Atlanta Falcons	W 23–10	11–2	Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium	43,128	Recap
14	December 11	at Los Angeles Rams	W 30–27	12–2	Anaheim Stadium	67,959	Recap
15	December 17	Buffalo Bills	W 21–10	13–2	Candlestick Park	60,927	Recap
16	December 24	Chicago Bears	W 26–0	14–2	Candlestick Park	60,207	Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Season summary

Week 1 at Indianapolis Colts

Week One: San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	3	10	10	7	30
Colts	3	7	0	14	24

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis

Date: September 10
Game time: 10:00 a.m. PDT
Game weather: indoors
Game attendance: 60,111
Referee: Tom Dooley
TV announcers (CBS): Tim Brant (play-by-play), Dan Jiggetts (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 38 yard field goal – 49ers 3–0
IND – Dean Biasucci 31 yard field goal – Tied 3–3

Second quarter

SF – Roger Craig 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 10–3
IND – Bill Brooks 22 yard pass from Chris Chandler – (Dean Biasucci kick) Tied 10–10
SF – Mike Cofer 26 yard field goal – 49ers 13–10

Third quarter

SF – Roger Craig 4 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 20–10
SF – Mike Cofer 31 yard field goal – 49ers 23–10

Fourth quarter

IND – Chris Chandler 1 yard rush – (Dean Biasucci kick) 49ers 23–17
SF – Jerry Rice 58 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 30–17
IND – Albert Bentley 0 yard punt return – (Dean Biasucci kick) 49ers 30–24

Top passers

SF – Joe Montana, 15/26, 233 Yds, 1 TD
IND – Chris Chandler, 14/32, 200 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int

Top rushers

SF – Roger Craig, 24 Car, 131 Yds, 2 TDs
IND – Eric Dickerson, 19 Car, 106 Yds

Top receivers

SF – Jerry Rice, 6 Rec, 163 Yds, 1 TD
IND – Bill Brooks, 4 Rec, 80 Yds, 1 TD

Top tacklers

SF -
IND -

Turnovers

SF – 0
IND – 1

Week One proved to be a struggle for the Niners as Joe Montana led five scoring drives, putting the Niners ahead by 23–10 entering the fourth quarter, but then Colts QB Chris Chandler ran in a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, and a 58-yard touchdown bomb to Jerry Rice was answered by a blocked punt and recovery for a touchdown by the Colts, though they could get no closer than a 30–24 Niners margin.

Week 2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Two: San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	6	0	14	20
Buccaneers	3	0	6	7	16

at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Date: September 17
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
Game weather: 82 °F (27.8 °C); wind 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h; 5.2 kn)
Game attendance: 64,087
Referee: Gordon McCarter
TV announcers (CBS): Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

TB – Donald Igwebuike 23 yard field goal – Buccaneers 3–0

Second quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 47 yard field goal – Tied 3–3
SF – Mike Cofer 32 yard field goal – 49ers 6–3

Third quarter

TB – Donald Igwebuike 44 yard field goal – Tied 6–6
TB – Donald Igwebuike 37 yard field goal – Buccaneers 9–6

Fourth quarter

SF – Jerry Rice 2 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 13–9
TB – Mark Carrier 18 yard pass from Vinny Testaverde – (Donald Igwebuike kick) Buccaneers 16–13
SF – Joe Montana 4 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 20–16

Top passers

SF – Joe Montana, 25/39, 266 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints
TB – Vinny Testaverde, 14/35, 146 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints

Top rushers

SF – Roger Craig, 16 Car, 36 Yds
TB – William Howard, 12 Car, 41 Yds

Top receivers

SF – Jerry Rice, 8 Rec, 122 Yds, 1 TD
TB – Mark Carrier, 5 Rec, 86 Yds, 1 TD

Top tacklers

SF -
TB -

Turnovers

SF – 3
TB – 3

Week 3 at Philadelphia Eagles

Week Three: San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	3	0	28	38
Eagles	9	3	6	10	28

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia

Date: September 24
Game time: 10:00 a.m. PDT
Game weather: 52 °F (11.1 °C); wind 10 miles per hour (16 km/h; 8.7 kn)
Game attendance: 66,042
Referee: Dick Jorgensen
TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Terry Bradshaw (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

SF – Jerry Rice 68 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0
PHI – Heath Sherman 2 yard rush – (Luis Zendejas kick) Tied 7–7
PHI – Safety, Al Harris tackled Joe Montana in end zone – Eagles 9–7

Second quarter

PHI – Luis Zendejas 35 yard field goal – Eagles 12–7
SF – Mike Cofer 32 yard field goal – Eagles 12–10

Third quarter

PHI – Luis Zendejas 35 yard field goal – Eagles 15–10
PHI – Luis Zendejas 44 yard field goal – Eagles 18–10

Fourth quarter

PHI – Luis Zendejas 20 yard field goal – Eagles 21–10
SF – John Taylor 70 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Eagles 21–17
PHI – Jimmie Giles 3 yard pass from Randall Cunningham – (Luis Zendejas kick) Eagles 28–17
SF – Tom Rathman 8 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Eagles 28–24
SF – Brent Jones 25 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 31–28
SF – Jerry Rice 33 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 38–28

Top passers

SF – Joe Montana, 25/34, 428 Yds, 5 TDs, 1 Int
PHI – Randall Cunningham, 19/38, 192 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int

Top rushers

SF – Harry Sydney, 4 Car, 30 Yds
PHI – Randall Cunningham, 8 Car, 52 Yds

Top receivers

SF – Jerry Rice, 6 Rec, 164 Yds, 2 TDs
PHI – Heath Sherman, 4 Rec, 53 Yds

Top tacklers

SF -
PHI -

Turnovers

SF – 3
PHI – 3

The Niners fell behind 21–10 in the fourth but despite giving up a safety Joe Montana erupted, outscoring the Eagles 28–7 and throwing for 428 yards and five touchdowns in total, winning 38–28.

Week 4 vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week Four: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	3	7	0	3	13
49ers	6	3	0	3	12

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Date: October 1
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
Game weather: 69 °F or 20.6 °C (Sunny); wind 15 miles per hour (24 km/h; 13 kn)
Game attendance: 64,250
Referee: Jerry Seeman
TV announcers (CBS): Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 26 yard field goal – 49ers 3–0
LARams – Mike Lansford 40 yard field goal – Tied 3–3
SF – Mike Cofer 32 yard field goal – 49ers 6–3

Second quarter

LARams – Flipper Anderson 65 yard pass from Jim Everett – (Mike Lansford kick) Rams 10–6
SF – Mike Cofer 41 yard field goal – Rams 10–9

Third quarter

No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 17 yard field goal – 49ers 12–10
LARams – Mike Lansford 26 yard field goal – Rams 13–12

Top passers

LARams – Jim Everett, 16/25, 250 Yds, 1 TD
SF – Joe Montana, 25/35, 227 Yds

Top rushers

LARams – Greg Bell, 14 Car, 33 Yds
SF – Roger Craig, 18 Car, 67 Yds

Top receivers

LARams – Henry Ellard, 5 Rec, 63 Yds
SF – Brent Jones, 5 Rec, 51 Yds

Top tacklers

LARams -
SF -

Turnovers

LARams – 0
SF – 1

Week 5 at New Orleans Saints

This game was originally scheduled for Candlestick Park, but was played at the Louisiana Superdome instead because the 49ers' fellow Candlestick Park tenant, the San Francisco Giants, played host to Games 3, 4, and 5 of the 1989 National League Championship Series. The November 6 game would be moved to San Francisco.

Week Five: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	3	7	14	24
Saints	0	10	7	3	20

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Date: October 8
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
Game weather: indoors
Game attendance: 60,488
Referee: Red Cashion
TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Terry Bradshaw (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

No scoring plays

Second quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 41 yard field goal – 49ers 3–0
NO – Hoby Brenner 2 yard pass from Bobby Hebert – (Morten Andersen kick) Saints 7–3
NO – Morten Andersen 49 yard field goal – Saints 10–3

Third quarter

NO – Dalton Hilliard 19 yard pass from Bobby Hebert – (Morten Andersen kick) Saints 17–3
SF – Jerry Rice 60 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Saints 17–10

Fourth quarter

SF – John Taylor 21 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Tied 17–17
NO – Morten Andersen 39 yard field goal – Saints 20–17
SF – John Taylor 32 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 24–20

Top passers

SF – Joe Montana, 21/29, 291 Yds, 3 TDs
NO – Bobby Hebert, 31/49, 308 Yds, 2 TDs

Top rushers

SF – Roger Craig, 18 Car, 70 Yds
NO – Craig Heyward, 4 Car, 21 Yds

Top receivers

SF – Jerry Rice, 7 Rec, 149 Yds, 1 TD
NO – Dalton Hilliard, 9 Rec, 77 yds, 1 TD

Top tacklers

SF -
NO -

Turnovers

SF – 1
NO – 0

Week 6 at Dallas Cowboys

Week Six: San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	7	7	17	31
Cowboys	0	7	7	0	14

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

Date: October 15
Game time: 10:00 a.m. PDT
Game weather: 76 °F (24.4 °C); wind 12 miles per hour (19 km/h; 10 kn)
Game attendance: 61,077
Referee: Ben Dreith
TV announcers (CBS): Tim Brant (play-by-play), Dan Jiggetts (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

No scoring plays

Second quarter

SF – Brent Jones 36 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0
DAL – Kelvin Martin 32 yard pass from Steve Walsh – (Roger Ruzek kick) Tied 7–7

Third quarter

SF – Johnnie Jackson 75 yard blocked field goal return – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–7
DAL – Darryl Clack 1 yard rush – (Roger Ruzek kick) Tied 14–14

Fourth quarter

SF – Jerry Rice 8 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 21–14
SF – Mike Cofer 31 yard field goal – 49ers 24–14
SF – Roger Craig 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 31–14

Top passers

SF – Steve Young, 13/18, 174 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int
DAL – Steve Walsh, 23/36, 294 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints

Top rushers

SF – Steve Young, 11 Car, 79 Yds
DAL – Darryl Clack, 12 Car, 32 Yds, 1 TD

Top receivers

SF – Tom Rathman, 5 Rec, 64 Yds
DAL – Michael Irvin, 6 Rec, 60 Yds

Top tacklers

SF -
DAL -

Turnovers

SF – 1
DAL – 3

Week 7 vs. New England Patriots

This game was played at Stanford Stadium, as Candlestick Park had sustained damage in the Loma Prieta earthquake five days earlier.

Week Seven: New England Patriots at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	0	10	7	3	20
49ers	0	17	7	13	37

at Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California

Date: October 22
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
Game weather: 63 °F (17.2 °C); wind 16 miles per hour (26 km/h; 14 kn)
Game attendance: 51,781
Referee: Howard Roe
TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play), Bill Walsh (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

No scoring plays

Second quarter

NE – Stanley Morgan 55 yard pass from Steve Grogan – (Greg Davis kick) – Patriots 7–0
SF – Jerry Rice 3 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Tied 7–7
SF – Mike Cofer 23 yard field goal – 49ers 10–7
NE – Greg Davis 49 yard field goal – Tied 10–10
SF – Wesley Walls 1 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 17–10

Third quarter

NE – Stanley Morgan 19 yard pass from Steve Grogan – (Greg Davis kick) – Tied 17–17
SF – Jerry Rice 50 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 24–17

Fourth quarter

NE – Greg Davis 21 yard field goal – 49ers 24–20
SF – John Taylor 43 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 31–20
SF – Roger Craig 3 yard run – (kick failed) 49ers 37–20

Top passers

NE – Steve Grogan, 15/29, 240 Yds, 2 TDs, 2 Ints
SF – Steve Young, 11/12, 188 Yds, 3 TDs

Top rushers

NE – John Stephens, 21 Car, 63 Yds
SF – Roger Craig, 22 Car, 66 Yds, 1 TD

Top receivers

NE – Irving Fryar, 5 Rec, 102 Yds
SF – Tom Rathman, 11 Rec, 103 Yds

Top tacklers

NE -
SF -

Turnovers

NE – 2
SF – 0

Week 8 at New York Jets

Week Eight: San Francisco 49ers at New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	13	3	0	23
Jets	0	7	3	0	10

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: October 29
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 64 °F (17.8 °C); wind 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h; 5.2 kn)
Game attendance: 62,805
Referee: Fred Wyant
TV announcers (CBS): Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

SF – Brent Jones 10 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0

Second quarter

NYJ – Erik McMillan 45 yard fumble return – (Pat Leahy kick) Tied 7–7
SF – Jerry Rice 45 yard pass from Steve Bono – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–7
SF – Mike Cofer 25 yard field goal – 49ers 17–7
SF – Mike Cofer 41 yard field goal – 49ers 20–7

Third quarter

NYJ – Pat Leahy 34 yard field goal – 49ers 20–10
SF – Mike Cofer 40 yard field goal – 49ers 23–10

Fourth quarter

No scoring plays

Top passers

SF – Steve Young, 13/20, 182 Yds, 1 TD
NYJ – Ken O'Brien, 25/36, 203 Yds

Top rushers

SF – Roger Craig, 17 Car, 78 Yds
NYJ – Johnny Hector, 13 Car, 77 Yds

Top receivers

SF – Roger Craig, 6 Rec, 85 Yds
NYJ – Keith Neubert, 4 Rec, 40 Yds

Top tacklers

SF -
NYJ -

Turnovers

SF – 1
NYJ – 2

Week 9 vs. New Orleans Saints

This game was originally scheduled for Louisiana Superdome, but was played at Candlestick Park instead, because the originally scheduled October 8 game at Candlestick Park had been moved to the Louisiana Superdome.

Week Nine: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	7	3	3	0	13
49ers	7	14	3	7	31

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Date: November 6
Game time: 6:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 54 °F or 12.2 °C (Clear); wind 11 miles per hour (18 km/h; 9.6 kn)
Game attendance: 60,667
Referee: Jim Tunney
TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), Dan Dierdorf and Frank Gifford (color commentators)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

SF – Jerry Rice 32 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0
NO – Dalton Hilliard 1 yard rush – (Morten Andersen kick) Tied 7–7

Second quarter

SF – Jerry Rice 2 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–7
NO – Morten Andersen 39 yard field goal – 49ers 14–10
SF – John Taylor 46 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 21–10

Third quarter

NO – Morten Andersen 23 yard field goal – 49ers 21–13
SF – Mike Cofer 44 yard field goal – 49ers 24–13

Fourth quarter

SF – Joe Montana 3 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 31–13

Top passers

NO – Bobby Hebert, 20/33, 183 Yds, 2 Ints
SF – Joe Montana, 22/31, 302 Yds, 3 TDs

Top rushers

NO – Dalton Hilliard, 18 Car, 80 Yds, 1 TD
SF – Roger Craig, 17 Car, 51 Yds

Top receivers

NO – Dalton Hilliard, 5 Rec, 31 Yds
SF – Tom Rathman, 7 Rec, 64 Yds

Top tacklers

NO -
SF -

Turnovers

N0 – 2
SF – 0

Week 10 vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week Ten: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	0	3	0	0	3
49ers	7	21	10	7	45

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Date: November 12
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 59 °F or 15 °C (Mostly Cloudy); wind 14 miles per hour (23 km/h; 12 kn)
Game attendance: 59,914
Referee: Jerry Seeman
TV announcers (CBS): Tim Brant (play-by-play), Dan Jiggetts (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

SF – Joe Montana 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0

Second quarter

ATL – Chris Miller 23 yard field goal – 49ers 7–3
SF – Jerry Rice 38 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–3
SF – Charles Haley 3 yard fumble return – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 21–3
SF – John Taylor 2 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 28–3

Third quarter

SF – Jerry Rice 11 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 35–3
SF – Mike Cofer 18 yard field goal – 49ers 38–3

Fourth quarter

SF – Keith Henderson 11 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 45–3

Top passers

ATL – Chris Miller, 17/32, 149 Yds
SF – Joe Montana, 16/19, 270 Yds, 3 TDs

Top rushers

ATL – John Settle, 8 Car, 31 Yds
SF – Roger Craig, 17 Car, 109 Yds

Top receivers

ATL – Floyd Dixon, 4 Rec, 48 Yds
SF – Tom Rathman, 6 Rec, 43 Yds

Top tacklers

ATL -
SF -

Turnovers

ATL – 1
SF – 2

Week 11 vs. Green Bay Packers

Week Eleven: Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	7	7	0	7	21
49ers	7	7	0	3	17

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Date: November 19
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 72 °F or 22.2 °C (Sunny); wind 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h; 3.5 kn)
Game attendance: 62,219
Referee: Dick Hantak
TV announcers (CBS): Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

GB – Don Majkowski 2 yard rush – (Chris Jacke kick) Packers 7–0
SF – Roger Craig 4 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Tied 7–7

Second quarter

GB – Sterling Sharpe 4 yard pass from Don Majkowski – (Chris Jacke kick) Packers 14–7
SF – Jerry Rice 9 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Tied 14–14

Third quarter

No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

GB – Don Majkowski 8 yard rush – (Chris Jacke kick) Packers 21–14
SF – Mike Cofer 44 yard field goal – Packers 21–17

Top passers

GB – Don Majkowski, 18/30, 153 Yds, 1 TD
SF – Joe Montana, 30/42, 325 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int

Top rushers

GB – Brent Fullwood, 16 Car, 76 Yds
SF – Roger Craig, 8 Car, 41 Yds

Top receivers

GB – Sterling Sharpe, 6 Rec, 59 Yds, 1 TD
SF – Jerry Rice, 9 Rec, 106 Yds, 1 TD

Top tacklers

GB -
SF -

Turnovers

GB – 1
SF – 4

The Niners fell to the Green Bay Packers in what would be their final loss of the season, as Don Majkowski ran in two touchdowns and threw for a third, overcoming 325 yards by Joe Montana, who was sacked five times. The 49ers appeared to take the lead in the 4th quarter on an interception return for a touchdown, but a penalty nullified the score.

Week 12 vs. New York Giants

Week Twelve: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	7	3	7	7	24
49ers	14	10	0	10	34

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Date: November 27
Game time: 6:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 54 °F or 12.2 °C (Clear); wind 12 miles per hour (19 km/h; 10 kn)
Game attendance: 63,461
Referee: Bob McElwee
TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), Dan Dierdorf and Frank Gifford (color commentators)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

SF – John Taylor 4 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0
NYG – Ottis Anderson 2 yard rush – (Bjorn Nittomo kick) Tied 7–7
SF – Jerry Rice 4 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–7

Second quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 44 yard field goal – 49ers 17–7
SF – Brent Jones 17 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 24–7
NYG – Bjorn Nittomo 39 yard field goal – 49ers 24–10

Third quarter

NYG – Dave Meggett 53 yard pass from Phil Simms – (Bjorn Nittomo kick) 49ers 24–17

Fourth quarter

NYG – Odessa Turner 7 yard pass from Phil Simms – (Bjorn Nittomo kick) Tied 24–24
SF – Mike Cofer 45 yard field goal – 49ers 27–24
SF – Tom Rathman 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer 49ers 34–24

Top passers

NYG – Phil Simms, 25/48, 326 Yds, 2 TDs, 3 Ints
SF – Joe Montana, 27/33, 292 Yds, 3 TDs

Top rushers

NYG – Dave Meggett, 5 Car, 29 Yds
SF – Roger Craig, 20 Car, 49 Yds

Top receivers

NYG – Zeke Mowatt, 5 Rec, 62 Yds
SF – Jerry Rice, 7 Rec, 117 Yds, 1 TD

Top tacklers

NYG -
SF -

Turnovers

NYG – 5
SF – 3

Week 13 at Atlanta Falcons

Week Thirteen: San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	6	0	7	10	23
Falcons	0	10	0	0	10

at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, Atlanta

Date: December 3
Game time: 10:00 a.m. PST
Game weather: 39 °F (3.9 °C); wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn), wind chill 30 °F or −1.1 °C
Game attendance: 43,128
Referee: Gene Barth
TV announcers (CBS): James Brown (play-by-play), Ken Stabler (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 35 yard field goal – 49ers 3–0
SF – Mike Cofer 23 yard field goal – 49ers 6–0

Second quarter

ATL – Greg Davis 46 yard field goal – 49ers 6–3
ATL – Ron Heller 28 yard pass from Chris Miller – (Greg Davis kick) Falcons 10–6

Third quarter

SF – John Taylor 38 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 13–10

Fourth quarter

SF – Steve Young 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 20–10
SF – Mike Cofer 27 yard field goal – 49ers 23–10

Top passers

SF – Steve Young, 11/12, 175 Yds, 1 TD
ATL – Chris Miller, 17/32, 231 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints

Top rushers

SF – Roger Craig, 17 Car, 97 Yds
ATL – John Settle, 10 Car, 15 Yds

Top receivers

SF – John Taylor, 5 Rec, 162 Yds, 1 TD
ATL – Shawn Collins, 5 Rec, 71 Yds

Top tacklers

SF -
ATL -

Turnovers

SF – 1
ATL – 2

Week 14 at Los Angeles Rams

Week Fourteen: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	10	0	20	30
Rams	17	0	7	3	27

at Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim, California

Date: December 11
Game time: 6:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 56 °F (13.3 °C); wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
Game attendance: 67,959
Referee: Gordon McCarter
TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), Dan Dierdorf and Frank Gifford (color commentators)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

LARams – Greg Bell 3 yard rush – (Mike Lansford kick) Rams 7–0
LARams – Damone Johnson 4 yard pass from Jim Everett – (Mike Lansford kick) Rams 14–0
LARams – Mike Lansford 25 yard field goal – Rams 17–0

Second quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 19 yard field goal – Rams 17–3
SF – John Taylor 92 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Rams 17–10

Third quarter

LARams – Buford McGee 13 yard pass from Jim Evertt – (Mike Lansford kick) Rams 24–10

Fourth quarter

LARams – Mike Lansford 22 yard field goal – Rams 27–10
SF – Mike Wilson 7 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Rams 27–17
SF – John Taylor 96 yard pass from Joe Montana – (kick failed) Rams 27–23
SF – Roger Craig 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 30–27

Top passers

SF – Joe Montana, 30/42, 458 Yds, 3 TDs, 2 Ints
LARams – Jim Everett, 18/31, 239 Yds, 2 TDs

Top rushers

SF – Roger Craig, 16 Car, 48 Yds, 1 TD
LARams – Greg Bell, 14 Car, 48 Yds, 1 TD

Top receivers

SF – John Taylor, 11 Rec, 286 Yds, 2 TDs
LARams – Aaaron Cox, 3 Rec, 34 Yds

Top tacklers

SF -
LARams -

Turnovers

SF – 2
LARams – 2

In what many 49ers fans consider one of the greatest regular-season wins in team history, the 49ers came back from a 27–10 4th-quarter deficit to beat the Rams 30–27. The Rams had already beaten the 49ers earlier in the year and looked poised to do it again, but the 49ers, with help from John Taylor's big game, took the lead late with Roger Craig's 1-yard touchdown. John Taylor had 11 catches for an astonishing 286 yards receiving, which included a touchdown catch of 92 yards, and another touchdown catch for 96 yards. Joe Montana was 30 for 42 and passed for 458 yards.

Week 15 vs. Buffalo Bills

Week Fifteen: Buffalo Bills at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	3	0	0	7	10
49ers	0	0	7	14	21

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Date: December 17
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 47 °F (8.3 °C); wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
Game attendance: 60,927
Referee: Johnny Grier
TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play), Bill Walsh (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

BUF – Scott Norwood 23 yard field goal – Bills 3–0

Second quarter

No scoring plays

Third quarter

SF – Roger Craig 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–3

Fourth quarter

SF – Steve Young 2 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–3
SF – Jerry Rice 8 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 21–3
BUF – Jim Kelly 1 yard rush – (Scott Norwood kick) 49ers 21–10

Top passers

BUF – Jim Kelly, 26/42, 265 Yds, 3 Ints
SF – Steve Young, 9/19, 166 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints

Top rushers

BUF – Larry Kinnebrew, 8 Car, 29 Yds
SF – Roger Craig, 25 Car, 105 Yds, 1 TD

Top receivers

BUF – Andre Reed, 10 Rec, 115 Yds
SF – Jerry Rice, 3 Rec, 46 Yds, 1 TD

Top tacklers

BUF -
SF -

Turnovers

BUF – 5
SF – 2

Week 16 vs. Chicago Bears

Week Sixteen: Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	0	0	0	0	0
49ers	3	13	3	7	26

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Date: December 24
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 46 °F (7.8 °C); wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
Game attendance: 60,207
Referee: Jim Tunney
TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 29 yard field goal – 49ers 3–0

Second quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 24 yard field goal – 49ers 6–0
SF – Jerry Rice 29 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 13–0
SF – Mike Cofer 36 yard field goal – 49ers 16–0

Third quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 47 yard field goal – 49ers 19–0

Fourth quarter

SF – Terrance Flagler 29 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 26–0

Top passers

CHI – Mike Tomczak, 14/30, 147 Yds, 2 Ints
SF – Joe Montana, 10/21, 106 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int

Top rushers

CHI – Jim Harbuagh, 7 Car, 44 Yds
SF – Terrance Flagler, 8 Car, 41 Yds, 1 TD

Top receivers

CHI – Dennis McKinnon, 3 Rec, 43 Yds
SF – Jerry Rice, 4 Rec, 101 Yds, 1 TD

Top tacklers

CHI -
SF -

Turnovers

CHI – 5
SF – 1

Standings

NFC West
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
San Francisco 49ers⁽¹⁾	14	2	0	.875	5–1	10–2	442	253	W5
Los Angeles Rams⁽⁵⁾	11	5	0	.688	4–2	8–4	426	344	W2
New Orleans Saints	9	7	0	.563	3–3	5–7	386	301	W3
Atlanta Falcons	3	13	0	.188	0–6	1–11	279	437	L7

Playoffs

Round	Date	Opponent (seed)	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	Recap
Wild Card	First-round bye
Divisional	January 6, 1990	Minnesota Vikings (3)	W 41–13	1–0	Candlestick Park	64,585	Recap
NFC Championship	January 14, 1990	Los Angeles Rams (5)	W 30–3	2–0	Candlestick Park	64,769	Recap
Super Bowl XXIV	January 28, 1990	vs. Denver Broncos (A1)	W 55–10	3–0	Louisiana Superdome	72,919	Recap

NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (3) Minnesota Vikings

NFC Divisional Playoff: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	0	3	7	13
49ers	7	20	0	14	41

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco

Date: January 6, 1990 (Sat)
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C); wind 8
Game attendance: 64,585
Referee: Tom Dooley
TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Terry Bradshaw (color commentator), Irv Cross (sideline reporter)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

MIN – Rich Karlis 38 yard field goal – Vikings 3–0
SF – Jerry Rice 72 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–3

Second quarter

SF – Brent Jones 8 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–3
SF – John Taylor 8 yard pass from Joe Montana – (kick failed) 49ers 20–3
SF – Jerry Rice 13 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 27–3

Third quarter

MIN – Rich Karlis 44 yard field goal – 49ers 27–6

Fourth Quarter

SF – Ronnie Lott 58 yard interception return – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 34–6
SF – Roger Craig 4 yard rush – Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 41–6
MIN – Rick Fenney 3 yard rush – (Rich Karlis kick) 49ers 41–13

Top passers

MIN – Rich Gannon, 13/18, 144 Yds, 1 Int
SF – Joe Montana, 17/24, 241 Yds, 4 TD

Top rushers

MIN – Herschel Walker, 9 Car, 29 Yds
SF – Roger Craig, 18 Car, 125 Yds, 1 TD

Top receivers

MIN – Steve Jordan, 9 Rec, 149 Yds
SF – Jerry Rice, 6 Rec, 114 Yds, 2 TDs

Top tacklers

MIN -
SF -

Turnovers

MIN – 5
SF – 1

NFC Championship: vs. (5) Los Angeles Rams

NFC Championship Game: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	3	0	0	0	3
49ers	0	21	3	6	30

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Date: January 14, 1990
Game time: 2:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C); wind 14
Game attendance: 64,769
Referee: Jerry Markbreit
TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator), Randy Cross (sideline reporter)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

LARams – Mike Lansford 23 yard field goal Rams 3–0

Second quarter

SF – Brent Jones 20 yard pass from Joe Montana (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–3
SF – Roger Craig 1 yard rush (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–3
SF – John Taylor 18 yard pass from Joe Montana (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 21–3

Third quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 28 yard field goal 49ers 24–3

Fourth quarter

SF – Mike Cofer 36 yard field goal 49ers 27–3
SF – Mike Cofer 25 yard field goal 49ers 30–3

Top passers

LARams – Jim Everett, 16/36, 141 Yds, 3 Ints
SF – Joe Montana, 26/30, 262 Yds, 2 TDs

Top rushers

LARams – Greg Bell, 8 Car, 20 Yds
SF – Roger Craig, 23 Car, 93 Yds, 1 TD

Top receivers

LARams – Buford McGee, 7 Rec, 53 Yds
SF – Jerry Rice, 6 Rec, 55 Yds

Top tacklers

LARams -
SF -

Turnovers

LARams – 3
SF – 2

Super Bowl XXIV

Super Bowl XXIV: San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	13	14	14	14	55
Broncos	3	0	7	0	10

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Date: January 28, 1990
Game time: 2:15 p.m. PST/4:15 p.m. CST
Game weather: indoors
Game attendance: 72,919
Referee: Dick Jorgensen
TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator), Will McDonough (sideline reporter)
Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[10]

Game information

First quarter

SF – Jerry Rice 20 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0
DEN – David Treadwell 42 yard field goal 49ers 7–3
SF – Brent Jones 7 yard pass from Joe Montana – (kick failed) 49ers 13–3

Second quarter

SF – Tom Rathman 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 20–3
SF – Jerry Rice 38 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 27–3

Third quarter

SF – Jerry Rice 28 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 34–3
SF – John Taylor 35 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 41–3
DEN – John Elway 3 yard rush – (David Treadwell kick) 49ers 41–10

Fourth quarter

SF – Tom Rathman 3 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 48–10
SF – Roger Craig 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 55–10

Top passers

SF – Joe Montana, 22/29, 297 Yds, 5 TDs
DEN – John Elway, 10/26, 108 Yds, 2 Ints

Top rushers

SF – Roger Craig, 20 Car, 69 Yds, 1 TD
DEN – Bobby Humphrey, 12 Car, 61 Yds

Top receivers

SF – Jerry Rice, 7 Rec, 148 Yds, 3 TDs
DEN – Bobby Humphrey, 3 Rec, 38 Yds

Top tacklers

SF –
DEN –

Turnovers

SF – 0
DEN – 4

Game officials

Week	Opponent	Referee	Umpire	Head Linesman	Line Judge	Back Judge	Side Judge	Field Judge	Replay
1	Los Angeles Rams (at Tokyo, Japan)
2	at Los Angeles Raiders
3	Denver Broncos	(9)	(27)	(72)	(59)	(4)	(58)	(122)	Bill Fette
4	San Diego Chargers
5	at Seattle Seahawks	(43)	(100)	(37)	(25)	(52)	(29)	(96)	Royal Cathcart

Week	Opponent	Referee	Umpire	Head Linesman	Line Judge	Back Judge	Side Judge	Field Judge	Replay
1	at Indianapolis Colts	(6) Tom Dooley	(101) Bob Boylston	(35) Leo Miles	(5) Jim Quirk	(24) Roy Clymer	(62) Duwayne Gandy	(86) Bernie Kukar	Bill Parkinson
2	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	(48) Gordon McCarter	(117) Ben Montgomery	(81) Dave Anderson	(56) Ron Baynes	(75) Jim Daopoulos	(61) Dick Creed	(93) Jack Vaughan	Chuck Heberling
3	at Philadelphia Eagles	(60) Dick Jorgensen	(110) Ron Botchan	(121) Sanford Rivers	(51) Dale Orem	(92) Jim Poole	(20) Larry Nemmers	(44) Donnie Hampton	George Sladky
4	Los Angeles Rams	(70) Jerry Seeman	(67) John Keck	(79) Aaron Pointer	(65) Walt Coleman	(106) Al Jury	(66) Dave Hawk	(113) Don Dorkowski	Dave Kamanski
5	at New Orleans Saints	(43) Red Cashion	(100) Bob Wagner	(37) Burl Toler	(25) John Alderton	(52) Ben Tompkins	(29) Howard Slavin	(96) Don Hakes	Gaylord Bryant
6	at Dallas Cowboys	(12) Ben Dreith	(88) Dave Moss	(55) Tom Barnes	(41) Dick McKenzie	(28) Don Wedge	(16) Doyle Jackson	(91) Bill Stanley	Cal Lepore
7	New England Patriots (at Stanford)	(33) Howard Roe	(42) Dave Hamilton	(8) Dale Williams	(54) Jack Johnson	(68) Louis Richard	(102) Merrill Douglas	(18) Bob Lewis	Royal Cathcart
8	at New York Jets	(11) Fred Wyant	(57) Ed Fiffick	(17) Jerry Bergman	(112) Joe Haynes	(36) Bob Moore	(63) Bill Carollo	(77) Don Orr	Fritz Graf
9	New Orleans Saints	(32) Jim Tunney	(115) Hendi Ančićh	(26) Mark Baltz	(15) Bama Glass	(118) Tom Sifferman	(97) Nate Jones	(82) Pat Mallette	Bill Fette
10	Atlanta Falcons	(70) Jerry Seeman	(67) John Keck	(79) Aaron Pointer	(65) Walt Coleman	(106) Al Jury	(66) Dave Hawk	(113) Don Dorkowski	Dave Kamanski
11	Green Bay Packers	(105) Dick Hantak	(89) Gordon Wells	(114) Tom Johnson	(39) Don Carlsen	(22) Paul Baetz	(120) Gary Lane	(76) Ed Merrifield	Bill Swanson
12	New York Giants	(95) Bob McElwee	(30) Dennis Riggs	(123) Tom White	(45) Ron DeSouza	(107) Jim Kearney	(108) Stan Kemp	(84) Bob Wortman	Tom Kelleher
13	at Atlanta Falcons	(14) Gene Barth	(71) Ed Coukart	(10) Ron Phares	(74) Ray Dodez	(38) Bruce Maurer	(34) Gerald Austin	(31) Dick Dolack	Mark Burns
14	at Los Angeles Rams	(48) Gordon McCarter	(117) Ben Montgomery	(81) Dave Anderson	(56) Ron Baynes	(75) Jim Daopoulos	(61) Dick Creed	(93) Jack Vaughan	Chuck Heberling
15	Buffalo Bills	(23) Johnny Grier	(78) Art Demmas	(87) Paul Weidner	(53) Bill Reynolds	(80) Tim Millis	(90) Gil Mace	(119) Ron Spitler	Al Sabato
16	Chicago Bears	(32) Jim Tunney	(115) Hendi Ančićh	(26) Mark Baltz	(15) Bama Glass	(118) Tom Sifferman	(97) Nate Jones	(82) Pat Mallette	Bill Fette

Week	Opponent	Referee	Umpire	Head Linesman	Line Judge	Back Judge	Side Judge	Field Judge	Replay	Alternates
NFC Divisional Playoff	Minnesota Vikings	(6) Tom Dooley	(101) Bob Boylston	(72) Terry Gierke	(112) Joe Haynes	(4) Doug Toole	(108) Stan Kemp	(82) Pat Mallette	Bill Fette	(113) Don Dorkowski
NFC Championship Game	Los Angeles Rams	(9) Jerry Markbreit	(103) Rex Stuart	(111) Earnie Frantz	(45) Ron DeSouza	(118) Tom Sifferman	(47) Tom Fincken	(84) Bob Wortman	Tom Kelleher
Super Bowl XXIV	vs. Denver Broncos (at New Orleans, Louisiana)	(60) Dick Jorgensen	(115) Hendi Ančićh	(111) Earnie Frantz	(83) Ron Blum	(106) Al Jury	(34) Gerald Austin	(77) Don Orr	Al Sabato	(105) Dick Hantak (103) Rex Stuart

Media

Pre season Local TV

Channel	Play-by-play	Color commentator(s)
KPIX-TV 5

Local Radio

Flagship station	Play-by-play	Color commentator(s)	Sideline reporter (s)
KGO–AM 810	Joe Starkey	Wayne Walker

1990 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl

Number	Player	Position	Conference
33	Roger Craig	RB	NFC Pro Bowlers
42	Ronnie Lott	FS	NFC Pro Bowlers
62	Guy McIntyre	G	NFC Pro Bowlers
16	Joe Montana	QB, Starter	NFC Pro Bowlers
80	Jerry Rice	WR, Starter	NFC Pro Bowlers
82	John Taylor	WR	NFC Pro Bowlers

^[11]

Awards and records

Led NFC with 442 points scored
Led NFL, 27.6 points per game
Mike Cofer, Led NFL, 136 Points
Roger Craig, NFC Pro Bowl
Ronnie Lott, NFC Pro Bowl
Guy McIntyre, NFC Pro Bowl
Joe Montana, Most Valuable Player, Super Bowl XXIV
Joe Montana, NFL Most Valuable Player Award
Joe Montana, PFWA NFL MVP
Joe Montana, NEA NFL MVP
Joe Montana, NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award
Joe Montana, Offense, UPI NFC Player of the Year
Joe Montana, Bert Bell Award^[12]
Joe Montana, NFL Passing Leader
Joe Montana, NFC Pro Bowl
Joe Montana, Associated Press Athlete of the Year^[13]
Jerry Rice, NFL Leader, Receiving Yards
Jerry Rice, NFL Leader, Receiving Touchdowns
Jerry Rice, NFC Pro Bowl
John Taylor, NFC Pro Bowl

Notes

^ The 49ers were originally scheduled to play the New England Patriots during Week 7 (October 22) at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. However, due to the impact and damage to Candlestick Park resulting from the Loma Prieta earthquake, the game was played at Stanford Stadium.

References

^ "1989 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
^ "1989 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
^ ESPN Page 2: The Ultimate Super Rankings
^ Broken in 1994 by teammate Steve Young
^ "Cold Hard Football Facts: The Dandy Dozen: 12 best passing seasons in history". Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
^ "NFL Top 100 Teams". Pro Football Reference.
^ "100 Greatest Teams: Numbers 100-1 SUPERCUT". NFL.com.
^ "1989 San Francisco 49ers Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
^ "1989 San Francisco 49ers starters and roster". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 1, 2015.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 456.
^ San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 517.
^ "Bert Bell Award – Professional Player of the Year: Past Recipients". Maxwell Football Club. Archived from the original on June 19, 2009. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
^ Associated Press Athlete of the Year (male)

External links

[Loma_Prieta_earthquake-10] The 49ers were originally scheduled to play the New England Patriots during Week 7 (October 22) at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. However, due to the impact and damage to Candlestick Park resulting from the Loma Prieta earthquake, the game was played at Stanford Stadium.

[1] "1989 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.

[2] "1989 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.

[3] ESPN Page 2: The Ultimate Super Rankings

[4] Broken in 1994 by teammate Steve Young

[5] "Cold Hard Football Facts: The Dandy Dozen: 12 best passing seasons in history". Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2012.

[NFL_Top_100_Teams-6] "NFL Top 100 Teams". Pro Football Reference.

[100_Greatest_Teams-7] "100 Greatest Teams: Numbers 100-1 SUPERCUT". NFL.com.

[8] "1989 San Francisco 49ers Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com.

[9] "1989 San Francisco 49ers starters and roster". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 1, 2015.

[2015_media_guide_p456-11] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 456.

[12] San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 517.

[13] "Bert Bell Award – Professional Player of the Year: Past Recipients". Maxwell Football Club. Archived from the original on June 19, 2009. Retrieved March 18, 2022.

[14] Associated Press Athlete of the Year (male)

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