Had Bunz tackled him low, Alexander's momentum would have carried him into the end zone. The team was coming off a Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. It was on that play that the 49ers replaced their pass defense with their goal-line alignment. However, the Cowboys soon returned the favor with Danny White's interception to linebacker Bobby Leopold, and this time the 49ers converted, regaining the lead at 21-17 with a 2-yard touchdown run by running back Johnny Davis. Harris caught the ball and immediately lateraled it to Tony Nathan, who then took it 25 yards to the end zone as time expired in the half, cutting the deficit to 2417. 1977 San Francisco 49ers, Frequently Asked Questions about the NFL and Football, Pro-Football-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREE. Aided by an 18-yard completion from Anderson to tight end Dan Ross, Cincinnati scored first with a 31-yard field goal from kicker Jim Breech. The 49ers defeated the Bengals by the score of 26-21 to win their first Super Bowl. In a play that would become known as The Catch, 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark made a leaping grab at the back of the end zone to score the winning touchdown with 51 seconds left in the game. 1989 San Francisco 49ers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees Previous Season Next Season Record: 14-2-0, 1st in NFC West Division ( Schedule and Results ) Coach: George Seifert (14-2-0) Points For: 442 (27.6/g) 1st of 28 Points Against: 253 (15.8/g) 3rd of 28 Expected W-L: 12.6-3.4 SRS: 10.67 (1st of 28), SOS: -1.14 Playoffs: Dallas took the opening kickoff of the second half and marched 80-yards, including a 25-yard gain on a screen pass reception by Tony Dorsett, to score on running back Ron Springs' 1-yard rushing touchdown. Early in the third quarter, the Bills advanced 69 yards in five plays, starting with Ferguson's 15-yard pass to Frank Lewis and ending with a 44-yard touchdown run by Cribbs to tie the game. San Francisco took the opening kickoff and advanced 85 yards in 13 plays, assisted by a defensive holding penalty on a punt that allowed them to keep the drive going. West Division The use of any team names, words, trademarks, logos or photos have been used for descriptive purposes only. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. 1982 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS PENNANT | Sports Mem, Cards & Fan Shop, Vintage Sports Memorabilia, Pennants, Flags | eBay! Then on third down and 9, Fouts' 21-yard completion to Wes Chandler moved the ball to the Bengals 33. Playoff wins over the New York Giants, 38-24, and the Dallas Cowboys, 28-27 on a last-minute Montana pass to Dwight Clark, earned the 49ers a trip to the Silverdome. (87) Dwight Clark and (68) John Ayers during the NFC Championship game at Candlestick Park in San Fransisco on January 10, 1982. The next two plays resulted in the team being pushed back to the 35, where Pat Leahy missed a 52-yard field goal attempt. The Cowboys fared no better as White was sacked twice on their next drive, once by Jim Stuckey and once by Lawrence Pillers, and the half ended soon after. I figured I could go underneath. the Cowboys coach Tom Landry twice rejected long field-goal attempts from the 34 and 37, and each time White (who also played punter) punted the ball out of bounds at the 8.[5]. Philadelphia then drove 80 yards, 44 of them coming from 3 Giants penalties, in 9 plays to score on Montgomery's 1-yard touchdown run, cutting their deficit to 27-21 with 2:51 left in the game. In the first round, dubbed the wild-card playoffs or wild-card weekend, the fourth seed wild card hosted the fifth seed. Join our linker program. I told them what to expect. Their defense would shift as late as possible before the snap of the ball and we often didn't know who or where a guy would come into the gap. (AP Photo/Al Golub), Dallas Cowboys punt returner James Jones (23) returns a punt during the NFL football game NFC Championship between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco, California on January 10, 1982. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli), Dallas Cowboys quarterback Danny White (11) looks for a receiver while being pursued by the 49ers Dwaine Board (76) during the NFL football game NFC Championship between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco, California on January 10, 1982. I kept asking myself, 'Who's missing?' The 1982 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 33rd season in the National Football League and their 37th overall. As Bunz handled lead blocker Alexander on the fourth-down smash, Reynolds led the charge that snuffed out Johnson. (AP Photo/Al Golub), Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Randy White (54) on bench during the NFC Championship game at Candlestick Park in San Fransisco on January 10, 1982. ", The Bengals' second-down play from the one-yard line did not surprise Studley. Explaining his role in the TD play, Cooper said, "It was a fake up the middle to the fullback. 25-year-old San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana led the 49ers to victory in his first playoff game, completing 20 of 31 passes for a career-high 304 yards and two touchdowns and an interception. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. This 49ers team was also the only team in history to win more than half its road games while losing all its home games. Fellow linebacker Craig Puki later said that he thought Turner had missed two plays, but he was in his stance and evidently did not see Turner race onto the field at the last instance for the first-down play from the 3. In addition to his 56-yard punt return touchdown, Chandler caught six passes for 106 yards. With Montana passing and Cooper and Ricky Patton running, the Niners advanced to the Cincinnati 5 with 18 seconds remaining before intermission. Johnson hit center for two yards and then left guard, where he was stopped by John Harty for no gain. Wersching's squib kickoff was fielded by David Verser on the 5-yard line. Harris caught six passes for 106 yards. In 2022, the San Francisco 49ers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Conference Championship. New York was shut out in the second half, while the Eagles opened the third quarter by marching 82 yards in 15 plays on a drive that consumed 7:58 and ended on running back Wilbert Montgomery's 6-yard rushing touchdown. Cribbs finished with a career postseason high 90 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Maybe if it had been 24-0, the Bengals might have caved in, but not with the score 20-0.". San Francisco 49ers receiver Dwight Clark hauls in a six-yard touchdown pass from Joe Montana with 51 seconds left in the 1982 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys.. On the Giants next possession, Ronnie Lott's interception gave the 49ers a first down on their own 31-yard line, where they drove to a 177 lead on Freddie Solomon's 58-yard touchdown reception. Faced with third down and 7 inside the red zone later in the drive, Anderson kept the drive going with a 16-yard completion to Isaac Curtis on the Chargers 1-yard line, and fullback Pete Johnson scored a touchdown run on the next play, giving them a 177 lead. After losing two of its first three games, the team breezed the rest of the way, with only a 15-12 loss to Cleveland marring the last 13 weeks of the season. But this time the Jets could not take advantage, as Simpson put an end to the next drive with an interception of his own. 1981 NFC Championship Game - Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers - January 10, 1982 Wide receiver Dwight Clark of the San Francisco 49ers makes "The Catch" in the end zone to. [4], After the first quarter was scoreless, Dennis Thurman's 19-yard interception return to the Bucs 47-yard line set up Danny White's 9-yard touchdown pass to receiver Tony Hill. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Bucs quarterback Doug Williams threw four interceptions (three of which resulted in touchdowns), committed two intentional grounding penalties, and was sacked four times. For the third time in four years, the San Francisco 49ers have found themselves in the NFC Championship game. When Breech's onside kickoff nestled in the arms of Dwight Clark, however, all that remained to seal the 49ers victory was for Montana to take a snap, retreat four yards and kneel gently on the synthetic turf as time expired. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Saturday, March 4, 2:32PM. Do you have a blog? Take a look at the photographs that served as the artistic blueprint for Super Bowl LVII, and see how they were incorporated into the numerous event spaces throughout the state. Two drives later, the Giants countered when quarterback Scott Brunner threw a pass to wide receiver Earnest Gray, who caught it at his own 40, evaded three 49ers defensive backs, and raced to the end zone for a 72-yard touchdown reception. Simpson and Buttle each had two interceptions. (AP Photo/Al Golub), 49er fans mock effigy of Dallas Quarterback Danny White during the NFC Championship game at Candlestick Park in San Fransisco on January 10, 1982. They had progressed to the San Francisco 27 when Anderson completed a 19-yard pass to Cris Collinsworth. (AP Photo/Al Golub), San Francisco 49ers Fans during the NFC Championship game at Candlestick Park in San Fransisco on January 10, 1982. This was the fourth postseason meeting between the Cowboys and 49ers. Following three incompletions and a touchdown called back by a holding penalty, Breech's 38-yard field goal made the score 207. In honor of Free Game Friday relive one of the greatest games ever, featuring \"The Catch\", announced by the great Vin Scully!00:00 - Start5:40 49ers Sack Danny White on 3rd Down11:30 Joe Montana 8-yard TD Pass to F. Solomon21:39 R. Septien 44-yard Field Goal26:13 Danny White 26-yard TD Pass to Tony Hill37:40 Montana Avoids Sack Then Launches Deep Throw40:18 Montana Picked Off by Walls46:08 Montana 20-yard TD Pass to Dwight Clark55:28 Tony Dorsett 5-yard TD Run58:56 Montana Sacked on Third Down by Too Tall Jones59:55 Cowboys Fumble Punt, 49ers Recover1:03:48 Montana Sack Stripped, Cowboys Recover1:06:17 Danny White Sacked on Third Down1:23:24 Montana Intercepted by Randy White1:24:59 Danny White Picked Off by B. Leopold1:30:01 Johny Davis 2-yard TD Run1:41:30 49ers Stop Cowboys on 3rd Down Inside the 10-yard line1:42:28 R. Septien 22-yard Field Goal1:45:23 49ers Fumble, Cowboys Recover1:48:43 Danny White 21-yard TD Pass to D. Cosbie1:52:05 Montana Picked Off by Walls2:00:52 Start of Montana Game-Winning Drive2:09:45 The Catch2:13:11 Start of Cowboys Final Drive2:13:30 Drew Pearson Almost Breaks Free for the Touchdown2:14:47 Danny White Sack Stripped, 49ers Recover2:16:50 49ers CelebrationThe 1981 NFC Championship game, and more specifically, \"The Catch,\" would prove to be a major turning point in NFL history as it launched the 49ers dynasty led by Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana.Subscribe to NFL: http://j.mp/1L0bVBuThe NFL YouTube channel is your home for immediate in-game highlights from your favorite teams and players, full NFL games, behind the scenes access, up-to-the-minute analysis and more!Check out our other channels:NFL Network http://www.youtube.com/nflnetworkNFL Films http://www.youtube.com/nflfilmsFor all things NFL, visit the league's official website at http://www.nfl.com/Start your free trial of NFL Game Pass: https://www.nfl.com/gamepassFantasy Football: http://www.nfl.com/fantasyfootballWatch NFL Now: https://www.nfl.com/nowListen to NFL podcasts: http://www.nfl.com/podcastsWatch the NFL network: http://nflnonline.nfl.com/Download the NFL mobile app: https://www.nfl.com/apps2016 NFL Schedule: http://www.nfl.com/schedulesBuy tickets to watch your favorite team: http://www.nfl.com/ticketsShop NFL: http://www.nflshop.com/source/bm-nflcom-Header-Shop-TabLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NFLFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NFLFollow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/nfl/ Or write about sports? Three of the rookies earned starting assignments-cornerbacks Ronnie Lott and Eric Wright and safety Carlton Williamson. For more than 30 years, the 49ers had strained and struggled in a bid for distinction, but their best efforts produced only three division titles. This was the first postseason meeting between the Chargers and Bengals.[2]. ", Griffin, who said he was surprised that the Niners would try a squib kick, revealed that "I used to have a theory on that kind of kick, that the first two bounces would be funny and the next bounce would be high. Later on, Benirschke missed a 55-yard field goal attempt, giving Miami the ball with good field position. San Francisco 49ers Franchise Encyclopedia. This game set playoff records for the most points scored in a playoff game (79), most total yards by both teams (1,036), and most passing yards by both teams (809). Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. At 25, Montana was the same age as Joe Namath when Broadway Joe led the New York Jets to a stunning upset of the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. Two possessions later, the Bengals were at midfield with 6:53 remaining in the third period. But linebacker Keena Turner never got the message as defensive coordinator Chuck Studley's call was lost in the Silverdome noise. All-time Rushing Leader: Frank Gore 2,442 att, 11,073 yds, 64 TD . After another Buffalo punt, Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson completed an 18-yard pass to Ross to give his team a first down on the Bills 41-yard line. In overtime, the Chargers took the opening kickoff and advanced to the Miami 8-yard line, but Benirschke missed a 27-yard field goal attempt. Todd then led the Jets 80 yards in eight plays and completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Bobby Jones. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. This was the first postseason meeting between the Chargers and Dolphins.[2]. ", SF - Montana 1 run (Wersching kick) (9:08), SF - Cooper 11 pass from Montana (Wersching kick) (8:07), CIN - Anderson 5 run (Breech kick) (3:35), CIN - Ross 4 pass from Anderson (Breech kick) (4:54), CIN - Ross 3 pass from Anderson (Breech kick) (14:44), This site is neither endorsed, nor sponsored by, nor affiliated with San Francisco 49ers or NFL Enterprises LLC. 2023 ChampsOrChumps.us Terms Privacy Policy, Won In the second quarter, New York had a chance to increase their lead with a drive into Eagles territory, but Philadelphia's defense dug in and stuffed Brunner for no gain on a 4th and 1 conversion attempt on the 35. One play later, Pillers sacked White, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Stuckey, and the 49ers had their victory. But Johnson kept the Bengals moving on those plays, first rushing for eight yards and then gaining 14 yards on a screen pass on third down and 8. All rights reserved. Super Bowl LIV Game Program 2020 Kansas City Chiefs/San Francisco 49ers NFL $15.00 $13.40 shipping Super Bowl XVI 16 Program 1982 - San Francisco 49ers v Bengals Joe Montana MVP $15.00 0 bids $7.55 shipping 19h 35m or Best Offer Philadelphia Eagles vs. San Francisco 49ers 1-29-23 Football Game Notes $22.99 2 bids $4.50 shipping 2d 22h started the season going 8-0. ", In Cincinnati lineman Dave Lapham's opinion, "We just didn't move anybody off the ball. Both conference champions had losing records the previous season, the only time this has happened. The emergence of the two teams into title form was unexpected and unprecedented. started the season Take a look at all the action as the 2023 Combine gets underway in Indianapolis. . We worked like hell on that play. The 49ers were a sorry sight when Walsh assembled them at Santa Clara for training camp in 1979. But Miami re-tied the game with Strock completing six consecutive passes, the last a 50-yard score to Bruce Hardy. The Bills converted this turnover into a 24-0 lead as Ferguson completed a 28-yard pass to running back Joe Cribbs before hooking up with Lewis for a 26-yard scoring completion. (AP Photo/Al Golub), List of players (88) Freddie Solomon, (51) Randy Cross, (56) Fred Quillan, (68) John Ayers and (87) Dwight Clark during the NFC Championship game at Candlestick Park in San Fransisco on January 10, 1982. The win sent the 49ers to their first Super Bowl and snapped their three-game playoff losing streak to the Cowboys. Then 49ers running back Bill Ring lost a fumble on his own 29, leading to White's 26-yard touchdown pass to Tony Hill that put the Cowboys up 10-7. You can't spot 'em 20 points. Within each conference, the three division winners and the two wild card teams (the top two non-division winners with the best overall regular season records) qualified for the playoffs. Then after forcing a punt that Harper returned 6 yards to his own 42, New York drove for another score, aided by a pass interference call against Bills defensive back Mario Clark that nullified an interception. The second pass carried to the 1-yard line, from where Montana dived across for the first touchdown. This was also the first year that both New York City area teams, the Giants and the Jets, made the playoffs together in the same year. The 49ers are one of the NFL's most popular teams largely because they've had more success than most in the league. Gastineau got to the ball before anyone else, but wound up accidentally knocking the ball forward twice while trying to pick it up, and Buffalo lineman Ken Jones ended up recovering it.