(Redirected from 1989 San Francisco 49ers)
NFL team season (won 4th Super Bowl)
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.
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, 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."
The 1989 49ers ranked #5 on the 100 greatest teams of all time presented by the NFL on its 100th anniversary.
Offseason
NFL Draft
Main article: 1989 NFL draft
Training Camp
The 1989 San Francisco 49ers season held training camp at Sierra College in Rocklin, California.
Personnel
Staff
1989 San Francisco 49ers staff
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Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
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Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
- Physical development coordinator – Jerry Attaway
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Roster
Preseason
Schedule
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
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Date
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Opponent
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Result
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Record
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Venue
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Attendance
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Recap
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1
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September 10
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at Indianapolis Colts
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W 30–24
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1–0
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Hoosier Dome
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60,111
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Recap
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2
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September 17
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at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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W 20–16
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2–0
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Tampa Stadium
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64,087
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Recap
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3
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September 24
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at Philadelphia Eagles
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W 38–28
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3–0
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Veterans Stadium
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66,042
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Recap
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4
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October 1
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Los Angeles Rams
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L 12–13
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3–1
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Candlestick Park
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64,250
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Recap
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5
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October 8
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at New Orleans Saints
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W 24–20
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4–1
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Louisiana Superdome
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60,488
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Recap
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6
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October 15
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at Dallas Cowboys
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W 31–14
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5–1
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Texas Stadium
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61,077
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Recap
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7
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October 22
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New England Patriots
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W 37–20
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6–1
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Stanford Stadium
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51,781
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Recap
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8
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October 29
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at New York Jets
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W 23–10
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7–1
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Giants Stadium
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62,805
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Recap
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9
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November 6
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New Orleans Saints
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W 31–13
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8–1
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Candlestick Park
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60,667
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Recap
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10
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November 12
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Atlanta Falcons
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W 45–3
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9–1
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Candlestick Park
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59,914
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Recap
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11
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November 19
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Green Bay Packers
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L 17–21
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9–2
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Candlestick Park
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62,219
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Recap
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12
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November 27
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New York Giants
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W 34–24
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10–2
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Candlestick Park
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63,461
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Recap
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13
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December 3
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at Atlanta Falcons
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W 23–10
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11–2
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Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
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43,128
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Recap
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14
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December 11
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at Los Angeles Rams
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W 30–27
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12–2
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Anaheim Stadium
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67,959
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Recap
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15
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December 17
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Buffalo Bills
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W 21–10
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13–2
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Candlestick Park
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60,927
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Recap
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16
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December 24
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Chicago Bears
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W 26–0
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14–2
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Candlestick Park
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60,207
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Recap
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Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
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Season summary
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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
|
|
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 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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
|
|
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
Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
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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 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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
|
|
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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
|
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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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
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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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
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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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
- NYJ – Pat Leahy 34 yard field goal – 49ers 20–10
- SF – Mike Cofer 40 yard field goal – 49ers 23–10
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
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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
Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
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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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
|
|
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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
|
|
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 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
Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
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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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
|
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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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
|
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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 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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
|
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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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
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Standings
Playoffs
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
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth Quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
|
|
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
Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
|
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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
Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
|
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Game officials
Media
Pre season Local TV
Channel
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Play-by-play
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Color commentator(s)
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KPIX-TV 5
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|
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Local Radio
1990 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl
Main article: 1990 Pro Bowl
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
- Joe Montana, NFL Passing Leader
- Joe Montana, NFC Pro Bowl
- Joe Montana, Associated Press Athlete of the Year
- 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.
- ^ 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
San Francisco 49ers |
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Franchise |
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Stadiums |
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Culture |
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Lore |
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Rivalries |
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Key figures |
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Division championships (22) |
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Conference championships (8) |
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League championships (5) |
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Current league affiliations |
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Former league affiliation | All-America Football Conference (1946–1949) |
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Categories: