1988 San Francisco 49ers season

1988 San Francisco 49ers season
Head coach	Bill Walsh
Owner	Eddie DeBartolo, Jr.
Home field	Candlestick Park
Results
Record	10–6
Division place	1st NFC West
Playoff finish	Won Divisional Playoffs (Vikings) 34–9 Won Conference Championship (Bears) 28–3 Won Super Bowl XXIII (Bengals) 20–16
Uniform

The San Francisco 49ers 1988 season was their 43rd season in the National Football League. The season was highlighted by their third Super Bowl victory. In 1988, the 49ers struggled. At one point, they were 6–5 and in danger of missing the playoffs but rose to defeat the Washington Redskins on a Monday night, eventually finishing the season at 10–6. They gained a measure of revenge by thrashing the Minnesota Vikings 34–9 in the first round. The 49ers then traveled to Chicago's Soldier Field, where the chill factor at gametime was 26 degrees below zero. They defeated the Chicago Bears 28–3 in the NFC Championship.

For the 49ers, it was their first Super Bowl appearance since they defeated the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX. They had made the playoffs in the three seasons between Super Bowl XIX and Super Bowl XXIII, but were eliminated each time in the first round, primarily because of the poor performances by their offensive stars in those games; quarterback Joe Montana, receiver Jerry Rice and running back Roger Craig all failed to produce a single touchdown.

The 49ers alternated quarterbacks as Montana and Steve Young both started at various points of the season. The broadcast booth of the 49ers radio network also saw change, as Joe Starkey substituted for longtime 49ers play by play announcer Lon Simmons during several games, mostly in October when Simmons called the Oakland Athletics 1988 American League Championship Series and 1988 World Series games for the Oakland A's flagship station, KSFO–AM. The 1988 season was the last for Simmons as 49ers broadcaster. With the regular season and postseason, the 49ers compiled a total of 13 victories (a .684 win percentage) on the season, a record-low for Super Bowl champions. In 2011, the New York Giants would tie this record (but with a .650 win percentage as they suffered seven losses as opposed to the 49ers six).

Offseason

NFL Draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College
1	Choice to L.A. Raiders
2	33^(Choice from L.A. Raiders)	Danny Stubbs	DE	Miami (FL)
2	39^(Choice from Philadelphia through Tampa Bay)	Pierce Holt	DE	Angelo State
2	Choice to Tampa Bay
3	80	Bill Romanowski	LB	Boston College
4	102^(Choice from Chicago through L.A. Raiders)	Barry Helton	P	Colorado
4	Choice to Tampa Bay
5	Choice to N.Y. Jets
5	Choice to Buffalo
6	Choice to Tampa Bay
7	191	Kevin Bryant	LB	Delaware State
8	219	Larry Clarkson	OT	Montana
9	247	Brian Bonner	LB	Minnesota
10	275	Tim Foley	K	Georgia Southern
11	303	Chet Brooks	DB	Texas A&M
12	331	George Mira, Jr.	LB	Miami (FL)

^[1]

Training Camp

The 1988 San Francisco 49ers season held training camp at Sierra College in Rocklin, California.

Personnel

Staff

1988 San Francisco 49ers staff
	Front office Owner/President – Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. 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 – Bill Walsh Offensive coaches Quarterbacks – Mike Holmgren Running Backs – Sherman Lewis Receivers – Dennis Green Offensive Line – Bobb McKittrick			Defensive coaches Defensive Coordinator – George Seifert Defensive Line – Fred von Appen Linebackers – Bill McPherson Defensive Backs – Ray Rhodes Defensive Assistant – Tommy Hart Special teams coaches Special Teams – Lynn Stiles Strength and conditioning Physical Development Coordinator – Jerry Attaway

Roster

1988 San Francisco 49ers final roster
	Quarterbacks 13 Steve Bono 16 Joe Montana  8 Steve Young Running backs 33 Roger Craig 32 Terrence Flagler 35 Del Rodgers 44 Tom Rathman FB Wide receivers 81 Wes Chandler 83 Terry Greer 88 Calvin Nicholas 80 Jerry Rice 82 John Taylor 85 Mike Wilson Tight ends 86 John E. Frank 89 Ron Heller 84 Brent Jones		Offensive linemen 79 Harris Barton T 65 Jeff Bregel G 69 Bruce Collie G 51 Randy Cross C 62 Guy McIntyre G 77 Bubba Paris T 61 Jesse Sapolu G 60 Chuck Thomas C 74 Steve Wallace T Defensive linemen 95 Michael Carter NT 75 Kevin Fagan DE 67 Pete Kugler DT 92 Kevin Lilly DT 91 Larry Roberts DE 72 Jeff Stover 96 Danny Stubbs DE		Linebackers 50 Riki Ellison ILB 55 Jim Fahnhorst ILB 94 Charles Haley OLB 53 Bill Romanowski OLB 58 Keena Turner OLB 99 Michael Walter ILB Defensive backs 29 Don Griffin CB 49 Jeff Fuller S 46 Tom Holmoe S 42 Ronnie Lott S 22 Tim McKyer CB 20 Tory Nixon CB 21 Eric Wright CB Special teams 6 Mike Cofer K 9 Barry Helton P 4 Max Runager P		Reserve lists Practice squad Rookies in italics Active, Inactive, Practice squad

^[2]

1988 Team Starters

Offense

16 Joe Montana                   QB
33 Roger Craig                   RB
44 Tom Rathman                   FB
85 Mike Wilson                   WR
80 Jerry Rice                    WR
89 Ron Heller                    TE

74 Steve Wallace                 LT
61 Jesse Sapolu                  LG
64 Randy Cross                   C
62 Guy McIntyre                  RG
79 Harris Barton                 RT

Defense

91 Larry Roberts                LDE
95 Michael Carter               NT
75 Kevin Fagan                  RDE

94 Charles Haley                LB
50 Riki Ellison                 LB
99 Mike Walter                  LB
58 Keena Turner                 LB

22 Tim McKyer                   LCB
21 Eric Wright                  RCB
49 Jeff Fuller                  SS
42 Ronnie Lott                  FS

Kicking Team

6 Mike Cofer                    K
9 Barry Helton                  P
82 John Taylor                  PR
25 Doug DuBose                  KR

Pre season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Score	Record	Stadium	Attendance	Time	Network	Local TV
1	July 31, 1988	vs. Miami Dolphins (at London, England)	L	21–27	0–1	Wembley Stadium	70,535	10:00 AM PDT	NBC
2	August 6, 1988	Los Angeles Raiders	W	24–10	1–1	Candlestick Park	64,457	6:00 PM PDT	CBS
3	August 13, 1988	at Denver Broncos	L	24–34	1–2	Mile High Stadium	75,067	6:00 PM PDT		KPIX
4	August 20, 1988	at San Diego Chargers	W	34–27	2–2	Jack Murphy Stadium	39,044	7:00 PM PDT		KPIX
5	August 26, 1988	Seattle Seahawks	W	27–21	3–2	Candlestick Park	53,357	6:00 PM PDT		KPIX

Notes:

^a All times are PACIFIC time.

Game officials

Week	Opponent	Referee	Umpire	Head Linesman	Line Judge	Back Judge	Side Judge	Field Judge	Replay
1	vs. Miami Dolphins (at London, England)
2	Los Angeles Raiders
3	at Denver Broncos	(12)	(89)	(72)	(94)	(21)	(47)	(113)	Bill Fette
4	at San Diego Chargers
5	Seattle Seahawks	(40)	(50)	(109)	(56)	(99)	(66)	(46)	Armen Terzian

Regular season

In the 1988 season, San Francisco won the NFC West with a 10–6 regular season record, but it was a long uphill battle; the Niners, Rams, and Saints all finished 10–6 with the Niners winning the division on tiebreakers. The team had a quarterback controversy with Montana and Steve Young each starting at quarterback during the season. But after a 6–5 start, Montana led the 49ers to win 4 of their final 5 regular season games.

Montana finished the regular season with 238 completions for 2,981 yards and 18 touchdowns, and also added 132 rushing yards. His favorite target was Rice, who recorded 64 receptions for 1,306 yards (a 20.4 yards per catch average) and 9 touchdowns. Craig was also a key contributor with a total of 2,036 combined rushing and receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, earning him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. Fullback Tom Rathman also made a big impact, rushing for 427 yards and catching 42 passes for 387 yards. The 49ers defense was led by defensive backs Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, Jeff Fuller, and Tim McKyer, who recorded a combined total of 18 interceptions. McKyer led the team with 7, while Lott recorded 5. Linebacker Charles Haley was also a big contributor with 11.5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Score	Record	Stadium	Attendance	Time	Network	National Radio
1	September 4, 1988	at New Orleans Saints	W	34–33	1–0	Louisiana Superdome	66,357	10:00 AM PDT	CBS	Mutual
2	September 11, 1988	at New York Giants	W	20–17	2–0	Giants Stadium	75,943	10:00 AM PDT	CBS	Mutual
3	September 18, 1988	Atlanta Falcons	L	17–34	2–1	Candlestick Park	60,168	1:00 PM PDT	CBS
4	September 25, 1988	at Seattle Seahawks	W	38–7	3–1	Kingdome	62,382	1:00 PM PDT	CBS
5	October 2, 1988	Detroit Lions	W	20–13	4–1	Candlestick Park	58,285	1:00 PM PDT	CBS
6	October 9, 1988	Denver Broncos	L	13–16 (OT)	4–2	Candlestick Park	61,711	1:00 PM PDT	NBC	Mutual
7	October 16, 1988	at Los Angeles Rams	W	24–21	5–2	Anaheim Stadium	65,450	1:00 PM PDT	CBS	Mutual
8	October 24, 1988 (Mon)	at Chicago Bears	L	9–10	5–3	Soldier Field	65,293	6:00 PM PDT	ABC	CBS
9	October 30, 1988	Minnesota Vikings	W	24–21	6–3	Candlestick Park	60,738	1:00 PM PST	CBS	Mutual
10	November 6, 1988	at Phoenix Cardinals	L	23–24	6–4	Sun Devil Stadium	64,544	1:00 PM PST	CBS
11	November 13, 1988	Los Angeles Raiders	L	3–9	6–5	Candlestick Park	54,448	1:00 PM PST	NBC
12	November 21, 1988 (Mon)	Washington Redskins	W	37–21	7–5	Candlestick Park	59,268	6:00 PM PST	ABC	CBS
13	November 27, 1988	at San Diego Chargers	W	48–10	8–5	Jack Murphy Stadium	51,484	1:00 PM PST	CBS
14	December 4, 1988	at Atlanta Falcons	W	13–3	9–5	Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium	44,048	10:00 AM PST	CBS
15	December 11, 1988	New Orleans Saints	W	30–17	10–5	Candlestick Park	62,977	1:00 PM PST	CBS	Mutual
16	December 18, 1988	Los Angeles Rams	L	16–38	10–6	Candlestick Park	62,444	5:00 PM PST	ESPN^[b]	CBS

Notes:

^a All times are PACIFIC time. (UTC–7 and UTC–8 starting October 30)

^b Simulcast on KTVU-TV in San Francisco, California.

Game summaries

Week 1 at New Orleans Saints

The Saints, fresh off the first winning season in franchise history, clawed to a 17–7 halftime lead in the second quarter, but Joe Montana erupted in the third with three touchdown throws. Coach Bill Walsh, wanting to get playing time for backup Steve Young, put Young in for the fourth quarter; Young was sacked in the endzone for a safety and the Saints scored ten more points after that, nonetheless coming up short 34–33 to the 49ers.

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

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	3	21	3	34
Saints	7	10	0	16	33

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

• Date: September 4
• Game time: 10:00 a.m. PDT
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 66,357
• Referee: Jerry Markbreit
• TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play–by–play), John Madden (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF (6:19) – Craig 1 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0 NO (13:36) – Martin 2 yard pass from Hebert – (Anderson kick) Tied 7–7 Second Quarter NO (:05) – Clark 21 yard pass from Hebert – (Anderson kick) Saints 14–7 NO (6:13) – Anderson 20 yard field goal Saints 17–7 SF (8:05) – Cofer 25 yard field goal Saints 17–10 Third Quarter SF (3:55) – Frank 9 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) Tied 17–17 SF (6:55) – Wilson 71 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 24–17 SF (11:53) – Frank 17 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 31–17 Fourth Quarter NO (1:34) – Hill 18 yard pass from Hebert – (Anderson kick) 49ers 31–24 NO (8:27) – Safety, Swilling tackled Young in end zone 49ers 31–26 SF (13:10) – Cofer 32 yard field goal 49ers 34–26 NO (14:39) – Perriman 15 yard pass from Hebert – (Anderson kick) 49ers 34–33 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 13/23, 161 Yds, 3 TDs, 1 Int NO – Bobby Hebert, 22/31, 245 Yds, 4 TDs, 2 Ints Top rushers SF – Roger Craig, 18 Car, 67 Yds, 1 TD NO – Dalton Hilliard, 19 Car, 65 Yds Top receivers SF – John Frank, 5 Rec, 59 Yds, 2 TDs NO – Lonzell Hill, 7 Rec, 74 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers SF – NO – Turnovers SF – 2 NO – 3

Week 2 at New York Giants

Concerned over Montana's health, coach Walsh started Steve Young in his place against the Giants; Young's rawness to the Niners offensive system showed in he was limited to 115 yards passing and the Niners trailed 17–13 in the fourth. Montana came in and fired a 77-yard touchdown in the final minutes to Jerry Rice and a 20–17 Niners win.

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

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	10	3	7	20
Giants	7	3	0	7	17

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Date: September 11
• Game time: 10:00 a.m. PDT
• Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C); wind 15
• Game attendance: 75,943
• Referee: Gordon McCarter
• TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play–by–play), John Madden (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter NYG (3:48) – Manuel 12 yard pass from Simms – (Allegre kick) Giants 7–0 Second Quarter SF (:09) – Cofer 35 yard field goal Giants 7–3 SF (5:42) – DuBose 1 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 10–7 NYG (14:51) – Allegre 36 yard field goal Tied 10–10 Third Quarter SF (7:09) – Cofer 26 yard field goal 49ers 13–10 Fourth Quarter NYG (13:39) – Manuel 15 yard pass from Simms – (Allegre kick) Giants 17–13 SF (14:18) – Rice 78 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 20–17 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 10/18, 148 Yds, 1 TD NYG – Phil Simms, 21/37, 227 Yds, 2 TDs Top rushers SF – Roger Craig, 18 Car, 110 Yds NYG – Joe Morris, 22 Car, 67 Yds Top receivers SF – Roger Craig, 9 Rec, 69 Yds NYG – Lionel Manuel, 6 Rec, 80 Yds, 2 TDs Top tacklers SF – NYG – Turnovers SF – 2 NYG – 0

Week 3 vs. Atlanta Falcons

The 49ers lost to the Falcons for only the fourth time since 1981 as Joe Montana was intercepted three times and sacked three times in a 34–17 rout. Gerald Riggs of the Falcons rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown.

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

	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	0	21	3	10	34
49ers	3	0	7	7	17

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: September 18
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C); (Sunny) wind 12
• Game attendance: 60,168
• Referee: Fred Silva
• TV announcers (CBS): Tim Brant (play–by–play), John Dockery (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF (8:48) – Cofer 38 yard field goal 49ers 3–0 Second Quarter ATL (8:00) – Riggs 3 yard rush – (Davis kick) Falcons 7–3 ATL (12:02) – Primus 29 yard rush – (Davis kick) Falcons 14–3 ATL (15:00) – Miller 1 yard rush – (Davis kick) Falcons 21–3 Third Quarter ATL (1:19) – Davis 47 yard field goal Falcons 24–3 SF (6:47) – McIntyre 17 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) Falcons 24–10 Fourth Quarter ATL (3:27) – Moore 47 yard interception return – (Davis kick) Falcons 31–10 SF (12:42) – Wilson 13 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) Falcons 31–17 ATL (13:55) – Davis 41 yard field goal Falcons 34–17 Top passers ATL – Chris Miller, 12/24, 175 Yds, 2 Ints SF – Joe Montana, 32/48, 343 Yds, 2 TDs, 3 Ints Top rushers ATL – Gerald Riggs, 19 Car, 115 Yds, 1 TD SF – Roger Craig, 13 Car, 57 Yds Top receivers ATL – Gerald Riggs, 4 Rec, 64 Yds SF – Roger Craig, 10 Rec, 61 Yds Top tacklers ATL – SF – Turnovers ATL – 2 SF – 4

Week 4 at Seattle Seahawks

The Niners rebounded by putting up 580 yards of offense in a 38–7 rout of the Seahawks. Joe Montana threw four touchdowns and Steve Young added a fifth while Roger Craig and Tom Rathman accounted for 186 rushing yards. The Seahawks Jeff Kemp was intercepted three times and Kelly Stouffer added a fourth pick.

Week Four: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	10	14	7	38
Seahawks	0	0	7	0	7

at The Kingdome, Seattle, Washington

• Date: September 25
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 62,382
• Referee: Dick Jorgensen
• TV announcers (CBS): Steve Zabriskie (play–by–play), Terry Bradshaw (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF (8:58) – Rice 1 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0 Second Quarter SF (7:05) – Frank 13 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 14–0 SF (13:03) – Cofer 21 yard field goal 49ers 17–0 Third Quarter SF (4:55) – Rice 69 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 24–0 SF (12:35) – Rice 60 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 31–0 SEA (13:36) – Butler 46 yard pass from Stouffer – (Johnson kick) 49ers 31–7 Fourth Quarter SF (10:53) – Wilson 16 yard pass from Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 38–7 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 20/29, 302 Yds, 4 TDs, 1 Int SEA – Kelly Stouffer, 11/15, 133 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int Top rushers SF – Roger Craig, 21 Car, 107 Yds SEA – Curt Warner, 9 Car, 29 Yds Top receivers SF – Jerry Rice, 6 Rec, 163 Yds, 3 TDs SEA – Ray Butler, 2 Rec, 52 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers SF – SEA – Turnovers SF – 1 SEA – 5

Week 5 vs. Detroit Lions

Week Five: Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	0	3	3	7	13
49ers	0	10	7	3	20

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: October 2
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C); (Sunny) wind 12
• Game attendance: 58,285
• Referee: Red Cashion
• TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play–by–play), Terry Bradshaw (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter No scoring Second Quarter SF (4:21) – Rice 11 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0 DET (13:02) – Murray 24 yard field goal 49ers 7–3 SF (14:57) – Cofer 29 yard field goal 49ers 10–3 Third Quarter SF (2:25) – Taylor 77 yard punt return – (Cofer kick) 49ers 17–3 DET (11:28) – Murray 34 yard field goal 49ers 17–6 Fourth Quarter SF (6:52) – Cofer 29 yard field goal 49ers 20–6 DET (10:28) – Mandley 11 yard pass from Long – (Murray kick) 49ers 20–13 Top passers DET – Chuck Long, 11/19, 139 Yds, 1 TD SF – Joe Montana, 19/30, 182 Yds Top rushers DET – Garry James, 12 Car, 30 Yds SF – Roger Craig, 18 Car, 90 Yds Top receivers DET – Pete Mandley, 7 Rec, 116 Yds, 1 TD SF – Mike Wilson, 6 Rec, 59 Yds Top tacklers DET – SF – Turnovers DET – 2 SF – 1

Week 6 vs. Denver Broncos

Joe Montana threw for 191 yards and an interception; he was replaced by Young as John Elway tied the game 13–13 on a touchdown to Vance Johnson. Wind gusts up to 40 MPH suddenly hit Candlestick Park and made passing more difficult; in the overtime a Steve Young pass was intercepted, setting up Rich Karlis' winning field goal (16–13 final for the Broncos).

Week Six: Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Broncos	0	3	3	7	3	16
49ers	3	7	3	0	0	13

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: October 9
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C); (Sunny) wind 15
• Game attendance: 61,711
• Referee: Jim Tunney
• TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play–by–play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF (11:18) – Cofer 37 yard field goal 49ers 3–0 Second Quarter DEN (0:13) – Karlis 27 yard field goal Tied 3–3 SF (8:10) – Montana 6 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 10–3 Third Quarter DEN (9:42) – Karlis 27 yard field goal 49ers 10–6 SF (13:51) – Cofer 27 yard field goal 49ers 13–6 Fourth Quarter DEN (8:37) – Johnson 8 yard pass from Elway – (Karlis kick) Tied 13–13 Overtime DEN (8:11) – Karlis 22 yard field goal Broncos 16–13 Top passers DEN – John Elway, 21/39, 210 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints SF – Joe Montana, 12/24, 191 Yds, 1 Int Top rushers DEN – Sammy Winder, 17 Car, 100 Yds SF – Roger Craig, 26 Car, 143 Yds Top receivers DEN – Vance Johnson, 8 Rec, 85 Yds, 1 TD SF – Tom Rathman, 5 Rec, 27 Yds Top tacklers DEN – SF – Turnovers DEN – 4 SF – 3

Week 7 at Los Angeles Rams

Roger Craig had one of his greatest games in a 199-yard stampede where he scored three touchdowns, highlighted by a dramatic 46-yard score in the first quarter. Despite three Jim Everett touchdowns the Rams fell to San Francisco 24–21, the tenth 49ers win in the rivalry's previous 14 games.

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

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	10	0	7	24
Rams	7	0	14	0	21

at Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim, California

• Date: October 16
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 66 °F (19 °C); wind 8
• Game attendance: 65,450
• Referee: Jerry Seeman
• TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play–by–play), John Madden (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF (10:20) – Craig 46 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0 LARams (11:27) – Cox 44 yard pass from Everett – (Lansford kick) Tied 7–7 Second Quarter SF (0:36) – Craig 1 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 14–7 SF (11:19) – Cofer 40 yard field goal 49ers 17–7 Third Quarter LARams (5:40) – Ellard 18 yard pass from Everett – (Lansford kick) 49ers 17–14 LARams (14:35) – McGee 8 yard pass from Everett – (Lansford kick) Rams 21–17 Fourth Quarter SF (2:39) – Craig 16 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 24–21 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 21/31, 203 Yds, 1 Int LARams – Jim Everett, 20/33, 199 Yds, 3 TDs, 2 Ints Top rushers SF – Roger Craig, 22 Car, 190 Yds, 3 TDs LARams – Greg Bell, 13 Car, 28 Yds Top receivers SF – Roger Craig, 5 Rec, 12 Yds LARams – Henry Ellard, 7 Rec, 83 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers SF – LARams – Turnovers SF – 2 LARams – 4

Week 8 at Chicago Bears

The Niners struggled to a 10–9 loss to the Bears on Monday Night Football. The Niners incurred ten penalties for 57 yards and Joe Montana was sacked four times.

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

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	0	2	0	9
Bears	0	10	0	0	10

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Date: October 24
• Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 38 °F (3 °C); wind 17, wind chill 29 °F (−2 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,293
• Referee: Johnny Grier
• TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels (play–by–play), Dan Dierdorf and Frank Gifford (color commentators)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF (8:04) – Rice 23 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0 Second Quarter CHI (11:32) – McMahon 1 yard rush – Butler Tied 7–7 CHI (15:00) – Butler 18 yard field goal Bears 10–7 Third Quarter SF (3:56) – Safety, Roberts and Haley tackled McMahon in end zone Bears 10–9 Fourth Quarter No scoring Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 13/29, 168 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int CHI – Jim McMahon, 10/22, 132 Yds, 1 Int Top rushers SF – Roger Craig, 10 Car, 31 Yds CHI – Neal Anderson 16 Car, 62 Yds Top receivers SF – Roger Craig, 6 Rec, 39 Yds CHI – Neal Anderson, 3 Rec, 40 Top tacklers SF – CHI – Turnovers SF – 1 CHI – 1

Week 9 vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings' playoff win at San Francisco the previous season hung over Candlestick Park as Coach Walsh started Steve Young in Joe Montana's stead. Young struggled and was booed repeatedly by the crowd ("They were running him out of town," lineman Harris Barton said). Just before the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter the Vikings led 21–17 with the Niners at Minnesota's 49-yard line; Young escaped a sack and ran in the game-winning touchdown, earning applause from the same audience that had been booing him; the NFL Films clip with Lon Simmons' call of the score is among the most replayed in retrospectives on Young's career.^[4]

Week Nine: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	7	7	7	21
49ers	0	3	14	7	24

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco

• Date: October 30
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C); (Sunny) wind 9
• Game attendance: 60,738
• Referee: Fred Silva
• TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play–by–play), John Madden (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter No scoring Second Quarter MIN (1:34) – Wilson 2 yard rush – (Nelson kick) Vikings 7–0 SF (14:29) – Cofer 30 yard field goal Vikings 7–3 Third Quarter SF (10:44) – Craig 1 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 10–7 MIN (12:24) – Carter 67 yard pass from Wilson - (Nelson kick) Vikings 14–10 SF (12:43) – Taylor 73 yard pass from Young – (Cofer kick) 49ers 17–14 Fourth Quarter MIN (1:27) – Fenney 12 yard rush – (Nelson kick) Vikings 21–17 SF (13:02) – Young 49 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 24–21 Top passers MIN – Wade Wilson, 18/30, 243 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints SF – Steve Young, 14/25, 232 Yds, 1 TD Top rushers MIN – Rick Fenney, 6 Car, 35 Yds, 1 TD SF – Steve young, 7 Car, 72 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers MIN – Hassan Jones, 6 Rec, 81 Yds SF – Roger Craig, 3 Rec, 37 Yds Top tacklers MIN – SF – Turnovers MIN – 3 SF – 2

Week 10 at Phoenix Cardinals

With Young still starting, the 49ers raced to a 23–0 lead in the third quarter, and Coach Bill Walsh felt it was the sharpest the offense had looked all season. The Cardinals, however, began clawing back as Neil Lomax rifled a pair of touchdowns; making matters worse for San Francisco was a whopping 14 penalties for 106 yards. On a kick return Walsh was blindsided by a runner and suffered two cracked ribs; he then had to watch as the Cardinals raced down field in the final minute and scored on a nine-yard Lomax score to Roy Green. It turned out to be the last road loss for the 49ers until Week One of the 1991 season.

Week Ten: San Francisco 49ers at Phoenix Cardinals – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	3	13	7	0	23
Cardinals	0	0	7	17	24

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

• Date: November 6
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C); wind 6
• Game attendance: 64,544
• Referee: Jerry Markbreit
• TV announcers (CBS): Tim Ryan (play–by–play), Dan Jiggetts (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF (3:19) – Mike Cofer 42 yard field goal 49ers 3–0 Second Quarter SF (2:54) – Craig 3 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 10–0 SF (6:36) – Cofer 27 yard field goal 49ers 13–0 SF (14:52) – Cofer 30 yard field goal 49ers 16–0 Third Quarter SF (7:40) – Jones 3 yard pass from Young – (Cofer kick) 49ers 23–0 PHO (11:21) – Green 35 yard pass from Lomax – (Del Greco kick) 49ers 23–7 Fourth Quarter PHO (4:09) – Del Greco 24 yard field goal 49ers 23–10 PHO (12:41) – Jones 5 yard pass from Lomax – (Del Greco kick) 49ers 23–17 PHO (14:57) – Green 9 yard pass from Lomax – (Del Greco kick) Cardinals 24–23 Top passers SF – Steve Young, 14/27, 145 Yds, 1 TD PHO – Neil Lomax, 25/41, 323 Yds, 3 TDs Top rushers SF – Roger Craig, 26 Car, 162 Yds, 1 TD PHO – Earl Ferrell, 12 Car, 54 Yds Top receivers SF – Tom Rathman, 4 Rec, 45 Yds PHO – Roy Green, 6 Rec, 93 Yds, 2 TDs Top tacklers SF – PHO – Turnovers SF – 0 PHO – 3

Week 11 vs. Los Angeles Raiders

The low point for the 49ers season came against the Raiders as Joe Montana started despite continuing concern by Walsh over his health. Montana was held to 160 passing yards as the Raiders clawed out a 9–3 win. The 49ers had all the chances to win this one with a final drive that was stalled by a poor non-call by the officials on a pass interference penalty to Jerry Rice inside the 10 yard line making it the 2nd game of the season they didn't score a touchdown. Following the loss amid chatter from players interpreted as them giving up on the season Ronnie Lott called a players-only meeting; Harris Barton said that it worked to refocus the players on playing better ("They usually don't work, but this one did.")

Week Eleven: Los Angeles Raiders at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	0	0	6	3	9
49ers	0	3	0	0	3

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: November 13
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C); (Light Rain) wind 20
• Game attendance: 54,448
• Referee: Pat Haggerty
• TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play–by–play), Joe Namath (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter No scoring Second Quarter SF (11:43) – Cofer 44 yard field goal 49ers 3–0 Third Quarter LARaid (4:28) – Bahr 45 yard field goal Tied 3–3 LARaid (8:09) – Bahr 50 yard field goal Raiders 6–3 Fourth Quarter LARaid (7:52) – Bahr 19 yard field goal Raiders 9–3 Top passers LARaid – Steve Beuerlein, 8/22, 112 Yds SF – Joe Montana, 16/31, 160 Yds Top rushers LARaid – Bo Jackson, 18 Car, 85 Yds SF – Roger Craig, 17 Car, 58 Yds Top receivers LARaid – Tim Brown, 4 Rec, 58 Yds SF – Jerry Rice, 5 Rec, 61 Yds Top tacklers LARaid – SF – Turnovers LARaid – 1 SF – 2

Week 12 vs. Washington Redskins

The refocused Niners erupted on the defending champion Redskins, racing to a 23–7 halftime lead and winning 37–21. Joe Montana threw two touchdowns (including an 80-yarder to Jerry Rice) and ran in a third. Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams of the Redskins threw three touchdowns while Timmy Smith was held to just six rushing yards.

Week Twelve: Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	7	0	7	7	21
49ers	7	16	0	14	37

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: November 21
• Game time: 6:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C); (Light Rain) wind 8
• Game attendance: 59,268
• Referee: Jerry Seeman
• TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels (play–by–play), Dan Dierdorf and Frank Gifford (color commentators)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF (6:46) – Jones 18 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0 WSH (14:53) – Sanders 15 yard pass from Williams – (Lohmiller kick) Tied 7–7 Second Quarter SF (3:14) – Cofer 52 yard field goal 49ers 10–7 SF (10:36) – Taylor 95 yard punt return – (Cofer kick) 49ers 17–7 SF (14:20) – Rathman 1 yard rush – (kick failed) 49ers 23–7 Third Quarter WSH (13:23) – Sanders 4 yard pass from Williams – (Lohmiller kick) 49ers 23–14 Fourth Quarter SF (3:08) – Montana 4 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 30–14 SF (10:50) – Rice 80 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 37–14 WSH (12:58) – Monk 18 yard pass from Williams – (Lohmiller kick) 49ers 37–21 Top passers WSH – Doug Williams, 27/41, 271 Yds, 3 TDs, 2 Ints SF – Joe Montana, 15/23, 218 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int Top rushers WSH – Mike Oliphant, 4 Car, 29 Yds SF – Roger Craig, 24 Car, 75 Yds Top receivers WSH – Art Monk, 9 Rec, 89 Yds, 1 TD SF – Roger Craig, 5 Rec, 37 Yds Top tacklers WSH – SF – Turnovers WSH – 4 SF – 2

Week 13 at San Diego Chargers

The Niners' scoring explosion continued at Jack Murphy Stadium as Joe Montana threw three touchdowns (the first a 96-yarder to Jerry Rice) and Roger Craig had two rushing scores and a touchdown catch, while Doug DuBose added a rushing score. Four Niners backs plus both quarterbacks (Montana and Steve Young) rushed for 203 yards crushing the Chargers 48-10.

Week Thirteen: San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	17	14	10	48
Chargers	0	7	3	0	10

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: November 27
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C); wind 6
• Game attendance: 51,848
• Referee: Ben Dreith
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel (play–by–play), Ken Stabler (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF (10:17) – Rice 96 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0 Second Quarter SF (2:59) – Craig 11 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 14–0 SD (4:40) – Malone 36 yard rush – (Deline kick) 49ers 14–7 SF (9:11) – Craig 2 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 21–7 SF (15:00) – Cofer 45 yard field goal 49ers 24–7 Third Quarter SF (1:30) – Rice 41 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 31–7 SD (7:51) – DeLine 21 yard field goal 49ers 31–10 SF (12:28) – Craig 7 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 38–10 Fourth Quarter SF (2:13) – Cofer 32 yard field goal 49ers 41–10 SF (12:08) – DuBose 46 yard rush - (Cofer kick) 49ers 48–10 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 14/22, 271 Yds, 3 TDs SD – Mark Malone, 17/32, 136 Yds, 2 Ints Top rushers SF – Roger Craig, 17 Car, 87 Yds, 2 TDs SD – Gary Anderson, 14 Car, 61 Yds Top receivers SF – Jerry Rice, 6 Rec, 171 Yds, 2 TDs SD – Rod Bernstine, 9 Rec, 80 Yds Top tacklers SF – SD – Turnovers SF – 0 SD – 3

Week 14 at Atlanta Falcons

The Niners traveled to Fulton County Stadium and limited the Atlanta Falcons to 177 yards of offense in a 13–3 win.

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

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	7	0	6	13
Falcons	0	0	0	3	3

at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: December 4
• Game time: 10:00 a.m. PST
• Game weather: 49 °F (9 °C); wind 8
• Game attendance: 44,048
• Referee: Gordon McCarter
• TV announcers (CBS): Tim Brant (play–by–play), Hank Stram (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter No scoring Second Quarter SF (13:56) – Rice 20 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0 Third Quarter No scoring Fourth Quarter ATL (0:08) – Davis 21 yard field goal 49ers 7–3 SF (7:35) – Cofer 31 yard field goal 49ers 10–3 SF (13:12) – Cofer 23 yard field goal 49ers 13–3 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 20/34, 230 Yds, 1 TD ATL – Chris Miller, 13/27, 156 Yds, 1 Int Top rushers SF – Roger Craig, 23 Car, 103 Yds ATL – Gerald Riggs, 12 Car, 17 Yds Top receivers SF – Roger Craig, 7 Car, 73 Yds ATL – John Settle, 6 Rec, 40 Yds Top tacklers SF – ATL – Turnovers SF – 0 ATL – 1

Week 15 vs. New Orleans Saints

The Niners hosted the Saints with both teams at 9–5. Led by Roger Craig's 115 yards, the Niners rushed for 152 yards and two scores while Joe Montana threw for 233 yards and a score in San Francisco's 30–17 win.

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

	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	3	7	7	0	17
49ers	0	21	3	6	30

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: December 11
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C); (Drizzle) wind 5
• Game attendance: 62,977
• Referee: Red Cashion
• TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play–by–play), John Madden (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter NO (4:24) – Morten Anderson 38 yard field goal Saints 3–0 Second Quarter SF (2:43) – Craig 1 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 7–3 NO (3:55) – Hill 27 yard pass from Hilliard – (Anderson kick) Saints 10–7 SF (8:55) – Montana 2 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 14–10 SF (11:23) – Taylor 66 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 21–10 Third Quarter SF (8:10) – Cofer 40 yard field goal 49ers 24–10 NO (13:35) – Scales 6 yard pass from Hebert – (Anderson kick) 49ers 24–17 Fourth Quarter SF (3:07) – Cofer 47 yard field goal 49ers 27–17 SF (5:42) – Cofer 19 yard field goal 49ers 30–17 Top passers; NO – Bobby Hebert, 19/30, 170 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int SF – Joe Montana, 18/29, 233 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int Top rushers; NO – Dalton Hilliard, 9 Car, 35 Yds SF – Roger Craig, 22 Car, 115 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers; NO – Eric Martin, 7 Rec, 61 Yds SF – Jerry Rice, 6 Rec, 78 Yds Top tacklers; NO – SF – Turnovers NO – 2 SF – 2

Week 16 vs. Los Angeles Rams

The Niners clinched the NFC West despite a three-way tie with the Rams and New Orleans (all finishing 10–6) and despite a 38–16 slaughter by the Rams that put them into the playoffs. Jim Everett threw four touchdowns while Montana and Young combined for 291 yards but no scores. San Francisco won the division on tiebreakers and the Rams were the wild card, while the 10–6 Saints were eliminated from playoff contention.

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

	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	0	21	10	7	38
49ers	3	10	0	3	16

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: December 18
• Game time: 5:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C); (Cloudy) wind 6
• Game attendance: 62,444
• Referee: Gene Barth
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick (play–by–play), Joe Theismann (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF (8:43) – Cofer 23 yard field goal 49ers 3–0 Second Quarter LARams (3:58) – Johnson 16 yard pass from Everett – (Lansford kick) Rams 7–3 SF (9:37) – Rathman 1 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 10–7 LARams (13:47) – Ellard 9 yard pass from Everett – (Lansford kick) Rams 14–10 LARams (14:40) – Bell 1 yard rush – (Lansford kick) Rams 21–10 SF (14:57) – Cofer 46 yard field goal Rams 21–13 Third Quarter LARams (9:32) – Johnson 11 yard pass from Everett – (Lansford kick) Rams 28–13 LARams (12:20) – Lansford 49 yard field goal Rams 31–13 Fourth Quarter LARams (4:40) – Johnson 5 yard pass from Everett – (Lansford kick) Rams 38–13 SF (14:51) – Cofer 36 yard field goal Rams 38–16 Top passers LARams – Jim Everett, 19/38, 201 Yds, 4 TDs, 1 Int SF – Joe Montana, 15/26, 171 Yds Top rushers LARams – Greg Bell, 21 Car, 88 Yds, 1 TD SF – Roger Craig, 16 Car, 51 Yds Top receivers LARams – Henry Ellard, 6 Rec, 74 Yds, 1 TD SF – John Taylor, 5 Rec, 54 Yds Top tacklers LARams – SF – Turnovers LARams – 1 SF – 1

Game officials

Week	Opponent	Referee	Umpire	Head Linesman	Line Judge	Back Judge	Side Judge	Field Judge	Replay
1	at New Orleans Saints	(9) Jerry Markbreit	(100) Bob Wagner	(72) Terry Gierke	(59) Bob Beeks	(4) Doug Toole	(58) Bill Quinby	(91) Bill Stanley	George Sladky
2	at New York Giants	(48) Gordon McCarter	(117) Ben Montgomery	(81) Dave Anderson	(3) Boyce Smith	(49) Dean Look	(61) Dick Creed	(84) Bob Wortman	Chuck Heberling
3	Atlanta Falcons	(7) Fred Silva	(42) Dave Hamilton	(8) Dale Williams	(54) Jack Johnson	(68) Louis Richard	(102) Merrill Douglas	(18) Bob Lewis	Royal Cathcart
4	at Seattle Seahawks	(60) Dick Jorgensen	(110) Ron Botchan	(10) Ron Phares	(51) Dale Orem	(92) Jim Poole	(20) Larry Nemmers	(44) Donnie Hampton	Bill Swanson
5	Detroit Lions	(43) Red Cashion	(27) Al Conway	(37) Burl Toler	(94) Vern Marshall	(52) Ben Tompkins	(29) Howard Slavin	(96) Don Hakes	Grover Klemmer
6	Denver Broncos	(32) Jim Tunney	(115) Hendi Ancich	(111) Earnie Frantz	(33) Howard Roe	(118) Tom Sifferman	(97) Nate Jones	(82) Pat Mallette	Bill Fette
7	at Los Angeles Rams	(70) Jerry Seeman	(103) Rex Stuart	(79) Aaron Pointer	(15) Bama Glass	(21) Pete Liske	(64) Dave Parry	(113) Don Dorkowski	Dave Kamanski
8	at Chicago Bears	(23) Johnny Grier	(78) Art Demmas	(87) Paul Weidner	(83) Ron Blum	(24) Roy Clymer	(90) Gil Mace	(119) Ron Spitler	Al Sabato
9	Minnesota Vikings	(7) Fred Silva	(42) Dave Hamilton	(8) Dale Williams	(54) Jack Johnson	(68) Louis Richard	(102) Merrill Douglas	(18) Bob Lewis	Royal Cathcart
10	at Phoenix Cardinals	(9) Jerry Markbreit	(100) Bob Wagner	(72) Terry Gierke	(59) Bob Beeks	(4) Doug Toole	(58) Bill Quinby	(91) Bill Stanley	George Sladky
11	Los Angeles Raiders	(40) Pat Haggerty	(50) Neil Gereb	(109) Sid Semon	(56) Ron Baynes	(99) Banks Williams	(66) Dave Hawk	(46) John Robison	Cal Lepore
12	Washington Redskins	(70) Jerry Seeman	(103) Rex Stuart	(79) Aaron Pointer	(15) Bama Glass	(21) Pete Liske	(64) Dave Parry	(113) Don Dorkowski	Dave Kamanski
13	at San Diego Chargers	(12) Ben Dreith	(88) Dave Moss	(55) Dave Barnes	(41) Dick McKenzie	(106) Al Jury	(16) Doyle Jackson	(31) Dick Dolack	Dixon Holman
14	at Atlanta Falcons	(48) Gordon McCarter	(117) Ben Montgomery	(81) Dave Anderson	(3) Boyce Smith	(49) Dean Look	(61) Dick Creed	(84) Bob Wortman	Chuck Heberling
15	New Orleans Saints	(43) Red Cashion	(27) Al Conway	(37) Burl Toler	(94) Vern Marshall	(52) Ben Tompkins	(29) Howard Slavin	(96) Don Hakes	Grover Klemmer
16	Los Angeles Rams	(14) Gene Barth	(57) Ed Fiffick	(85) Frank Glover	(74) Ray Dodez	(38) Bruce Maurer	(34) Gerald Austin	(76) Ed Merrifield	Mark Burns

Standings

NFC West
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
San Francisco 49ers^(2)	10	6	0	.625	4–2	8–4	369	294	L1
Los Angeles Rams^(5)	10	6	0	.625	4–2	8–4	407	293	W3
New Orleans Saints	10	6	0	.625	3–3	6–6	312	283	W1
Atlanta Falcons	5	11	0	.313	1–5	4–8	244	315	L3

Playoffs

Round	Date	Opponent	Result	Score	Stadium	Attendance	Time	Network	National Radio
NFC Divisional Playoffs	January 1, 1989	Minnesota Vikings	W	34–9	Candlestick Park	61,848	1:00 PM PST	CBS	CBS
NFC Championship Game	January 8, 1989	at Chicago Bears	W	28–3	Soldier Field	66,946	1:00 PM PST	CBS	CBS
Super Bowl XXIII	January 22, 1989	Cincinnati Bengals (at Miami Gardens, FL)	W	20–16	Joe Robbie Stadium	75,129	2:00 PM PST	NBC	CBS

Notes:

^a All times are PACIFIC time.

NFC Divisional Playoff vs. Minnesota Vikings

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

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	0	6	0	9
49ers	7	14	0	13	34

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: January 1, 1989
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 43 °F (6 °C); wind 9
• Game attendance: 61,848
• Referee: Jerry Markbreit
• TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play–by–play), John Madden (color commentator), Will McDonough (sideline reporter)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter MIN (6:22) – Nelson 47 yard field goal Vikings 3–0 SF (13:11) – Rice 2 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 7–3 Second Quarter SF (0:04) – Rice 4 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 14–3 SF (14:22) – Rice 11 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 21–3 Third Quarter MIN (5:18) – Jones 5 yard pass from Wilson – (kick failed) 49ers 21–9 Fourth Quarter SF (1:19) – Craig 4 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 28–9 SF (5:56) – Craig 80 yard rush – (kick failed) 49ers 34–9 Top passers MIN – Wade Wilson, 23/47, 255 Yds, 2 Ints SF – Joe Montana, 16/27, 178 Yds, 3 TDs, 1 Int Top rushers MIN – Rick Fenney, 6 Car, 20 Yds SF – Roger Craig, 21 Car, 135 Yds, 2 TDs Top receivers MIN – Hassan Jones, 7 Rec, 71 Yds SF – Jerry Rice, 5 Rec, 61 Yds, 3 TDs Top tacklers MIN – SF – Turnovers MIN – 3 SF – 2

For the third time in some 365 days the 49ers hosted the Vikings, and for the second time in that span it was in the playoffs. Minnesota entered having shot down the Rams 28-17 and boasting an offense fourth in scoring with a defense second in fewest points allowed with a plus-23 turnover differential - and none of it made any difference as Joe Montana threw three touchdowns in the first half and Jerry Rice caught all three. Wade Wilson was picked off twice as the Niners won 34-9, their first playoff win since Super Bowl XIX.

NFC Championship Game at Chicago Bears

NFC Championship Game: San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	7	7	7	28
Bears	0	3	0	0	3

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Date: January 8, 1989
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 20 °F (−7 °C); wind 29, wind chill 2 °F (−17 °C)
• Game attendance: 66,946
• Referee: Bob McElwee
• TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play–by–play), John Madden (color commentator), Will McDonough (sideline reporter)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF (11:42) – Rice 61 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0 Second Quarter SF (7:35) – Rice 27 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 14–0 CHI (11:54) – Butler 25 yard field goal 49ers 14–3 Third Quarter SF (5:27) – Frank 5 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 21–3 Fourth Quarter SF (8:07) – Rathman 4 yard rush – (Cofer kick) 49ers 28–3 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 17/27, 288 Yds, 3 TDs CHI – Jim McMahon, 14/29, 121 Yds, 1 Int Top rushers SF – Roger Craig, 18 Car, 68 Yds CHI – Neal Anderson, 14 Car, 59 Yds Top receivers SF – Jerry Rice, 5 Rec, 133 Yds, 2 TDs CHI – Neal Anderson, 5 Rec, 31 Yds Top tacklers SF – CHI – Turnovers SF – 1 CHI – 2

The Niners traveled to frigid Soldier Field a week after the Bears succeeded in the Fog Bowl against the Eagles and less than three months after San Francisco's ugly Monday Night loss in that same venue. The Niners put the game away in the third quarter following Joe Montana's third touchdown of the game as the Niners limited the Bears' sluggish offense (18th in scoring) to just one Kevin Butler field goal. The win was doubly personal for Walsh between returning to the Super Bowl and also quieting hecklers in the Soldier Field crowd, including one in particular who'd persisted in what Walsh delicately described as "remarks about my body parts and my preferences in life," but who was reduced to futile stuttering as the game got out of hand.

Super Bowl XXIII vs. Cincinnati Bengals (at Miami Gardens, FL)

The game is remembered for the 49ers' fourth-quarter game-winning drive. Down 16–13, San Francisco got the ball on their own eight-yard line with 3:10 on the clock and marched 92 yards down the field in under three minutes. They then scored the winning touchdown on a Joe Montana pass to John Taylor with just 34 seconds left in the game.

49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice was named the Super Bowl MVP. He caught 11 passes for a Super Bowl record 215 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing once for 5 yards.

This was also the final NFL game coached by the 49ers' Bill Walsh. This was also the final Super Bowl that Pete Rozelle presided over as NFL Commissioner.

Super Bowl XXIII: Cincinnati Bengals vs. San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Bengals	0	3	10	3	16
49ers	3	0	3	14	20

at Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: January 22, 1989
• Game time: 2:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C); wind 17
• Game attendance: 75,129
• Referee: Jerry Seeman
• TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play–by–play), Merlin Olsen (color commentator), Jim Gray (sideline reporter)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF (11:46) – Cofer 41 yard field goal 49ers 3–0 Second Quarter CIN (13:45) – Breech 34 yard field goal Tied 3–3 Third Quarter CIN (9:21) – Breech 43 yard field goal Bengals 6–3 SF (14:10) – Cofer 32 yard field goal Tied 6–6 CIN (14:26) – Jennings 93 yard kickoff return – (Breech kick) Bengals 13–6 Fourth Quarter SF (0:57) – Rice 14 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) Tied 13–13 CIN (11:40) – Breech 40 yard field goal Bengals 16–13 SF (14:26) – Taylor 8 yard pass from Montana – (Cofer kick) 49ers 20–16 Top passers CIN – Boomer Esiason, 11/25, 144 Yds, 1 Int SF – Joe Montana, 23/36, 357 Yds, 2 TDs Top rushers CIN – Ickey Woods, 20 Car, 79 Yds SF – Roger Craig, 17 Car, 71 Yds Top receivers CIN – Cris Collinsworth, 3 Rec, 40 Yds SF – Jerry Rice, 11 Rec, 215 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers CIN – SF – Turnovers CIN – 1 SF – 2

Game officials

Round	Opponent	Referee	Umpire	Head Linesman	Line Judge	Back Judge	Side Judge	Field Judge	Replay	Alternates
NFC Divisional Playoff	Minnesota Vikings	(9) Jerry Markbreit	(78) Art Demmas	(81) Dave Anderson	(53) Bill Reynolds	(106) Al Jury	(120) Gary Lane	(73) Bobby Skelton	Dixon Holman
NFC Championship Game	at Chicago Bears	(95) Bob McElwee	(101) Bob Boylston	(35) Leo Miles	(54) Jack Johnson	(99) Banks Williams	(47) Tom Fincken	(82) Pat Mallette	Al Sabato
Super Bowl XXIII	Cincinnati Bengals (at Miami Gardens, FL)	(70) Jerry Seeman	(89) Gordon Wells	(17) Jerry Bergman	(59) Bob Beeks	(22) Paul Baetz	(120) Gary Lane	(73) Bobby Skelton	Chuck Heberling	(14) Gene Barth (57) Ed Fiffick

Stats

Passing

Player	Cmp	Att	Yds	TD	INT	Sk	Yds
49ers
Opponents

Rushing

Player	Att	Yds	TD
49ers
Opponents

Receiving

Player	Rec	Yds	TD
49ers
Opponents

Kicking

Player	FGA	FGM	XPA	XPM
49ers
Opponents

Punting

Player	Pnt	Yds	Blck
49ers
Opponents

Kick Return

Player	Ret	Yds	TD
49ers
Opponents

Punt Return

Player	Ret	Yds	TD
49ers
Opponents

Interception

Player	INT	Yards	TD
49ers
Opponents

Fumble

Player	FF	Fmb	FR	Yds	TD
49ers
Opponents

Sacks

Player	Sk	Sfty
49ers
Opponents

Tackles

Player	Tkl	Ast
49ers
Opponents

Scoring

Player

RshTD

RecTD

PR TD

KR TD

FmbTD

IntTD

AllTD

OthTD

XPM

FGM

Sfty

PTS

49ers

Opponents

Team

Team

Total Plays

Passing

Pass Att

Pass Cmp

Pass Yds

Pass TD

Intercepted

Pass 1stD

Rushing

Rush Att

Rush Yds

Rush TD

Fumbles Lost

Rush 1stD

Pen 1stD

Pts

49ers

Opponents

Awards and records

• Mike Cofer, Led NFC, 27 Field Goals
• Mike Cofer, Led NFC, 121 Points
• Roger Craig, Offense, UPI NFC Player of the Year
• Roger Craig, Led NFC with 2068 total yards
• Jerry Rice, Most Valuable Player, Super Bowl XXIII

1989 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl

Number	Player	Position	Conference
95	Michael Carter	NT	NFC Pro Bowlers
33	Roger Craig	RB, Starter	NFC Pro Bowlers
94	Charles Haley	LB–DE	NFC Pro Bowlers
42	Ronnie Lott	FS, Starter	NFC Pro Bowlers
80	Jerry Rice	WR, Did Not Play	NFC Pro Bowlers
82	John Taylor	KR	NFC Pro Bowlers

^[5]

Media

Pre season Local TV

Channel	Play-by-play	Color commentator(s)
KPIX-TV 5	Wayne Walker	Bill Ring

Local Radio

Flagship station	Play-by-play	Color commentator(s)	Sideline reporter (s)	Studio host
KGO–AM 810	Lon Simmons (Pre Season, Week 1–5 and 8–16, Playoffs and Super Bowl XXIII) Joe Starkey (Week 6–7)	Wayne Walker (Pre Season Week 1–2, Regular Season, Playoffs and Super Bowl XXIII) Joe Starkey (Pre Season Weeks 3–5)	Joe Starkey (Pre Season Week 1–2, Week 1–5 and 8–16, Playoffs and Super Bowl XXIII)	Joe Starkey

References

1. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 562.
2. "1988 San Francisco 49ers starters and roster". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 1, 2015.
3. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 455.
4. 1988 Steve Young touchdown vs. Vikings on YouTube
5. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 517.

External links

• 49ers on Pro Football Reference
• 49ers Schedule on jt-sw.com