2011 San Francisco 49ers season

2011 San Francisco 49ers season
Head coach Jim Harbaugh
General manager Trent Baalke
Home field Candlestick Park
Results
Record 13–3
Division place 1st NFC West
Playoff finish

Won Divisional Playoffs (Saints) 36–32

Lost Conference Championship (Giants) 20–17 (OT)
Pro Bowlers 9
AP All-Pros Patrick Willis (1st team)
NaVorro Bowman (1st team)
Justin Smith (1st & 2nd team)
David Akers (1st team)
Andy Lee (1st team)
Carlos Rogers (2nd team)

The 2011 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 66th season overall, and 62nd in the National Football League (NFL). It is the first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke. The 49ers rebounded from their disappointing 2010 season to end their streak of eight consecutive non-winning seasons. After defeating the St. Louis Rams in week 13 and attaining a 10–2 record, the team clinched the NFC West and made their first playoff appearance since 2002 (under head coach Steve Mariucci). The 49ers ended the regular season with a 13–3 record, their best since 1997 and earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs. In the Divisional Playoffs they defeated the New Orleans Saints 36–32 and were in the NFC Championship for the first time since 1997 where they lost against the New York Giants 20–17 in overtime, coming just short of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994. Despite their most successful season in years, the 49ers were 31st in the league in third down conversion percentage in the regular season (29.1) and were 17.9 percent in the playoffs.[1]

Offseason

Coaching changes

Owner Jed York announced that he would hire a general manager and the new GM would make a decision on the new head coach to replace Mike Singletary after the 49ers loss to the St. Louis Rams on December 26, 2010 that eliminated the team from the postseason.[2] On January 5, the 49ers promoted the vice president of player personnel, Trent Baalke, to the position of general manager.[3] On January 7, the 49ers hired Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh to be the 18th head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

With the hiring of a new head coach, many of the assistant coaches were replaced. Out of the coordinators and position coaches from last season, only running backs coach Tom Rathman, defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, and offensive line coach Mike Solari were retained. The coaching staff features Greg Roman as the new offensive coordinator and Vic Fangio as the new defensive coordinator, both previously assistant coaches under Harbaugh at Stanford. Former Cleveland Browns assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Brad Seely was hired for the same roles with the 49ers. Geep Chryst is the new quarterbacks coach, Reggie Davis is the new tight ends coach. John Morton is the new wide receivers coach, and Tim Drevno is a new offensive line coach to help out Mike Solari. Jim Leavitt is the new linebackers coach and Ed Donatell is the new secondary coach. The staff also features defensive assistants Peter Hansen and Ehiro Evero, offensive assistant Bobby Engram, and special assistant to the head coach Bill Nayes.

Roster changes

Free agents

Position Player Tag 2011 Team Notes and references
C/G David Baas UFA New York Giants
C Tony Wragge UFA St. Louis Rams
G/T Chris Patrick ERFA Edmonton Eskimos
T Barry Sims UFA Free Agent
QB Alex Smith UFA San Francisco 49ers
QB Troy Smith UFA Omaha Nighthawks
RB Brian Westbrook UFA Free Agent
DE Demetric Evans UFA Free Agent
DE Ray McDonald UFA San Francisco 49ers
DE/LB Travis LaBoy UFA San Diego Chargers
NT Aubrayo Franklin UFA New Orleans Saints
LB Manny Lawson UFA Cincinnati Bengals
LB Takeo Spikes UFA San Diego Chargers
CB William James UFA
S Dashon Goldson UFA San Francisco 49ers
S C. J. Spillman ERFA San Francisco 49ers
K Jeff Reed UFA Seattle Seahawks
Player re-signed by the 49ers

2011 NFL Draft

Main article: 2011 NFL Draft
San Francisco 49ers 2011 NFL Draft selections
Draft order Player name Position Height Weight College Contract Notes
Round Choice Overall
1 7 7 Aldon Smith DE 6'4" 263 lbs. Missouri
2 4 36 Colin Kaepernick QB 6'4" 233 lbs. Nevada [e]
3 12 80 Chris Culliver CB 6'1" 201 lbs. South Carolina [f]
4 11 108 Traded to the Denver Broncos [e]
4 18 115 Kendall Hunter RB 5'8" 190 lbs. Oklahoma State [a]
5 10 141 Traded to the Denver Broncos [e]
5 32 163 Daniel Kilgore G 6'3" 308 lbs. Appalachian State [g]
6 9 174 Traded to the Green Bay Packers[g]
6 17 182 Ronald Johnson WR 6'1" 190 lbs. University of Southern California [f]
6 25 190 Colin Jones S 5'11" 200 lbs. Texas Christian University [b]
7 8 211 Bruce Miller DE 6'1" 254 lbs. University of Central Florida
7 28 231 Traded to the Green Bay Packers[c][g]
7 36 239 Mike Person OT 6'4" 299 lbs. Montana State [d]
7 47 250 Curtis Holcomb CB 5'10" 184 lbs. Florida A&M [d]

Draft notes

^[a] The 49ers acquired this fourth-round selection from the San Diego Chargers along with a 2010 third-round selection (#91 overall; used to select LB Navorro Bowman) and a 2010 sixth-round selection (#173 overall; used to select RB Anthony Dixon) in exchange for a 2010 third-round selection (#79 overall).[4]
^[b] The 49ers acquired this sixth-round selection from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for DT Kentwan Balmer.[5]
^[c] The 49ers acquired this seventh-round selection from the Detroit Lions in exchange for QB Shaun Hill.[6]
^[d] Compensatory selection
^[e] The 49ers acquired this second-round selection from the Denver Broncos in exchange for their second-round selection (#45 overall), a fourth-round selection (#108 overall), and a fifth-round selection (#141 overall).
^[f] The 49ers acquired this third-round selection (#80 overall) and this sixth-round selection (#180 overall) from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for their third-round selection (#76 overall).
^[g] The 49ers acquired this fifth-round selection (#163 overall) from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for their sixth-round selection (#174 overall) and a seventh-round selection (#231 overall).

Personnel

Staff

2011 San Francisco 49ers staff
Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

  • Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator – Brad Seely

Strength and conditioning

  • Head Strength and Conditioning – Mark Uyeyama
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Kevin Tolbert

Roster

2011 San Francisco 49ers final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 Active, Inactive, Practice squad

Notes

Wide receiver Braylon Edwards was released after nine games.

Preseason

Schedule

The 49ers' preseason schedule was announced on April 12, 2011.

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 August 12 5:00 p.m. PDT at New Orleans Saints L 3–24 0–1 Louisiana Superdome KPIX-TV Recap
2 August 20 5:00 p.m. PDT Oakland Raiders W 17–3 1–1 Candlestick Park KPIX-TV Recap
3 August 27 5:00 p.m. PDT Houston Texans L 7–30 1–2 Candlestick Park KPIX-TV Recap
4 September 1 7:00 p.m. PDT at San Diego Chargers W 20–17 2–2 Qualcomm Stadium KPIX-TV Recap

Candlestick Park incident

On the night of Saturday, August 20, 2011, according to a copyrighted online article appearing in the headlines of the Sunday, August 21, 2011 online edition of the AOL Huffington Post Sports News page: "A man wearing a shirt slamming the San Francisco 49ers was seriously wounded as gunfire erupted in the parking lot after the team's NFL preseason game, while another man sustained lesser injuries in an earlier shooting, police said. The violence occurred after the 49ers' 17–3 victory Saturday night over the Oakland Raiders at Candlestick Park, police Sgt. Michael Andraychak said. A 24-year-old man was treated at San Francisco General Hospital for life-threatening injuries, and a 20-year-old man was hospitalized with less serious wounds, Andraychack told the Associated Press. Their names were not released. The violence comes months after a San Francisco Giants' fan was severely beaten by two men in Los Angeles Dodgers' gear outside Dodger Stadium, after the teams' season opener March 31. Two suspects have been charged in the case."[7]

The NFL has officially canceled all future preseason games between the two teams.

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 September 11 1:15 p.m. PDT Seattle Seahawks W 33–17 1–0 Candlestick Park FOX Recap
2 September 18 1:05 p.m. PDT Dallas Cowboys L 24–27 (OT) 1–1 Candlestick Park FOX Recap
3 September 25 10:00 a.m. PDT at Cincinnati Bengals W 13–8 2–1 Paul Brown Stadium FOX Recap
4 October 2 10:00 a.m. PDT at Philadelphia Eagles W 24–23 3–1 Lincoln Financial Field FOX Recap
5 October 9 1:05 p.m. PDT Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 48–3 4–1 Candlestick Park FOX Recap
6 October 16 10:00 a.m. PDT at Detroit Lions W 25–19 5–1 Ford Field FOX Recap
7 Bye
8 October 30 1:15 p.m. PDT Cleveland Browns W 20–10 6–1 Candlestick Park CBS Recap
9 November 6 10:00 a.m. PST at Washington Redskins W 19–11 7–1 FedEx Field FOX Recap
10 November 13 1:15 p.m. PST New York Giants W 27–20 8–1 Candlestick Park FOX Recap
11 November 20 1:05 p.m. PST Arizona Cardinals W 23–7 9–1 Candlestick Park FOX Recap
12 November 24 5:20 p.m. PST at Baltimore Ravens L 6–16 9–2 M&T Bank Stadium NFLN[b] Recap
13 December 4 1:15 p.m. PST St. Louis Rams W 26–0 10–2 Candlestick Park FOX Recap
14 December 11 1:05 p.m. PST Arizona Cardinals L 19–21 10–3 University of Phoenix Stadium FOX Recap
15 December 19 5:30 p.m. PST Pittsburgh Steelers W 20–3 11–3 Candlestick Park ESPN[a] Recap
16 December 24 1:15 p.m. PST Seattle Seahawks W 19–17 12–3 CenturyLink Field FOX Recap
17 January 1 10:00 a.m. PST St. Louis Rams W 34–27 13–3 Edward Jones Dome FOX Recap

LEGEND:

^[a] The game was simulcast locally on KGO-TV.
^[b] The game was simulcast locally on KPIX-TV.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week One: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Seahawks 0 0 71017
49ers 0 16 01733

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information
First quarter

No Scoring

Second quarter
  • SF – David Akers 27 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 3–0
  • SF – David Akers 24 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 6–0
  • SF – David Akers 31 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 9–0
  • SF – Alex Smith 1 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 16–0
Third quarter
  • SEA – Golden Tate 8 yd. pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Steven Hauschka kick), 49ers 16–7
Fourth quarter
  • SEA – Steven Hauschka 39 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 16–10
  • SF – David Akers 18 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 19–10
  • SEA – Doug Baldwin 55 yd. pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Steven Hauschka kick), 49ers 19–17
  • SF – Ted Ginn 102 yd. kickoff return (David Akers kick), 49ers 26–17
  • SF – Ted Ginn 55 yd. punt return (David Akers kick), 49ers 33–17
Top passers
  • SEA – Tarvaris Jackson – 21/37, 197 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • SF – Alex Smith – 15/20, 124 yards
Top rushers
  • SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 13 carries, 33 yards
  • SF – Frank Gore – 22 carries, 59 yards
Top receivers
  • SEA – Doug Baldwin – 4 receptions, 83 yards, 1 touchdown
  • SF – Vernon Davis – 5 receptions, 47 yards
Top tacklers
  • SEA – Kam Chancellor – 10 tackles
  • SF – NaVorro Bowman – 7 tackles

With the win, the 49ers started the season 1–0.

Week 2: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week Two: Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Cowboys 0 7 710327
49ers 0 14 73024

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information
First quarter

No Scoring

Second quarter
  • SF – Frank Gore 1 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 7–0
  • SF – Kyle Williams 12 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 14–0
  • DAL – Miles Austin 53 yd. pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 49ers 14–7
Third quarter
  • DAL – Miles Austin 5 yd. pass from Jon Kitna (Dan Bailey kick), Tied 14–14
  • SF – Delanie Walker 29 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 21–14
Fourth quarter
  • SF – David Akers 55 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 24–14
  • DAL – Miles Austin 25 yd. pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 49ers 24–21
  • DAL – Dan Bailey 48 yd. Field Goal, Tied 24–24
Overtime
  • DAL – Dan Bailey 19 yd. Field Goal, Cowboys 27–24
Top passers
  • DAL – Tony Romo – 20/33, 345 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • SF – Alex Smith – 16/24, 179 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • DAL – Miles Austin – 9 receptions, 143 yards, 3 touchdowns
  • SF – Ted Ginn – 4 receptions, 38 yards
Top tacklers

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 1–1.

Week 3: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week Three: San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 0 31013
Bengals 3 0 058

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information
First quarter
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 22 yd. Field Goal, Bengals 3–0
Second quarter

No Scoring

Third quarter
  • SF – David Akers 23 yd. Field Goal, Tied 3–3
Fourth quarter
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 23 yd. Field Goal, Bengals 6–3
  • SF – Kendall Hunter 7 yd. run (David Akers kick) 49ers 10–6
  • SF – David Akers 53 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 13–6
  • CIN – Andy Lee run out of bounds for a safety, 49ers 13–8
Top passers
  • SF – Alex Smith – 20/30, 201 YDS, 0 TD, 0 INT
  • CIN – Andy Dalton – 17/32, 157 YDS, 0 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
  • SF – Frank Gore – 17 CAR, 42 YDS
  • CIN – Cedric Benson – 17 CAR, 64 YDS
Top receivers
  • SF – Vernon Davis – 8 REC, 114 YDS
  • CIN – Andre Caldwell – 6 REC, 53 YDS
Top tacklers
  • SF – NaVorro Bowman – 7 TKL, 4 AST
  • CIN – Reggie Nelson – 7 TKL, 2 AST

With the win, the 49ers improved to 2–1.

Week 4: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week Four: San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 3 14724
Eagles 7 13 3023

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 2
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 a.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 54°F (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 69,144
  • Referee: Alberto Riveron
  • TV announcers (FOX): Ron Pitts and Jim Mora, Jr.
Game information
First quarter
  • PHI – Clay Horbor 16 yd. pass from Michael Vick (Alex Henery kick), Eagles 7–0
Second quarter
  • SF – David Akers 37 yd. Field Goal, Eagles 7–3
  • PHI – Alex Henery 32 yd. Field Goal, Eagles 10–3
  • PHI – Alex Henery 32 yd. Field Goal, Eagles 13–3
  • PHI – LeSean McCoy 5 yd. pass from Michael Vick (Alex Henery kick), Eagles 20–3
Third quarter
  • PHI – Alex Henery 33 yd. Field Goal, Eagles 23–3
  • SF – Josh Morgan 30 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), Eagles 23–10
  • SF – Vernon Davis 9 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), Eagles 23–17
Fourth quarter
  • SF – Frank Gore 12 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 24–23
Top passers
  • SF – Alex Smith – 21/33, 291 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • PHI – Michael Vick – 30/46, 416 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
  • SF – Frank Gore – 15 carries, 127 yards
  • PHI – Michael Vick – 8 carries, 75 yards
Top receivers
Top tacklers

With the win, the 49ers improved to 3–1.

Week 5: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Five: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 3 0 003
49ers 7 17 101448

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information
First quarter
  • SF – Delanie Walker 26 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 7–0
  • TB – Connor Barth 24 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 7–3
Second quarter
  • SF – Carlos Rogers 31 yd. interception return (David Akers kick), 49ers 14–3
  • SF – Frank Gore 2 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 21–3
  • SF – David Akers 37 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 24–3
Third quarter
  • SF – Vernon Davis 23 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 31–3
  • SF – David Akers 27 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 34–3
Fourth quarter(David Akers kick)
  • SF – Vernon Davis 14 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 41–3
  • SF – Anthony Dixon 1 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 48–3
Top passers
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 17/33, 187 yards, 2 interceptions
  • SF – Alex Smith – 11/19, 170 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

With the win, the 49ers improved to 4–1.

Week 6: at Detroit Lions

Week Six: San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 12 31025
Lions 10 0 3619

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: October 16
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 a.m. PDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 62,061
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
  • Recap
    Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
  • DET – Jason Hanson 25-yard field goal, Lions 3–0, Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 2:01.
  • DET – Brandon Pettigrew 16-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 10–0, Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:02.
Second quarter
  • SF – Frank Gore 1-yard run (David Akers kick), Lions 10–7, Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:47.
  • SF – Matthew Stafford sacked by Aldon Smith and Ray McDonald in end zone for −11 yards, Lions 10–9, Drive: 2 plays, −11 yards, 0:05.
  • SF – David Akers 55-yard field goal, 49ers 12–10, Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 0:55.
Third quarter
  • DET – Jason Hanson 24-yard field goal, Lions 13–12, Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 2:12.
  • SF – David Akers 31-yard field goal, 49ers 15–13, Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:18.
Fourth quarter
  • DET – Nate Burleson 5-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, Lions 19–15, Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 2:55.
  • SF – Delanie Walker 6-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 22–19, Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:33.
  • SF – David Akers 37-yard field goal, 49ers 25–19, Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:14.
Top passers
  • SF – Alex Smith – 17/32, 125 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • DET – Matthew Stafford – 28/50, 293 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top rushers
  • SF – Frank Gore – 15 carries, 141 yards, 1 touchdown
  • DET – Jahvid Best – 12 carries, 37 yards
Top receivers
  • SF – Michael Crabtree – 9 receptions, 77 yards
  • DET – Calvin Johnson- 7 receptions, 113 yards
Top tacklers
  • SF – Navarro Bowman – 8 tackles, 5 assists
  • DET – DeAndre Levy – 7 tackles, 5 assists

With the win, the 49ers went into their bye week at 5–1.

Week 8: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week Eight: Cleveland Browns at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Browns 0 3 0710
49ers 10 7 0320

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: October 30
  • Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 74°F (Sunny)
  • Game attendance: 69,732
  • Referee: Bill Leavy
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
Game information
First quarter
  • SF – Frank Gore 4 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 7–0
  • SF – David Akers 29 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 14–0
Second quarter
  • SF – Michael Crabtree 2 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 17–0
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 52 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 17–3
Third quarter

No Scoring

Fourth quarter
  • CLE – Joshua Cribbs 45 yd. pass from Colt McCoy (Phil Dawson kick), 49ers 17–10
  • SF – David Akers 26 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 20–10
Top passers
  • CLE – Colt McCoy – 22/34, 241 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • SF – Alex Smith – 15/24, 177 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
  • CLE – Chris Ogbonnaya – 11 carries, 37 yards
  • SF – Frank Gore – 31 carries, 134 yards
Top receivers
  • CLE – Jordan Norwood – 5 receptions, 32 yards
  • SF – Michael Crabtree – 5 receptions, 54 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
  • CLE – D'Qwell Jackson – 11 tackles
  • SF – NaVorro Bowman – 11 tackles, 1 assist

With the win, the 49ers improved to 6–1.

Week 9: at Washington Redskins

Week Nine: San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 13 3319
Redskins 0 3 0811

at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland

  • Date: November 6
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/10:00 a.m. PST
  • Game weather: 56°F (Sunny)
  • Game attendance: 78,032
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (FOX): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
Game information
First quarter

No Scoring

Second quarter
  • SF – David Akers 52 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 3–0
  • SF – David Akers 34 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 6–0
  • SF – Bruce Miller 30 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 13–0
  • WAS – Graham Gano 59 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 13–3
Third quarter
  • SF – David Akers 45 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 16–3
Fourth quarter
  • SF – David Akers 20 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 19–3
  • WAS – Jabar Graffney 9 yd. pass from John Beck (Leonard Hankerson pass from John Beck), 49ers 19–11
Top passers
  • SF – Alex Smith – 17/24, 200 yards, 1 touchdown
  • WAS – John Beck – 30/47, 254 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
  • SF – Frank Gore – 19 carries, 107 yards
  • WAS – Roy Helu – 10 carries, 41 yards
Top receivers
  • SF – Michael Crabtree – 5 receptions, 51 yards
  • WAS – Roy Helu – 14 receptions, 105 yards
Top tacklers
  • SF – Patrick Willis – 9 tackles, 4 assists
  • WAS – Reed Doughty – 6 tackles, 5 assists

With the win, the 49ers improved to 7–1.

Week 10: vs. New York Giants

Week Ten: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Giants 3 3 7720
49ers 3 6 31527

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information
First quarter
  • NYG – Lawerence Tynes 23 yd. Field Goal, Giants 3–0
  • SF – David Akers 36 yd. Field Goal, Tied 3–3
Second quarter
  • NYG – Lawerence Tynes 25 yd. Field Goal, Giants 6–3
  • SF – David Akers 52 yd. Field Goal, Tied 6–6
  • SF – David Akers 39 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 9–6
Third quarter
  • SF – David Akers 28 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 12–6
  • NYG – Mario Manningham 13 yd. pass from Eli Manning (Lawerence tynes kick), Giants 13–12
Fourth quarter
  • SF – Vernon Davis 31 yd. pass from Alex Smith (Michael Crabtree pass from Alex Smith), 49ers 20–13
  • SF – Kendall Hunter 17 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 27–13
  • NYG – Hakeem Nicks 32 yd. pass from Eli Manning (Lawerence Tynes kick), 49ers 27–20
Top passers
  • NYG – Eli Manning – 26/40, 311 YDS, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • SF – Alex Smith – 19/30, 242 YDS, TD, INT
Top rushers
  • NYG – Brandon Jacobs – 18 CAR, 55 YDS
  • SF – Kendall Hunter – 6 CAR, 40 YDS, TD
Top receivers
  • NYG – Victor Cruz – 6 REC, 84 YDS
  • SF – Delanie Walker – 6 REC, 69 YDS
Top tacklers
  • NYG – Kenny Phillips/Antrel Rolle – 4 TKL, AST each
  • SF – NaVorro Bowman – 10 TKL, 4 AST

With the win, the 49ers improved to 8–1.

Week 11: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week Eleven: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 0 077
49ers 6 3 14023

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: November 20
  • Game time: 1:05 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 52°F (Light Rain)
  • Game attendance: 69,732
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (FOX): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin
Game information
First quarter
  • SF – David Akers 22 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 3–0
  • SF – David Akers 43 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 6–0
Second quarter
  • SF – David Akers 29 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 9–0
Third quarter
  • SF – Kyle Williams 8 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 16–0
  • SF – Vernon Davis 18 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 23–0
Fourth quarter
  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 23 yd. pass from Richard Bartel (Jay Feely kick), 49ers 23–7
Top passers
  • ARI – Ricahrd Bartel – 8/16, 64 yards, 1 touchdown
  • SF – Alex Smith – 20/38, 267 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
  • ARI – Chris Wells – 8 carries, 33 yards
  • SF – Frank Gore – 24 carries, 88 yards
Top receivers
  • ARI – Early Doucet – 6 receptions, 50 yards
  • SF – Michael Crabtree – 7 receptions, 120 yards
Top tacklers
  • ARI – Paris Lenon – 9 tackles
  • SF – Patrick Willis – 6 tackles, 1 assist

With this win, the 49ers improve their record to 9–1, securing them their first winning season since 2002.

Week 12: at Baltimore Ravens

Thanksgiving Day Game

Week Twelve: San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 3 0 306
Ravens 3 3 01016

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information
First quarter
  • BAL – Billy Cundiff 39-yard field goal, Ravens 3–0, Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 4:39.
  • SF – David Akers 45-yard field goal, Tied 3–3, Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 4:42.
Second quarter
  • BAL – Billy Cundiff 23-yard field goal, Ravens 6–3, Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:24.
Third quarter
  • SF – David Akers 52-yard field goal, Tied 6–6, Drive: 13 plays, 46 yards, 7:30.
Fourth quarter
  • BAL – Dennis Pitta 8-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Billy Cundiff kick), Ravens 13–7, Drive: 16 plays, 76 yards, 7:34.
  • BAL – Billy Cundiff 39-yard field goal, Ravens 16–6, Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 4:16.
Top passers
  • SF –
  • BAL –
Top rushers
  • SF –
  • BAL –
Top receivers
  • SF –
  • BAL –
Top tacklers
  • SF –
  • BAL –

Coming off their divisional home win over the Cardinals, head coach Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers flew to M&T Bank Stadium for a Week 12 interconference duel with the Baltimore Ravens and their head coach (Jim's brother) John Harbaugh on Thanksgiving.

San Francisco trailed early in the first quarter as Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff got a 39-yard field goal, yet the 49ers answered with a 45-yard field goal from kicker David Akers. Baltimore struck back in the second quarter with Cundiff making a 23-yard field goal.

San Francisco began the third quarter with a 52-yard field goal from Akers, but the Ravens opened the fourth quarter with quarterback Joe Flacco completing an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dennis Pitta, followed by Cundiff nailing a 39-yard field goal. The Niners tried to rally, but Baltimore's defense held on to preserve the win.

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 9–2.

Week 13: vs. St. Louis Rams

Week Thirteen: St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Rams 0 0 000
49ers 3 6 10726

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: December 4
  • Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 55°F (Sunny)
  • Game attendance: 69,732
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (FOX): Chris Myers and Tim Ryan
Game information
First quarter
  • David Akers 36-yard field goal, 49ers 3–0
Second quarter
  • David Akers 19-yard field goal, 49ers 6–0
  • David Akers 28-yard field goal, 49ers 9–0
Third quarter
  • Michael Crabtree 52-yard pass from Alex Smith (Akers kick), 49ers 16–0
  • David Akers 34-yard field goal, 49ers 19–0
Fourth quarter
  • Kyle Williams 56-yard pass from Alex Smith (Akers kick), 49ers 26–0
Top passers
  • STL – A.J. Feeley – 12/22, 156 yards, 1 interception
  • SF – Alex Smith – 17/23, 274 yards, 2 touchdown
Top rushers
  • STL – Steven Jackson – 10 carries, 19 yards
  • SF – Frank Gore – 21 carries, 73 yards
Top receivers
  • STL – Brandon Gibson – 4 catches, 42 yards
  • SF – Michael Crabtree – 4 catches, 96 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
  • STL – Craig Dehl – 11 tackles, 2 assists
  • SF – NaVarro Bowman – 6 tackles

With the win, not only the 49ers improved to 10–2. But clinched 1st place in the NFC West.

Week 14: at Arizona Cardinals

Week Fourteen: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 3 9 7019
Cardinals 0 7 7721

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

  • Date: December 11
  • Game time: 2:05 p.m. MST/1:05 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 60,808
  • Referee: Alberto Riveron
  • TV announcers (FOX): Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer Hale
Game information
First quarter
  • David Akers 46-yard field goal, 49ers 3–0
Second quarter
  • David Akers 22-yard field goal, 49ers 6–0
  • Early Doucet 60-yard pass from John Skelton (Jay Feely kick), Cardinals 7–6
  • David Akers 27-yard field goal, 49ers 9–7
  • David Akers 22-yard field goal, 49ers 12–7
Third quarter
  • Frank Gore 37-yard run (David Akers kick), 49ers 19–7
  • Larry Fitzgerald 46-yard pass from John Skelton (Jay Feely kick), 49ers 19–14
Fourth quarter
  • Andre Roberts 3-yard pass from John Skelton (Jay Feely kick), Cardinals 21–19
Top passers
  • SF – Alex Smith – 18/37, 175 yards
  • ARI – John Skelton – 19/28, 282 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
  • SF – Frank Gore – 10 carries, 72 yards
  • ARI – Chris Wells – 15 carries, 27 yards
Top receivers
  • SF – Michael Crabtree – 7 catches, 63 yards
  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 7 catches, 149 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
  • SF – Larry Grant – 10 tackles, 1 assist
  • ARI – Richard Marshall – 4 tackles, 3 assists

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 10–3.

Week 15: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Fifteen: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 0 303
49ers 6 0 7720

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information
First quarter
  • David Akers 22-yard field goal, 49ers 3–0
Second quarter
  • David Akers 38-yard field goal, 49ers 6–0
Third quarter
  • Shaun Suisham 51-yard field goal, 49ers 6–3
  • Vernon Davis 1-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 13–3
Fourth quarter
  • Frank Gore 5-yard run (David Akers kick), 49ers 20–3
Top passers
  • PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 25/44, 330 yards, 3 interceptions
  • SF – Alex Smith – 18/31, 187 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
  • PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 15 carries, 64 yards
  • SF – Frank Gore – 18 carries, 65 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
  • PIT – Jerricho Cotchery – 5 carries, 93 yards
  • SF – Vernon Davis – 6 catches, 72 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
  • PIT – Troy Polamalu – 7 tackles
  • SF – NaVarro Bowman – 7 tackles, 1 assist

The 49ers traveled home for a game on Monday Night Football against the Steelers. It was delayed due to a power outage in their stadium. The lights went off again in the 2nd quarter when the 49ers were leading 6 to 0 which eventually became the score at halftime. In the 2nd half the 49ers would go on a 14 to 3 run to make the final score 20 to 3 and improve their record to 11–3.

Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks

Week Sixteen: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 3 10619
Seahawks 7 3 0717

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 48°F (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 66,697
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (FOX): Ron Pitts, Charles Davis and Drea Avent
Game information
First quarter
  • Doug Baldwin 13-yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Steven Hauschka kick), Seahawks 7–0
Second quarter
  • David Akers 53-yard field goal, Seahawks 7–3
  • Steven Hauschka 19-yard field goal, Seahawks 10–3
Third quarter
  • Frank Gore 4-yard run (David Akers kick), Tied 10–10
  • David Akers 29-yard field goal, 49ers 13–10
Fourth quarter
  • David Akers 44-yard field goal, 49ers 16–10
  • Marshawn Lynch 4-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), Seahawks 17–16
  • David Akers 39-yard field goal, 49ers 19–17
Top passers
  • SF – Alex Smith – 14/26, 179 yards
  • SEA – Tarvaris Jackson – 15/28, 163 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
  • SF – Frank Gore – 23 carries, 83 yards, 1 touchdown
  • SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 21 carries, 107 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
  • SF – Michael Crabtree – 5 carries, 85 yards
  • SEA – Golden Tate – 3 catches, 16 yards
Top tacklers
  • SF – NaVarro Bowman – 7 tackles, 5 assists
  • SEA – Kam Chancellor – 10 tackles

With the win, the 49ers improved to 12–3 and swept the Seahawks for the first time since 2006.

Week 17: at St. Louis Rams

Week Seventeen: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 7 13 7734
Rams 7 0 31727

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • SF –
  • STL –
Top rushers
  • SF –
  • STL –
Top receivers
  • SF –
  • STL –
Top tacklers
  • SF –
  • STL –

With the win, the 49ers finished their season at 13–3 as they swept the Rams for the first time since 2009 and captured the NFC's #2 playoff seed.

Standings

NFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) San Francisco 49ers 13 3 0 .813 5–1 10–2 380 229 W3
Arizona Cardinals 8 8 0 .500 4–2 7–5 312 348 W1
Seattle Seahawks 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 321 315 L2
St. Louis Rams 2 14 0 .125 0–6 1–11 193 407 L7

Postseason

Schedule

Playoff round Date Kickoff Opponent (seed) Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
Wild Card First-round bye
Divisional January 14, 2012 1:30 p.m. PST New Orleans Saints (3) W 36–32 1–0 Candlestick Park Fox Recap
NFC Championship January 22, 2012 3:30 p.m. PST New York Giants (4) L 17–20 (OT) 1–1 Candlestick Park Fox Recap

Game summaries

NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. #3 New Orleans Saints

NFC Divisional Round Playoff Game: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 0 14 01832
49ers 14 3 31636

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • SF – David Akers 21-yard field goal, 49ers 17–0, Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:23.
  • NO – Jimmy Graham 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 49ers 17–7, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:40.
  • NO – Marques Colston 25-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 49ers 17–14, Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:04.
Third quarter
  • SF – David Akers 41-yard field goal, 49ers 20–14, Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:59.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – John Kasay 48-yard field goal, 49ers 20–17, Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 0:59.
  • SF – David Akers 37-yard field goal, 49ers 23–17, Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 3:02
  • NO – Darren Sproles 44-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), Saints 24–23, Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 3:34.
  • SF – Alex Smith 28-yard run (2-point conversion failed), 49ers 29–24, Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:51.
  • NO – Jimmy Graham 66-yard pass from Drew Brees (Drew Brees pass to Darren Sproles for two-point conversion), Saints 32–29, Drive: 4 plays, 88 yards, 0:34.
  • SF – Vernon Davis 14-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 36–32,' Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 1:28.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 40/63, 462 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
  • SF – Alex Smith – 24/42, 299 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
  • NO – Chris Ivory – 9 carries, 23 yards, 0 touchdowns
  • SF – Frank Gore – 13 carries, 89 yards, 0 touchdowns
Top receivers
  • NO – Marques Colston – 9 receptions, 136 yards, 1 touchdown
  • SF – Vernon Davis – 7 receptions, 180 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top tacklers

Alex Smith's 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Vernon Davis with 9 seconds left gave San Francisco their first playoff win since 2002 at the end of a wild, back and forth final quarter which featured four lead changes in a span of 3:53. Davis' game winning touchdown catch occurred four days after the 30th anniversary of The Catch – Joe Montana's famous touchdown pass to Dwight Clark – known as one of the most famous plays in San Francisco 49ers history. Sports writers and 49ers fans have taken to referring Davis' catch as The Catch III.[8] This game was voted the number 1 game of 2011 by NFL.com.[9] With the win, the 49ers improved to 14–3 and faced the New York Giants at Candlestick Park in the NFC Championship Game.

NFC Championship: vs. #4 New York Giants

NFC Championship: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Giants 0 10 07320
49ers 7 0 73017

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
Overtime
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

In a defensive game, the New York Giants won in overtime on a 31 yard field goal by Lawrence Tynes. Kyle Williams, a rookie, took over punt return duties for an injured Ted Ginn, Jr. and had what many 49ers fans consider the worst playoff performance in team history. Williams fumbled three times, losing two of them, that led to 10 Giants points, including setting up the game winning field goal. He also dove for a punt, instead of just letting it go. The 49ers' offense also struggled to move the ball at times throughout the game. They did not convert a 3rd down conversion for the first three quarters. With the loss, the 49ers season ends with a 14-4 record.

Notable Team Statistics

Notes and references

  1. ↑ Branch, Eric (January 23, 2012). "Third-down disaster helped doom 49ers". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on January 23, 2012.
  2. ↑ David White (December 28, 2010). "York says new GM will hire next 49ers coach". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2010-12-28.
  3. ↑ "49ers promote Trent Baalke to GM". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
  4. ↑ "Draft trade tracker: Let's make a deal: Safety insurance: The Butler did it: Chargers snag linebacker". NFL.com. April 23, 2010. Archived from the original on 25 April 2010. Retrieved April 23, 2010.
  5. ↑ "Report: Niners Trade Balmer to Seattle". CSNBayArea.com. August 16, 2010. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
  6. ↑ "49ers sign Carr, deal Hill to Lions". Associated Press. March 16, 2010. Archived from the original on 17 March 2010. Retrieved March 16, 2010.
  7. ↑ "San Francisco 49ers Shooting: 2 Shot After Preseason Game (VIDEO)". Huffington Post. August 21, 2011.
  8. ↑ Ortiz, Jorge L. (January 15, 2012). "TD could become 'The Catch III' in 49ers lore". USA Today (David Hunke; Gannett Company). Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  9. ↑ Harrison, Elliot (June 25, 2012). "Game 1: Saints at 49ers Divisional Game". NFL.com. Retrieved April 6, 2014.

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