NFL team season (first Super Bowl win)
1981 San Francisco 49ers season Head coach Bill Walsh General manager Bill Walsh Home field Candlestick Park Record 13–3 Division place 1st NFC West Playoff finish Won Divisional Playoffs (vs. Giants ) 38–24Won NFC Championship (vs. Cowboys ) 28–27 Won Super Bowl XVI (vs. Bengals ) 26–21
The 49ers playing against the Bengals in Super Bowl XVI.
The 1981 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise 's 32nd season in the National Football League , their 36th overall and their third under head coach Bill Walsh .
The team finished the regular season with a 13–3 record. The season would be one of the franchise's most successful seasons to that point and would be "the birth of a dynasty",[1] when the 49ers began their decade of establishing absolute dominance over the NFL. The 49ers drew an average home attendance of 54,398 in the 1981 NFL season.
The 49ers won Super Bowl XVI by defeating the AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals . It was the first of five Super Bowl victories in franchise history, all within the next 13 seasons. From 1981 to 1997, the 49ers would have 13 NFC West titles, 8 NFC top seeds, and 7 seasons as the NFL's best team. And from 1981 to 1994, the 49ers would hog half of the NFL's best team's seasons.
Quarterback Joe Montana began the 1981 season as San Francisco's starting quarterback. Montana produced two fourth-quarter comeback victories. Montana's signature game of the season was the NFC Championship Game , which culminated in "The Catch ", a last-minute touchdown pass from Montana to Dwight Clark , propelling the 49ers to victory over Dallas , and a berth in their first Super Bowl . The 49ers were undefeated in Super Bowls until Super Bowl XLVII .
Offseason [ ]
NFL Draft [ ]
A turning point for the franchise was the drafting of safety Ronnie Lott from the University of Southern California . Lott would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame .
1981 San Francisco 49ers Draft
Round
Selection
Player
Position
College
Notes
1
8
Ronnie Lott
CB
USC
2
36
John Harty
DT
Iowa
from Washington
Traded to the Bears
40
Eric Wright
CB
Missouri
from Chicago
3
65
Carlton Williamson
SS
Pittsburgh
4
Traded to the Cowboys
5
121
Lynn Thomas
CB
Pittsburgh
122
Arrington Jones
RB
Winston-Salem State
from Chicago
6
147
Pete Kugler
DT
Penn State
7
Traded to the Eagles
8
203
Garry White
RB
Minnesota
9
Traded to the Bengals
10
Traded to the Colts
11
286
Ron DeBose
TE
UCLA
12
313
Major Ogilvie
RB
Alabama
322
Joe Adams
QB
Tennessee State
from Pittsburgh
[2]
Training Camp [ ]
The 1981 San Francisco 49ers season held training camp at in .
Personnel [ ]
Staff [ ]
1981 San Francisco 49ers staff
Front office
Owner and President – Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr.
General manager – Bill Walsh
Director of Football Operations – John McVay
Director of College Scouting – Tony Razzano
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Special Teams – Milt Jackson
Strength and conditioning
Strength and Conditioning – Al Vermeil
Roster [ ]
1981 San Francisco 49ers roster
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams
Reserve lists
Practice squad
Rookies in italics
Source: [3] [4]
Preseason [ ]
Schedule [ ]
Week
Date
Opponent
Result
Record
Venue
Attendance
Recap
1
at Seattle Seahawks
W 27–24 (OT)
1–0
Kingdome
56,958
Recap
2
San Diego Chargers
L 28–31
1–1
Candlestick Park
41,667
Recap
3
Seattle Seahawks
W 24–22
2–1
Candlestick Park
37,563
Recap
4
at Oakland Raiders
L 7–21
2–2
Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum
51,192
Recap
Regular season [ ]
With the offense in good shape, Walsh and the 49ers focused on overhauling the defense in 1981. Walsh took the highly unusual step of overhauling his entire secondary with rookies and untested players, bringing on board Ronnie Lott , Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson and giving Dwight Hicks a prominent role. He also acquired veteran linebacker Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds and veteran defensive lineman and sack specialist Fred Dean .
These new additions, when added to existing defensive mainstays like Keena Turner , turned the 49ers into a dominant team. After a 1–2 start, the 49ers won all but one of their final games to finish with a 13–3 record, easily the best record in the team's history. Additionally, the 49ers defense yielded more than 20 points in only three games. Dean and Hicks made the Pro Bowl . The 49ers selection of Lott in the 1981 NFL Draft proved to be a seminal one. In addition to making the NFC Pro Bowl roster, Lott was voted First-Team All-Pro and received nods from all 5 newspapers that voted, a significant honor for a rookie. Giants' linebacker Lawrence Taylor was the only other rookie from the 1981 NFL Draft to achieve this unanimous selection to the First Team All-Pro unit.
Led by Montana, the unusual offense was centered around the short passing game, which Walsh used as ball control. Both Dwight Clark and Freddie Solomon had excellent years receiving; Clark as the possession receiver, and Solomon as more of a deep threat. The 49ers running game, however, was among the weakest for any champion in NFL history. Ricky Patton led the 49ers with only 543 yards rushing. The 49ers' most valuable running back, however, might have been Earl Cooper, whose strength was as a pass-catching back (he had 51 catches during the season).
Schedule [ ]
Week
Date
Opponent
Result
Record
Venue
Attendance
Recap
1
September 6
at Detroit Lions
L 17–24
0–1
Pontiac Silverdome
63,710
Recap
2
September 13
Chicago Bears
W 28–17
1–1
Candlestick Park
49,520
Recap
3
September 20
at Atlanta Falcons
L 17–34
1–2
Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
56,653
Recap
4
September 27
New Orleans Saints
W 21–14
2–2
Candlestick Park
44,433
Recap
5
October 4
at Washington Redskins
W 30–17
3–2
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium
51,843
Recap
6
October 11
Dallas Cowboys
W 45–14
4–2
Candlestick Park
57,574
Recap
7
October 18
at Green Bay Packers
W 13–3
5–2
Milwaukee County Stadium
50,171
Recap
8
October 25
Los Angeles Rams
W 20–17
6–2
Candlestick Park
59,190
Recap
9
November 1
at Pittsburgh Steelers
W 17–14
7–2
Three Rivers Stadium
52,878
Recap
10
November 8
Atlanta Falcons
W 17–14
8–2
Candlestick Park
59,127
Recap
11
November 15
Cleveland Browns
L 12–15
8–3
Candlestick Park
52,455
Recap
12
November 22
at Los Angeles Rams
W 33–31
9–3
Anaheim Stadium
63,456
Recap
13
November 29
New York Giants
W 17–10
10–3
Candlestick Park
57,186
Recap
14
December 6
at Cincinnati Bengals
W 21–3
11–3
Riverfront Stadium
56,796
Recap
15
December 13
Houston Oilers
W 28–6
12–3
Candlestick Park
55,707
Recap
16
December 20
at New Orleans Saints
W 21–17
13–3
Louisiana Superdome
43,639
Recap
Game summaries [ ]
Week 1 at Detroit Lions [ ]
Week One: San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers
0
3
0 14 17
Lions
0
10
0 14 24
at Pontiac Silverdome , Pontiac, Michigan
Date : September 6Game time : 10:00 a.m. PDT Game weather : indoorsGame attendance : 63,710Referee : Tom Dooley TV announcers (CBS ) : Lindsey Nelson (play-by-play), George Allen (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
Second quarter
SF – Ray Wersching 25-yard field goal – 49ers 3–0
DET – Billy Sims 39-yard pass from Gary Danielson – (Eddie Murray kick) Lions 7–3
DET – Eddie Murray 29-yard field goal – Lions 10–3
Fourth quarter
Top passers
SF – Joe Montana , 18/28, 195 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int
DET – Gary Danielson , 16/27, 196 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int
Top rushers
SF – Ricky Patton , 15 Car, 72 Yds, 1 TD
DET – Billy Sims , 21 Car, 59 Yds, 1 TD
Top receivers
SF – Freddie Solomon , 8 Rec, 94 Yds, 1 TD
DET – Billy Sims , 5 Rec, 66 Yds, 1 TD
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Week 2 vs. Chicago Bears [ ]
Week Two: Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Bears
0
10
7 0 17
49ers
7
7
7 7 28
at Candlestick Park , San Francisco, California
Game information
First quarter
SF – Ricky Patton 31-yard pass from Joe Montana – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 7–0
Second quarter
SF – Freddie Solomon 46-yard pass from Joe Montana – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 14–0
CHI – Walter Payton 2-yard rush – (Bob Thomas kick) 49ers 14–7
CHI – Bob Thomas 37-yard field goal – 49ers 14–10
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
SF – Ricky Patton 12-yard rush – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 28–17
Top passers
CHI – Vince Evans , 19/33, 216 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int
SF – Joe Montana , 20/32, 287 Yds, 3 TDs
Top rushers
CHI – Walter Payton , 27 Car, 97 Yds, 1 TD
SF – Ricky Patton , 14 Car, 67 Yds, 1 TD
Top receivers
CHI – Rickey Watts , 5 Rec, 74 Yds
SF – Dwight Clark , 6 Rec, 81 Yds
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Week 3 at Atlanta Falcons [ ]
Week Three: San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers
0
10
0 7 17
Falcons
17
7
10 0 34
at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium , Atlanta
Date : September 20Game time : 10:00 a.m. PDT Game weather : 61 °F (16 °C); wind 8Game attendance : 56,653Referee : Gene Barth TV announcers (CBS ) : Lindsey Nelson (play-by-play), George Allen (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
SF – Charle Young 11-yard pass from Joe Montana – (Matt Bahr kick) Falcons 17–7
SF – Matt Bahr 47-yard field goal – Falcons 17–10
ATL – Alfred Jenkins 15-yard pass from Steve Bartkowski – (Mick Luckhurst kick) Falcons 24–10
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
SF – Freddie Solomon 12-yard pass from Joe Montana – (Matt Bahr kick) Falcons 34–17
Top passers
SF – Joe Montana , 24/34, 274 Yds, 2 TDs, 2 Ints
ATL – Steve Bartkowski , 13/22, 208 Yds, 3 TDs
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Joe Montana was intercepted twice in 34 passes (24 completed) as the Niners fell to the Falcons for the eleventh time in the last eight seasons.
Week 4 vs. New Orleans Saints [ ]
Week Four: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
7
0
0 7 14
49ers
0
7
7 7 21
at Candlestick Park , San Francisco, California
Date : September 27Game time : 1:00 p.m. PDT Game weather : 64 °F (18 °C); wind 12Game attendance : 44,433Referee : Fred Silva TV announcers (CBS ) : Lindsey Nelson (play-by-play), Sonny Jurgenson (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
SF – Johnny Davis 6-yard rush – (Matt Bahr kick) Tied 7–7
Third quarter
SF – Solomon 60-yard pass from Montana – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 14–7
Fourth quarter
SF – Ronnie Lott 26-yard interception return – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 21–7
NO – Wayne Wilson 9-yard pass from Archie Manning – (Benny Ricardo kick) 49ers 21–14
Top passers
NO – Dave Wilson , 11/22, 180 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int
SF – Joe Montana , 16/22, 175 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int
Top rushers
NO – George Rogers , 25 Car, 115 Yds
SF – Johnny Davis , 11 Car, 48 Yds
Top receivers
NO – Wes Chandler , 4 Rec, 72 Yds
SF – Charle Young , 3 Rec, 41 Yds
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Week 5 at Washington Redskins [ ]
Week Five: San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers
14
10
6 0 30
Redskins
0
3
0 14 17
at RFK Stadium , Washington, D.C.
Date : October 4Game time : 10:00 a.m. PDT Game weather : 58 °F (14 °C); wind 10Game attendance : 51,843Referee : Gordon McCarter TV announcers (CBS ) : Tom Brookshier (play-by-play), Roger Staubach (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
SF – Ricky Patton 16-yard rush – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 7–0
SF – Dwight Hicks 80-yard fumble return – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 14–0
Second quarter
SF – Matt Bahr 43-yard field goal – 49ers 17–0
WSH – Mark Moseley 34-yard field goal – 49ers 17–3
SF – Johnny Davis 1 yard run – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 24–3
Third quarter
SF – Dwight Hicks 32-yard interception return – (kick failed) 49ers 30–3
Fourth quarter
Top passers
SF – Joe Montana , 15/28, 193 Yds, 1 Int
WSH – Joe Theismann , 10/22, 123 Yds, 2 Ints
Top rushers
SF – Ricky Patton , 9 Car, 43 Yds, 1 TD
WSH – John Riggins , 13 Car, 47 Yds
Top receivers
SF – Lenvil Elliott , 6 Rec, 69 Yds
WSH – Joe Washington , 8 Rec, 49 Yds
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Week 6 vs. Dallas Cowboys [ ]
Week Six: Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Cowboys
0
7
0 7 14
49ers
21
3
14 7 45
at Candlestick Park , San Francisco, California
Date : October 11Game time : 1:00 p.m. PDT Game weather : 58 °F (14 °C); wind 18Game attendance : 57,574Referee : Jim Tunney TV announcers (CBS ) : Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
SF – Dwight Clark 78-yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 31–7
SF – Ronnie Lott 41-yard interception return – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 38–7
Fourth quarter
Top passers
DAL – Danny White , 8/16, 60 Yds, 2 Ints
SF – Joe Montana , 19/29, 279 Yds, 2 TDs
Top rushers
DAL – Tony Dorsett , 9 Car, 21 Yds
SF – Paul Hofer , 11 Car, 40 Yds, 1 TD
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Week 7 at Green Bay Packers [ ]
Week Seven: San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers
0
3
7 3 13
Packers
0
3
0 0 3
at Milwaukee County Stadium , Milwaukee
Date : October 18Game time : 11:00 a.m. PDT Game weather : 47 °F (8 °C); wind 21Game attendance : 50,171Referee : Ben Dreith TV announcers (CBS ) : Tim Ryan (play-by-play), Johnny Morris (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
Second quarter
GB – Jan Stenerud 26-yard field goal – Packers 3–0
SF – Ray Wersching 26-yard field goal – Tied 3–3
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
SF – Joe Montana , 23/32, 220 Yds
GB – Lynn Dickey , 11/18, 156 Yds
Top rushers
SF – Johnny Davis , 16 Car, 65 Yds, 1 TD
GB – Gerry Ellis , 7 Car, 50 Yds
Top receivers
SF – Dwight Clark , 6 Rec, 55 Yds
GB – Gerry Ellis , 5 Rec, 65 Yds
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Week 8 vs. Los Angeles Rams [ ]
Week Eight: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Rams
0
10
7 0 17
49ers
14
3
3 0 20
at Candlestick Park , San Francisco, California
Date : October 25Game time : 1:00 p.m. PST Game weather : 58 °F (14 °C); wind 11Game attendance : 59,190Referee : Pat Haggerty TV announcers (CBS ) : Gary Bender (play-by-play), Roger Staubach (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Top passers
LA – Pat Haden , 20/39, 310 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int
SF – Joe Montana , 18/32, 287 Yds, 2 TDs
Top rushers
LA – Wendell Tyler , 22 Car, 90 Yds
SF – Paul Hofer , 8 Car, 23 Yds
Top receivers
LA – Preston Dennard , 6 Rec, 119 Yds
SF – Dwight Clark , 8 Rec, 109 Yds, 1 TD
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Week 9 at Pittsburgh Steelers [ ]
Week Nine: San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers
0
10
0 7 17
Steelers
0
0
14 0 14
at Three Rivers Stadium , Pittsburgh
Date : November 1Game time : 10:00 a.m. PST Game weather : 50 °F (10 °C); wind 8Game attendance : 52,878Referee : Bob FredericTV announcers (CBS ) : Vin Scully (play-by-play), Hank Stram (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
Second quarter
Third quarter
PIT – Mel Blount 50-yard interception return – (David Trout kick) 49ers 10–7
PIT – Jim Smith 22-yard pass from Terry Bradshaw – (David Trout kick) Steelers 14–10
Fourth quarter
Top passers
SF – Joe Montana , 22/37, 205 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints
PIT – Terry Bradshaw , 12/23, 125 Yds, 1 TD, 3 Ints
Top rushers
SF – Walt Easley , 14 Car, 47 Yds, 1 TD
PIT – Franco Harris , 17 Car, 104 Yds
Top receivers
SF – Dwight Clark , 7 Rec, 80 Yds
PIT – Frank Pollard , 3 Rec, 42 Yds
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Week 10 vs. Atlanta Falcons [ ]
Week Ten: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Falcons
0
0
7 7 14
49ers
0
10
0 7 17
at Candlestick Park , San Francisco, California
Date : November 8Game time : 1:00 p.m. PST Game weather : 58 °F (14 °C); wind 11Game attendance : 59,127Referee : Fred Wyant TV announcers (CBS ) : Lindsey Nelson (play-by-play), George Allen (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
ATL – Steve Bartkowski , 20/42, 236 Yds, 1 TD, 3 Ints
SF – Joe Montana , 16/30, 223 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int
Top rushers
Top receivers
ATL – Alfred Jenkins , 7 Rec, 134 Yds
SF – Dwight Clark , 7 Rec, 128 Yds
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Week 11 vs. Cleveland Browns [ ]
Week Eleven: Cleveland Browns at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Browns
2
3
0 10 15
49ers
0
6
6 0 12
at Candlestick Park , San Francisco, California
Date : November 15Game time : 1:00 p.m. PST Game weather : 60 °F (16 °C); wind 15Game attendance : 52,455Referee : Chuck Heberling TV announcers (NBC ) : Don Criqui (play-by-play), John Brodie (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
CLE – Safety, intentional grounding by Joe Montana in end zone – Browns 2–0
Second quarter
SF – Ray Wersching 28-yard field goal – 49ers 3–2
CLE – Matt Bahr 28-yard field goal – Browns 5–3
SF – Ray Wersching 29-yard field goal – 49ers 6–5
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
CLE – Reggie Rucker 21-yard pass from Brian Sipe – (Matt Bahr kick) Tied 12–12
CLE – Matt Bahr 24-yard field goal – Browns 15–12
Top passers
CLE – Brian Sipe , 16/33, 180 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int
SF – Joe Montana , 24/42, 213 Yds, 2 Ints
Top rushers
Top receivers
CLE – Greg Pruitt , 4 Rec, 33 Yds
SF – Paul Hofer , 7 Rec, 64 Yds
Top tacklers
Turnovers
The Niners’ winning streak ended in a battle of six combined field goals. Opposing quarterbacks Brian Sipe and Montana combined for 393 yards, three interceptions, and an average passer rating of 56.
Week 12 at Los Angeles Rams [ ]
Week Twelve: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers
3
7
17 6 33
Rams
0
17
7 7 31
at Anaheim Stadium , Anaheim, California
Date : November 22Game time : 1:00 p.m. PST Game weather : 60 °F (16 °C); wind 8Game attendance : 63,456Referee : Red Cashion TV announcers (CBS ) : Vin Scully (play-by-play), Hank Stram (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
SF – Joe Montana , 19/30, 283 Yds, 1 Int
LA – Pat Haden , 9/13, 122 Yds, 1 TD
Top rushers
SF – Johnny Davis , 8 Car, 23 Yds, 1 TD
LA – Wendell Tyler , 23 Car, 97 Yds, 1 TD
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
The game lead tied or changed eight times as the Rams wound up using quarterbacks Dan Pastorini and Pat Haden while running back Mike Guman threw a seven-yard touchdown to Preston Dennard . Amos Lawrence opened the third quarter by scoring on the opening kickoff and Ronnie Lott scored after intercepting Pastorini.
Week 13 vs. New York Giants [ ]
Week Thirteen: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Giants
0
3
0 7 10
49ers
7
7
0 3 17
at Candlestick Park , San Francisco, California
Date : November 29Game time : 1:00 p.m. PST Game weather : 49 °F (9 °C); wind 10Game attendance : 57,186Referee : Jerry Markbreit TV announcers (CBS ) : Tim Ryan (play-by-play), Fred Dryer (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
NYG – Scott Brunner , 13/34, 162 Yds, 3 Ints
SF – Joe Montana , 27/39, 234 Yds
Top rushers
NYG – Rob Carpenter , 13 Car, 40 Yds, 1 TD
SF – Paul Hofer , 8 Car, 33 Yds
Top receivers
NYG – Rob Carpenter , 5 Rec, 55 Yds
SF – Dwight Clark , 7 Rec, 87 Yds
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Week 14 at Cincinnati Bengals [ ]
Week Fourteen: San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers
7
7
0 7 21
Bengals
0
3
0 0 3
at Riverfront Stadium , Cincinnati
Date : December 6Game time : 10:00 a.m. PST Game weather : 28 °F (−2 °C); wind 7, wind chill 21 °F (−6 °C)Game attendance : 56,796Referee : Jerry Seeman TV announcers (CBS ) : Tim Ryan (play-by-play), Fred Dryer (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
CIN – Jim Breech 30-yard field goal – 49ers 7–3
SF – Dwight Clark 15-yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 14–3
Fourth quarter
Top passers
SF – Joe Montana , 23/36, 187 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int
CIN – Jack Thompson , 10/18, 114 Yds, 1 Int
Top rushers
Top receivers
SF – Dwight Clark , 6 Rec, 78 Yds, 1 TD
CIN – Dan Ross , 7 Rec, 69 Yds
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Week 15 vs. Houston Oilers [ ]
Week Fifteen: Houston Oilers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Oilers
0
0
0 6 6
49ers
0
0
21 7 28
at Candlestick Park , San Francisco, California
Date : December 13Game time : 1:00 p.m. PST Game weather : 54 °F (12 °C); wind 7Game attendance : 55,707Referee : Dick Jorgensen TV announcers (NBC ) : Bob Costas (play-by-play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
HOU – Gifford Nielsen , 21/30, 140 Yds
SF – Joe Montana , 18/26, 204 Yds, 1 TD
Top rushers
HOU – Earl Campbell , 18 Car, 45 Yds, 1 TD
SF – Ricky Patton , 9 Car, 57 Yds, 1 TD
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Week 16 at New Orleans Saints [ ]
Week Sixteen: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers
7
7
0 7 21
Saints
14
0
3 0 17
at Louisiana Superdome , New Orleans
Date : December 20Game time : 11:00 a.m. PST Game weather : indoorsGame attendance : 43,639Referee : Gene Barth TV announcers (CBS ) : Tim Ryan (play-by-play), Fred Dryer (color commentator)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
SF – Joe Montana , 9/11, 106 Yds, 2 TDs
NO – Archie Manning , 14/21, 110 Yds, 1 Ints
Top rushers
SF – Bill Ring , 11 Car, 71 Yds
NO – George Rogers , 30 Car, 107 Yds, 2 TDs
Top receivers
SF – Freddie Solomon , 5 Rec, 38 Yds, 1 TD
NO – Toussaint Tyler , 5 Rec, 21 Yds
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Game officials [ ]
Preseason [ ]
Week
Opponent
Referee
Umpire
Head Linesman
Line Judge
Back Judge
Side Judge
Field Judge
1
at Seattle Seahawks
(7)
(12)
(10)
(19)
(16)
(8)
(11)
2
San Diego Chargers
3
Seattle Seahawks
(10)
(7)
(22)
(14)
(5)
(19)
(20)
4
at Oakland Raiders
Regular season [ ]
Week
Opponent
Referee
Umpire
Head Linesman
Line Judge
Back Judge
Side Judge
Field Judge
1
at Detroit Lions
(19) Tom Dooley
(12) Dave Hamilton
(7) Tony Veteri
(20) Jim Osborne
(9) Banks Williams
(8) Grover Klemmer
(14) Jack Vaughn
2
Chicago Bears
(15) Bob Frederic
(3) Lou Palazzi
(17) Jerry Bergman
(16) Bob Beeks
(20) Bob Swanson
(14) Ron Murphy
(6) Don Hakes
3
at Atlanta Falcons
(14) Gene Barth
(5) Bob Boylston
(18) Burl Toler
(3) Bob McLaughlin
(15) J.W. Sanders
(9) Dean Look
(7) Fritz Graf
4
New Orleans Saints
(7) Fred Silva
(15) Ralph Morcroft
(20) Frank Glover
(19) Vern Marshall
(12) Jim Kearney
(22) Merrill Douglas
(10) Don Orr
5
at Washington Redskins
(20) Gordon McCarter
(22) Ron Botchan
(14) Earnie Frantz
(9) Jack Fette
(10) Jimmy Rosser
(18) Ron DeSuzza
(11) Armen Terzian
6
Dallas Cowboys
(3) Jim Tunney
(8) Pat Harder
(25) Sid Semon
(8) Dick McKenzie
(11) Pat Knight
(5) Gil Mace
(24) Johnny Grier
7
vs. Green Bay Packers (at Milwaukee)
(12) Ben Dreith
(10) Tom Myers
(8) Dale Williams
(11) Bill Reynolds
(8) Don Wedge
(4) Ed Ward
(16) Pat Mallette
8
Los Angeles Rams
(4) Pat Haggerty
(9) Dave Moss
(10)
(24) Walt Peters
(16) Jim Poole
(15) Dick Creed
(18) Bob Lewis
9
at Pittsburgh Steelers
(15) Bob Frederic
(3) Lou Palazzi
(17) Jerry Bergman
(16) Bob Beeks
(20) Bill Swanson
(14) Ron Murphy
(6) Don Hakes
10
Atlanta Falcons
(11) Fred Wyant
(19) Tom Hensley
(6) Ed Marion
(4) Wilson Gosier
(18) Dick Hantak
(25) Vince Jacob
(12) Bob Wortman
11
Cleveland Browns
(18) Chuck Heberling
(11) Gordon Wells
(15) Ray Dodez
(17) Dale Orem
(14) Al Jury
(24) Duwayne Gandy
(19) Charley Musser
12
at Los Angeles Rams
(8) Red Cashion
(14) Art Demmas
(16) Jack Johnson
(25) Neil Gereb
(4) Ben Tompkins
(3) Nate Jones
(15) Dick Ferguson
13
New York Giants
(9) Jerry Markbreit
(17) Ed Fiffick
(12) Dale Hamer
(15) Bama Glass
(7) Tom Kelleher
(6) Willie Spencer
(5) Bill Stanley
14
at Cincinnati Bengals
(17) Jerry Seeman
(20) Frank Sinkovitz
(3) Leo Miles
(6) John Leimbach
(23) Paul Baetz
(7) Bill Quinby
(9) Bill O'Brien
15
Houston Oilers
(6) Dick Jorgensen
(4) John Keck
(9) Ligouri Hagerty
(22) Boyce Smith
(17) Roy Clymer
(16) Royal Cathcart
(3) Dick Dolack
16
at New Orleans Saints
(14) Gene Barth
(5) Bob Boylston
(18) Burl Toler
(3) Bob McLaughlin
(15) J.W. Sanders
(9) Dean Look
(7) Fritz Graf
Standings [ ]
Final statistics [ ]
Statistical comparison [ ]
San Francisco 49ers
Opponents
First downs
317
280
First downs rushing
110
113
First downs passing
183
144
First downs penalty
24
23
Third down efficiency
114/259
87/224
Fourth down efficiency
0/0
0/0
Net yards rushing
1941
1918
Rushing attempts
560
454
Yards per rush
3.5
4.1
Passing – Completions/attempts
328/517
273/514
Times sacked-total yards
29–223
36–290
Interceptions thrown
13
27
Net yards passing
3543
2845
Total net yards
5484
4763
Punt returns-total yards
48–344
57–664
Kickoff returns-total yards
45–909
67–1389
Interceptions-total return yards
27–448
13–297
Punts-average yardage
93–41.5
83–41.4
Fumbles-lost
26–12
36–21
Penalties-total yards
92–752
108–866
Time of possession
31:38
28:22
Turnovers
25
48
Quarter-by-quarter [ ]
49ers Quarter-by-quarter
1
2
3
4
T
49ers
80
100
88
89
357
Opponents
40
76
55
79
250
Individual leaders [ ]
49ers Passing
C/ATT1
Yds
TD
INT
Rating
Montana
311/488
3565
19
12
88.4
Benjamin
15/26
171
1
1
74.4
Solomon
1/1
25
0
0
118.8
Easley
1/1
5
0
0
87.5
Clark
0/1
0
0
0
39.6
49ers Rushing
Car2
Yds
TD
LG3
Yds/Car
Patton
152
543
4
28
3.6
Cooper
98
330
1
23
3.4
Davis
94
297
7
14
3.2
Easley
76
224
1
9
2.9
Hofer
60
193
1
12
3.2
Ring
22
106
0
16
4.8
Montana
25
95
2
20
3.8
Lawrence
13
48
1
14
3.7
Solomon
9
43
0
16
4.8
Clark
3
32
0
18
10.7
Elliott
7
29
0
9
4.1
Benjamin
1
1
0
1
1.0
49ers Receiving
Rec4
Yds
TD
LG3
Yds/Rec
Clark
85
1105
4
78
13.0
Solomon
59
969
8
60
16.4
Cooper
51
477
0
50
9.4
Young
37
400
5
29
10.8
Hofer
27
244
0
22
9.0
Patton
27
195
1
31
7.2
Wilson
9
125
1
27
13.9
Easley
9
62
0
21
6.9
Elliott
7
81
0
19
11.6
Ramson
4
45
0
16
11.3
Ring
3
28
1
21
9.3
Shumann
3
21
0
8
7.0
Lawrence
3
10
0
5
3.3
Davis
3
–1
0
3
–0.3
Peets
1
5
0
5
5.0
49ers Interception
Int5
Yds
TD
LG3
Y/Int
Hicks
9
239
1
72
26.6
Lott
7
117
3
41
16.7
Williamson
4
44
0
28
11.0
Wright
3
26
0
26
8.7
McColl
1
22
0
22
22.0
Martin
1
0
0
0
0
Reynolds
1
0
0
0
0
Turner
1
0
0
0
0
49ers Punts
Pnt6
Yds
LG3
Blck
Y/P
Miller
93
3858
65
0
41.5
49ers Kickoff Returns
Rt7
Yds
TD
LG3
Y/Rt
Lawrence
17
437
1
92
25.7
Ring
10
217
0
29
21.7
Lott
7
111
0
20
15.9
Wilson
4
67
0
22
16.8
Jones
3
43
0
22
14.3
Hicks
1
22
0
22
22.0
Ramson
1
12
0
12
12.0
Davis
1
0
0
0
0.0
Patton
1
0
0
0
0.0
49ers Punt Returns
Rt8
Yds
TD
LG3
Y/Rt
Solomon
29
173
0
19
6.0
Hicks
19
171
0
39
9.0
49ers Extra Points
XP
XPA
XP%
Wersching
30
30
100
Bahr
12
12
100
49ers Field Goals
1–19
20–29
30–39
40–49
50+
FG
FGA
FG%
Wersching
2–2
7–7
4–7
4–7
17
23
73.9
Bahr
0–2
0–1
2–3
2
6
33.9
1 Completions/attempts
2 Carries
3 Long gain
4 Receptions
5 Interceptions
6 Punts
7 Kickoff Returns
8 Punt Returns
Postseason [ ]
Round
Date
Opponent (seed)
Result
Record
Venue
Attendance
Recap
Divisional
January 3, 1982
New York Giants (5)
W 38–24
1–0
Candlestick Park
58,360
Recap
NFC Championship
January 10, 1982
Dallas Cowboys (2)
W 28–27
2–0
Candlestick Park
60,525
Recap
Super Bowl XVI
January 24, 1982
vs. Cincinnati Bengals (A1)
W 26–21
3–0
Pontiac Silverdome
81,270
Recap
NFC Divisional Playoff [ ]
The Giants were making their first appearance in the postseason since 1963. First-year starting quarterback Joe Montana led the 49ers to victory in his debut playoff game, completing 20 of 31 passes for 304 yards and 2 touchdowns, with 1 interception. His top target in the game was receiver Dwight Clark , who caught 5 passes for 104 yards.
NFC Divisional Playoff: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Giants
7
3
7 7 24
49ers
7
17
0 14 38
at Candlestick Park , San Francisco, California
Date : January 3, 1982Game time : 2:00 p.m. PST Game weather : 42 °F (6 °C); wind 11Game attendance : 58,360Referee : Ben Dreith TV announcers (CBS ) : Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator), Irv Cross (sideline reporter)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
NYG – Scott Brunner , 16/37, 290 Yds, 3 TDs, 2 Ints
SF – Joe Montana , 20/31, 304 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
NFC Championship Game [ ]
Main article: The Catch (American football)
The 49ers were making their third appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Their opponent was their opponent for the two previous NFC Championship Games-the Dallas Cowboys. In both previous matches, the 49ers had lost the game. The game is remembered for "The Catch ".
The play, remembered in 49er lore as "Red Right Tight—Sprint Right Option" had called for both the primary receiver, Solomon, and Dwight Clark to line up on the right. Montana was supposed to roll to his right and find Solomon. Clark's pattern called for him to cut left across the end zone, stop, and immediately reverse his path to the right. If Solomon were covered, it would be up to Montana to find Clark. Due to the pressure, Montana's pass was high, but Clark was in position to make his memorable grab. Future New England Patriots /Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady , who grew up in the Bay Area , attended the game as a four-year-old. The 49ers were victorious despite an astonishing six turnovers, including three interceptions by Joe Montana.
A photograph of the catch, with Clark at the height of his leap and Everson Walls reaching out to try to block the ball, was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated the following week.
NFC Championship Game: Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Cowboys
10
7
0 10 27
49ers
7
7
7 7 28
at Candlestick Park , San Francisco, California
Date : January 10, 1982Game time : 2:00 p.m. PST Game weather : 43 °F (6 °C); wind 4Game attendance : 60,525Referee : Jim Tunney TV announcers (CBS ) : Vin Scully (play-by-play), Hank Stram (color commentator), Irv Cross (sideline reporter)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
SF – Dwight Clark 20-yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 14–10
DAL – Tony Dorsett 5-yard rush – (Rafael Septién kick) Cowboys 17–14
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
DAL – Danny White , 16/24, 173 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int
SF – Joe Montana , 22/35, 286 Yds, 3 TDs, 3 Ints
Top rushers
DAL – Tony Dorsett , 22 Car, 91 Yds, 1 TD
SF – Lenvil Elliott , 10 Car, 48 Yds
Top receivers
DAL – James Jones , 3 Rec, 17 Yds
SF – Dwight Clark , 8 Rec, 120 Yds, 2 TDs
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Super Bowl XVI [ ]
Super Bowl XVI : San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers
7
13
0 6 26
Bengals
0
0
7 14 21
at Pontiac Silverdome , Pontiac, Michigan
Date : January 24, 1982Game time : 1:00 p.m. PST Game weather : indoorsGame attendance : 81,270Referee : Pat Haggerty TV announcers (CBS ) : Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator), Irv Cross (sideline reporter)Pro-Football-Reference.com [5]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
CIN – Ken Anderson 5-yard rush – (Jim Breech kick) 49ers 20–7
Fourth quarter
Top passers
SF – Joe Montana , 14/22, 157 Yds, 1 TD
CIN – Ken Anderson , 25/34, 300 Yds, 2 TDs, 2 Ints
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
Turnovers
Game officials [ ]
Round
Opponent
Referee
Umpire
Head Linesman
Line Judge
Back Judge
Side Judge
Field Judge
Alternates
NFC Divisional Playoff
New York Giants
(12) Ben Dreith
(12) Dave Hamilton
(15) Ray Dodez
(9) Jack Fette
(9) Banks Williams
(4) Ed Ward
(14) Jack Vaughn
(16) Jack Johnson
NFC Championship Game
Dallas Cowboys
(3) Jim Tunney
(5) Bob Boylston
(6) Ed Marion
(16) Bob Beeks
(5) Ray Douglas
(9) Dean Look
(20) Ed Merrifield
(20) Gordon McCarter (9) Dave Moss
Super Bowl XVI
vs. Cincinnati Bengals (at Pontiac, Michigan)
(4) Pat Haggerty
(7) Al Conway
(17) Jerry Bergman
(16) Bob Beeks
(20) Bill Swanson
(19) Bob Rice
(6) Don Hakes
(14) Gene Barth (8) Pat Harder
Awards and records [ ]
1982 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl [ ]
Number
Player
Position
Conference
87
Dwight Clark
WR
NFC Pro Bowlers
51
Randy Cross
RG, Starter
NFC Pro Bowlers
74
Fred Dean
DE
NFC Pro Bowlers
22
Dwight Hicks
S
NFC Pro Bowlers
42
Ronnie Lott
RCB, Starter
NFC Pro Bowlers
16
Joe Montana
QB, Starter
NFC Pro Bowlers
[6]
Media [ ]
Pre season Local TV
Channel
Play-by-play
Color commentator(s)
KPIX-TV 5
Local Radio
Flagship station
Play-by-play
Color commentator(s)
Sideline reporter(s)
KCBS–AM 740
Don Klein
Wayne Walker
References [ ]
External links [ ]
I: Green Bay Packers
II: Green Bay Packers
III: New York Jets
IV: Kansas City Chiefs
V: Baltimore Colts
VI: Dallas Cowboys
VII: Miami Dolphins
VIII: Miami Dolphins
IX: Pittsburgh Steelers
X: Pittsburgh Steelers
XI: Oakland Raiders
XII: Dallas Cowboys
XIII: Pittsburgh Steelers
XIV: Pittsburgh Steelers
XV: Oakland Raiders
XVI: San Francisco 49ers
XVII: Washington Redskins
XVIII: Los Angeles Raiders
XIX: San Francisco 49ers
XX: Chicago Bears
XXI: New York Giants
XXII: Washington Redskins
XXIII: San Francisco 49ers
XXIV: San Francisco 49ers
XXV: New York Giants
XXVI: Washington Redskins
XXVII: Dallas Cowboys
XXVIII: Dallas Cowboys
XXIX: San Francisco 49ers
XXX: Dallas Cowboys
XXXI: Green Bay Packers
XXXII: Denver Broncos
XXXIII: Denver Broncos
XXXIV: St. Louis Rams
XXXV: Baltimore Ravens
XXXVI: New England Patriots
XXXVII: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
XXXVIII: New England Patriots
XXXIX: New England Patriots
XL: Pittsburgh Steelers
XLI: Indianapolis Colts
XLII: New York Giants
XLIII: Pittsburgh Steelers
XLIV: New Orleans Saints
XLV: Green Bay Packers
XLVI: New York Giants
XLVII: Baltimore Ravens
XLVIII: Seattle Seahawks
XLIX: New England Patriots
50: Denver Broncos
LI: New England Patriots
LII: Philadelphia Eagles
LIII: New England Patriots
LIV: Kansas City Chiefs
LV: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bold indicates Super Bowl victoryItalics indicates Super Bowl appearance
San Francisco 49ers
Founded in 1946
Based and headquartered in Santa Clara, California
Franchise Stadiums
Kezar Stadium
Candlestick Park
Levi's Stadium
State Farm Stadium
Three games played due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Culture Lore Rivalries Key figures Division championships (20) Conference championships (7)
1981
1984
1988
1989
1994
2012
2019
League championships (5) Retired numbers Current league affiliations
League: National Football League (1950–present)
Conference: National Football Conference
Division: West Division
Former league affiliation All-America Football Conference (1946–1949)