5 greatest (non-Super Bowl) moments in 49ers history

3. Owens! Owens! Owens! Owens! Owens!

NFC Wildcard Playoff Game against the Green Bay Packers, January 3, 1999

Why does this belong here? The 49ers had been knocked out of the playoffs by Brett Favre, Mike Holmgren, and the Green Bay Packers three straight postseasons. Those losses cost George Seifert his job. But finally, things had changed.

In a thrilling playoff matchup, the 49ers faced off against the Packers in what would become an iconic game in NFL history.

The Packers took a 27-23 lead with only 2:00 remaining in the game. As the clock ticked down, Steve Young orchestrated a masterful drive, taking his team deep into Packers territory.

With only seconds remaining on the clock and facing a do-or-die situation, Young slipped while dropping back, but regained his footing, and connected with Owens for an incredible game-winning touchdown. Owens, who had dropped multiple passes throughout that game, made a great catch while being hit immediately. I’m still not sure how he held on to that ball.

John Madden, calling the game on Fox, with Pat Summerall, said, “Terrell Owens was having a rotten day, but on one play here, does he make up for it!”

But the call most remember came from 49ers’ radio play-by-play announcer, Joe Starkey:

“Young almost falls down…throws to the endzone—OWENS! OWENS! OWENS! OWENS! OWENS! He caught it! He caught it! He caught it! A 25-yard touchdown pass! Terrell Owens, he hasn’t held on to anything—including his fingers—all day, and he makes the winning touchdown catch! I don’t believe it! One of the greatest finishes in 49er history! Somehow, someway, Owens, right down the middle! The coverage was there, he had very little room, the ball had to be perfect—IT WAS! And he caught it! Niners will win it! Niners will win it!”

Owens’ game-winning touchdown catch in the final moments of the game made him an instant 49ers legend. His great focus, coupled with Young’s pinpoint accuracy, won the game for the 49ers. This memorable playoff win over the Packers will forever be remembered as a classic moment in San Francisco 49ers’ history.

2. Steve Young finally beats the Cowboys

NFC Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys, January 15, 1995

Why does this belong here? The Cowboys had beaten the 49ers three out of the last four matchups, including the previous two NFC Championship Games. When a team knocks you out of the playoffs multiple years in a row, you quickly develop a strong dislike for them. And the Cowboys had become a hated rival, with Jimmy Johnson’s “how ’bout them Cowboys” declaration following the 1992 NFC Championship Game, and his guarantee of a win the following postseason.

After that loss in the 1993 NFC Championship Game, Eddie DeBartolo, Jr. made it clear that things would be changing. And they did. The 49ers added several players in the offseason who would help the team get over the hump against the self-proclaimed “America’s Team,” like Deion Sanders, Ken Norton, Jr., Gary Plummer, Richard Dent, and Rickey Jackson.

The two teams clashed in a highly anticipated playoff showdown. The game, which took place at Candlestick Park, was labeled the real Super Bowl because these were easily the two best teams.

The 49ers jumped out to an early lead, and although the Cowboys were able to chip away at the lead, the 49ers held them off. Troy Aikman passed for 380 yards and two touchdowns, but he was intercepted three times and sacked four times.

Steve Young, who had taken so much heat from losing to the Cowboys the previous two postseasons, only threw for 155 yards and two touchdowns, but he added 47 yards on the ground and rushed for a touchdown. More importantly, he had zero turnovers and was not sacked. It was so fun to watch him run around Candlestick celebrating.

The 49ers’ triumph over the Cowboys in the 1994 playoff game marked a significant turning point in their rivalry. It not only secured their place in the Super Bowl but also helped Young get out of the shadow of Joe Montana while extending the 49ers dynasty.

1. Can you feel Candlestick?

NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New Orleans Saints, January 14, 2012

Why does this belong here? This game will not only be remembered in 49ers’ lore but it is also considered one of the most epic postseason games in NFL history, having four lead changes in the final four minutes. It was also a big win for Alex Smith, who had been through way too much drama with the 49ers.

In a game that will not soon be forgotten, the 49ers clashed with the New Orleans Saints in a divisional-round matchup that left fans breathless. The contest, held at Candlestick Park, featured an explosive offensive display from both teams, culminating in a thrilling finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats.

The 49ers showcased their resilient and determined spirit in what was a back-and-forth battle throughout the game. QSmith, often criticized for his inconsistency, rose to the occasion and delivered a performance for the ages. Smith completed 24 of 42 passes for 299 yards, tossing three touchdowns and securing a passer rating of 103.2.

The Saints also had a potent offense that could strike fear into any defense. The dynamic duo of quarterback Drew Brees and tight end Jimmy Graham spearheaded the Saints’ aerial assault. Brees exhibited his precision passing skills, completing an astonishing 40 of 63 attempts for a staggering 462 yards, while Graham had ten receptions.

The game swung at several pivotal moments that added to the drama and intensity. With just over four minutes remaining, the Saints took a 24-23 lead on a 44-yard touchdown pass from Brees to running back Darren Sproles. The 49ers recaptured the lead when Smith scored on a 28-yard touchdown run around the left end of the line. Candlestick Park was going nuts.

However, Brees answered by hitting Graham for a 66-yard touchdown to take the air out of Candlestick. The 49ers’ defense had been so good in this game but had given up two huge touchdowns in quick fashion.

But then one of the greatest drives in 49ers’ history unfolded. Smith hit tight end Vernon Davis, who finished the game with seven catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns, for 47 yards to get the team within striking distance. Then on 3rd and 4, from the 14-yard line, with 14 seconds remaining, Smith hit Davis on a post pattern right at the goal line. Davis fell into the endzone, and Candlestick Park erupted again. This time, the lead would hold.

Ted Robinson and Eric Davis called it on KNBR Radio:

Robinson: “Smith in the gun with Gore on his left hip. Third down, Alex takes the snap. Alex looking … “
Davis: “Got it!”
Robinson: “To the post. And it’s … “
Davis: “GOT IT!!”
Robinson: “Caught! TOUCHDOWN! Touchdown, 49ERS!”
Davis: “WHOO! HOO! HOO!”
Robinson: “Vernon Davis with the play of his life! Alex Smith with the play of his life! And the 49ers are nine seconds away from playing for the NFC Championship! Can you feel Candlestick?”