1989 San Francisco 49ers season

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 1989 NFL draft

Undrafted free agents

Training camp

The 1989 San Francisco 49ers season held training camp at Sierra College in Rocklin, California.

Personnel

Staff

• Owner/president – Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr.

• Executive 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 coach – George Seifert

• Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks – Mike Holmgren

• Running backs – Al Lavan

• Wide receivers – Sherman Lewis

• Tight ends – Lynn Stiles

• Offensive line – Bobb McKittrick

• Defensive coordinator – Bill McPherson

• Defensive line – John Marshall

• Linebackers – Bob Zeman

• Defensive backs – Ray Rhodes

• Defensive assistant – Tommy Hart

• Special teams coordinator – Lynn Stiles

• Physical development coordinator – Jerry Attaway

Roster

Preseason

Schedule

Regular season

The 49ers' offense was just as dominating as it had been during the previous regular season. Quarterback Joe Montana threw for 3,512 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions, giving him what was then the highest passer rating in NFL history (112.4). Montana also rushed for 227 yards and 3 touchdowns, and earned both the NFL Most Valuable Player Award and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. Wide receiver Jerry Rice had another outstanding season, catching 82 passes for 1,483 yards and 17 touchdowns. Running back Roger Craig was the team's leading rusher with 1,054 yards and 6 touchdowns, and he recorded 49 receptions for 473 yards and another touchdown.

But other stars on the 49ers' offense began to emerge, enabling the team to spread the ball around. After being used primarily as a punt returner during his first 2 seasons, wide receiver John Taylor had a breakout season, catching 60 passes for 1,077 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also returning 36 punts for 417 yards. Tight end Brent Jones recorded 40 receptions for 500 yards. Fullback Tom Rathman had the best season of his career, rushing for 305 yards and catching 73 passes for 616 yards. Even Montana's backup, quarterback Steve Young, had a great year, throwing for 1,001 yards and 8 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions, while also rushing for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns. With all of these weapons, San Francisco's offense led the league in total yards from scrimmage (6,268) and scoring (442 points).

The 49ers' defense was ranked #3 in the NFL. Three starters from the defense made the 1989 All-Pro Team: Ronnie Lott, Don Griffin, and Michael Walter.

Schedule

Season summary

Week 1 at [[1989 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]]

First quarter

• SF – Mike Cofer 38 yard field goal – 49ers 3–0
• IND – Dean Biasucci 31 yard field goal – Tied 3–3 Second quarter
• SF – Roger Craig 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 10–3
• IND – Bill Brooks 22 yard pass from Chris Chandler – (Dean Biasucci kick) Tied 10–10
• SF – Mike Cofer 26 yard field goal – 49ers 13–10 Third quarter
• SF – Roger Craig 4 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 20–10
• SF – Mike Cofer 31 yard field goal – 49ers 23–10 Fourth quarter
• IND – Chris Chandler 1 yard rush – (Dean Biasucci kick) 49ers 23–17
• SF – Jerry Rice 58 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 30–17
• IND – Albert Bentley 0 yard punt return – (Dean Biasucci kick) 49ers 30–24 Top passers
• SF – Joe Montana, 15/26, 233 Yds, 1 TD
• IND – Chris Chandler, 14/32, 200 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int Top rushers
• SF – Roger Craig, 24 Car, 131 Yds, 2 TDs
• IND – Eric Dickerson, 19 Car, 106 Yds Top receivers
• SF – Jerry Rice, 6 Rec, 163 Yds, 1 TD
• IND – Bill Brooks, 4 Rec, 80 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers
• SF -
• IND - Turnovers
• SF – 0
• IND – 1

Week One proved to be a struggle for the Niners as Joe Montana led five scoring drives, putting the Niners ahead by 23–10 entering the fourth quarter, but then Colts QB Chris Chandler ran in a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, and a 58-yard touchdown bomb to Jerry Rice was answered by a blocked punt and recovery for a touchdown by the Colts, though they could get no closer than a 30–24 Niners margin.

Week 2 at [[1989 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]

First quarter

• TB – Donald Igwebuike 23 yard field goal – Buccaneers 3–0 Second quarter
• SF – Mike Cofer 47 yard field goal – Tied 3–3
• SF – Mike Cofer 32 yard field goal – 49ers 6–3 Third quarter
• TB – Donald Igwebuike 44 yard field goal – Tied 6–6
• TB – Donald Igwebuike 37 yard field goal – Buccaneers 9–6 Fourth quarter
• SF – Jerry Rice 2 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 13–9
• TB – Mark Carrier 18 yard pass from Vinny Testaverde – (Donald Igwebuike kick) Buccaneers 16–13
• SF – Joe Montana 4 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 20–16 Top passers
• SF – Joe Montana, 25/39, 266 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints
• TB – Vinny Testaverde, 14/35, 146 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints Top rushers
• SF – Roger Craig, 16 Car, 36 Yds
• TB – William Howard, 12 Car, 41 Yds Top receivers
• SF – Jerry Rice, 8 Rec, 122 Yds, 1 TD
• TB – Mark Carrier, 5 Rec, 86 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers
• SF -
• TB - Turnovers
• SF – 3
• TB – 3

Week 3 at [[1989 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]]

First quarter

• SF – Jerry Rice 68 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0
• PHI – Heath Sherman 2 yard rush – (Luis Zendejas kick) Tied 7–7
• PHI – Safety, Al Harris tackled Joe Montana in end zone – Eagles 9–7 Second quarter
• PHI – Luis Zendejas 35 yard field goal – Eagles 12–7
• SF – Mike Cofer 32 yard field goal – Eagles 12–10 Third quarter
• PHI – Luis Zendejas 35 yard field goal – Eagles 15–10
• PHI – Luis Zendejas 44 yard field goal – Eagles 18–10 Fourth quarter
• PHI – Luis Zendejas 20 yard field goal – Eagles 21–10
• SF – John Taylor 70 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Eagles 21–17
• PHI – Jimmie Giles 3 yard pass from Randall Cunningham – (Luis Zendejas kick) Eagles 28–17
• SF – Tom Rathman 8 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Eagles 28–24
• SF – Brent Jones 25 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 31–28
• SF – Jerry Rice 33 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 38–28 Top passers
• SF – Joe Montana, 25/34, 428 Yds, 5 TDs, 1 Int
• PHI – Randall Cunningham, 19/38, 192 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int Top rushers
• SF – Harry Sydney, 4 Car, 30 Yds
• PHI – Randall Cunningham, 8 Car, 52 Yds Top receivers
• SF – Jerry Rice, 6 Rec, 164 Yds, 2 TDs
• PHI – Heath Sherman, 4 Rec, 53 Yds Top tacklers
• SF -
• PHI - Turnovers
• SF – 3
• PHI – 3

The Niners fell behind 21–10 in the fourth but despite giving up a safety Joe Montana erupted, outscoring the Eagles 28–7 and throwing for 428 yards and five touchdowns in total, winning 38–28.

Week 4 vs. [[1989 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]]

First quarter

• SF – Mike Cofer 26 yard field goal – 49ers 3–0
• LARams – Mike Lansford 40 yard field goal – Tied 3–3
• SF – Mike Cofer 32 yard field goal – 49ers 6–3 Second quarter
• LARams – Flipper Anderson 65 yard pass from Jim Everett – (Mike Lansford kick) Rams 10–6
• SF – Mike Cofer 41 yard field goal – Rams 10–9 Third quarter
• No scoring plays Fourth quarter
• SF – Mike Cofer 17 yard field goal – 49ers 12–10
• LARams – Mike Lansford 26 yard field goal – Rams 13–12 Top passers
• LARams – Jim Everett, 16/25, 250 Yds, 1 TD
• SF – Joe Montana, 25/35, 227 Yds Top rushers
• LARams – Greg Bell, 14 Car, 33 Yds
• SF – Roger Craig, 18 Car, 67 Yds Top receivers
• LARams – Henry Ellard, 5 Rec, 63 Yds
• SF – Brent Jones, 5 Rec, 51 Yds Top tacklers
• LARams -
• SF - Turnovers
• LARams – 0
• SF – 1

Week 5 at [[1989 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]]

This game was originally scheduled for Candlestick Park but was played at the Louisiana Superdome instead because the 49ers' fellow Candlestick Park tenant, the San Francisco Giants, played host to Games 3, 4, and 5 of the 1989 National League Championship Series. The November 6 game would be moved to San Francisco.

First quarter

• No scoring plays Second quarter
• SF – Mike Cofer 41 yard field goal – 49ers 3–0
• NO – Hoby Brenner 2 yard pass from Bobby Hebert – (Morten Andersen kick) Saints 7–3
• NO – Morten Andersen 49 yard field goal – Saints 10–3 Third quarter
• NO – Dalton Hilliard 19 yard pass from Bobby Hebert – (Morten Andersen kick) Saints 17–3
• SF – Jerry Rice 60 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Saints 17–10 Fourth quarter
• SF – John Taylor 21 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Tied 17–17
• NO – Morten Andersen 39 yard field goal – Saints 20–17
• SF – John Taylor 32 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 24–20 Top passers
• SF – Joe Montana, 21/29, 291 Yds, 3 TDs
• NO – Bobby Hebert, 31/49, 308 Yds, 2 TDs Top rushers
• SF – Roger Craig, 18 Car, 70 Yds
• NO – Craig Heyward, 4 Car, 21 Yds Top receivers
• SF – Jerry Rice, 7 Rec, 149 Yds, 1 TD
• NO – Dalton Hilliard, 9 Rec, 77 yds, 1 TD Top tacklers
• SF -
• NO - Turnovers
• SF – 1
• NO – 0

Week 6 at [[1989 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]]

First quarter

• No scoring plays Second quarter
• SF – Brent Jones 36 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0
• DAL – Kelvin Martin 32 yard pass from Steve Walsh – (Roger Ruzek kick) Tied 7–7 Third quarter
• SF – Johnnie Jackson 75 yard blocked field goal return – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–7
• DAL – Darryl Clack 1 yard rush – (Roger Ruzek kick) Tied 14–14 Fourth quarter
• SF – Jerry Rice 8 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 21–14
• SF – Mike Cofer 31 yard field goal – 49ers 24–14
• SF – Roger Craig 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 31–14 Top passers
• SF – Steve Young, 13/18, 174 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int
• DAL – Steve Walsh, 23/36, 294 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints Top rushers
• SF – Steve Young, 11 Car, 79 Yds
• DAL – Darryl Clack, 12 Car, 32 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers
• SF – Tom Rathman, 5 Rec, 64 Yds
• DAL – Michael Irvin, 6 Rec, 60 Yds Top tacklers
• SF -
• DAL - Turnovers
• SF – 1
• DAL – 3

Week 7 vs. [[1989 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]

This game was played at Stanford Stadium, as Candlestick Park had sustained damage in the Loma Prieta earthquake five days earlier.

First quarter

• No scoring plays Second quarter
• NE – Stanley Morgan 55 yard pass from Steve Grogan – (Greg Davis kick) – Patriots 7–0
• SF – Jerry Rice 3 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Tied 7–7
• SF – Mike Cofer 23 yard field goal – 49ers 10–7
• NE – Greg Davis 49 yard field goal – Tied 10–10
• SF – Wesley Walls 1 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 17–10 Third quarter
• NE – Stanley Morgan 19 yard pass from Steve Grogan – (Greg Davis kick) – Tied 17–17
• SF – Jerry Rice 50 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 24–17 Fourth quarter
• NE – Greg Davis 21 yard field goal – 49ers 24–20
• SF – John Taylor 43 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 31–20
• SF – Roger Craig 3 yard run – (kick failed) 49ers 37–20 Top passers
• NE – Steve Grogan, 15/29, 240 Yds, 2 TDs, 2 Ints
• SF – Steve Young, 11/12, 188 Yds, 3 TDs Top rushers
• NE – John Stephens, 21 Car, 63 Yds
• SF – Roger Craig, 22 Car, 66 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers
• NE – Irving Fryar, 5 Rec, 102 Yds
• SF – Tom Rathman, 11 Rec, 103 Yds Top tacklers
• NE -
• SF - Turnovers
• NE – 2
• SF – 0

Week 8 at [[1989 New York Jets season|New York Jets]]

First quarter

• SF – Brent Jones 10 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0 Second quarter
• NYJ – Erik McMillan 45 yard fumble return – (Pat Leahy kick) Tied 7–7
• SF – Jerry Rice 45 yard pass from Steve Bono – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–7
• SF – Mike Cofer 25 yard field goal – 49ers 17–7
• SF – Mike Cofer 41 yard field goal – 49ers 20–7 Third quarter
• NYJ – Pat Leahy 34 yard field goal – 49ers 20–10
• SF – Mike Cofer 40 yard field goal – 49ers 23–10 Fourth quarter
• No scoring plays Top passers
• SF – Steve Young, 13/20, 182 Yds, 1 TD
• NYJ – Ken O'Brien, 25/36, 203 Yds Top rushers
• SF – Roger Craig, 17 Car, 78 Yds
• NYJ – Johnny Hector, 13 Car, 77 Yds Top receivers
• SF – Roger Craig, 6 Rec, 85 Yds
• NYJ – Keith Neubert, 4 Rec, 40 Yds Top tacklers
• SF -
• NYJ - Turnovers
• SF – 1
• NYJ – 2

Week 9 vs. [[1989 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]]

This game was originally scheduled for Louisiana Superdome, but was played at Candlestick Park instead, because the originally scheduled October 8 game at Candlestick Park had been moved to the Louisiana Superdome.

First quarter

• SF – Jerry Rice 32 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0
• NO – Dalton Hilliard 1 yard rush – (Morten Andersen kick) Tied 7–7 Second quarter
• SF – Jerry Rice 2 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–7
• NO – Morten Andersen 39 yard field goal – 49ers 14–10
• SF – John Taylor 46 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 21–10 Third quarter
• NO – Morten Andersen 23 yard field goal – 49ers 21–13
• SF – Mike Cofer 44 yard field goal – 49ers 24–13 Fourth quarter
• SF – Joe Montana 3 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 31–13 Top passers
• NO – Bobby Hebert, 20/33, 183 Yds, 2 Ints
• SF – Joe Montana, 22/31, 302 Yds, 3 TDs Top rushers
• NO – Dalton Hilliard, 18 Car, 80 Yds, 1 TD
• SF – Roger Craig, 17 Car, 51 Yds Top receivers
• NO – Dalton Hilliard, 5 Rec, 31 Yds
• SF – Tom Rathman, 7 Rec, 64 Yds Top tacklers
• NO -
• SF - Turnovers
• N0 – 2
• SF – 0

Week 10 vs. [[1989 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]]

First quarter

• SF – Joe Montana 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0 Second quarter
• ATL – Chris Miller 23 yard field goal – 49ers 7–3
• SF – Jerry Rice 38 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–3
• SF – Charles Haley 3 yard fumble return – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 21–3
• SF – John Taylor 2 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 28–3 Third quarter
• SF – Jerry Rice 11 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 35–3
• SF – Mike Cofer 18 yard field goal – 49ers 38–3 Fourth quarter
• SF – Keith Henderson 11 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 45–3 Top passers
• ATL – Chris Miller, 17/32, 149 Yds
• SF – Joe Montana, 16/19, 270 Yds, 3 TDs Top rushers
• ATL – John Settle, 8 Car, 31 Yds
• SF – Roger Craig, 17 Car, 109 Yds Top receivers
• ATL – Floyd Dixon, 4 Rec, 48 Yds
• SF – Tom Rathman, 6 Rec, 43 Yds Top tacklers
• ATL -
• SF - Turnovers
• ATL – 1
• SF – 2

Week 11 vs. [[1989 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]]

First quarter

• GB – Don Majkowski 2 yard rush – (Chris Jacke kick) Packers 7–0
• SF – Roger Craig 4 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Tied 7–7 Second quarter
• GB – Sterling Sharpe 4 yard pass from Don Majkowski – (Chris Jacke kick) Packers 14–7
• SF – Jerry Rice 9 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Tied 14–14 Third quarter
• No scoring plays Fourth quarter
• GB – Don Majkowski 8 yard rush – (Chris Jacke kick) Packers 21–14
• SF – Mike Cofer 44 yard field goal – Packers 21–17 Top passers
• GB – Don Majkowski, 18/30, 153 Yds, 1 TD
• SF – Joe Montana, 30/42, 325 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int Top rushers
• GB – Brent Fullwood, 16 Car, 76 Yds
• SF – Roger Craig, 8 Car, 41 Yds Top receivers
• GB – Sterling Sharpe, 6 Rec, 59 Yds, 1 TD
• SF – Jerry Rice, 9 Rec, 106 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers
• GB -
• SF - Turnovers
• GB – 1
• SF – 4

The Niners fell to the Green Bay Packers in what would be their final loss of the season, as Don Majkowski ran in two touchdowns and threw for a third, overcoming 325 yards by Joe Montana, who was sacked five times. The 49ers appeared to take the lead in the 4th quarter on an interception return for a touchdown, but a penalty nullified the score.

Week 12 vs. [[1989 New York Giants season|New York Giants]]

First quarter

• SF – John Taylor 4 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0
• NYG – Ottis Anderson 2 yard rush – (Bjorn Nittomo kick) Tied 7–7
• SF – Jerry Rice 4 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–7 Second quarter
• SF – Mike Cofer 44 yard field goal – 49ers 17–7
• SF – Brent Jones 17 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 24–7
• NYG – Bjorn Nittomo 39 yard field goal – 49ers 24–10 Third quarter
• NYG – Dave Meggett 53 yard pass from Phil Simms – (Bjorn Nittomo kick) 49ers 24–17 Fourth quarter
• NYG – Odessa Turner 7 yard pass from Phil Simms – (Bjorn Nittomo kick) Tied 24–24
• SF – Mike Cofer 45 yard field goal – 49ers 27–24
• SF – Tom Rathman 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer 49ers 34–24 Top passers
• NYG – Phil Simms, 25/48, 326 Yds, 2 TDs, 3 Ints
• SF – Joe Montana, 27/33, 292 Yds, 3 TDs Top rushers
• NYG – Dave Meggett, 5 Car, 29 Yds
• SF – Roger Craig, 20 Car, 49 Yds Top receivers
• NYG – Zeke Mowatt, 5 Rec, 62 Yds
• SF – Jerry Rice, 7 Rec, 117 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers
• NYG -
• SF - Turnovers
• NYG – 5
• SF – 3

Week 13 at [[1989 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]]

First quarter

• SF – Mike Cofer 35 yard field goal – 49ers 3–0
• SF – Mike Cofer 23 yard field goal – 49ers 6–0 Second quarter
• ATL – Greg Davis 46 yard field goal – 49ers 6–3
• ATL – Ron Heller 28 yard pass from Chris Miller – (Greg Davis kick) Falcons 10–6 Third quarter
• SF – John Taylor 38 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 13–10 Fourth quarter
• SF – Steve Young 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 20–10
• SF – Mike Cofer 27 yard field goal – 49ers 23–10 Top passers
• SF – Steve Young, 11/12, 175 Yds, 1 TD
• ATL – Chris Miller, 17/32, 231 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints Top rushers
• SF – Roger Craig, 17 Car, 97 Yds
• ATL – John Settle, 10 Car, 15 Yds Top receivers
• SF – John Taylor, 5 Rec, 162 Yds, 1 TD
• ATL – Shawn Collins, 5 Rec, 71 Yds Top tacklers
• SF -
• ATL - Turnovers
• SF – 1
• ATL – 2

Week 14 at [[1989 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]]

First quarter

• LARams – Greg Bell 3 yard rush – (Mike Lansford kick) Rams 7–0
• LARams – Damone Johnson 4 yard pass from Jim Everett – (Mike Lansford kick) Rams 14–0
• LARams – Mike Lansford 25 yard field goal – Rams 17–0 Second quarter
• SF – Mike Cofer 19 yard field goal – Rams 17–3
• SF – John Taylor 92 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Rams 17–10 Third quarter
• LARams – Buford McGee 13 yard pass from Jim Everett – (Mike Lansford kick) Rams 24–10 Fourth quarter
• LARams – Mike Lansford 22 yard field goal – Rams 27–10
• SF – Mike Wilson 7 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) Rams 27–17
• SF – John Taylor 96 yard pass from Joe Montana – (kick failed) Rams 27–23
• SF – Roger Craig 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 30–27 Top passers
• SF – Joe Montana, 30/42, 458 Yds, 3 TDs, 2 Ints
• LARams – Jim Everett, 18/31, 239 Yds, 2 TDs Top rushers
• SF – Roger Craig, 16 Car, 48 Yds, 1 TD
• LARams – Greg Bell, 14 Car, 48 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers
• SF – John Taylor, 11 Rec, 286 Yds, 2 TDs
• LARams – Aaaron Cox, 3 Rec, 34 Yds Top tacklers
• SF -
• LARams - Turnovers
• SF – 2
• LARams – 2

In what many 49ers fans consider one of the greatest regular-season wins in team history, the 49ers came back from a 27–10 4th-quarter deficit to beat the Rams 30–27. The Rams had already beaten the 49ers earlier in the year and looked poised to do it again, but the 49ers, with help from John Taylor's big game, took the lead late with Roger Craig's 1-yard touchdown. John Taylor had 11 catches for an astonishing 286 yards receiving, which included a touchdown catch of 92 yards, and another touchdown catch for 96 yards. Joe Montana was 30 for 42 and passed for 458 yards.

Week 15 vs. [[1989 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]]

First quarter

• BUF – Scott Norwood 23 yard field goal – Bills 3–0 Second quarter
• No scoring plays Third quarter
• SF – Roger Craig 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–3 Fourth quarter
• SF – Steve Young 2 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–3
• SF – Jerry Rice 8 yard pass from Steve Young – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 21–3
• BUF – Jim Kelly 1 yard rush – (Scott Norwood kick) 49ers 21–10 Top passers
• BUF – Jim Kelly, 26/42, 265 Yds, 3 Ints
• SF – Steve Young, 9/19, 166 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints Top rushers
• BUF – Larry Kinnebrew, 8 Car, 29 Yds
• SF – Roger Craig, 25 Car, 105 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers
• BUF – Andre Reed, 10 Rec, 115 Yds
• SF – Jerry Rice, 3 Rec, 46 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers
• BUF -
• SF - Turnovers
• BUF – 5
• SF – 2

Week 16 vs. [[1989 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]]

First quarter

• SF – Mike Cofer 29 yard field goal – 49ers 3–0 Second quarter
• SF – Mike Cofer 24 yard field goal – 49ers 6–0
• SF – Jerry Rice 29 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 13–0
• SF – Mike Cofer 36 yard field goal – 49ers 16–0 Third quarter
• SF – Mike Cofer 47 yard field goal – 49ers 19–0 Fourth quarter
• SF – Terrence Flagler 29 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 26–0 Top passers
• CHI – Mike Tomczak, 14/30, 147 Yds, 2 Ints
• SF – Joe Montana, 10/21, 106 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int Top rushers
• CHI – Jim Harbaugh, 7 Car, 44 Yds
• SF – Terrence Flagler, 8 Car, 41 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers
• CHI – Dennis McKinnon, 3 Rec, 43 Yds
• SF – Jerry Rice, 4 Rec, 101 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers
• CHI -
• SF - Turnovers
• CHI – 5
• SF – 1

Standings

Playoffs

NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (3) Minnesota Vikings

First quarter

• MIN – Rich Karlis 38 yard field goal – Vikings 3–0
• SF – Jerry Rice 72 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–3 Second quarter
• SF – Brent Jones 8 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–3
• SF – John Taylor 8 yard pass from Joe Montana – (kick failed) 49ers 20–3
• SF – Jerry Rice 13 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 27–3 Third quarter
• MIN – Rich Karlis 44 yard field goal – 49ers 27–6 Fourth Quarter
• SF – Ronnie Lott 58 yard interception return – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 34–6
• SF – Roger Craig 4 yard rush – Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 41–6
• MIN – Rick Fenney 3 yard rush – (Rich Karlis kick) 49ers 41–13 Top passers
• MIN – Rich Gannon, 13/18, 144 Yds, 1 Int
• SF – Joe Montana, 17/24, 241 Yds, 4 TD Top rushers
• MIN – Herschel Walker, 9 Car, 29 Yds
• SF – Roger Craig, 18 Car, 125 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers
• MIN – Steve Jordan, 9 Rec, 149 Yds
• SF – Jerry Rice, 6 Rec, 114 Yds, 2 TDs Top tacklers
• MIN -
• SF - Turnovers
• MIN – 5
• SF – 1

NFC Championship: vs. (5) Los Angeles Rams

First quarter

• LARams – Mike Lansford 23 yard field goal Rams 3–0 Second quarter
• SF – Brent Jones 20 yard pass from Joe Montana (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–3
• SF – Roger Craig 1 yard rush (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 14–3
• SF – John Taylor 18 yard pass from Joe Montana (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 21–3 Third quarter
• SF – Mike Cofer 28 yard field goal 49ers 24–3 Fourth quarter
• SF – Mike Cofer 36 yard field goal 49ers 27–3
• SF – Mike Cofer 25 yard field goal 49ers 30–3 Top passers
• LARams – Jim Everett, 16/36, 141 Yds, 3 Ints
• SF – Joe Montana, 26/30, 262 Yds, 2 TDs Top rushers
• LARams – Greg Bell, 8 Car, 20 Yds
• SF – Roger Craig, 23 Car, 93 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers
• LARams – Buford McGee, 7 Rec, 53 Yds
• SF – Jerry Rice, 6 Rec, 55 Yds Top tacklers
• LARams -
• SF - Turnovers
• LARams – 3
• SF – 2

[[Super Bowl XXIV]]

First quarter

• SF – Jerry Rice 20 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 7–0
• DEN – David Treadwell 42 yard field goal 49ers 7–3
• SF – Brent Jones 7 yard pass from Joe Montana – (kick failed) 49ers 13–3 Second quarter
• SF – Tom Rathman 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 20–3
• SF – Jerry Rice 38 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 27–3 Third quarter
• SF – Jerry Rice 28 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 34–3
• SF – John Taylor 35 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 41–3
• DEN – John Elway 3 yard rush – (David Treadwell kick) 49ers 41–10 Fourth quarter
• SF – Tom Rathman 3 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 48–10
• SF – Roger Craig 1 yard rush – (Mike Cofer kick) 49ers 55–10 Top passers
• SF – Joe Montana, 22/29, 297 Yds, 5 TDs
• DEN – John Elway, 10/26, 108 Yds, 2 Ints Top rushers
• SF – Roger Craig, 20 Car, 69 Yds, 1 TD
• DEN – Bobby Humphrey, 12 Car, 61 Yds Top receivers
• SF – Jerry Rice, 7 Rec, 148 Yds, 3 TDs
• DEN – Bobby Humphrey, 3 Rec, 38 Yds Top tacklers
• SF –
• DEN – Turnovers
• SF – 0
• DEN – 4 With the win, the 49ers secured both their second straight Super Bowl (4th title overall), but also the largest win, via margin of victory, in Super Bowl history. However, this would be both the 49ers last Super Bowl until 1994, but also their last with Joe Montana at QB.

Game officials

Media

Pre season Local TV

Local Radio

1990 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl

Main article: 1990 Pro Bowl

Awards and records

• Led NFC with 442 points scored
• Led NFL, 27.6 points per game
• Mike Cofer, Led NFL, 136 Points
• Roger Craig, NFC Pro Bowl
• Ronnie Lott, NFC Pro Bowl
• Guy McIntyre, NFC Pro Bowl
• Joe Montana, Most Valuable Player, Super Bowl XXIV
• Joe Montana, NFL Most Valuable Player Award
• Joe Montana, PFWA NFL MVP
• Joe Montana, NEA NFL MVP
• Joe Montana, NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award
• Joe Montana, Offense, UPI NFC Player of the Year
• Joe Montana, Bert Bell Award
• Joe Montana, NFL Passing Leader
• Joe Montana, NFC Pro Bowl
• Joe Montana, Associated Press Athlete of the Year
• Jerry Rice, NFL Leader, Receiving Yards
• Jerry Rice, NFL Leader, Receiving Touchdowns
• Jerry Rice, NFC Pro Bowl
• John Taylor, NFC Pro Bowl

Notes

References

References

1. "1989 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
2. "1989 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
3. [https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=super/rankings/1-20 ESPN Page 2: The Ultimate Super Rankings]
4. Broken in [[1994 San Francisco 49ers season. 1994]] by teammate [[Steve Young]]
5. "Cold Hard Football Facts: The Dandy Dozen: 12 best passing seasons in history".
6. "NFL Top 100 Teams". Pro Football Reference.
7. "100 Greatest Teams: Numbers 100-1 SUPERCUT". NFL.com.
8. "1989 San Francisco 49ers Draftees".
9. "1989 San Francisco 49ers starters and roster". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
10. . "San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide". *San Francisco 49ers*.
11. . "San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide". *San Francisco 49ers*.
12. "1989 NFL Scoring Summary".
13. "Bert Bell Award – Professional Player of the Year: Past Recipients". Maxwell Football Club.
14. [http://www.nndb.com/honors/906/000166408/ Associated Press Athlete of the Year (male)]