1984 San Francisco 49ers season
Encyclopedia
The 1984
San Francisco 49ers
season was their 39th season in the National Football League. The season was highlighted by their second Super Bowl victory
. The franchise had their best season ever with a record of 15 wins and only 1 loss. Quarterback Joe Montana
would be awarded the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player Award for the second time in his career, joining Bart Starr
and Terry Bradshaw
as the only two time MVP’s. The 1984 49ers were the first team to go 15–1 (the 2nd was the 1985 Chicago Bears
the 3rd was the 1998 Minnesota Vikings
and the 4th was the 2004 Pittsburgh Steelers
).
ers. Quarterback Joe Montana
recorded 279 out of 432 completions for 3,630 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions. Running back Roger Craig was one of the 49ers' major weapons, both rushing and receiving. Craig was the team's second leading rusher with 649 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, and also caught 71 passes for 675 yards. Pro Bowl running back Wendell Tyler
, who had rushed for a team record 1,262 yards during the regular season, recorded 7 rushing touchdowns, and also caught 28 passes for 230 yards and 2 touchdown receptions. Wide receivers Freddie Solomon
and Dwight Clark
also were deep threats, gaining a combined total of 1,617 yards and 16 touchdowns. Up front, 3 of the 49ers' 5 starting offensive linemen, Randy Cross
, Fred Quillan
, and Keith Fahnhorst
, had been selected to play in the Pro Bowl. Overall, San Francisco's offense finished the season ranked second in the NFL in scoring (475 points) and fourth in total yards (6,544).
Although they did not get that much media attention as the offense, the 49ers defense led the league in fewest points allowed during the regular season (227). All 4 of the 49ers' starting defensive backs, Ronnie Lott
, Eric Wright, Carlton Williamson
, and Dwight Hicks
, were selected to play in the Pro Bowl
. Pro Bowl linebacker Keena Turner
was also a major defensive weapon, recording 2 sacks and 4 interceptions for 51 yards. Defensive end Dwaine Board
anchored the line, recording 10 sacks and 1 fumble recovery.
threw for 309 yards and 3 touchdown passes as he led the 49ers to a victory, while receiver Dwight Clark
caught 9 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
SF- Dwight Clark
21 yard pass from Joe Montana
(Ray Wersching
kick) SF 7-0
SF- Russ Francis
9 yard pass from Joe Montana (Ray Wersching kick) SF 14-0
2nd Quarter
NYG- Ali Haji-Sheikh
46 yard field goal SF 14-3
NYG- Harry Carson
14 yard interception return (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick) SF 14-10
SF- Freddie Solomon
29 yard pass from Joe Montana (Ray Wersching kick) SF 21-10
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
SF- Ray Wersching 21 yard field goal SF 3-0
2nd Quarter
SF- Ray Wersching 22 yard field goal SF 6-0
3rd Quarter
SF- Wendell Tyler
9 yard rush (Ray Wersching kick) SF 13-0
4th Quarter
SF- Freddie Solomon 10 yard pass from Joe Montana (Ray Wersching kick) SF 20-0
SF- Ray Wersching 34 yard field goal SF 23-0
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
1984 NFL season
The 1984 NFL season was the 65th regular season of the National Football League. The Colts relocated from Baltimore, Maryland to Indianapolis, Indiana....
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
season was their 39th season in the National Football League. The season was highlighted by their second Super Bowl victory
Super Bowl XIX
Super Bowl XIX was an American football game played on January 20, 1985 at Stanford Stadium, on the campus of Stanford University in Stanford, California, to decide the National Football League champion following the 1984 regular season...
. The franchise had their best season ever with a record of 15 wins and only 1 loss. Quarterback Joe Montana
Joe Montana
Joseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
would be awarded the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player Award for the second time in his career, joining Bart Starr
Bart Starr
Bryan Bartlett "Bart" Starr is a former professional American football player and coach. Wearing #15, he was the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers from 1956 to 1971 and head coach from 1975 to 1983, compiling a record of 52–76–3 ....
and Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw
Terry Paxton Bradshaw is a former American football quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League . He played 14 seasons. He is a football analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday...
as the only two time MVP’s. The 1984 49ers were the first team to go 15–1 (the 2nd was the 1985 Chicago Bears
1985 Chicago Bears season
The 1985 Chicago Bears season was their 66th regular season and 16th post-season completed in the National Football League. The club posted a 15-1 record, earning them the top seed in the NFC for the playoffs. The Bears defeated their three post season opponents by a combined score of 91-10 en...
the 3rd was the 1998 Minnesota Vikings
1998 Minnesota Vikings season
1998 was the 38th year of season play for the Minnesota Vikings and the 79th regular season of the National Football League.The 1998 Minnesota Vikings became only the third team in NFL history to win 15 games during the regular season. That year, the Vikings high powered offense scored 556 points...
and the 4th was the 2004 Pittsburgh Steelers
2004 Pittsburgh Steelers season
The 2004 Pittsburgh Steelers looked to rebound after a disappointing 6–10 season the year before, which saw the team go through the entire season without winning consecutive games....
).
Staff
Roster
Regular season
The 49ers advanced to their second Super Bowl in team history after becoming the first team ever to win 15 regular season games since the league expanded to a 16-game schedule in 1978. Much of the hype surrounding the team was their offense, which boasted 5 Pro BowlPro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
ers. Quarterback Joe Montana
Joe Montana
Joseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
recorded 279 out of 432 completions for 3,630 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions. Running back Roger Craig was one of the 49ers' major weapons, both rushing and receiving. Craig was the team's second leading rusher with 649 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, and also caught 71 passes for 675 yards. Pro Bowl running back Wendell Tyler
Wendell Tyler
Wendell Avery Tyler , is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 3rd round of the 1977 NFL Draft. A 5'10", 198 lbs...
, who had rushed for a team record 1,262 yards during the regular season, recorded 7 rushing touchdowns, and also caught 28 passes for 230 yards and 2 touchdown receptions. Wide receivers Freddie Solomon
Freddie Solomon
.Freddie Solomon , is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 2nd round of the 1975 NFL Draft. A 5'11", 184-lb. wide receiver from the University of Tampa, Solomon played in 11 NFL seasons for the Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers from 1975 to 1985...
and Dwight Clark
Dwight Clark
Dwight Edward Clark is a former American Pro Bowl wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1987...
also were deep threats, gaining a combined total of 1,617 yards and 16 touchdowns. Up front, 3 of the 49ers' 5 starting offensive linemen, Randy Cross
Randy Cross
Randall "Randy" Laureat Cross , is a football analyst and former NFL offensive lineman. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in July 2011.-High school years:...
, Fred Quillan
Fred Quillan
Frederick David Quillan is a former professional American football offensive lineman from 1978 through 1987. During that span he appeared in two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX for the San Francisco 49ers. He played college football at the University of Oregon...
, and Keith Fahnhorst
Keith Fahnhorst
Keith Fahnhorst is a former National Football League offensive lineman from 1974 through 1987. During that span he appeared in two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX for the San Francisco 49ers...
, had been selected to play in the Pro Bowl. Overall, San Francisco's offense finished the season ranked second in the NFL in scoring (475 points) and fourth in total yards (6,544).
Although they did not get that much media attention as the offense, the 49ers defense led the league in fewest points allowed during the regular season (227). All 4 of the 49ers' starting defensive backs, Ronnie Lott
Ronnie Lott
Ronald Mandel "Ronnie" Lott is a former American football player who starred as a cornerback, free safety, and strong safety in college football and the NFL. He is most well known for his crushing hits on opposing players...
, Eric Wright, Carlton Williamson
Carlton Williamson
Carlton Williamson , is a former professional American football player who was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 3rd round of the 1981 NFL Draft. A 6'0", 200 lbs. safety from the University of Pittsburgh, Williamson was a 2-time Pro Bowl selection in 1984 and 1985 and a 2-time Super...
, and Dwight Hicks
Dwight Hicks
Dwight Hicks is a former professional American football player who played defensive back for the Toronto Argonauts in 1978, the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1985, and for the Indianapolis Colts in 1986.-High school and college:...
, were selected to play in the Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
. Pro Bowl linebacker Keena Turner
Keena Turner
Keena Turner , is a former American professional football player who was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 2nd round of the 1980 NFL Draft and traded on draft day to the San Francisco 49ers. A 6'2" 237 pound linebacker from Purdue University, Turner played in 11 NFL seasons and spent his entire...
was also a major defensive weapon, recording 2 sacks and 4 interceptions for 51 yards. Defensive end Dwaine Board
Dwaine Board
Dwaine P. Board is the defensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League...
anchored the line, recording 10 sacks and 1 fumble recovery.
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 2, 1984 | at Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
W 30-27 | |
| 2 | September 10, 1984 (Mon) | Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
W 37-31 | |
| 3 | September 16, 1984 | New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League .... |
W 30-20 | |
| 4 | September 23, 1984 | at Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 21-9 | |
| 5 | September 30, 1984 | Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 14-5 | |
| 6 | October 8, 1984 (Mon) | at New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 31-10 | |
| 7 | October 14, 1984 | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
L 17-20 | |
| 8 | October 21, 1984 | at Houston Oilers Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... |
W 34-21 | |
| 9 | October 28, 1984 | at Los Angeles Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
W 33-0 | |
| 10 | November 4, 1984 | Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL... |
W 23-17 | |
| 11 | November 11, 1984 | at Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 41-7 | |
| 12 | November 18, 1984 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West... |
W 24-17 | |
| 13 | November 25, 1984 | at New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League .... |
W 35-3 | |
| 14 | December 2, 1984 | at Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 35-17 | |
| 15 | December 8, 1984 (Sat) | Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
W 51-7 | |
| 16 | December 14, 1984 (Fri) | Los Angeles Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
W 19-16 | |
NFC Divisional Playoff
Quarterback Joe MontanaJoe Montana
Joseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
threw for 309 yards and 3 touchdown passes as he led the 49ers to a victory, while receiver Dwight Clark
Dwight Clark
Dwight Edward Clark is a former American Pro Bowl wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1987...
caught 9 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
SF- Dwight Clark
Dwight Clark
Dwight Edward Clark is a former American Pro Bowl wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1987...
21 yard pass from Joe Montana
Joe Montana
Joseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
(Ray Wersching
Ray Wersching
Raimund "Ray" Wersching is an Austrian former placekicker in the National Football League . He played in the NFL for a span of 15 years, stretching from 1973 through 1987.-NFL career:...
kick) SF 7-0
SF- Russ Francis
Russ Francis
Russell Ross Francis , is a former professional football player who was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 1st round of the 1975 NFL Draft. He grew up in Hawaii. A 6'6", 242 lbs. tight end from the University of Oregon, Francis played in 13 NFL seasons. He retired temporarily in 1981, then...
9 yard pass from Joe Montana (Ray Wersching kick) SF 14-0
2nd Quarter
NYG- Ali Haji-Sheikh
Ali Haji-Sheikh
Ali S. Haji-Sheikh is a former American football placekicker for the University of Michigan and for three National Football League teams. Haji-Sheikh spent three seasons playing for the New York Giants. He had a superb rookie season, kicking 35 of 42 field goals and setting a then NFL record...
46 yard field goal SF 14-3
NYG- Harry Carson
Harry Carson
Harold Donald Carson is a former American football inside linebacker who played his entire professional career for the NFL's New York Giants...
14 yard interception return (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick) SF 14-10
SF- Freddie Solomon
Freddie Solomon
.Freddie Solomon , is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 2nd round of the 1975 NFL Draft. A 5'11", 184-lb. wide receiver from the University of Tampa, Solomon played in 11 NFL seasons for the Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers from 1975 to 1985...
29 yard pass from Joe Montana (Ray Wersching kick) SF 21-10
NFC Championship Game
The 49ers passed for 228 yards while limiting the Bears to only 37 passing yards and no points.Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
SF- Ray Wersching 21 yard field goal SF 3-0
2nd Quarter
SF- Ray Wersching 22 yard field goal SF 6-0
3rd Quarter
SF- Wendell Tyler
Wendell Tyler
Wendell Avery Tyler , is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 3rd round of the 1977 NFL Draft. A 5'10", 198 lbs...
9 yard rush (Ray Wersching kick) SF 13-0
4th Quarter
SF- Freddie Solomon 10 yard pass from Joe Montana (Ray Wersching kick) SF 20-0
SF- Ray Wersching 34 yard field goal SF 23-0
Super Bowl XIX
Scoring summary1st Quarter
- MIA - FG: Uwe von Schamann 37 yards 3-0 MIA
- SF - TD: Carl Monroe 33 yard pass from Joe Montana (Ray Wersching kick) 7-3 SF
- MIA - TD: Dan Johnson 2 yard pass from Dan Marino (Uwe von Schamann kick) 10-7 MIA
2nd Quarter
- SF - TD: Roger Craig 8 yard pass from Joe Montana (Ray Wersching kick) 14-10 SF
- SF - TD: Joe Montana 6 yard run (Ray Wersching kick) 21-10 SF
- SF - TD: Roger Craig 2 yard run (Ray Wersching kick) 28-10 SF
- MIA - FG: Uwe von Schamann 31 yards 28-13 SF
- MIA - FG: Uwe von Schamann 30 yards 28-16 SF
3rd Quarter
- SF - FG: Ray Wersching 27 yards 31-16 SF
- SF - TD: Roger Craig 16 yard pass from Joe Montana (Ray Wersching kick) 38-16 SF
Awards and records
- Joe MontanaJoe MontanaJoseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
, Super Bowl Most Valuable Player - Joe MontanaJoe MontanaJoseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
, All-Pro Selection - Joe MontanaJoe MontanaJoseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
, NFC Pro Bowl Selection