1996 San Francisco 49ers season
Encyclopedia
The 1996
San Francisco 49ers
season was the team's 51st since its inception. In commemoration, the 49ers wore a special 50th anniversary patch. They also wore a new uniform reminiscent of the 1994 throwback uniforms with white pants and shadowed numbers, but with a darker shade of red and an updated logo. The franchise tied for first place in the NFC West with a 12-4 record, but lost the division title to the Carolina Panthers
on the division-record tiebreaker (the Panthers had swept the Niners in the season). The Niners were 3rd in the league in points scored and 4th in fewest points allowed.
Although the team was competitive the entire season, nagging and recurring injuries to offensive players and an inconsistent running game contributed to a what was considered a disappointing season. After a 14-0 Wild Card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the 49ers were defeated by the Green Bay Packers in the divisional playoffs 35-14. It would be George Seifert's final season as the 49ers' head coach.
by the fifth week of the season, but star fullback William Floyd was still recovering from a devastating knee injury suffered the previous season. Also, the loss of cornerback Eric Davis to divisional rival Carolina was a concern. However, with 1995's number one defense and highest scoring offense, San Francisco was picked by many to win their sixth Super Bowl.
The 49ers started out the 1996 season fast with dominant wins over the New Orleans Saints
(27-11) and St. Louis Rams
(34-0); against the Rams the 49ers scored two safeties. In the first two games, the 49ers had zero turnovers, but they had yet to throw a touchdown pass. In week 4, the 49ers faced the upstart 2-0 Carolina Panthers. Although favored to win, a groin injury to Steve Young, inconsistent run defense, and an aggressive blitzing scheme by Carolina led to a convincing 23-7 victory for the Panthers. San Francisco netted only 48 yards rushing and was only 2-11 on third down conversions during the contest, and the budding bitterness of the rivalry spilled into constant jawing between Panthers receivers and the Niners secondary, notably spats between Carolina receiver Willie Green
and the Niners' Merton Hanks
.
Despite Steve Young's absence, the 49ers were able to win 39-17 over the Falcons
on three interceptions of Bobby Hebert
and a team-record six field goals by Jeff Wilkins
, then the Niners beat the Rams in St. Louis 28-11. However, in week seven the 49ers faced the team that knocked them out of the playoffs the previous year: the Green Bay Packers
. With Steve Young on the bench, the 49ers ran an aggressive offensive and defensive scheme, building a 17-6 lead in the second quarter. However, from that point on, conservative play-calling allowed Green Bay to get back in the game. With the game tied at 17 late in the fourth quarter, the 49ers faced a third and short in Green Bay territory. George Seifert
opted for quarterback Elvis Grbac
to fall on the ball and settle for a lead-changing field goal. However, Brett Favre led the Packers to a tying field goal at the end of regulation, and the Packers were able to win the game in overtime. In hindsight, that game was the turning point for the 49ers season.
In a comeback victory over Cincinnati
, Steve Young left the game due to injury, but heroically returned to lead the 49ers back from a 21-0 deficit; Young threw two touchdowns (including the first caught by mercurial rookie Terrell Owens
) and ran in a third. In Houston
Young connected with Jerry Rice
on a quick slant, but suffered a concussion on the play; adding insult to the injury, time was out on the play due to a defensive penalty, thus the play didn't count. However, with Young and primary backup Elvis Grbac
out, the 49ers were able to pull off a close 10-9 victory with third-stringer Jeff Brohm
. A week later, once again the 49ers won a close game, 24-17 over New Orleans. After jumping out to a quick 10-0 lead in the first quarter against rival Dallas Cowboys
, Young was again injured and finished the game on the sidelines. With the 49ers offense stagnant, the Cowboys came back to win 20-17 in overtime. Mounting frustration in the team's struggles was perhaps best showcased by a comment from Mayor Willie Brown
saying that Elvis Grbac
(who'd thrown a key interception out of his own endzone) was "an embarrassment to mankind" after the defeat.
However, the 49ers were able to rebound, winning three straight. With many of their stars returning from injury, including Young, William Floyd, and Brent Jones
, some analysts believed that the 49ers were a team to be feared again. With a 10-3 record and a one-game lead in the division, San Francisco had a chance to clinch the divisional title against the Panthers. However, it was the 49ers who appeared to be a second-year franchise, making costly mistakes and penalties. Despite gaining many more yards than they did the last contest against the Panthers (450 yards), Carolina was able to win, 30-24. Once again the Panthers jumped out to an early lead, 17-7, and scored 27 points by halftime. Although San Francisco was able to hold them to only a field goal in the second half, the lead proved to be too much.
Humbled, San Francisco was able to regain their offensive composure, winning the following week in Pittsburgh 25-15, against the defending AFC champions who were in the hunt for the #2 seed in their conference. Then the 49ers easily won the regular season finale against 5-10 Detroit, earning the #4 seed and its one home field playoff game. Steve Young's 17/23, 2 TD performance against Detroit earned him his 5th NFL passing title with a passer rating of 97.2, edging out season MVP Brett Favre
.
following the season, San Francisco's future looked uncertain heading into 1997. However, there were reasons for optimism. All World receiver Jerry Rice
, the NFL's reception leader for 1996, would be returning, and two time MVP quarterback Steve Young still showed signs of being one of the leagues most dangerous weapons when healthy. With all the injuries and bad luck the team had in 1996, one couldn't help but look to 1997 with at least moderate optimism.
featured the return of Ricky Watters
to San Francisco. Many analysts believed that Watters' departure was one of the main reasons the 49ers dominance declined, so the game was highly anticipated.
The weather was very rainy and windy, but Steve Young's passes were as accurate as they were during the season. Despite both offenses moving the ball well, neither was able to score until the second quarter. With the score tied at 0-0, a long pass from Young to Jerry Rice set up Young's scamper into the endzone for a touchdown on a draw play. Although the 49ers took a 7-0 lead into half time, Young was once again injured. At the beginning of the second half, Young's throws were visibly altered. However, pain killers were effective enough for him to throw a touchdown pass to Rice before the game was over. Unfortunately for San Francisco, Young broke his ribs on the touchdown run, and the injury would force him to leave early in the first quarter the following week.
Although Philadelphia was able to move the ball at times, the 49ers were able to keep them scoreless. San Francisco advanced to the divisional playoffs, and the opponent would again be the Green Bay Packers.
San Francisco was able to keep pace offensively and defensively for most of the game, with the score 21-14 in favor of Green Bay in the third quarter, but special teams were decisively dominated by the Packers. To make matters worse, Steve Young was only able to play for a few ineffective plays due to his rib injury. Neither team's offense was particularly effective in the game, with San Francisco gaining only 196 total yards and Green Bay only gaining 210 (including only 79 passing yards). However, costly penalties by San Francisco (6 for 42 yards, while Green Bay only had 1 for 5) and outstanding play by the Packer's special teams were the deciding factors (Green Bay averaged 43.2 yards per punt return).
A muffed kickoff by Green Bay set up a 49ers touchdown, but Green Bay's Desmond Howard returned two kicks for large gains, including one touchdown. The final score was Green Bay 35-14. With the 49ers most valuable player out, special teams errors were far too much for San Francisco to remain competitive in the game. Green Bay was the eventual Super Bowl Champion, and the 49ers' season again ended in defeat against the Packers.
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA
at Lambeau Field
, Green Bay, WI
1996 NFL season
The 1996 NFL season was the 77th regular season of the National Football League and the season was marked by notable controversies from beginning to end...
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 the team's 51st since its inception. In commemoration, the 49ers wore a special 50th anniversary patch. They also wore a new uniform reminiscent of the 1994 throwback uniforms with white pants and shadowed numbers, but with a darker shade of red and an updated logo. The franchise tied for first place in the NFC West with a 12-4 record, but lost the division title to the Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
on the division-record tiebreaker (the Panthers had swept the Niners in the season). The Niners were 3rd in the league in points scored and 4th in fewest points allowed.
Although the team was competitive the entire season, nagging and recurring injuries to offensive players and an inconsistent running game contributed to a what was considered a disappointing season. After a 14-0 Wild Card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the 49ers were defeated by the Green Bay Packers in the divisional playoffs 35-14. It would be George Seifert's final season as the 49ers' head coach.
Regular season
After the 1995 season, concerns about the 49ers' running game loomed largely for San Francisco. The 49ers were able to sign running back Terry KirbyTerry Kirby
Terry Gayle Kirby , is a former professional American football player who played ten seasons in the NFL from 1993 to 2002. A 6'1" running back from the University of Virginia...
by the fifth week of the season, but star fullback William Floyd was still recovering from a devastating knee injury suffered the previous season. Also, the loss of cornerback Eric Davis to divisional rival Carolina was a concern. However, with 1995's number one defense and highest scoring offense, San Francisco was picked by many to win their sixth Super Bowl.
The 49ers started out the 1996 season fast with dominant wins over the 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 ....
(27-11) and St. Louis 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,...
(34-0); against the Rams the 49ers scored two safeties. In the first two games, the 49ers had zero turnovers, but they had yet to throw a touchdown pass. In week 4, the 49ers faced the upstart 2-0 Carolina Panthers. Although favored to win, a groin injury to Steve Young, inconsistent run defense, and an aggressive blitzing scheme by Carolina led to a convincing 23-7 victory for the Panthers. San Francisco netted only 48 yards rushing and was only 2-11 on third down conversions during the contest, and the budding bitterness of the rivalry spilled into constant jawing between Panthers receivers and the Niners secondary, notably spats between Carolina receiver Willie Green
Willie Green (American football)
Willie Aaron Green is a former professional American football wide receiver who played for the Detroit Lions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Carolina Panthers, and the Denver Broncos in the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Mississippi....
and the Niners' Merton Hanks
Merton Hanks
Merton Edward Hanks is a former safety in the National Football League.Hanks attended Lake Highlands High School, where he was a district track and field champion. He went on to the University of Iowa, earning all-Big Ten honors at cornerback...
.
Despite Steve Young's absence, the 49ers were able to win 39-17 over the 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...
on three interceptions of Bobby Hebert
Bobby Hebert
Bobby Joseph Hebert Jr., is an American sportscaster who is best known as a retired Pro bowl American football quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. He played professionally in the USFL and NFL from 1983 to 1996 for the Michigan Panthers, Oakland Invaders, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons...
and a team-record six field goals by Jeff Wilkins
Jeff Wilkins
For the American basketball player, see Jeff Wilkins .Jeffrey Allen Wilkins nicknamed "Money" is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and St Louis Rams. He played college football at Youngstown State University...
, then the Niners beat the Rams in St. Louis 28-11. However, in week seven the 49ers faced the team that knocked them out of the playoffs the previous year: the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. With Steve Young on the bench, the 49ers ran an aggressive offensive and defensive scheme, building a 17-6 lead in the second quarter. However, from that point on, conservative play-calling allowed Green Bay to get back in the game. With the game tied at 17 late in the fourth quarter, the 49ers faced a third and short in Green Bay territory. George Seifert
George Seifert
George Seifert is a former NFL head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and the Carolina Panthers. Seifert joined the 49ers' coaching staff under Bill Walsh in 1980 as defensive backs coach and served as the team's defensive coordinator from 1983–1988.As a 49er assistant, his defenses finished...
opted for quarterback Elvis Grbac
Elvis Grbac
Elvis M. Grbac is a retired American football quarterback who played in the NFL. During his career he was a starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, the Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens...
to fall on the ball and settle for a lead-changing field goal. However, Brett Favre led the Packers to a tying field goal at the end of regulation, and the Packers were able to win the game in overtime. In hindsight, that game was the turning point for the 49ers season.
In a comeback victory over Cincinnati
1996 Cincinnati Bengals season
The 1996 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's 29th year in professional football and its 27th with the National Football League. Carl Pickens became the first member of the Bengals to have 100 receptions in a season.-NFL Draft:-Staff:-Roster:...
, Steve Young left the game due to injury, but heroically returned to lead the 49ers back from a 21-0 deficit; Young threw two touchdowns (including the first caught by mercurial rookie Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
) and ran in a third. In Houston
1996 Houston Oilers season
The 1996 Houston Oilers season was the 37th season the team was with the league and their final season in Houston. The team bested their previous season's output of 7–9, but failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season.-Staff:...
Young connected with Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice
Jerry Lee Rice is a retired American football wide receiver. He is generally regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time and one of the greatest players in National Football League history...
on a quick slant, but suffered a concussion on the play; adding insult to the injury, time was out on the play due to a defensive penalty, thus the play didn't count. However, with Young and primary backup Elvis Grbac
Elvis Grbac
Elvis M. Grbac is a retired American football quarterback who played in the NFL. During his career he was a starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, the Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens...
out, the 49ers were able to pull off a close 10-9 victory with third-stringer Jeff Brohm
Jeff Brohm
Jeffrey Scott Brohm is an Assistant Coach and the Quarterbacks Coach for the Illinois Fighting Illini football team...
. A week later, once again the 49ers won a close game, 24-17 over New Orleans. After jumping out to a quick 10-0 lead in the first quarter against rival Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
, Young was again injured and finished the game on the sidelines. With the 49ers offense stagnant, the Cowboys came back to win 20-17 in overtime. Mounting frustration in the team's struggles was perhaps best showcased by a comment from Mayor Willie Brown
Willie Brown (politician)
Willie Lewis Brown, Jr. is an American politician of the Democratic Party. He served over 30 years in the California State Assembly, spending 15 years as its Speaker, and afterward served as the 41st mayor of San Francisco, the first African American to do so...
saying that Elvis Grbac
Elvis Grbac
Elvis M. Grbac is a retired American football quarterback who played in the NFL. During his career he was a starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, the Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens...
(who'd thrown a key interception out of his own endzone) was "an embarrassment to mankind" after the defeat.
However, the 49ers were able to rebound, winning three straight. With many of their stars returning from injury, including Young, William Floyd, and Brent Jones
Brent Jones
Brent Michael Jones is a former American Football tight end who played almost his entire career with the San Francisco 49ers from 1987 to 1997. He was selected in the 5th round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1986 NFL Draft...
, some analysts believed that the 49ers were a team to be feared again. With a 10-3 record and a one-game lead in the division, San Francisco had a chance to clinch the divisional title against the Panthers. However, it was the 49ers who appeared to be a second-year franchise, making costly mistakes and penalties. Despite gaining many more yards than they did the last contest against the Panthers (450 yards), Carolina was able to win, 30-24. Once again the Panthers jumped out to an early lead, 17-7, and scored 27 points by halftime. Although San Francisco was able to hold them to only a field goal in the second half, the lead proved to be too much.
Humbled, San Francisco was able to regain their offensive composure, winning the following week in Pittsburgh 25-15, against the defending AFC champions who were in the hunt for the #2 seed in their conference. Then the 49ers easily won the regular season finale against 5-10 Detroit, earning the #4 seed and its one home field playoff game. Steve Young's 17/23, 2 TD performance against Detroit earned him his 5th NFL passing title with a passer rating of 97.2, edging out season MVP Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
.
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | TV Time | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 1, 1996 | 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 27-11 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 2 | September 8, 1996 | St. Louis 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 34-0 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 3 | BYE WEEK | ||||
| 4 | September 22, 1996 | at Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
L 7-23 | FOX 10:00am | |
| 5 | September 29, 1996 | 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 39-17 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 6 | October 6, 1996 | at St. Louis 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 28-11 | FOX 10:00am | |
| 7 | October 14, 1996 (Mon) | at Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
L 20-23 (OT) | ABC 6:00pm | |
| 8 | October 20, 1996 | 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 28-21 | NBC 1:00pm | |
| 9 | October 27, 1996 | 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 10-9 | FOX 10:00am | |
| 10 | November 3, 1996 | 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 24-17 | ESPN 5:00pm | |
| 11 | November 10, 1996 | Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... |
L 17-20 (OT) | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 12 | November 17, 1996 | Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
W 38-20 | NBC 1:00pm | |
| 13 | November 24, 1996 | at 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 19-16 (OT) | FOX 10:00am | |
| 14 | December 2, 1996 (Mon) | 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 34-10 | ABC 6:00pm | |
| 15 | December 8, 1996 | Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
L 24-30 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 16 | December 15, 1996 | at 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... |
W 25-15 | FOX 10:00am | |
| 17 | December 23, 1996 | 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 24-14 | ABC 6:00pm | |
Roster
| 1996 San Francisco 49ers roster | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Harris Barton Harris Scott Barton is a former American football offensive lineman who played for the San Francisco 49ers.-Early life:... T Chris Dalman Chris Dalman is a former professional American football player who played offensive lineman for seven seasons for the San Francisco 49ers . He was an offensive/defensive tackle for Palma High School in Salinas, and was a four-year football letter-winner at Stanford University... G/C Derrick Deese Derrick Deese is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League. He co-hosts a radio show on Fox Sports Radio weekends from 9am to 1pm Pacific Time.-Professional career:... G Rod Milstead Roderick Leon Milstead is a former American football guard in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Delaware State University. Milstead was drafted in the fifth round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. ... G Jesse Sapolu Manase Jesse Sapolu Manase Jesse Sapolu Manase Jesse Sapolu (born March 10, 1961, Apia, Western Samoa, is a former football player in the National Football League. Sapolu played both center and offensive guard, and spent his entire career in a San Francisco 49ers uniform.... G Kirk Scrafford Kirk Tippet Scrafford is a former professional American football player who played offensive lineman for nine seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, the Denver Broncos, and the San Francisco 49ers.... T Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Daved Benefield Daved Benefield is a former professional American football player who played thirteen seasons in the Canadian Football League for five different teams. He also was a backup at linebacker and defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers in 1996.-Career:As a youngster growing up in Southern... Randy Kirk Randall Scott Kirk is a former American football linebacker and special teams member who played thirteen seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at San Diego State University.... Kevin Mitchell (American football) Kevin Danyelle Mitchell was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. He played for the San Francisco 49ers, the New Orleans Saints, and the Washington Redskins.-College career:... Gary Plummer (American football) Gary Plummer is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League and the United States Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as a free agent in 1986 after playing three years in the USFL... Lee Woodall Lee Artis Woodall is a former professional American football player who was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 1994 NFL Draft. A 6'1", 230-lb. linebacker from West Chester University, Woodall played in 8 NFL seasons from 1994 to 2001... Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve lists
Practice Squad Rookies in italics |
|||
1997 Outlook
Too many ill-timed injuries and lack of fluidity resulted in a disappointing season. In 1996, the 49ers fell well short of the team's annual goal of winning the Super Bowl. With the emergence of Carolina and Green Bay as NFC powerhouses, and the resignation of George SeifertGeorge Seifert
George Seifert is a former NFL head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and the Carolina Panthers. Seifert joined the 49ers' coaching staff under Bill Walsh in 1980 as defensive backs coach and served as the team's defensive coordinator from 1983–1988.As a 49er assistant, his defenses finished...
following the season, San Francisco's future looked uncertain heading into 1997. However, there were reasons for optimism. All World receiver Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice
Jerry Lee Rice is a retired American football wide receiver. He is generally regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time and one of the greatest players in National Football League history...
, the NFL's reception leader for 1996, would be returning, and two time MVP quarterback Steve Young still showed signs of being one of the leagues most dangerous weapons when healthy. With all the injuries and bad luck the team had in 1996, one couldn't help but look to 1997 with at least moderate optimism.
Playoffs
The 49ers entered the playoffs as the 4th seed. Their wild card match-up against the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia 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...
featured the return of Ricky Watters
Ricky Watters
Richard "Ricky" James Watters is a former American football running back who played for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. Watters played college football at the University of Notre Dame where he played wide receiver on the...
to San Francisco. Many analysts believed that Watters' departure was one of the main reasons the 49ers dominance declined, so the game was highly anticipated.
The weather was very rainy and windy, but Steve Young's passes were as accurate as they were during the season. Despite both offenses moving the ball well, neither was able to score until the second quarter. With the score tied at 0-0, a long pass from Young to Jerry Rice set up Young's scamper into the endzone for a touchdown on a draw play. Although the 49ers took a 7-0 lead into half time, Young was once again injured. At the beginning of the second half, Young's throws were visibly altered. However, pain killers were effective enough for him to throw a touchdown pass to Rice before the game was over. Unfortunately for San Francisco, Young broke his ribs on the touchdown run, and the injury would force him to leave early in the first quarter the following week.
Although Philadelphia was able to move the ball at times, the 49ers were able to keep them scoreless. San Francisco advanced to the divisional playoffs, and the opponent would again be the Green Bay Packers.
San Francisco was able to keep pace offensively and defensively for most of the game, with the score 21-14 in favor of Green Bay in the third quarter, but special teams were decisively dominated by the Packers. To make matters worse, Steve Young was only able to play for a few ineffective plays due to his rib injury. Neither team's offense was particularly effective in the game, with San Francisco gaining only 196 total yards and Green Bay only gaining 210 (including only 79 passing yards). However, costly penalties by San Francisco (6 for 42 yards, while Green Bay only had 1 for 5) and outstanding play by the Packer's special teams were the deciding factors (Green Bay averaged 43.2 yards per punt return).
A muffed kickoff by Green Bay set up a 49ers touchdown, but Green Bay's Desmond Howard returned two kicks for large gains, including one touchdown. The final score was Green Bay 35-14. With the 49ers most valuable player out, special teams errors were far too much for San Francisco to remain competitive in the game. Green Bay was the eventual Super Bowl Champion, and the 49ers' season again ended in defeat against the Packers.
NFC Wild Card Playoff - December 29, 1996
- San Francisco 49ers 14, Philadelphia Eagles 0
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA
NFC Divisional Playoff - January 4, 1997 (Sat)
- Green Bay Packers 35, San Francisco 49ers 14
at Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
, Green Bay, WI
Awards and records
- Jerry RiceJerry RiceJerry Lee Rice is a retired American football wide receiver. He is generally regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time and one of the greatest players in National Football League history...
, Led NFL, Receptions, 108 receptions - Jeff WilkinsJeff WilkinsFor the American basketball player, see Jeff Wilkins .Jeffrey Allen Wilkins nicknamed "Money" is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and St Louis Rams. He played college football at Youngstown State University...
, Franchise Record (tied), Most Field Goals in One Game, 6 Field Goals (September 29, 1996) - Steve Young, Led NFL, Passer Rating, 97.2 Rating