2008 San Francisco 49ers season
Encyclopedia
The 2008
San Francisco 49ers
season was the franchise's 63rd season. Although they failed to reach the playoffs for the straight 6th year, the team improved on their disappointing 5-11 record from the 2007 season, and ended the season on a high note
was retained as head coach. With the 49ers offense struggling the previous season, offensive coordinator
Jim Hostler
was fired and replaced by Mike Martz
. In addition, Scot McCloughan
was promoted from vice president of player personnel to general manager
. Mike Nolan was fired after a 29-17 loss to the New York Giants
in Week 8.
UFA: Unrestricted free agent; RFA: Restricted free agent; ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent
. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers
got a 25-yard field goal. San Francisco responded with RB Frank Gore
getting a 41-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Arizona regained the lead with QB Kurt Warner
completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
. San Francisco tied the game with kicker Joe Nedney
getting a 39-yard fied goal. In the third quarter, the Cardinals began to fly away as Rackers nailed a 31-yard field goal, along with RB Tim Hightower
getting a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Niners tried to respond as Nedney got a 30-yard field goal. However, Arizona pulled away with Rackers' 30-yard field goal.
With the loss, the 49ers began their season at 0–1.
for an NFC West duel with the Seattle Seahawks
. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Seahawks RB Julius Jones
got a 27-yard TD run, along with DT Craig Terrill
returning a fumble 10 yards for a touchdown. San Francisco would respond with kicker Joe Nedney
getting a 26-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the 49ers continued to close in on Seattle as Nedney kicked a 28-yard field goal. The Seahawks responded with kicker Olindo Mare
getting a 51-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Niners chopped at Seattle's lead with QB J.T. O'Sullivan completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Bryant Johnson
. The Seahawks would close out the half with Mare's 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, San Francisco took the lead with LB Patrick Willis
returning an interception 86 yards for a touchdown and RB Frank Gore
getting a 2-yard TD run. However, in the fourth quarter, Seattle regained its lead with RB T.J. Duckett getting a 1-yard TD run and Mare getting a 32-yard field goal. The Niners would tie the game with Nedney's 28-yard field goal. Afterwards, in overtime, San Francisco completed its upset as Nedney nailed the game-winning 40-yard field goal.
With the win, the 49ers improved to 1–1.
WR Isaac Bruce
(4 receptions for 153 yards) would become the first 49ers wideout to have a 100-yard receiving game since Antonio Bryant
during Week 2 in 2006.
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as QB J.T. O'Sullivan completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
. In the second quarter, San Francisco increased its lead with RB Frank Gore
getting a 4-yard TD run. Striking again, Delanie Walker
caught a touchdown pass shortly before half-time. The Lions would respond with kicker Jason Hanson
getting a 44-yard, yet the 49ers replied in the fourth quarter with CB Allen Rossum
getting a 1-yard TD run. Detroit tried to rally as QB Jon Kitna
completed a 34-yard TD pass to RB Rudi Johnson
, yet San Francisco sealed their victory with kicker Joe Nedney
nailing a 25-yard field goal.
With the win, the 49ers improved to 2–1.
for a Week 4 duel with the New Orleans Saints
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as kicker Joe Nedney
got a 47-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints took the lead with QB Drew Brees
completing a 5-yard and a 33-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
. San Francisco would answer with Nedney's 49-yard field goal, yet New Orleans replied with Brees' 47-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem
.
In the third quarter, the 49ers tried to rally as Nedney kicked a 38-yard field goal. However, in the fourth quarter, the Saints continued to pull away as RB Deuce McAllister
got a 1-yard TD run. The Niners tried to rally as QB J.T. O'Sullivan completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
, yet New Orleans sealed the win with kicker Martín Gramática
nailing a 31-yard field goal.
With the loss, the 49ers fell to 2–2.
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as QB J.T. O'Sullivan completed a 16-yard TD pass to RB Frank Gore
. The Patriots responded with QB Matt Cassel
completing a 66-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss
, yet San Francisco answered with O'Sullivan completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
. In the second quarter, New England took the lead as kicker Stephen Gostkowski
got a 35-yard field goal, along with RB Kevin Faulk
getting a 2-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, the Patriots increased their lead with Faulk getting another 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, New England added on to its lead with Gostkowski kicking a 40-yard field goal. The Niners tried to come back as O'Sullivan completed a 5-yard TD pass to Bruce, but the Patriots pulled away with Gostkowski nailing a 49-yard field goal.
With the loss, San Francisco fell to 2-3.
During the halftime ceremony, the 49ers retired former QB Steve Young's #8 uniform.
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as kicker Joe Nedney
got a 32-yard field goal. The Eagles took the lead as RB Correll Buckhalter
got a 1-yard TD run. San Francisco would respond with Nedney kicking a 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Philadelphia increased their lead as QB Donovan McNabb
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Hank Baskett
, along with kicker David Akers
getting a 19-yard field goal. The 49ers closed out the half with Nedney making a 53-yard field goal, along with DB Donald Strickland returning a blocked field goal attempt 41 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Niners took the lead as RB Frank Gore
got a 6-yard TD run, along with Nedney getting a 29-yard field goal. However, in the fourth quarter, the Eagles rallied as McNabb completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE L.J. Smith, Akers nailing a 38-yard, a 25-yard, & a 28-yard field goal, and DE Juqua Parker returning an interception 55 yards for a touchdown.
With their third-straight loss, the 49ers fell to 2-4.
for a Week 7 duel with the New York Giants
. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Giants RB Brandon Jacobs
got a 26-yard TD run. San Francisco would respond with kicker Joe Nedney
getting a 40-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New York answered with Jacobs getting a 2-yard TD run. The 49ers responded with QB J.T. O'Sullivan completing a 30-yard TD pass to rookie WR Josh Morgan
. The Giants ended the half with kicker John Carney nailing a 21-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, New York increased its lead with QB Eli Manning
completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress
. The Niners struck back as CB Nate Clements
returned a block field goal 74 yards for a touchdown. However, in the fourth quarter, the Giants pulled away as Carney got a 48-yard field goal, while DE Justin Tuck
forced O'Sullivan into a fumble, causing the ball to roll into San Francisco's endzone, and Morgan kicking it out of the back of the endzone, giving New York a safety.
With the fourth-straight loss, the 49ers fell to 2-5.
On Monday, October 20, the day after the game, the 49ers fired coach Mike Nolan and replaced him with Mike Singletary
.
. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Seahawks kicker Olindo Mare
got a 43-yard and a 42-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Seattle increased its lead with RB T.J. Duckett getting a 1-yard TD run. San Francisco would got on the board with kicker Joe Nedney
getting a 42-yard field goal, but the Seahawks continued its beatdown as CB Josh Wilson
returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, the 49ers replied with Nedney making a 40-yard field goal, yet Seattle continued to pull away as QB Seneca Wallace
completed a 43-yard TD pass to FB Leonard Weaver. In the fourth quarter, San Francisco tried to rally as QB Shaun Hill
completed a 2-yard TD pass to rookie WR Jason Hill
. However, the Seahawks pulled away as Wallace hooked up with Weaver again on a 62-yard TD pass.
During the game, Vernon Davis committed a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct which prompted Singletary's now infamous "I want winners" tirade during the post-game press conference: "I'd rather play with 10 people and just get penalized all the way until we have to do something else rather than play with 11 when I know that right now that person is not sold out to be a part of this team. It is more about them than it is about the team. Cannot play with them, cannot win with them, cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win."
With the loss, the 49ers enter into their bye week at 2–6.
for a Week 10 NFC West rematch with the Arizona Cardinals
. Due to J.T. O'Sullivan's inconsistency, QB Shaun Hill
was named the starter for the game.
In the first quarter, the Niners immediately struck first as CB Allen Rossum
returned the game's opening kickoff 104 yards for a touchdown. The Cardinals would answer with kicker Neil Rackers
getting a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, San Francisco increased their lead as Hill completed a 31-yard TD pass to rookie WR Josh Morgan
. Arizona would respond with QB Kurt Warner
completing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin
, along with Rackers making a 33-yard field goal. The Niners would close out the half with Hill completing an 18-yard TD pass to TE Vernon Davis
.
In the third quarter, the Cardinals tried to catch up as Warner completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
, yet the 49ers answered with kicker Joe Nedney
getting a 41-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Arizona took the lead as Racker nailed a 23-yard field goal, along with Warner hooking with Boldin again on a 4-yard TD pass (with a failed 2-point conversion). San Francisco did manage to get a late-game drive. However, the Cardinals' defense made a goal-line stand to end the game.
With their sixth straight loss, the 49ers fell to 2-7.
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as RB Frank Gore
got a 5-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Rams responded with kicker Josh Brown getting a 24-yard field goal. Afterwards, San Francisco unleashed its frustrations as QB Shaun Hill
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Vernon Davis
, Gore got a 1-yard TD run, Hill got a 1-yard TD run, and Hill completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Bryant Johnson
.
In the third quarter, St. Louis got a 48-yard and a 44-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter QB Marc Bulger
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Dane Looker
. The 49ers had deployed most of the second string roster for the 4th quarter.
Shaun Hill
had a perfect passer rating in the first half and a career-high 47 yard completion. Hill also won NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
With their six-game losing streak snapped, the 49ers improved to 3-7.
for a Week 12 game with the throwback-clad Dallas Cowboys
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as kicker Joe Nedney
got a 23-yard and a 22-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Cowboys took the lead as QB Tony Romo
completed a 75-yard TD pass to former 49ers WR Terrell Owens
. Dallas continued its domination as LB Carlos Polk
blocked punter Andy Lee
's punt into the back of the endzone for a safety. The Cowboys closed out its period of power as kicker Nick Folk
got a 48-yard and a 41-yard field goal, along with Romo completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Martellus Bennett
.
In the third quarter, Dallas increased its lead with Romo completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton
. San Francisco tried to rally as Nedney got a 35-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys answered with Folk getting a 47-yard field goal. The 49ers tried to come back as QB Shaun Hill
completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
, but Dallas replied with Folk nailing a 42-yard field goal. The Niners tried to rally as Hill completed a 9-yard TD pass to RB DeShaun Foster
, but that would be as close as San Francisco's comeback would get.
With the loss, the 49ers fell to 3–8.
for a Week 13 interconference duel with the Buffalo Bills
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as QB Shaun Hill
completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
. In the second quarter, San Francisco increased their lead as kicker Joe Nedney
got a 50-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Bills tried to rally as kicker Rian Lindell
nailed a 22-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Niners' defense held Buffalo's offense scoreless for the remainder of the game.
With the win, not only did the 49ers improve to 4-8, but they finally gave the West Coast its first East Coast win.
and his new team. The game started when the 49ers attempted an onside kick, recovered by the Jets. Later, the 49ers went up first as Shaun Hill
completed a pass to Jason Hill
that was fumbled at the goal line and recovered by offensive tackle Joe Staley
for the touchdown. Then, Brett Favre
ran for a 2-yard touchdown. The 49ers retook the lead as Shaun Hill completed a touchdown screen pass to Frank Gore
. After half-time, Thomas Jones plowed through the 49ers secondary to get a 17-yard score.
On the ensuing 49ers possession, a Shaun Hill touchdown pass to Delanie Walker
was called back, and the 49ers settled for a Joe Nedney
32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the 49ers cemented their lead when Shaun Hill completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to a diving Bryant Johnson
. The Jets had enough time to make a late comeback, but a Brett Favre deep pass was intercepted by Walt Harris. The 49ers ran down the clock and punted, and the Jets did not have sufficient time to attempt the comeback. The 49ers fumbled the ball a total of 5 times, although, fortunately for them, only one was lost.
With the win, the 49ers improved to 5-8. However they were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the Arizona Cardinals win against the St. Louis Rams, clinching the NFC West for Arizona.
for a Week 16 NFC West rematch with the awful Rams. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first with a 48-yard field goal from kicker Joe Nedney
. The Rams would take the lead in the second quarter with kicker Josh Brown's 43-yard field goal, quarterback Marc Bulger
's 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Keenan Burton
, and Brown's 38-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, St. Louis would increase its lead in the fourth quarter with Brown nailing a 22-yard field goal. Afterwards, San Francisco took the lead with quarterback Shaun Hill
completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Isaac Bruce
and a 48-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Josh Morgan
.
With the season-sweep, the 49ers improved to 6-9.
. San Francisco struck first in the first quarter as quarterback Shaun Hill
got a 2-yard touchdown run. Washington would take the lead in the second quarter as running back Clinton Portis
got a 4-yard touchdown run, kicker Shaun Suisham
got a 41-yard field goal, and quarterback Jason Campbell
completing a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Antwaan Randle El
.
The 49ers began to rally in the third quarter as running back DeShaun Foster
got a 1-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, San Francisco took the lead as Hill completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jason Hill
, along with kicker Joe Nedney
's 33-yard field goal. The Redskins would tie the game as Campbell getting a 2-yard touchdown run, yet the Niners prevailed as Nedney nailed the game-winning 39-yard field goal.
They were 2-5 under Coach Mike Nolan at the beginning of the season, and finished their season 5-4 under interim coach Mike Singletary. With the strong finish to their season, the 49ers ended their season at 7-9, 2 games behind the division leading Arizona who finished 9-7.
San Francisco running back Frank Gore
(11 carries for 58 yards) became the first player in franchise history to rush for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons.
Shortly after the game ended, it was announced the 'interim' label would be removed from head coach Mike Singletary and that he would, in fact, return next season. New 49ers team president Jed York reportedly signed Singletary to a 4-year deal worth approximately $10 million.
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
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 franchise's 63rd season. Although they failed to reach the playoffs for the straight 6th year, the team improved on their disappointing 5-11 record from the 2007 season, and ended the season on a high note
Offseason
Despite a disappointing season in 2007, Mike NolanMike Nolan
Mike Nolan is an American football coach and the current defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins...
was retained as head coach. With the 49ers offense struggling the previous season, offensive coordinator
Offensive coordinator
An offensive coordinator is a member of the coaching staff of a gridiron football team who is in charge of the offense. Generally, along with his defensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
Jim Hostler
Jim Hostler
Jim Hostler is an American football coach. Hostler is currently the wide receivers coach for the Baltimore Ravens. He was the offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers in 2007, having been named to that position on February 28, 2007, which he held until being fired, on January 2, 2008. He...
was fired and replaced by Mike Martz
Mike Martz
Michael Martz is a former NFL head coach and currently the offensive coordinator for the National Football League's Chicago Bears....
. In addition, Scot McCloughan
Scot McCloughan
Scot McCloughan is the former General Manager of the San Francisco 49ers. On March 18, 2010, he was relieved of his duties.-Notes and references:...
was promoted from vice president of player personnel to general manager
General manager
General manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. It is also a formal title held by some business executives, most commonly in the hospitality industry.-Generic usage:...
. Mike Nolan was fired after a 29-17 loss to the 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...
in Week 8.
Signings
| Pos. | Player | Free Agent Type | 2007 Team | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WR | Isaac Bruce Isaac Bruce Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis.... |
Released | 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,... |
2 years, $6 million |
| RB | DeShaun Foster DeShaun Foster DeShaun Xavier Foster is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at UCLA.-Early years:... |
Released | 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... |
2 years, $1.8 million |
| LB | Roderick Green Roderick Green Roderick Green is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... |
UFA | 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... |
1 year |
| QB | Shaun Hill Shaun Hill Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002... |
UFA | 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... |
3 years, $6 million |
| WR | Bryant Johnson Bryant Johnson Bryant Andrew Johnson is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 17th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
1 year |
| QB | J. T. O'Sullivan | UFA | 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... |
1 year, $645,000 |
| CB | Allen Rossum Allen Rossum Allen Bonshaca Lamont Rossum is an American football cornerback and return specialist who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft... |
Released | 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... |
1 year, $870,000 |
| DE | Justin Smith Justin Smith (American football) Justin Smith is an American football defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals fourth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Missouri.-College Years:While majoring in General Studies at... |
UFA | 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... |
6 years, $45 million |
| DT | Isaac Sopoaga Isaac Sopoaga -San Francisco 49ers:He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 4th round in the 2004 NFL Draft. Sopoaga missed the entire 2004 season with an injury.In 2008, the 49ers have stated that they will use Sopoaga as a defensive end... |
UFA | 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... |
5 years, $20 million |
| CB | Donald Strickland | UFA | 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... |
1 year, $800,000 |
| LB | Dontarrious Thomas Dontarrious Thomas Dontarrious Dewayne Thomas is an American football linebacker for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft... |
UFA | 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... |
2 years |
Departures
| Pos. | Player | Free Agent Type | 2008 Team | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Trent Dilfer Trent Dilfer Trent Farris Dilfer is a former football quarterback in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sixth overall in the 1994 NFL Draft and went on to play for the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers. He played college football... |
Retired | ||
| DE | Marques Douglas Marques Douglas Marques Lamont Douglas is an American football defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 1999... |
UFA | 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... |
4 years |
| T | Kwame Harris Kwame Harris Kwame Harris is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers 26th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stanford.... |
UFA | Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
3 years, $16 million |
| RB | Maurice Hicks Maurice Hicks Maurice Hicks is an American football running back for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was originally signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2002... |
UFA | 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... |
3 years |
| WR | Darrell Jackson Darrell Jackson Darrell Lamont Jackson is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for nine seasons... |
Released | Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
1 year, $1.5 million |
| G | Justin Smiley Justin Smiley Justin Smiley is a former American football guard. He was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
5 years, $25 million |
| LB | Derek Smith Derek Smith (linebacker) Derek Mecham Smith is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft... |
Released | San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
Undisclosed |
| DT | Bryant Young Bryant Young Bryant Colby Young is an American football coach serving as defensive line coach for the University of Florida and former NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers... |
Retired | ||
UFA: Unrestricted free agent; RFA: Restricted free agent; ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent
Draft picks
| Round | Pick | Pos. | Player | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29 | DT | Kentwan Balmer Kentwan Balmer -San Francisco 49ers:Balmer was selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, 29th overall. He was originally drafted as a DT but was moved to DE due to the Niners 3-4 defensive scheme.... |
North Carolina University of North Carolina Chartered in 1789, the University of North Carolina was one of the first public universities in the United States and the only one to graduate students in the eighteenth century... |
Pick from the Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
| 2 | 39 | G Guard (American football) In American and Canadian football, a guard is a player that lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team.... |
Chilo Rachal Chilo Rachal -San Francisco 49ers:Rachal was signed to a four-year deal.Rachal started the last 6 games of the 2008 season, then started 15 of 16 games in 2009. Rachal started 14 of 15 games played in 2010.-External links:**... |
USC University of Southern California The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university... |
|
| 3 | 75 | CB Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Reggie Smith Reggie Smith (American football) Reginald Smith, Jr. is an American football safety for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the 49ers in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma.-College career:Smith was named the preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the... |
Oklahoma University of Oklahoma The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its... |
Swapped picks with Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... due to tampering |
| 4 | 107 | C Center (American football) Center is a position in American football and Canadian football . The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense... |
Cody Wallace Cody Wallace Cody Layne Wallace is an American football center for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Texas A&M Texas A&M University Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school... |
|
| 5 | --- | --- | --- | --- | Forfeited due to tampering |
| 6 | 174 | WR Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
Josh Morgan Josh Morgan Joshua Lewis Morgan is an American football wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia Tech.-High school career:Morgan played quarterback, wide receiver... |
Virginia Tech Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, popularly known as Virginia Tech , is a public land-grant university with the main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia with other research and educational centers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States, and internationally.Founded in... |
|
| 7 | 214 | LB Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Larry Grant Larry Grant (American football) Larry Grant is an American football linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the 49ers in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.Grant has also played for the St... |
Ohio State Ohio State University The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States... |
|
Preseason
| Week | Date | Time | Opponent | Result | Game site | TV | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 8, 2008 | 7 p.m. | Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 6 - 18 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | NFL Network | Recap |
| 2 | August 16, 2008 | 6 p.m. | 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... |
W 34 - 6 | Candlestick Park | NFL Network | Recap |
| 3 | August 21, 2008 | 5 p.m. | Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 37 - 30 | Soldier Field Soldier Field Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears... |
NFL Network | Recap |
| 4 | August 29, 2008 | 7 p.m. | San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 17-20 | Candlestick Park | NFL Network | Recap |
Regular season
| Week | Date | Time (PT Pacific Time Zone The Pacific Time Zone observes standard time by subtracting eight hours from Coordinated Universal Time . The clock time in this zone is based on the mean solar time of the 120th meridian west of the Greenwich Observatory. During daylight saving time, its time offset is UTC-7.In the United States... ) |
Opponent | Result | Game site | TV | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 7, 2008 | 1:15 p.m. | Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 13-23 | Candlestick Park | FOX | Recap |
| 2 | September 14, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | at Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
W 33-30 (OT) | Qwest Field Qwest Field CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer... |
FOX | Recap |
| 3 | September 21, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | 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 31-13 | Candlestick Park | FOX | Recap |
| 4 | September 28, 2008 | 10 a.m. | 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 .... |
L 17-31 | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
FOX | Recap |
| 5 | October 5, 2008 | 1:15 p.m. | New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
L 21-30 | Candlestick Park | CBS | Recap |
| 6 | October 12, 2008 | 1:15 p.m. | 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... |
L 26-40 | Candlestick Park | FOX | Recap |
| 7 | October 19, 2008 | 10 a.m. | 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... |
L 17-29 | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
FOX | Recap |
| 8 | October 26, 2008 | 1:15 p.m. | Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
L 13-34 | Candlestick Park | FOX | Recap |
| 9 | Bye Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... week |
||||||
| 10 | November 10, 2008 | 5:30 p.m. | at Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 24-29 | University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl... |
ESPN | Recap |
| 11 | November 16, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | 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 35-16 | Candlestick Park | FOX | Recap |
| 12 | November 23, 2008 | 10 a.m. | at 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 22-35 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
FOX | Recap |
| 13 | November 30, 2008 | 10 a.m. | at Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 10-3 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
FOX | Recap |
| 14 | December 7, 2008 | 1:05 p.m. | New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 24-14 | Candlestick Park | CBS | Recap |
| 15 | December 14, 2008 | 10 a.m. | at Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 9-14 | Land Shark Stadium | FOX | Recap |
| 16 | December 21, 2008 | 10 a.m. | 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 17-16 | Edward Jones Dome Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was... |
FOX | Recap |
| 17 | December 28, 2008 | 1:15 p.m. | 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 27-24 | Candlestick Park | FOX | Recap |
Week 1: vs. Arizona Cardinals
The 49ers began their 2008 campaign at home against their NFC West foe, the Arizona CardinalsArizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
got a 25-yard field goal. San Francisco responded with RB Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
getting a 41-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Arizona regained the lead with QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
. San Francisco tied the game with kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
getting a 39-yard fied goal. In the third quarter, the Cardinals began to fly away as Rackers nailed a 31-yard field goal, along with RB Tim Hightower
Tim Hightower
-Arizona Cardinals:Hightower scored 10 touchdowns during his rookie season, and another 3 in the post season while averaging a meager 2.8 yards per carry. He would rush for a total amount of 399 yards in 2008. Hightower would then become the only Cardinal rookie running back ever to have scored a...
getting a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Niners tried to respond as Nedney got a 30-yard field goal. However, Arizona pulled away with Rackers' 30-yard field goal.
With the loss, the 49ers began their season at 0–1.
Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks
Hoping to bounce back from their divisional home loss to the Cardinals, the 49ers flew to Qwest FieldQwest Field
CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer...
for an NFC West duel with the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Seahawks RB Julius Jones
Julius Jones
Julius Andre Maurice Jones is an American football running back who played college football at the University of Notre Dame and is currently a member of the Free Agent Class of the National Football League. Before signing with the Saints on October 12, 2010, Julius had stints with the Dallas...
got a 27-yard TD run, along with DT Craig Terrill
Craig Terrill
Craig Adam Terrill is an American football defensive tackle who is currently with the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
returning a fumble 10 yards for a touchdown. San Francisco would respond with kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
getting a 26-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the 49ers continued to close in on Seattle as Nedney kicked a 28-yard field goal. The Seahawks responded with kicker Olindo Mare
Olindo Mare
Olindo Franco Mare is an American football placekicker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
getting a 51-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Niners chopped at Seattle's lead with QB J.T. O'Sullivan completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Bryant Johnson
Bryant Johnson
Bryant Andrew Johnson is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 17th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft...
. The Seahawks would close out the half with Mare's 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, San Francisco took the lead with LB Patrick Willis
Patrick Willis
Patrick L. Willis is an American football player who plays inside linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers 11th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft...
returning an interception 86 yards for a touchdown and RB Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
getting a 2-yard TD run. However, in the fourth quarter, Seattle regained its lead with RB T.J. Duckett getting a 1-yard TD run and Mare getting a 32-yard field goal. The Niners would tie the game with Nedney's 28-yard field goal. Afterwards, in overtime, San Francisco completed its upset as Nedney nailed the game-winning 40-yard field goal.
With the win, the 49ers improved to 1–1.
WR Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis....
(4 receptions for 153 yards) would become the first 49ers wideout to have a 100-yard receiving game since Antonio Bryant
Antonio Bryant
Antonio Bryant is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
during Week 2 in 2006.
Week 3: vs. Detroit Lions
Coming off their thrilling overtime divisional road win over the Seahawks, the 49ers went home for a Week 3 duel with the Detroit LionsDetroit 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...
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as QB J.T. O'Sullivan completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis....
. In the second quarter, San Francisco increased its lead with RB Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
getting a 4-yard TD run. Striking again, Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker is an American football tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He has also played in the positions of fullback and wide receiver. He was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Central Missouri...
caught a touchdown pass shortly before half-time. The Lions would respond with kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
getting a 44-yard, yet the 49ers replied in the fourth quarter with CB Allen Rossum
Allen Rossum
Allen Bonshaca Lamont Rossum is an American football cornerback and return specialist who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. Detroit tried to rally as QB Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completed a 34-yard TD pass to RB Rudi Johnson
Rudi Johnson
Burudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
, yet San Francisco sealed their victory with kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
nailing a 25-yard field goal.
With the win, the 49ers improved to 2–1.
Week 4: at New Orleans Saints
Coming off their home win over the Lions, the 49ers flew to the Louisiana SuperdomeLouisiana Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...
for a Week 4 duel with 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 ....
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
got a 47-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints took the lead with QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completing a 5-yard and a 33-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
Lance Moore
Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
. San Francisco would answer with Nedney's 49-yard field goal, yet New Orleans replied with Brees' 47-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
.
In the third quarter, the 49ers tried to rally as Nedney kicked a 38-yard field goal. However, in the fourth quarter, the Saints continued to pull away as RB Deuce McAllister
Deuce McAllister
Dulymus Jenod "Deuce" McAllister is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD run. The Niners tried to rally as QB J.T. O'Sullivan completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis....
, yet New Orleans sealed the win with kicker Martín Gramática
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
nailing a 31-yard field goal.
With the loss, the 49ers fell to 2–2.
Week 5: vs. New England Patriots
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Saints, the 49ers went home for a Week 5 interconference duel with the New England PatriotsNew England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as QB J.T. O'Sullivan completed a 16-yard TD pass to RB Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
. The Patriots responded with QB Matt Cassel
Matt Cassel
Matthew Brennan "Matt" Cassel is a quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 66-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss
Randy Moss
Randy Gene Moss is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
, yet San Francisco answered with O'Sullivan completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis....
. In the second quarter, New England took the lead as kicker Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
got a 35-yard field goal, along with RB Kevin Faulk
Kevin Faulk
Kevin Troy Faulk is an American football running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at LSU.As of 2010, Faulk is the longest-tenured current member of the Patriots,...
getting a 2-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, the Patriots increased their lead with Faulk getting another 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, New England added on to its lead with Gostkowski kicking a 40-yard field goal. The Niners tried to come back as O'Sullivan completed a 5-yard TD pass to Bruce, but the Patriots pulled away with Gostkowski nailing a 49-yard field goal.
With the loss, San Francisco fell to 2-3.
During the halftime ceremony, the 49ers retired former QB Steve Young's #8 uniform.
Week 6: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Hoping to snap a two-game losing skid, the 49ers stayed at home for a Week 6 duel with 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...
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
got a 32-yard field goal. The Eagles took the lead as RB Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
got a 1-yard TD run. San Francisco would respond with Nedney kicking a 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Philadelphia increased their lead as QB Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Hank Baskett
Hank Baskett
Henry Randall "Hank" Baskett III is a wide receiver who is currently a free agent. Baskett has played for three NFL teams, the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts....
, along with kicker David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
getting a 19-yard field goal. The 49ers closed out the half with Nedney making a 53-yard field goal, along with DB Donald Strickland returning a blocked field goal attempt 41 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Niners took the lead as RB Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
got a 6-yard TD run, along with Nedney getting a 29-yard field goal. However, in the fourth quarter, the Eagles rallied as McNabb completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE L.J. Smith, Akers nailing a 38-yard, a 25-yard, & a 28-yard field goal, and DE Juqua Parker returning an interception 55 yards for a touchdown.
With their third-straight loss, the 49ers fell to 2-4.
Week 7: at New York Giants
Trying to snap a three-game losing skid, the 49ers flew to Giants StadiumGiants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
for a Week 7 duel with the 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...
. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Giants RB Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Jacobs
-New York Giants:Going into the 2006 season Jacobs stated that he studied film of famed power running back Eddie George in an effort to refine his running style. George, like Jacobs, was a large, power running back. In the 2006 season, Jacobs carried the ball 96 times for 423 yards and nine...
got a 26-yard TD run. San Francisco would respond with kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
getting a 40-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New York answered with Jacobs getting a 2-yard TD run. The 49ers responded with QB J.T. O'Sullivan completing a 30-yard TD pass to rookie WR Josh Morgan
Josh Morgan
Joshua Lewis Morgan is an American football wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia Tech.-High school career:Morgan played quarterback, wide receiver...
. The Giants ended the half with kicker John Carney nailing a 21-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, New York increased its lead with QB Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
. The Niners struck back as CB Nate Clements
Nate Clements
Nathan D. Clements is an American football cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 21st overall in the 2001 NFL Draft...
returned a block field goal 74 yards for a touchdown. However, in the fourth quarter, the Giants pulled away as Carney got a 48-yard field goal, while DE Justin Tuck
Justin Tuck
Justin Lee Tuck is an American football defensive end for the National Football League's New York Giants.A former standout defensive end for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Tuck currently plays in the National Football League for the New York Giants. His cousin Adalius Thomas was also a former...
forced O'Sullivan into a fumble, causing the ball to roll into San Francisco's endzone, and Morgan kicking it out of the back of the endzone, giving New York a safety.
With the fourth-straight loss, the 49ers fell to 2-5.
On Monday, October 20, the day after the game, the 49ers fired coach Mike Nolan and replaced him with Mike Singletary
Mike Singletary
Michael "Mike" Singletary is an American football coach and former professional football player. He is currently the linebacker coach and assistant head coach for the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL....
.
Week 8: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Giants, the 49ers went home for a Week 8 NFC West rematch with the Seattle SeahawksSeattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Seahawks kicker Olindo Mare
Olindo Mare
Olindo Franco Mare is an American football placekicker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
got a 43-yard and a 42-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Seattle increased its lead with RB T.J. Duckett getting a 1-yard TD run. San Francisco would got on the board with kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
getting a 42-yard field goal, but the Seahawks continued its beatdown as CB Josh Wilson
Josh Wilson (American football)
Joshua Wilson is a professional American football cornerback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, the 49ers replied with Nedney making a 40-yard field goal, yet Seattle continued to pull away as QB Seneca Wallace
Seneca Wallace
Seneca Isayha Wallace is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
completed a 43-yard TD pass to FB Leonard Weaver. In the fourth quarter, San Francisco tried to rally as QB Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to rookie WR Jason Hill
Jason Hill (American football)
Jason Hill is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football for Washington State University....
. However, the Seahawks pulled away as Wallace hooked up with Weaver again on a 62-yard TD pass.
During the game, Vernon Davis committed a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct which prompted Singletary's now infamous "I want winners" tirade during the post-game press conference: "I'd rather play with 10 people and just get penalized all the way until we have to do something else rather than play with 11 when I know that right now that person is not sold out to be a part of this team. It is more about them than it is about the team. Cannot play with them, cannot win with them, cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win."
With the loss, the 49ers enter into their bye week at 2–6.
Week 10: at Arizona Cardinals
Coming off their bye week, the 49ers flew to the University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
for a Week 10 NFC West rematch with the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Due to J.T. O'Sullivan's inconsistency, QB Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
was named the starter for the game.
In the first quarter, the Niners immediately struck first as CB Allen Rossum
Allen Rossum
Allen Bonshaca Lamont Rossum is an American football cornerback and return specialist who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
returned the game's opening kickoff 104 yards for a touchdown. The Cardinals would answer with kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, San Francisco increased their lead as Hill completed a 31-yard TD pass to rookie WR Josh Morgan
Josh Morgan
Joshua Lewis Morgan is an American football wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia Tech.-High school career:Morgan played quarterback, wide receiver...
. Arizona would respond with QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
completing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin
-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...
, along with Rackers making a 33-yard field goal. The Niners would close out the half with Hill completing an 18-yard TD pass to TE Vernon Davis
Vernon Davis
-2006 rookie season:Vernon's first reception in the NFL was a 31-yard touchdown catch, against the Arizona Cardinals on September 10, 2006. He added a career-long 52-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on December 10 with a short catch followed by a long run. Davis played in ten games in...
.
In the third quarter, the Cardinals tried to catch up as Warner completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
, yet the 49ers answered with kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
getting a 41-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Arizona took the lead as Racker nailed a 23-yard field goal, along with Warner hooking with Boldin again on a 4-yard TD pass (with a failed 2-point conversion). San Francisco did manage to get a late-game drive. However, the Cardinals' defense made a goal-line stand to end the game.
With their sixth straight loss, the 49ers fell to 2-7.
Week 11: vs. St. Louis Rams
Trying to snap a six-game losing streak, the 49ers went home for a Week 11 NFC West duel with their hated rival, the St. Louis RamsSt. 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,...
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as RB Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
got a 5-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Rams responded with kicker Josh Brown getting a 24-yard field goal. Afterwards, San Francisco unleashed its frustrations as QB Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Vernon Davis
Vernon Davis
-2006 rookie season:Vernon's first reception in the NFL was a 31-yard touchdown catch, against the Arizona Cardinals on September 10, 2006. He added a career-long 52-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on December 10 with a short catch followed by a long run. Davis played in ten games in...
, Gore got a 1-yard TD run, Hill got a 1-yard TD run, and Hill completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Bryant Johnson
Bryant Johnson
Bryant Andrew Johnson is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 17th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft...
.
In the third quarter, St. Louis got a 48-yard and a 44-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter QB Marc Bulger
Marc Bulger
Marc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Dane Looker
Dane Looker
Dane Alan Looker is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
. The 49ers had deployed most of the second string roster for the 4th quarter.
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
had a perfect passer rating in the first half and a career-high 47 yard completion. Hill also won NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
With their six-game losing streak snapped, the 49ers improved to 3-7.
Week 12: at Dallas Cowboys
Coming off their divisional home win over the Rams, the 49ers flew to Texas StadiumTexas Stadium
Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675...
for a Week 12 game with the throwback-clad 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...
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
got a 23-yard and a 22-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Cowboys took the lead as QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completed a 75-yard TD pass to former 49ers WR 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...
. Dallas continued its domination as LB Carlos Polk
Carlos Polk
Carlos Devonn Polk is a retired American football linebacker. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska. He has also played for the Dallas Cowboys...
blocked punter Andy Lee
Andy Lee (American football)
Andrew Paul Lee is a punter in the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 6th round in the 2004 NFL Draft and is currently serving a 6 year, $7.1 million contract that runs through 2012. The contract also included a $1.66 million signing bonus...
's punt into the back of the endzone for a safety. The Cowboys closed out its period of power as kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
got a 48-yard and a 41-yard field goal, along with Romo completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Martellus Bennett
Martellus Bennett
Martellus Demond Bennett is an American football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at Texas A&M.-Early years:...
.
In the third quarter, Dallas increased its lead with Romo completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton
Patrick Crayton
Patrick Jamel Crayton is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was a originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys...
. San Francisco tried to rally as Nedney got a 35-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys answered with Folk getting a 47-yard field goal. The 49ers tried to come back as QB Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis....
, but Dallas replied with Folk nailing a 42-yard field goal. The Niners tried to rally as Hill completed a 9-yard TD pass to RB DeShaun Foster
DeShaun Foster
DeShaun Xavier Foster is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at UCLA.-Early years:...
, but that would be as close as San Francisco's comeback would get.
With the loss, the 49ers fell to 3–8.
Week 13: at Buffalo Bills
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Cowboys, the 49ers flew to Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
for a Week 13 interconference duel with the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as QB Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis....
. In the second quarter, San Francisco increased their lead as kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
got a 50-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Bills tried to rally as kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
nailed a 22-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Niners' defense held Buffalo's offense scoreless for the remainder of the game.
With the win, not only did the 49ers improve to 4-8, but they finally gave the West Coast its first East Coast win.
Week 14: vs. New York Jets
Returning to Candlestick Park, the 49ers geared up for a rematch against Brett FavreBrett 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...
and his new team. The game started when the 49ers attempted an onside kick, recovered by the Jets. Later, the 49ers went up first as Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
completed a pass to Jason Hill
Jason Hill (American football)
Jason Hill is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football for Washington State University....
that was fumbled at the goal line and recovered by offensive tackle Joe Staley
Joe Staley
Joe Staley is an American football offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 1st round of the 2007 NFL Draft. The 49ers traded their first round pick in 2008 for Staley with the New England Patriots. He was the second 49er taken in the...
for the touchdown. Then, 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...
ran for a 2-yard touchdown. The 49ers retook the lead as Shaun Hill completed a touchdown screen pass to Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
. After half-time, Thomas Jones plowed through the 49ers secondary to get a 17-yard score.
On the ensuing 49ers possession, a Shaun Hill touchdown pass to Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker is an American football tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He has also played in the positions of fullback and wide receiver. He was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Central Missouri...
was called back, and the 49ers settled for a Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the 49ers cemented their lead when Shaun Hill completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to a diving Bryant Johnson
Bryant Johnson
Bryant Andrew Johnson is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 17th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft...
. The Jets had enough time to make a late comeback, but a Brett Favre deep pass was intercepted by Walt Harris. The 49ers ran down the clock and punted, and the Jets did not have sufficient time to attempt the comeback. The 49ers fumbled the ball a total of 5 times, although, fortunately for them, only one was lost.
With the win, the 49ers improved to 5-8. However they were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the Arizona Cardinals win against the St. Louis Rams, clinching the NFC West for Arizona.
Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
Week 16: at St. Louis Rams
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Dolphins, the 49ers flew to the Edward Jones DomeEdward Jones Dome
The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was...
for a Week 16 NFC West rematch with the awful Rams. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first with a 48-yard field goal from kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
. The Rams would take the lead in the second quarter with kicker Josh Brown's 43-yard field goal, quarterback Marc Bulger
Marc Bulger
Marc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
's 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Keenan Burton
Keenan Burton
-St. Louis Rams:Burton would be selected 128th overall in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He signed a three-year, $1.459 million contract with the Rams on July 4, 2008. The deal included a $309,000 signing bonus...
, and Brown's 38-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, St. Louis would increase its lead in the fourth quarter with Brown nailing a 22-yard field goal. Afterwards, San Francisco took the lead with quarterback Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis....
and a 48-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Josh Morgan
Josh Morgan
Joshua Lewis Morgan is an American football wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia Tech.-High school career:Morgan played quarterback, wide receiver...
.
With the season-sweep, the 49ers improved to 6-9.
Week 17: vs. Washington Redskins
Looking to keep the momentum from their last-minute victory against the Rams, the 49ers closed out their season at home in a Week 17 duel with the Washington RedskinsWashington 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,...
. San Francisco struck first in the first quarter as quarterback Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
got a 2-yard touchdown run. Washington would take the lead in the second quarter as running back Clinton Portis
Clinton Portis
Clinton Earl Portis is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
got a 4-yard touchdown run, kicker Shaun Suisham
Shaun Suisham
Shaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
got a 41-yard field goal, and quarterback Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Antwaan Randle El
Antwaan Randle El
Antwaan Randle El is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He attended Indiana University, after turning down a Major League Baseball draft selection by the Chicago Cubs in 1997...
.
The 49ers began to rally in the third quarter as running back DeShaun Foster
DeShaun Foster
DeShaun Xavier Foster is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at UCLA.-Early years:...
got a 1-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, San Francisco took the lead as Hill completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jason Hill
Jason Hill (American football)
Jason Hill is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football for Washington State University....
, along with kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
's 33-yard field goal. The Redskins would tie the game as Campbell getting a 2-yard touchdown run, yet the Niners prevailed as Nedney nailed the game-winning 39-yard field goal.
They were 2-5 under Coach Mike Nolan at the beginning of the season, and finished their season 5-4 under interim coach Mike Singletary. With the strong finish to their season, the 49ers ended their season at 7-9, 2 games behind the division leading Arizona who finished 9-7.
San Francisco running back Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
(11 carries for 58 yards) became the first player in franchise history to rush for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons.
Shortly after the game ended, it was announced the 'interim' label would be removed from head coach Mike Singletary and that he would, in fact, return next season. New 49ers team president Jed York reportedly signed Singletary to a 4-year deal worth approximately $10 million.