1988 San Francisco 49ers season

The 1988 San Francisco 49ers season was their 43rd season in the National Football League. The season was highlighted by their third Super Bowl victory. In 1988, the 49ers struggled. At one point, they were 6–5 and in danger of missing the playoffs but rose to defeat the Washington Redskins on a Monday night, eventually finishing the season at 10–6. They gained a measure of revenge by thrashing the Minnesota Vikings 34–9 in the first round. The 49ers then traveled to Chicago's Soldier Field, where the chill factor at gametime was 26 degrees below zero. They defeated the Chicago Bears 28–3 in the NFC Championship.

1988 San Francisco 49ers season
Head coachBill Walsh
OwnerEddie DeBartolo, Jr.
Home fieldCandlestick Park
Local radioKGO–AM 810
Results
Record10–6
Division place1st NFC West
Playoff finishWon Divisional Playoffs (Vikings) 34–9
Won NFC Championship (Bears) 28–3
Won Super Bowl XXIII (Bengals) 20–16

For the 49ers, it was their first Super Bowl appearance since they defeated the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX. They had made the playoffs in the three seasons between Super Bowl XIX and Super Bowl XXIII, but were eliminated each time in the first round, primarily because of the poor performances by their offensive stars in those games; quarterback Joe Montana, receiver Jerry Rice and running back Roger Craig all failed to produce a single touchdown.

The 49ers alternated quarterbacks as Montana and Steve Young both started at various points of the season. The broadcast booth of the 49ers radio network also saw change, as Joe Starkey substituted for longtime 49ers play by play announcer Lon Simmons during several games, mostly in October when Simmons called the Oakland Athletics 1988 American League Championship Series and 1988 World Series games for the Oakland A's flagship station, KSFO–AM. The 1988 season was the last for Simmons as 49ers broadcaster. With the regular season and postseason, the 49ers compiled a total of 13 victories (a .684 win percentage) on the season, a record-low for Super Bowl champions. In 2011, the New York Giants would tie this record (but with a .650 win percentage as they suffered seven losses as opposed to the 49ers six).

Offseason

NFL Draft
Main article: 1988 NFL Draft
Round Pick Player Position College
1 Choice to L.A. Raiders
2 33(Choice from L.A. Raiders) Danny Stubbs DE Miami (FL)
2 39(Choice from Philadelphia through Tampa Bay) Pierce Holt DE Angelo State
2 Choice to Tampa Bay
3 80 Bill Romanowski LB Boston College
4 102(Choice from Chicago through L.A. Raiders) Barry Helton P Colorado
4 Choice to Tampa Bay
5 Choice to N.Y. Jets
5 Choice to Buffalo
6 Choice to Tampa Bay
7 191 Kevin Bryant LB Delaware State
8 219 Larry Clarkson OT Montana
9 247 Brian Bonner LB Minnesota
10 275 Tim Foley K Georgia Southern
11 303 Chet Brooks DB Texas A&M
12 331 George Mira, Jr. LB Miami (FL)

[1]

Training Camp

The 1988 San Francisco 49ers season held training camp at Sierra College in Rocklin, California.

Personnel

Staff
1988 San Francisco 49ers staff
Front office
  • Owner/President – Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr.
  • Vice President/General Counsel – Carmen Policy
  • Vice President/General Manager – John McVay
  • Administrator of Football Operations – Neal Dahlen
  • Director of College Scouting – Tony Razzano
  • Director of Pro Personnel – Allan Webb

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Physical Development Coordinator – Jerry Attaway

Roster
1988 San Francisco 49ers final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists



Practice squad



Rookies in italics
 active, inactive, practice squad

[2]

1988 Team Starters

Offense

16 Joe Montana                   QB
33 Roger Craig                   RB
44 Tom Rathman                   FB
85 Mike Wilson                   WR
80 Jerry Rice                    WR
89 Ron Heller                    TE
74 Steve Wallace                 LT
61 Jesse Sapolu                  LG
64 Randy Cross                   C
62 Guy McIntyre                  RG
79 Harris Barton                 RT

Defense

91 Larry Roberts                LDE
95 Michael Carter               NT
75 Kevin Fagan                  RDE
94 Charles Haley                LB
50 Riki Ellison                 LB
99 Mike Walter                  LB
58 Keena Turner                 LB
22 Tim McKyer                   LCB
21 Eric Wright                  RCB
49 Jeff Fuller                  SS
42 Ronnie Lott                  FS

Kicking Team

6 Mike Cofer                    K
9 Barry Helton                  P
82 John Taylor                  PR
25 Doug DuBose                  KR

Pre season

Schedule
Week Date Opponent Result Score Record Stadium Attendance Time Network Local TV
1
 July 31, 1988 vs. Miami Dolphins (at London, England)
L
21–27
0–1
Wembley Stadium
70,535
10:00 AM PDT
NBC
2
 August 6, 1988 Los Angeles Raiders
W
24–10
1–1
Candlestick Park
64,457
6:00 PM PDT
CBS
3
 August 13, 1988 at Denver Broncos
L
24–34
1–2
Mile High Stadium
75,067
6:00 PM PDT
KPIX
4
 August 20, 1988 at San Diego Chargers
W
34–27
2–2
Jack Murphy Stadium
39,044
7:00 PM PDT
KPIX
5
 August 26, 1988 Seattle Seahawks
W
27–21
3–2
Candlestick Park
53,357
6:00 PM PDT
KPIX

Notes:

a All times are PACIFIC time.

Game officials
Week Opponent Referee Umpire Head Linesman Line Judge Back Judge Side Judge Field Judge Replay
1 vs. Miami Dolphins (at London, England)
2 Los Angeles Raiders
3 at Denver Broncos (12) (89) (72) (94) (21) (47) (113) Bill Fette
4 at San Diego Chargers
5 Seattle Seahawks (40) (50) (109) (56) (99) (66) (46) Armen Terzian

Regular season

In the 1988 season, San Francisco won the NFC West with a 10–6 regular season record, but it was a long uphill battle; the Niners, Rams, and Saints all finished 10–6 with the Niners winning the division on tiebreakers. The team had a quarterback controversy with Montana and Steve Young each starting at quarterback during the season. But after a 6–5 start, Montana led the 49ers to win 4 of their final 5 regular season games.

Montana finished the regular season with 238 completions for 2,981 yards and 18 touchdowns, and also added 132 rushing yards. His favorite target was Rice, who recorded 64 receptions for 1,306 yards (a 20.4 yards per catch average) and 9 touchdowns. Craig was also a key contributor with a total of 2,036 combined rushing and receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, earning him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. Fullback Tom Rathman also made a big impact, rushing for 427 yards and catching 42 passes for 387 yards. The 49ers defense was led by defensive backs Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, Jeff Fuller, and Tim McKyer, who recorded a combined total of 18 interceptions. McKyer led the team with 7, while Lott recorded 5. Linebacker Charles Haley was also a big contributor with 11.5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.

Schedule
Week Date Opponent Result Score Record Stadium Attendance Time Network National Radio
1
 September 4, 1988 at New Orleans Saints
W
34–33
1–0
Louisiana Superdome
66,357
10:00 AM PDT
CBS
Mutual
2
 September 11, 1988 at New York Giants
W
20–17
2–0
Giants Stadium
75,943
10:00 AM PDT
CBS
Mutual
3
 September 18, 1988 Atlanta Falcons
L
17–34
2–1
Candlestick Park
60,168
1:00 PM PDT
CBS
4
 September 25, 1988 at Seattle Seahawks
W
38–7
3–1
Kingdome
62,382
1:00 PM PDT
CBS
5 October 2, 1988 Detroit Lions W 20–13 4–1
Candlestick Park
58,285
 1:00 PM PDT CBS
6
 October 9, 1988 Denver Broncos
L
13–16 (OT)
4–2
Candlestick Park
61,711
1:00 PM PDT
NBC
Mutual
7 October 16, 1988 at Los Angeles Rams W 24–21 5–2
Anaheim Stadium
65,450
 1:00 PM PDT CBS Mutual
8 October 24, 1988 (Mon) at Chicago Bears L 9–10 5–3
Soldier Field
65,293
 6:00 PM PDT ABC CBS
9 October 30, 1988 Minnesota Vikings W 24–21 6–3
Candlestick Park
60,738
 1:00 PM PST CBS Mutual
10 November 6, 1988 at Phoenix Cardinals L 23–24 6–4
Sun Devil Stadium
64,544
 1:00 PM PST CBS
11 November 13, 1988 Los Angeles Raiders L 3–9 6–5
Candlestick Park
54,448
 1:00 PM PST NBC
12 November 21, 1988 (Mon) Washington Redskins W 37–21 7–5
Candlestick Park
59,268
 6:00 PM PST ABC CBS
13
 November 27, 1988 at San Diego Chargers
W
48–10
8–5
Jack Murphy Stadium
51,484
1:00 PM PST
CBS
14 December 4, 1988 at Atlanta Falcons W 13–3 9–5
Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
44,048
 10:00 AM PST CBS
15
 December 11, 1988 New Orleans Saints
W
30–17
10–5
Candlestick Park
62,977
1:00 PM PST
CBS
Mutual
16 December 18, 1988 Los Angeles Rams L 16–38 10–6
Candlestick Park
62,444
 5:00 PM PST ESPN[b] CBS

Notes:

a All times are PACIFIC time. (UTC–7 and UTC–8 starting October 30)
b Simulcast on KTVU-TV in San Francisco, California.

Game summaries

Week 1 at New Orleans Saints
Week One: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints
1 2 34Total
49ers 7 3 21334
Saints 7 10 01633

at Louisiana Superdome

Game information
First quarter

Second quarter

  • NO (0:05) Clark 21 yard pass from Hebert (Andersen kick)
    Saints 14–7
  • NO (6:13) Andersen 20 yard field goal
    Saints 17–7
  • SF (8:05) Cofer 25 yard field goal
    Saints 17–10

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

The Saints, fresh off the first winning season in franchise history, clawed to a 17–10 halftime lead in the second quarter, but Joe Montana erupted in the third with three touchdown throws. Coach Bill Walsh, wanting to get playing time for backup Steve Young, put Young in for the fourth quarter; Young was sacked in the endzone for a safety and the Saints scored seven more points after that, nonetheless coming up short 34–33 to the 49ers.

Week 2 at New York Giants
Week Two: San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants - Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 10 3720
Giants 7 3 0717

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information
First quarter

Second quarter

  • SF (0:09) Cofer 35 yard field goal
    Giants 7–3
  • SF (5:42) DuBose 1 yard run (Cofer kick)
    49ers 10–7
  • NYG (14:51) Allegre 36 yard field goal
    Tie 10–10

Third quarter

  • SF (7:09) Cofer 26 yard field goal
    49ers 13–10

Fourth quarter

Concerned over Montana's health, coach Walsh started Steve Young in his place against the Giants; Young's rawness to the Niners offensive system showed as he was limited to 115 yards passing and the Niners trailed 17–13 in the fourth. Montana came in and fired a 77-yard touchdown in the final minutes to Jerry Rice and a 20–17 Niners win.

Week 3 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week Three: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 21 31034
49ers 3 0 7717

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

The 49ers lost to the Falcons for only the fourth time since 1981 as Joe Montana was intercepted three times and sacked three times in a 34–17 rout. Gerald Riggs of the Falcons rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown.

Week 4 at Seattle Seahawks
Week Four: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 7 10 14738
Seahawks 0 0 707

at The Kingdome, Seattle, Washington

Game information

The Niners rebounded by putting up 580 yards of offense in a 38–7 rout of the Seahawks. Joe Montana threw four touchdowns and Steve Young added a fifth while Roger Craig and Tom Rathman accounted for 186 rushing yards. The Seahawks Jeff Kemp was intercepted three times and Kelly Stouffer added a fourth pick.

Week 5 vs. Detroit Lions
Week Five: Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 3 3713
49ers 0 10 7320

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Week 6 vs. Denver Broncos

Joe Montana threw for 191 yards and an interception; he was replaced by Young as John Elway tied the game 13–13 on a touchdown to Vance Johnson. Wind gusts up to 40 mph suddenly hit Candlestick Park and made passing more difficult; in overtime a Steve Young pass was intercepted, setting up Rich Karlis' winning field goal (16–13 final for the Broncos).

Week Six: Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Broncos 0 3 37316
49ers 3 7 30013

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Week 7 at Los Angeles Rams

Roger Craig had one of his greatest games in a 199-yard stampede where he scored three touchdowns, highlighted by a dramatic 46-yard score in the first quarter. Despite three Jim Everett touchdowns the Rams fell to San Francisco 24–21, the tenth 49ers win in the rivalry's previous 14 games.

Week Seven: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 7 10 0724
Rams 7 0 14021

at Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim, California

Game information

Week 8 at Chicago Bears

The Niners struggled to a 10–9 loss to the Bears on Monday Night Football. The Niners incurred ten penalties for 57 yards and Joe Montana was sacked four times.

Week Eight: San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 7 0 209
Bears 0 10 0010

at Soldier Field, Chicago

Game information

Week 9 vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings' playoff win at San Francisco the previous season hung over Candlestick Park as Coach Walsh started Steve Young in Joe Montana's stead. Young struggled and was booed repeatedly by the crowd ("They were running him out of town", lineman Harris Barton said). Just before the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter the Vikings led 21–17 with the Niners at Minnesota's 49-yard line; Young escaped a sack and ran in the game-winning touchdown, earning applause from the same audience that had been booing him; the NFL Films clip with Lon Simmons' call of the score is among the most replayed in retrospectives on Young's career.[4]

Week Nine: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 7 7721
49ers 0 3 14724

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco

Game information

Week 10 at Phoenix Cardinals

With Young still starting, the 49ers raced to a 23–0 lead in the third quarter, and Coach Bill Walsh felt it was the sharpest the offense had looked all season. The Cardinals, however, began clawing back as Neil Lomax rifled a pair of touchdowns; making matters worse for San Francisco was a whopping 14 penalties for 106 yards. On a kick return Walsh was blindsided by a runner and suffered two cracked ribs; he then had to watch as the Cardinals raced down field in the final minute and scored on a nine-yard Lomax score to Roy Green. It turned out to be the last road loss for the 49ers until Week One of the 1991 season.

Week Ten: San Francisco 49ers at Phoenix Cardinals – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 3 13 7023
Cardinals 0 0 71724

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

Game information

Week 11 vs. Los Angeles Raiders

The low point for the 49ers season came against the Raiders as Joe Montana started despite continuing concern by Walsh over his health; Montana had lost eight pounds and was coming off a stomach illness. Montana was held to 160 passing yards as the Raiders clawed out a 9–3 win. The 49ers’ final drive stalled when officials did not call a pass interference penalty on the Raiders over a play to Jerry Rice inside the 10-yard line.

As a result it was the second game of the season they didn't score a touchdown. Following the loss amid chatter from players interpreted as them giving up on the season Ronnie Lott called a players-only meeting; Harris Barton called it “a ‘screw the coaches’ meeting” and said that it worked to refocus the players on playing better ("They usually don't work, but this one did.")

Week Eleven: Los Angeles Raiders at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 0 639
49ers 0 3 003

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Week 12 vs. Washington Redskins

The refocused Niners erupted on the defending champion Redskins, racing to a 23–7 halftime lead and winning 37–21. Joe Montana threw two touchdowns (including an 80-yarder to Jerry Rice) and ran in a third. Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams of the Redskins threw three touchdowns while Timmy Smith was held to just six rushing yards.

Week Twelve: Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Redskins 7 0 7721
49ers 7 16 01437

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Week 13 at San Diego Chargers

The Niners' scoring explosion continued at Jack Murphy Stadium as Joe Montana threw three touchdowns (the first a 96-yarder to Jerry Rice) and Roger Craig had two rushing scores and a touchdown catch, while Doug DuBose added a rushing score. Four Niners backs plus both quarterbacks (Montana and Steve Young) rushed for 203 yards crushing the Chargers 48-10.

Week Thirteen: San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 7 17 141048
Chargers 0 7 3010

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego

Game information

Week 14 at Atlanta Falcons

The Niners traveled to Fulton County Stadium and limited the Atlanta Falcons to 177 yards of offense in a 13–3 win.

Week Fourteen: San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 7 0613
Falcons 0 0 033

at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, Atlanta

Game information

Week 15 vs. New Orleans Saints

The Niners hosted the Saints with both teams at 9–5. Led by Roger Craig's 115 yards, the Niners rushed for 152 yards and two scores while Joe Montana threw for 233 yards and a score in San Francisco's 30–17 win. At halftime, the 49ers retired number 87, which was worn by Dwight Clark from 1979-1987.

Week Fifteen: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 3 7 7017
49ers 0 21 3630

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Week 16 vs. Los Angeles Rams

The Niners clinched the NFC West despite a three-way tie with the Rams and New Orleans (all finishing 10–6) and despite a 38–16 slaughter by the Rams that put them into the playoffs. Jim Everett threw four touchdowns while Montana and Young combined for 291 yards but no scores. San Francisco won the division on tiebreakers and the Rams were the wild card, while the 10–6 Saints were eliminated from playoff contention.

Week Sixteen: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Rams 0 21 10738
49ers 3 10 0316

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Game officials
Week Opponent Referee Umpire Head Linesman Line Judge Back Judge Side Judge Field Judge Replay
1 at New Orleans Saints (9) Jerry Markbreit (100) Bob Wagner (72) Terry Gierke (59) Bob Beeks (4) Doug Toole (58) Bill Quinby (91) Bill Stanley George Sladky
2 at New York Giants (48) Gordon McCarter (117) Ben Montgomery (81) Dave Anderson (3) Boyce Smith (49) Dean Look (61) Dick Creed (84) Bob Wortman Chuck Heberling
3 Atlanta Falcons (7) Fred Silva (42) Dave Hamilton (8) Dale Williams (54) Jack Johnson (68) Louis Richard (102) Merrill Douglas (18) Bob Lewis Royal Cathcart
4 at Seattle Seahawks (60) Dick Jorgensen (110) Ron Botchan (10) Ron Phares (51) Dale Orem (92) Jim Poole (20) Larry Nemmers (44) Donnie Hampton Bill Swanson
5 Detroit Lions (43) Red Cashion (27) Al Conway (37) Burl Toler (94) Vern Marshall (52) Ben Tompkins (29) Howard Slavin (96) Don Hakes Grover Klemmer
6 Denver Broncos (32) Jim Tunney (115) Hendi Ancich (111) Earnie Frantz (33) Howard Roe (118) Tom Sifferman (97) Nate Jones (82) Pat Mallette Bill Fette
7 at Los Angeles Rams (70) Jerry Seeman (103) Rex Stuart (79) Aaron Pointer (15) Bama Glass (21) Pete Liske (64) Dave Parry (113) Don Dorkowski Dave Kamanski
8 at Chicago Bears (23) Johnny Grier (78) Art Demmas (87) Paul Weidner (83) Ron Blum (24) Roy Clymer (90) Gil Mace (119) Ron Spitler Al Sabato
9 Minnesota Vikings (7) Fred Silva (42) Dave Hamilton (8) Dale Williams (54) Jack Johnson (68) Louis Richard (102) Merrill Douglas (18) Bob Lewis Royal Cathcart
10 at Phoenix Cardinals (9) Jerry Markbreit (100) Bob Wagner (72) Terry Gierke (59) Bob Beeks (4) Doug Toole (58) Bill Quinby (91) Bill Stanley George Sladky
11 Los Angeles Raiders (40) Pat Haggerty (50) Neil Gereb (109) Sid Semon (56) Ron Baynes (99) Banks Williams (66) Dave Hawk (46) John Robison Cal Lepore
12 Washington Redskins (70) Jerry Seeman (103) Rex Stuart (79) Aaron Pointer (15) Bama Glass (21) Pete Liske (64) Dave Parry (113) Don Dorkowski Dave Kamanski
13 at San Diego Chargers (12) Ben Dreith (88) Dave Moss (55) Dave Barnes (41) Dick McKenzie (106) Al Jury (16) Doyle Jackson (31) Dick Dolack Dixon Holman
14 at Atlanta Falcons (48) Gordon McCarter (117) Ben Montgomery (81) Dave Anderson (3) Boyce Smith (49) Dean Look (61) Dick Creed (84) Bob Wortman Chuck Heberling
15 New Orleans Saints (43) Red Cashion (27) Al Conway (37) Burl Toler (94) Vern Marshall (52) Ben Tompkins (29) Howard Slavin (96) Don Hakes Grover Klemmer
16 Los Angeles Rams (14) Gene Barth (57) Ed Fiffick (85) Frank Glover (74) Ray Dodez (38) Bruce Maurer (34) Gerald Austin (76) Ed Merrifield Mark Burns

Standings
NFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
San Francisco 49ers(2) 10 6 0 .625 4–2 8–4 369 294 L1
Los Angeles Rams(5) 10 6 0 .625 4–2 8–4 407 293 W3
New Orleans Saints 10 6 0 .625 3–3 6–6 312 283 W1
Atlanta Falcons 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 244 315 L3

Playoffs
Round Date Opponent Result Score Stadium Attendance Time Network National Radio
NFC Divisional Playoffs
 January 1, 1989 Minnesota Vikings
W
34–9
Candlestick Park
61,848
1:00 PM PST
CBS
CBS
NFC Championship Game
 January 8, 1989 at Chicago Bears
W
28–3
Soldier Field
66,946
1:00 PM PST
CBS
CBS
Super Bowl XXIII
 January 22, 1989 Cincinnati Bengals (at Miami Gardens, Florida)
W
20–16
Joe Robbie Stadium
75,129
2:00 PM PST
NBC
CBS

Notes:

a All times are PACIFIC time.

NFC Divisional Playoff vs. Minnesota Vikings
NFC Divisional Playoff: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 0 609
49ers 7 14 01334

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

For the third time in some 365 days the 49ers hosted the Vikings, and for the second time in that span it was in the playoffs. Minnesota entered having shot down the Rams 28-17 and boasting an offense fourth in scoring with a defense second in fewest points allowed with a plus-23 turnover differential – and none of it made any difference as Joe Montana threw three touchdowns in the first half and Jerry Rice caught all three. Wade Wilson was picked off twice as the Niners won 34-9, their first playoff win since Super Bowl XIX.

NFC Championship Game at Chicago Bears
NFC Championship Game: San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 7 7 7728
Bears 0 3 003

at Soldier Field, Chicago

  • Date: January 8, 1989
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 20 °F (−7 °C); wind 29, wind chill 2 °F (−17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 66,946
  • Referee: Bob McElwee
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play–by–play), John Madden (color commentator), Will McDonough (sideline reporter)
  • Box Score [3]
Game information

The Niners traveled to frigid Soldier Field a week after the Bears succeeded in the Fog Bowl against the Eagles and less than three months after San Francisco's ugly Monday Night loss in that same venue. The Niners put the game away in the third quarter following Joe Montana's third touchdown of the game as the Niners limited the Bears' sluggish offense (18th in scoring) to just one Kevin Butler field goal. The win was doubly personal for Walsh between returning to the Super Bowl and also quieting hecklers in the Soldier Field crowd, including one in particular who'd persisted in what Walsh delicately described as "remarks about my body parts and my preferences in life", but who was reduced to futile stuttering as the game got out of hand.

Super Bowl XXIII vs. Cincinnati Bengals (at Miami Gardens, Florida)

The game is remembered for the 49ers' fourth-quarter game-winning drive. Down 16–13, San Francisco got the ball on their own eight-yard line with 3:10 on the clock and marched 92 yards down the field in under three minutes. They then scored the winning touchdown on a Joe Montana pass to John Taylor with just 34 seconds left in the game.

49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice was named the Super Bowl MVP. He caught 11 passes for a Super Bowl record 215 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing once for 5 yards.

This was also the final NFL game coached by the 49ers' Bill Walsh. This was also the final Super Bowl that Pete Rozelle presided over as NFL Commissioner.

Super Bowl XXIII: Cincinnati Bengals vs. San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bengals 0 3 10316
49ers 3 0 31420

at Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

Game officials
Round Opponent Referee Umpire Head Linesman Line Judge Back Judge Side Judge Field Judge Replay Alternates
NFC Divisional Playoff Minnesota Vikings (9) Jerry Markbreit (78) Art Demmas (81) Dave Anderson (53) Bill Reynolds (106) Al Jury (120) Gary Lane (73) Bobby Skelton Dixon Holman
NFC Championship Game at Chicago Bears (95) Bob McElwee (101) Bob Boylston (35) Leo Miles (54) Jack Johnson (99) Banks Williams (47) Tom Fincken (82) Pat Mallette Al Sabato
Super Bowl XXIII Cincinnati Bengals (at Miami Gardens, Florida) (70) Jerry Seeman (89) Gordon Wells (17) Jerry Bergman (59) Bob Beeks (22) Paul Baetz (120) Gary Lane (73) Bobby Skelton Chuck Heberling (14) Gene Barth
(57) Ed Fiffick

Stats

Passing

PlayerCmpAttYdsTDINTSkYds
49ers
Opponents

Rushing

PlayerAttYdsTD
49ers
Opponents

Receiving

PlayerRecYdsTD
49ers
Opponents

Kicking

PlayerFGAFGMXPAXPM
49ers
Opponents

Punting

PlayerPntYdsBlck
49ers
Opponents

Kick Return

PlayerRetYdsTD
49ers
Opponents

Punt Return

PlayerRetYdsTD
49ers
Opponents

Interception

PlayerINTYardsTD
49ers
Opponents

Fumble

PlayerFFFmbFRYdsTD
49ers
Opponents

Sacks

PlayerSkSfty
49ers
Opponents

Tackles

PlayerTklAst
49ers
Opponents

Scoring

PlayerRshTDRecTDPR TDKR TDFmbTDIntTDAllTDOthTDXPMFGMSftyPTS
49ers
Opponents

Team

TeamTotal PlaysPassingPass AttPass CmpPass YdsPass TDInterceptedPass 1stDRushingRush AttRush YdsRush TDFumbles LostRush 1stDPen 1stDPts
49ers
Opponents

Awards and records
  • Mike Cofer, Led NFC, 27 Field Goals
  • Mike Cofer, Led NFC, 121 Points
  • Roger Craig, Offense, UPI NFC Player of the Year
  • Roger Craig, Led NFC with 2068 total yards
  • Jerry Rice, Most Valuable Player, Super Bowl XXIII

1989 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl
Main article: 1989 Pro Bowl
Number Player Position Conference
95 Michael Carter NT NFC Pro Bowlers
33 Roger Craig RB, Starter NFC Pro Bowlers
94 Charles Haley LB–DE NFC Pro Bowlers
42 Ronnie Lott FS, Starter NFC Pro Bowlers
80 Jerry Rice WR, Did Not Play NFC Pro Bowlers
82 John Taylor KR NFC Pro Bowlers

[5]

Media

Pre season Local TV

Channel Play-by-play Color commentator(s)
KPIX-TV 5 Wayne Walker Bill Ring

Local Radio
Flagship station Play-by-play Color commentator(s) Sideline reporter (s) Studio host
KGO–AM 810 Lon Simmons (Pre Season, Week 1–5 and 8–16, Playoffs and Super Bowl XXIII)
Joe Starkey (Week 6–7)		 Wayne Walker (Pre Season Week 1–2, Regular Season, Playoffs and Super Bowl XXIII)
Joe Starkey (Pre Season Weeks 3–5)		 Joe Starkey (Pre Season Week 1–2, Week 1–5 and 8–16, Playoffs and Super Bowl XXIII) Joe Starkey

References
  1. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 562.
  2. "1988 San Francisco 49ers starters and roster". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 1, 2015.
  3. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 455.
  4. 1988 Steve Young touchdown vs. Vikings on YouTube
  5. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 517.
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