1981 San Francisco 49ers season


The 1981 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 32nd season in the National Football League, their 36th overall and their third under head coach Bill Walsh.
The 49ers were 13–3 in the regular season for their first winning season in five years and first playoff appearance in nine years. The franchise's most successful season to date, it was considered to be "the birth of a dynasty", when the 49ers began a decade of dominance over much of the NFL. The 49ers drew an average home attendance of 54,398 in the season.
The 49ers won Super Bowl XVI, defeating the AFC Champion [1981 1981 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals] 26–21. It was the first of five Super Bowl victories in franchise history, all within the next thirteen seasons. From 1981 to 1997, the 49ers would have thirteen NFC West titles, eight NFC top seeds, and seven seasons with the NFL's best regular season record.
Third-year quarterback Joe Montana began the season as the starter, and produced two fourth-quarter comeback victories. His signature game of the season was the NFC Championship Game, which culminated in "The Catch", a last-minute touchdown pass from Montana to Dwight Clark, propelling the 49ers to victory over [1981 1981 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas] and a berth in their first Super Bowl. The 49ers were undefeated in their first five Super Bowls.
NFL Films produced a documentary about the team's season entitled A Very Special Team; it was narrated by John Facenda. On March 23, 2007, NFL Network aired America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions, the 1981 San Francisco 49ers, with team commentary from Dwight Clark, Ronnie Lott and Randy Cross, and narrated by Gene Hackman.

Offseason

NFL draft

A turning point for the franchise was the drafting of safety Ronnie Lott from the University of Southern California, later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In addition, they also drafted cornerback Eric Wright from Missouri and safety Carlton Williamson from [1980 1980 Pittsburgh Panthers football team|Pittsburgh Panthers football team|Pittsburgh].

Training camp

The 1981 San Francisco 49ers season held training camp at Red Morten Park in Redwood City, California.

Preseason Game summaries

Week P1 (Wednesday, August 5, 1981): at Seattle Seahawks">1981 Seattle Seahawks season">Seattle Seahawks

  • Point spread:
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
49ersGame StatisticsSeahawks
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

Week P2 (Saturday, August 15, 1981): vs. [1981 [San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]]

  • Point spread:
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
ChargersGame Statistics49ers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

Week P3 (Saturday, August 22, 1981) vs. Seattle Seahawks">1981 Seattle Seahawks season">Seattle Seahawks

  • Point spread:
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
SeahawksGame Statistics49ers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

Week P4 (Saturday, August 29, 1981): at [1981 [Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]

  • Point spread:
  • Over/under:
  • Time of game:
49ersGame StatisticsRaiders
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

Regular season

With the offense in good shape, Walsh and the 49ers focused on overhauling the defense in 1981. Walsh took the highly unusual step of overhauling his entire secondary with rookies and untested players, bringing on board Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson and giving Dwight Hicks a prominent role. He also acquired veteran linebacker Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds and veteran defensive lineman and sack specialist Fred Dean.
These new additions, when added to existing defensive mainstays like Keena Turner, turned the 49ers into a dominant team. After a 1–2 start, the 49ers won all but one of their final games to finish with a 13–3 record, easily the best record in the team's history. Additionally, the 49ers defense yielded more than 20 points in only three games. Dean and Hicks made the Pro Bowl. The 49ers selection of Lott in the 1981 NFL draft proved to be a seminal one. In addition to making the NFC Pro Bowl roster, Lott was voted First-Team All-Pro and received nods from all 5 newspapers that voted, a significant honor for a rookie. Giants' linebacker Lawrence Taylor was the only other rookie from the 1981 NFL draft to achieve this unanimous selection to the First Team All-Pro unit.
Led by Montana, the unusual offense was centered around the short passing game, which Walsh used as ball control. Both Dwight Clark and Freddie Solomon had excellent years receiving; Clark as the possession receiver, and Solomon as more of a deep threat. The 49ers running game, however, was among the weakest for any champion in NFL history. Ricky Patton led the 49ers with only 543 yards rushing. The 49ers' most valuable running back, however, might have been Earl Cooper, whose strength was as a pass-catching back.

Regular Season Game summaries

Week 1 (Sunday, September 6, 1981): at Detroit Lions">1981 Detroit Lions season">Detroit Lions

  • Point spread: 49ers +4
  • Over/under: 40.0
  • Time of game:
49ersGame StatisticsLions
19First downs21
33–121Rushes–yards30–127
195Passing yards196
18–28–116–27–1
4–19Sacked–yards4–28
176Net passing yards168
297Total yards295
105Return yards47
3–33.74–46.2
2–2Fumbles–lost1–1
8–54Penalties–yards7–65
31:56Time of possession28:04

Individual stats

Week 2 (Sunday, September 13, 1981): vs. [1981 [Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]]

  • Point spread: 49ers Pick
  • Over/under: 41.0
  • Time of game:
BearsGame Statistics49ers
18First downs20
36–123Rushes–yards32–125
216Passing yards287
19–33–120–32–0
1–0Sacked–yards0–0
216Net passing yards287
339Total yards412
106Return yards110
6–41.55–38.0
2–2Fumbles–lost2–2
4–16Penalties–yards3–25
25:16Time of possession34:44

Individual stats
  • Passing: Montana – 20/32, 287 YDS, 3 TDs
  • Rushing: Patton – 14 CAR, 67 YDS, 1 TD; Cooper – 14 CAR, 67 YDS; Easley – 3 CAR, 5 YDS; Solomon – 1 CAR, –3 YDS
  • Receiving: Clark – 6 REC, 81 YDS; Solomon – 5 REC, 113 YDS, 1 TD; Cooper – 4 REC, 28 YDS; Patton – 2 REC, 34 YDS, 1 TD; Young – 2 REC, 19 YDS, 1 TD; Elliott – 1 REC, 12 YDS
  • Kickoff returns: Lott – 3 KR, 55 YDS; Davis – 1 KR, 0 YDS
  • Punt returns: Solomon – 4 PR, 40 YDS; Hicks – 1 PR, 7 YDS
  • Punting: Miller – 5 PUNTS, 190 YDS
  • Kicking: Bahr – 4/4 PAT, 0/2 FG
  • Sacks:
  • Interceptions: Hicks – 1 INT, 8 YDS
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Bahr 39, 48

Week 3 (Sunday, September 20, 1981): at Atlanta Falcons">1981 Atlanta Falcons season">Atlanta Falcons

  • Point spread: 49ers +9
  • Over/under: 41.0
  • Time of game:
49ersGame StatisticsFalcons
23First downs18
30–113Rushes–yards34–163
274Passing yards222
24–34–214–23–0
1–1Sacked–yards2–22
273Net passing yards200
386Total yards363
110Return yards199
3–35.33–36.7
1–1Fumbles–lost2–0
3–25Penalties–yards4v50
32:08Time of possession27:52

Individual stats
  • Passing: Montana – 24/34, 274 YDS, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
  • Rushing: Cooper – 9 CAR, 40 YDS; Patton – 12 CAR, 30 YDS; Easley – 4 CAR, 18 YDS; Elliott – 4 CAR, 17 YDS; Solomon – 1 CAR, 0 YDS
  • Receiving: Clark – 9 REC, 77 YDS; Young – 3 REC, 55 YDS, 1 TD; Solomon – 3 REC, 36 YDS, 1 TD; Cooper – 3 REC, 29 YDS; Wilson – 2 REC, 34 YDS; Patton – 2 REC, 16 YDS; Hofer – 1 REC, 22 YDS; Peets – 1 REC, 5 YDS
  • Kickoff returns: Lott – 3 KR, 56 YDS; Ring – 1 KR, 23 YDS; Wilson – 1 KR, 22 YDS
  • Punt returns: Solomon – 2 PR, 9 YDS
  • Punting: Miller – 3 PUNTS, 160 YDS
  • Kicking: Bahr – 2/2 PAT, 1/2 FG
  • Sacks:
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Bahr 24
Joe Montana was intercepted twice in 34 passes as the Niners fell to the Falcons for the eleventh time in the last eight seasons.

Week 4 (Sunday, September 27, 1981): vs. [1981 [New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]]

  • Point spread: 49ers –6
  • Over/under: 43.0
  • Time of game:
SaintsGame Statistics49ers
18First downs15
37–163Rushes–yards39–146
250Passing yards175
21–38–216–22–1
0–0Sacked–yards1–7
250Net passing yards168
413Total yards314
192Return yards102
6–40.29–45.1
3–2Fumbles–lost1–1
11–106Penalties–yards8–79
30:44Time of possession29:16

Individual stats
  • Passing: Montana – 16/22, 175 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
  • Rushing: Davis – 11 CAR, 48 YDS, 1 TD; Patton – 14 CAR, 42 YDS; Hofer – 4 CAR, 19 YDS; Montana – 3 CAR, 17 YDS; Cooper – 5 CAR, 10 YDS; Easley – 1 CAR, 5 YDS; Solomon – 1 CAR, 5 YDS
  • Receiving: Young – 3 REC, 41 YDS; Clark – 3 REC, 30 YDS; Cooper – 3 REC, 6 YDS; Solomon – 2 REC, 80 YDS, 1 TD; Patton – 2 REC, 8 YDS; Hofer – 2 REC, 7 YDS; Lawrence – 1 REC, 3 YDS
  • Kickoff returns: Lawrence – 1 KR, 26 YDS; Lott – 1 KR, 0 YDS
  • Punt returns: Solomon – 3 PR, 14 YDS; Hicks – 1 PR, 10 YDS
  • Punting: Miller – 9 PUNTS, 406 YDS
  • Kicking: Bahr – 3/3 PAT
  • Interceptions: Lott – 1 INT, 26 YDS, 1 TD; Wright – 1 INT, 26 YDS

Week 5 (Sunday, October 4, 1981): at Washington Redskins">1981 Washington Redskins season">Washington Redskins

  • Point spread: 49ers +2
  • Over/under: 43.0
  • Time of game:
49ersGame StatisticsRedskins
16First downs19
35–128Rushes–yards23–83
193Passing yards241
15–28–122–46–4
2–25Sacked–yards2–20
168Net passing yards221
296Total yards304
176Return yards224
5–40.05–40.4
1–1Fumbles–lost4–2
3–27Penalties–yards7–50
29:17Time of possession30:43

Individual stats
  • Passing: Montana – 15/28, 193 YDS, 1 INT
  • Rushing: Patton – 9 CAR, 43 YDS, 1 TD; Davis – 13 CAR, 37 YDS, 1 TD; Cooper – 6 CAR, 21 YDS; Lawrence – 2 CAR, 14 YDS; Elliott – 3 CAR, 12 YDS; Easley – 2 CAR, 1 YD
  • Receiving: Elliott – 6 REC, 69 YDS; Solomon – 5 REC, 77 YDS; Young – 2 REC, 24 YDS; Clark – 1 REC, 21 YDS; Cooper – 1 CAR, 2 YDS
  • Kickoff returns: Lawrence – 2 KR, 41 YDS
  • Punt returns: Solomon – 2 PR, 9 YDS
  • Punting: Miller – 5 PUNTS, 200 YDS
  • Kicking: Bahr – 3/3 PAT, 1/2 FG
  • Sacks:
  • Interceptions: Hicks – 2 INTs, 104 YDS, 1 TD; McColl – 1 INT, 22 YDS; Lott – 1 INT, 0 YDS
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Bahr 25

Week 6 (Sunday, October 11, 1981): vs. Dallas Cowboys">1981 Dallas Cowboys season">Dallas Cowboys

  • Point spread: 49ers +5
  • Over/under: 45.0
  • Time of game:
CowboysGame Statistics49ers
10First downs23
21–83Rushes–yards46–150
135Passing yards304
12–29–220–33–0
3–26Sacked–yards1–14
109Net passing yards290
192Total yards440
138Return yards110
8–39.56–46.2
3–2Fumbles–lost4–1
5–40Penalties–yards4–28
25:53Time of possession34:07

Individual stats
Officials

Week 7 (Sunday, October 18, 1981) at [1981 [Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]]

  • Point spread: 49ers –1
  • Over/under: 44.0
  • Time of game:
49ersGame StatisticsPackers
21First downs13
47–126Rushes–yards19–78
220Passing yards193
23–32–014–24–1
1–9Sacked–yards4–30
211Net passing yards163
337Total yards241
85Return yards101
7–35.97–40.0
2–1Fumbles–lost1–0
7–35Penalties–yards4–35
37:41Time of possession22:19

Individual stats

Week 8 (Sunday, October 25, 1981): vs. [1981 [Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]]

  • Point spread: 49ers –1
  • Over/under: 46.0
  • Time of game:
RamsGame Statistics49ers
25First downs14
37–145Rushes–yards28–60
310Passing yards287
20–39–118–32–0
6–54Sacked–yards3–22
256Net passing yards265
401Total yards325
267Return yards90
5–43.010–43.3
0–0Fumbles–lost0–0
7–39Penalties–yards5–45
33:18Time of possession26:42

Individual stats
  • Passing: Montana – 18/32, 287 YDS, 2 TDs
  • Rushing: Hofer – 8 CAR, 23 YDS; Davis – 6 CAR, 14 YDS; Patton – 6 CAR, 13 YDS; Cooper – 5 CAR, 7 YDS; Montana – 2 CAR, 3 YDS; Easley – 1 CAR, 0 YDS
  • Receiving: Clark – 8 REC, 109 YDS, 1 TD; Solomon – 5 REC, 79 YDS, 1 TD; Cooper – 2 REC, 57 YDS; Young – 1 REC, 29 YDS; Patton – 1 REC, 8 YDS; Wilson – 1 REC, 5 YDS
  • Kickoff returns: Lawrence – 2 KR, 61 YDS; Ramson – 1 KR, 12 YDS; Wilson – 1 KR,8 YDS
  • Punt returns: Solomon – 2 PR, 9 YDS
  • Punting: Miller – 10 PUNTS, 433 YDS
  • Kicking: Wersching – 2/2 PAT, 2/2 FG
  • Sacks:
  • Interceptions: Lott – 1 INT, 0 YDS

Week 9 (Sunday, November 1, 1981): at Pittsburgh Steelers">1981 Pittsburgh Steelers season">Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Point spread: 49ers +5
  • Over/under: 45.0
  • Time of game:
49ersGame StatisticsSteelers
25First downs16
39–130Rushes–yards28–144
210Passing yards125
23–38–212–23–3
1–10Sacked–yards0–0
200Net passing yards125
330Total yards269
86Return yards192
5–45.82–48.5
0–0Fumbles–lost3–3
6–55Penalties–yards8–45
34:16Time of possession25:34

Individual stats

Week 10 (Sunday, November 8, 1981): vs. Atlanta Falcons">1981 Atlanta Falcons season">Atlanta Falcons

  • Point spread: 49ers +2½
  • Over/under: 44.0
  • Time of game:
FalconsGame Statistics49ers
19First downs17
26–76Rushes–yards34–82
236Passing yards223
20–42–316–30–1
3–20Sacked–yards2–18
216Net passing yards205
292Total yards287
126Return yards162
8–44.910–42.0
2–0Fumbles–lost4–0
8–82Penalties–yards11–74
29:29Time of possession30:31

Individual stats
  • Passing: Montana – 16/30, 223 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT
  • Rushing: Easley – 15 CAR, 31 YDS; Patton – 9 CAR, 26 YDS; Solomon – 3 CAR, 11 YDS; Clark – 1 CAR, 9 YDS; Cooper – 3 CAR, 4 YDS; Montana – 2 CAR, 1 YD; Hofer – 1 CAR, 0 YDS
  • Receiving: Clark – 7 REC, 128 YDS; Solomon – 3 REC, 56 YDS, 1 TD; Easley – 2 REC, 9 YDS; Young – 2 REC, 9 YDS, 1 TD; Hofer – 1 REC, 21 YDS; Cooper – 1 REC, 0 YDS
  • Kickoff returns: Ring – 1 KR, 29 YDS; Hicks – 1 KR, 22 YDS
  • Punt returns: Hicks – 4 PR, 36 YDS; Solomon – 3 PR, 15 YDS
  • Punting: Miller – 10 PUNTS, 420 YDS
  • Kicking: Wersching – 2/2 PAT, 1/1 FG
  • Sacks:
  • Interceptions: Hicks – 2 INT, 37 YDS; Martin – 1 INT, 0 YDS

Week 11 (Sunday, November 15, 1981): vs. Cleveland Browns">1981 Cleveland Browns season">Cleveland Browns

  • Point spread: 49ers –3
  • Over/under: 43.0
  • Time of game:
BrownsGame Statistics49ers
14First downs21
26–106Rushes–yards35–118
180Passing yards213
16–33–124–42–2
2–19Sacked–yards3–26
161Net passing yards187
267Total yards305
165Return yards84
5–42.44–36.0
1–1Fumbles–lost1–0
7–55Penalties–yards4–29
24:48Time of possession35:12

Individual stats
The Niners’ winning streak ended in a battle of six combined field goals. Opposing quarterbacks Brian Sipe and Montana combined for 393 yards, three interceptions, and an average passer rating of 56.

Week 12 (Sunday, November 22, 1981): at [1981 [Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]]

  • Point spread: 49ers +3
  • Over/under: 42.0
  • Time of game:
49ersGame StatisticsRams
19First downs27
28–71Rushes–yards47–203
283Passing yards208
19–30–118–32–1
3–24Sacked–yards1–0
259Net passing yards208
330Total yards411
220Return yards91
2–44.04–44.8
1–1Fumbles–lost4–1
5–51Penalties–yards7–71
25:00Time of possession35:00

Individual stats
  • Passing: Montana – 19/30, 283 YDS, 1 INT
  • Rushing: Davis – 8 CAR, 23 YDS, 1 TD; Patton – 8 CAR, 20 YDS; Hofer – 5 CAR, 16 YDS; Lawrence – 2 CAR, 9 YDS; Cooper – 4 CAR, 4 YDS; Montana – 1 CAR, –1 YDS
  • Receiving: Solomon – 5 REC, 124 YDS; Cooper – 5 REC, 55 YDS; Clark – 4 REC, 59 YDS; Hofer – 2 REC, 20 YDS; Young – 2 REC, 18 YDS; Shumann – 1 REC, 7 YDS
  • Kickoff returns: Lawrence – 3 KR, 138 YDS, 1 TD; Ring – 2 KR, 45 YDS
  • Punt returns: Hicks – 2 PR, 12 YDS
  • Punting: Miller – 2 PUNTS, 88 YDS
  • Kicking: Wersching – 3/3 PAT, 4/4 FG
  • Sacks:
  • Interceptions: Lott – 1 INT, 25 YDS, 1 TD
The game lead tied or changed eight times as the Rams wound up using quarterbacks Dan Pastorini and Pat Haden while running back Mike Guman threw a seven-yard touchdown to Preston Dennard. Amos Lawrence opened the third quarter by scoring on the opening kickoff and Ronnie Lott scored after intercepting Pastorini.

Week 13 (Sunday, November 29, 1981): vs. [1981 [New York Giants season|New York Giants]]

  • Point spread: 49ers –5
  • Over/under: 39.0
  • Time of game:
GiantsGame Statistics49ers
12First downs19
22–80Rushes–yards39–123
162Passing yards234
13–34–327–40–0
2–19Sacked–yards3–20
143Net passing yards214
223Total yards337
119Return yards136
6–42.88–37.5
3–2Fumbles–lost1–0
9–65Penalties–yards5–48
21:44Time of possession38:16

Individual stats
Officials

Week 14 (Sunday, December 6, 1981): at Cincinnati Bengals">1981 Cincinnati Bengals season">Cincinnati Bengals

  • Point spread: 49ers +7
  • Over/under: 42.0
  • Time of game:
49ersGame StatisticsBengals
24First downs24
35–146Rushes–yards20–155
187Passing yards211
23–36–121–38–3
1–8Sacked–yards3–21
179Net passing yards190
325Total yards345
40Return yards102
6–36.83–45.7
0–0Fumbles–lost4–3
7–55Penalties–yards9–70
26:48Time of possession33:12

Individual stats
Officials
  • Referee: Jerry Seeman
  • Umpire: Frank Sinkovitz
  • Head linesman: Leo Miles
  • Line judge: John Leimbach
  • Back judge: Paul Baetz
  • Side judge: Bill Quinby
  • Field judge: Bill O'Brien

Week 16 (Sunday, December 20, 1981): at [1981 [New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]]

  • Point spread: 49ers –7
  • Over/under: 37.0
  • Time of game:
49ersGame StatisticsSaints
19First downs15
31–154Rushes–yards36–133
195Passing yards110
17–25–114–23–1
0–0Sacked–yards2–21
195Net passing yards89
349Total yards222
74Return yards118
4–46.04–34.8
3–2Fumbles–lost1–0
5–45Penalties–yards3–30
26:03Time of possession33:57

Individual stats

Regular Season Stats

Passing
'''Rushing'''

Individual leaders

1Completions/attempts
2Carries
3Long gain
4Receptions
5Interceptions
6Punts
7Kickoff Returns
8Punt Returns

Postseason

1981 NFC Divisional Playoffs (Sunday, January 3, 1982): vs. (5) [1981 [New York Giants season|New York Giants]]

  • Point spread: 49ers –6
  • Over/under: 38.0
  • Time of game:
GiantsGame Statistics49ers
14First downs24
22–65Rushes–yards34–135
290Passing yards304
16–37–220–31–1
2–9Sacked–yards3–16
281Net passing yards288
346Total yards423
162Return yards147
4–43.85–41.2
4–2Fumbles–lost2–0
8–61Penalties–yards14–145
25:42Time of possession34:18

Individual stats
  • Passing: Montana – 20/31, 304 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT
  • Rushing: Cooper – 7 CAR, 52 YDS; Patton – 7 CAR, 32 YDS, 1 TD; Clark – 1 CAR, 6 YDS
  • Receiving: Solomon – 6 REC, 107 YDS, 1 TD; Clark – 5 REC, 104 YDS: Patton – 2 REC, 38 YDS, 1 TD;
  • Kickoff returns: Lawrence – 3 KR, 88 YDS;
  • Punt returns: Solomon – 1 PR, 22 YDS
  • Punting: Miller – 5 PUNTS, 206 YDS
  • Kicking: Wersching – 5/5 PAT; 1/2 FG
  • Sacks: Harper – 1.0; Turner – 1.0
  • Interceptions: Lott – 2 INT, 32 YDS, 1 TD
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Wersching 50
Officials
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • Umpire: Dave Hamilton
  • Head linesman: Ray Dodez
  • Line judge: Jack Fette
  • Back judge: Banks Williams
  • Side judge: Ed Ward
  • Field judge: Jack Vaughn
  • Alternate Official: Jack Johnson
The Giants were making their first appearance in the postseason since 1963. First-year starting quarterback Joe Montana led the 49ers to victory in his debut playoff game, completing 20 of 31 passes for 304 yards and 2 touchdowns, with 1 interception. His top target in the game was receiver Dwight Clark, who caught 5 passes for 104 yards.

1981 NFC Championship Game (Sunday, January 10, 1982): vs. (2) Dallas Cowboys">1981 Dallas Cowboys season">Dallas Cowboys

  • Point spread: 49ers +3
  • Over/under: 42.0
  • Time of game:
CowboysGame Statistics49ers
16First downs26
32–115Rushes–yards31–127
173Passing yards286
16–24–122–35–3
4–38Sacked–yards3–20
135Net passing yards266
250Total yards393
102Return yards136
6–39.33–35.7
4–2Fumbles–lost3–3
5–39Penalties–yards7–106
32:57Time of possession27:03

Individual stats
Officials
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • Umpire: Bob Boylston
  • Head linesman: Ed Marion
  • Line judge: Bob Beeks
  • Back judge: Ray Douglas
  • Side judge: Dean Look
  • Field judge: Ed Merrifield
  • Alternate Referee: Gordon McCarter
  • Alternate Umpire: Dave Moss
The 49ers were making their third appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Their opponent was their opponent for the two previous NFC Championship Games-the Dallas Cowboys. In both previous matches, the 49ers had lost the game. The game is remembered for "The Catch".
The play, remembered in 49er lore as "Red Right Tight—Sprint Right Option" had called for both the primary receiver, Solomon, and Dwight Clark to line up on the right. Montana was supposed to roll to his right and find Solomon. Clark's pattern called for him to cut left across the end zone, stop, and immediately reverse his path to the right. If Solomon were covered, it would be up to Montana to find Clark. Due to the pressure, Montana's pass was high, but Clark was in position to make his memorable grab. Future New England Patriots/Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who grew up in the Bay Area, attended the game as a four-year-old. The 49ers were victorious despite an astonishing six turnovers, including three interceptions by Joe Montana.
A photograph of the catch, with Clark at the height of his leap and Everson Walls reaching out to try to block the ball, was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated the following week.

[Super Bowl XVI] (Sunday, January 24, 1982): vs. (A1) Cincinnati Bengals">1981 Cincinnati Bengals season">Cincinnati Bengals

  • Point spread: 49ers –1
  • Over/under: 48.0
  • Time of game: 3 hours, 21 minutes
49ersGame StatisticsBengals
20First downs24
40–127Rushes–yards24–72
157Passing yards300
14–22–025–34–2
1–9Sacked–yards5–16
148Net passing yards284
275Total yards356
98Return yards87
4–46.33–43.7
2–1Fumbles–lost2–2
8–65Penalties–yards8–57
30:34Time of possession29:26

Individual stats
Officials
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • Umpire: Al Conway
  • Head linesman: Jerry Bergman
  • Line judge: Bob Beeks
  • Back judge: Bill Swanson
  • Side judge: Bob Rice
  • Field judge: Don Hakes
  • Alternate Referee: Gene Barth
  • Alternate Umpire: Pat Harder

Awards and records

1982 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl

NumberPlayerPositionConference
87Dwight ClarkWRNFC Pro Bowlers
51Randy CrossRG, StarterNFC Pro Bowlers
74Fred DeanDENFC Pro Bowlers
22Dwight HicksSNFC Pro Bowlers
42Ronnie LottRCB, StarterNFC Pro Bowlers
16Joe MontanaQB, StarterNFC Pro Bowlers

Media

Pre season Local TV
ChannelPlay-by-playColor commentator
KPIX-TV 5

Local Radio
Flagship stationPlay-by-playColor commentatorSideline reporter
KCBS–AM 740Don KleinWayne Walker