5 greatest (non-Super Bowl) moments in 49ers history

What are the greatest moments in the history of the San Francisco 49ers? For an organization as rich and historic as the 49ers, there are many from which to choose. But I narrowed it down to my top five favorites. Yours may be different. And for different reasons.

For example, you may be too young to remember some of these. Or maybe you were at a specific game where one of the great moments took place. Your experience is likely different than it would be if you were at home watching. So you may have a very different list than I do. The title of this is "5 greatest (non-Super Bowl) moments in 49ers history." Essentially, these are my five greatest moments in team history. If yours are different, that's ok.

I had a few criteria to help me narrow the list down to the top five.

1. I was only going to select on-the-field moments. For example, I could have chosen the hiring of Jim Harbaugh as one of my five, because it was a great moment that I knew would turn around the organization. But I decided to only include monumental games.
2. I was only going to select team moments. It would be easy to pick Jerry Rice breaking the all-time touchdowns record on Monday Night Football in 1994. But I wanted to stick with team moments.
3. I wasn't going to include Super Bowl victories, because those would be the top five. Nothing is greater than winning a championship, so there was no way to beat those five games.
4. It had to be a moment I remember happening. Which means I didn't include "The Catch." I realize it is the most iconic play in NFL history, but I wasn't a fan of the team yet and wasn't watching the game. So even though it should be number one on every list of greatest 49ers plays/moments, I can't include it on my list because I don't remember it.

With all that said, here are my top five greatest (non-Super Bowl) moments in 49ers' history.

5. The "finesse-ass" 49ers on a frozen Soldier Field

NFC Championship Game at the Chicago Bears, January 8, 1989

Why does this belong here? It had been a tumultuous season, filled with QB controversy and losing. The 49ers were 6-5 at one point in that season. Imagine if social media existed in 1988. But the 49ers turned things around, finished 10-6, and made it to the NFC Championship Game against the Chicago Bears and the great defense they had in the Windy City. The Bears were expected to win. The combination of the weather (-26 degree wind chill), and the fact that the media considered the 49ers "too finesse" to beat the very physical Bears, it wasn't expected to be a San Francisco victory.

But no one told the 49ers.

The 49ers won the game 28-3, but it didn't even seem that close. The "finesse" west coast team showcased their dominance throughout the game. Joe Montana threw for 288 yards, and three touchdown passes, two of which went to Rice, against one of the NFL's best defenses. Veteran linebacker, Keena Turner, famously said after the game, "Whoever would've thought it, on the coldest day in January, the finesse-ass 49ers would come into the backyard of the Bears and kick ass?"

The Bears, coached by Mike Ditka, had a formidable defense known as the "Monsters of the Midway," but they struggled to contain the 49ers' offensive firepower. The 49ers' defense was equally impressive, stifling the Bears' offense and allowing only a field goal.

The victory secured a spot for the 49ers in Super Bowl XXIII, where they eventually defeated the Cincinnati Bengals to claim their third Super Bowl title, putting the seal on the 49ers' claim to be the "Team of the '80s."

4. Colin Kaepernick shreds the Packers

NFC Divisional Game against the Green Bay Packers, January 12, 2013

Why does this belong here? It was Colin Kaepernick's first playoff start, and it was against Aaron Rodgers. Kaepernick start off a little shaky, throwing a pick-six, but he rebounded in a huge way.

Kaepernick's dual-threat abilities wreaked havoc on the Packers' defense, leaving them scrambling for answers. The young quarterback showcased his arm strength and accuracy, completing 17 of 31 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. However, it was Kaepernick's electrifying presence as a runner that left us awestruck. He amassed an incredible 181 rushing yards, an NFL record for a quarterback in a playoff game, and accounted for two additional touchdowns on the ground.

While Kaepernick undoubtedly stole the spotlight, the 49ers' well-rounded performance cannot be overlooked. Veteran running back Frank Gore bulldozed his way through the Packers' defense for 119 rushing yards and a touchdown, further solidifying his reputation as one of the game's most dependable backs.

The 49ers emerged triumphant with a final score of 45-31, a testament to their resilience and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

This thrilling contest will be remembered not only for Kaepernick's transcendent performance but also for its sheer offensive fireworks. The game witnessed a combined total of 76 points, with the 49ers' explosive offense accumulating a remarkable 579 yards.

3. Owens! Owens! Owens! Owens! Owens!

NFC Wildcard Playoff Game against the Green Bay Packers, January 3, 1999

Why does this belong here? The 49ers had been knocked out of the playoffs by Brett Favre, Mike Holmgren, and the Green Bay Packers three straight postseasons. Those losses cost George Seifert his job. But finally, things had changed.

In a thrilling playoff matchup, the 49ers faced off against the Packers in what would become an iconic game in NFL history.

The Packers took a 27-23 lead with only 2:00 remaining in the game. As the clock ticked down, Steve Young orchestrated a masterful drive, taking his team deep into Packers territory.

With only seconds remaining on the clock and facing a do-or-die situation, Young slipped while dropping back, but regained his footing, and connected with Owens for an incredible game-winning touchdown. Owens, who had dropped multiple passes throughout that game, made a great catch while being hit immediately. I'm still not sure how he held on to that ball.

John Madden, calling the game on Fox, with Pat Summerall, said, "Terrell Owens was having a rotten day, but on one play here, does he make up for it!"

But the call most remember came from 49ers' radio play-by-play announcer, Joe Starkey:

"Young almost falls down...throws to the endzone—OWENS! OWENS! OWENS! OWENS! OWENS! He caught it! He caught it! He caught it! A 25-yard touchdown pass! Terrell Owens, he hasn't held on to anything—including his fingers—all day, and he makes the winning touchdown catch! I don't believe it! One of the greatest finishes in 49er history! Somehow, someway, Owens, right down the middle! The coverage was there, he had very little room, the ball had to be perfect—IT WAS! And he caught it! Niners will win it! Niners will win it!"

Owens' game-winning touchdown catch in the final moments of the game made him an instant 49ers legend. His great focus, coupled with Young's pinpoint accuracy, won the game for the 49ers. This memorable playoff win over the Packers will forever be remembered as a classic moment in San Francisco 49ers' history.

2. Steve Young finally beats the Cowboys

NFC Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys, January 15, 1995

Why does this belong here? The Cowboys had beaten the 49ers three out of the last four matchups, including the previous two NFC Championship Games. When a team knocks you out of the playoffs multiple years in a row, you quickly develop a strong dislike for them. And the Cowboys had become a hated rival, with Jimmy Johnson's "how 'bout them Cowboys" declaration following the 1992 NFC Championship Game, and his guarantee of a win the following postseason.

After that loss in the 1993 NFC Championship Game, Eddie DeBartolo, Jr. made it clear that things would be changing. And they did. The 49ers added several players in the offseason who would help the team get over the hump against the self-proclaimed "America's Team," like Deion Sanders, Ken Norton, Jr., Gary Plummer, Richard Dent, and Rickey Jackson.

The two teams clashed in a highly anticipated playoff showdown. The game, which took place at Candlestick Park, was labeled the real Super Bowl because these were easily the two best teams.

The 49ers jumped out to an early lead, and although the Cowboys were able to chip away at the lead, the 49ers held them off. Troy Aikman passed for 380 yards and two touchdowns, but he was intercepted three times and sacked four times.

Steve Young, who had taken so much heat from losing to the Cowboys the previous two postseasons, only threw for 155 yards and two touchdowns, but he added 47 yards on the ground and rushed for a touchdown. More importantly, he had zero turnovers and was not sacked. It was so fun to watch him run around Candlestick celebrating.

The 49ers' triumph over the Cowboys in the 1994 playoff game marked a significant turning point in their rivalry. It not only secured their place in the Super Bowl but also helped Young get out of the shadow of Joe Montana while extending the 49ers dynasty.

1. Can you feel Candlestick?

NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New Orleans Saints, January 14, 2012

Why does this belong here? This game will not only be remembered in 49ers' lore but it is also considered one of the most epic postseason games in NFL history, having four lead changes in the final four minutes. It was also a big win for Alex Smith, who had been through way too much drama with the 49ers.

In a game that will not soon be forgotten, the 49ers clashed with the New Orleans Saints in a divisional-round matchup that left fans breathless. The contest, held at Candlestick Park, featured an explosive offensive display from both teams, culminating in a thrilling finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats.

The 49ers showcased their resilient and determined spirit in what was a back-and-forth battle throughout the game. QSmith, often criticized for his inconsistency, rose to the occasion and delivered a performance for the ages. Smith completed 24 of 42 passes for 299 yards, tossing three touchdowns and securing a passer rating of 103.2.

The Saints also had a potent offense that could strike fear into any defense. The dynamic duo of quarterback Drew Brees and tight end Jimmy Graham spearheaded the Saints' aerial assault. Brees exhibited his precision passing skills, completing an astonishing 40 of 63 attempts for a staggering 462 yards, while Graham had ten receptions.

The game swung at several pivotal moments that added to the drama and intensity. With just over four minutes remaining, the Saints took a 24-23 lead on a 44-yard touchdown pass from Brees to running back Darren Sproles. The 49ers recaptured the lead when Smith scored on a 28-yard touchdown run around the left end of the line. Candlestick Park was going nuts.

However, Brees answered by hitting Graham for a 66-yard touchdown to take the air out of Candlestick. The 49ers' defense had been so good in this game but had given up two huge touchdowns in quick fashion.

But then one of the greatest drives in 49ers' history unfolded. Smith hit tight end Vernon Davis, who finished the game with seven catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns, for 47 yards to get the team within striking distance. Then on 3rd and 4, from the 14-yard line, with 14 seconds remaining, Smith hit Davis on a post pattern right at the goal line. Davis fell into the endzone, and Candlestick Park erupted again. This time, the lead would hold.

Ted Robinson and Eric Davis called it on KNBR Radio:

Robinson: "Smith in the gun with Gore on his left hip. Third down, Alex takes the snap. Alex looking … "
Davis: "Got it!"
Robinson: "To the post. And it's … "
Davis: "GOT IT!!"
Robinson: "Caught! TOUCHDOWN! Touchdown, 49ERS!"
Davis: "WHOO! HOO! HOO!"
Robinson: "Vernon Davis with the play of his life! Alex Smith with the play of his life! And the 49ers are nine seconds away from playing for the NFC Championship! Can you feel Candlestick?"

Those are my top-5 greatest 49ers moments. What are yours?