1988 San Francisco 49ers season

The 1988 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 39th in the National Football League (NFL), their 43rd overall, and their tenth and final season under head coach Bill Walsh. The season was highlighted by their third Super Bowl victory. They failed to improve on their 13–2 record from 1987, and the 49ers struggled to a 6–5 record at the midway point and were in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1982, 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 of the playoffs; the Vikings had upset the #1-seeded 49ers the previous season in the divisional round. The 49ers then traveled to Chicago's Soldier Field, where the wind-chill factor at game time was 26 degrees below zero. They defeated the Chicago Bears 28–3 in the NFC Championship game.

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

NFL Films produced a documentary about the team's season entitled State of the Art; it was narrated by Jeff Kaye. On March 8, 2007, NFL Network aired America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions, the 1988 San Francisco 49ers, with team commentary from Bill Walsh, Harris Barton and Roger Craig, and narrated by Ed Harris.

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

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
  • 65 Jeff Bregel G (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 31 Chet Brooks CB/S (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 15 John Paye QB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 90 Todd Shell LB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 72 Jeff Stover DE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 58 Keena Turner LB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 27 Carlton Williamson S (IRTooltip Injured reserve)


Rookies in italics
 47 active, 7 inactive

[2]

1988 Team Starters

Offense

Defense

Kicking Team

Preseason

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

Preseason Game summaries

Week P1 (Sunday, July 31, 1988): vs. Miami Dolphins
Preseason Week 1: Miami Dolphins vs. San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Dolphins (1–0) 7 6 7727
49ers (0–1) 0 14 7021

at Wembley Stadium • London, England

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MIA Passing
Rushing
Receiving
SF Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Dolphins Game Statistics 49ers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

Week P2 (Saturday, August 6, 1988): vs. Los Angeles Raiders
Preseason Week 2: Los Angeles Raiders at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders (0–1) 3 0 0710
49ers (1–1) 3 14 3020

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

  • Date: August 6, 1988
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game attendance: 64,457
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play-by-play) and John Madden (color commentator)
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
RAI Passing
Rushing
Receiving
SF Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Raiders Game Statistics 49ers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

Week P3 (Saturday, August 13, 1988): at Denver Broncos
Preseason Week 3: San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers (1–2) 0 21 3024
Broncos (2–0) 3 21 3734

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SF Passing
Rushing
Receiving
DEN Passing
Rushing
Receiving
49ers Game Statistics Broncos
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

Week P4 (Saturday, August 20, 1988): at San Diego Chargers
Preseason Week 4: San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers (2–2) 7 3 32134
Chargers (1–2) 10 10 7027

at Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, California

  • Date: August 20, 1988
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game attendance: 39,044
  • TV announcers (KPIX-TV): Wayne Walker (play-by-play) and Bill Ring (color commentator)
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SF Passing
Rushing
Receiving
SD Passing
Rushing
Receiving
49ers Game Statistics Chargers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

Week P5 (Friday, August 26, 1988): vs. Seattle Seahawks
Preseason Week 5: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Seahawks (3–1) 0 7 14021
49ers (3–2) 0 0 20727

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SEA Passing
Rushing
Receiving
SF Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Seahawks Game Statistics 49ers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

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 49ers, Rams, and Saints all finished 10–6 with the 49ers 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 Time TV Result Record Game Site Attendance Recap
1 September 4 at New Orleans Saints 10:00 a.m. PDT CBS W 34–33 1–0 Louisiana Superdome
66,357
 Recap
2 September 11 at New York Giants 10:00 a.m. PDT CBS W 20–17 2–0 Giants Stadium
75,943
 Recap
3 September 18 Atlanta Falcons 1:00 p.m. PDT CBS L 17–34 2–1 Candlestick Park
60,168
 Recap
4 September 25 at Seattle Seahawks 1:00 p.m. PDT CBS W 38–7 3–1 Kingdome
62,382
 Recap
5 October 2 Detroit Lions 1:00 p.m. PDT CBS W 20–13 4–1 Candlestick Park
58,285
 Recap
6 October 9 Denver Broncos 1:00 p.m. PDT NBC L 13–16 (OT) 4–2 Candlestick Park
61,711
 Recap
7 October 16 at Los Angeles Rams 1:00 p.m. PDT CBS W 24–21 5–2 Anaheim Stadium
65,450
 Recap
8 October 24 at Chicago Bears 6:00 p.m. PDT ABC L 9–10 5–3 Soldier Field
65,293
 Recap
9 October 30 Minnesota Vikings 1:00 p.m. PST CBS W 24–21 6–3 Candlestick Park
60,738
 Recap
10 November 6 at Phoenix Cardinals 1:00 p.m. PST CBS L 23–24 6–4 Sun Devil Stadium
64,544
 Recap
11 November 13 Los Angeles Raiders 1:00 p.m. PST NBC L 3–9 6–5 Candlestick Park
54,448
 Recap
12 November 21 Washington Redskins 6:00 p.m. PST ABC W 37–21 7–5 Candlestick Park
59,268
 Recap
13 November 27 at San Diego Chargers 1:00 p.m. PST CBS W 48–10 8–5 Jack Murphy Stadium
51,484
 Recap
14 December 4 at Atlanta Falcons 10:00 a.m. PST CBS W 13–3 9–5 Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
44,048
 Recap
15 December 11 New Orleans Saints 1:00 p.m. PST CBS W 30–17 10–5 Candlestick Park
62,977
 Recap
16 December 18 Los Angeles Rams 5:00 p.m. PST ESPN L 16–38 10–6 Candlestick Park
62,444
 Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Regular Season Game summaries

Week 1 (Sunday, September 4, 1988): at New Orleans Saints

[3]

Week 1: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers (1–0) 7 3 21334
Saints (0–1) 7 10 01633

at Louisiana Superdome • New Orleans, Louisiana

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SF PassingJoe Montana13/23, 161 YDS, 3 TDs, 1 INT
RushingRoger Craig18 CAR, 67 YDS, 1 TD
ReceivingRoger Craig5 REC, 43 YDS
NO PassingBobby Hebert22/31, 245 YDS, 4 TDs, 2 INTs
RushingDalton Hilliard19 CAR, 95 YDS
ReceivingLonzell Hill7 REC, 74 YDS, 1 TD
49ers Game Statistics Saints
21 First downs 23
32–124 Rushes–yards 31–147
165 Passing yards 245
14–26–1 Passes 22–31–2
0–0 Sacked–yards 5–48
165 Net passing yards 197
289 Total yards 344
128 Return yards 310
1–24.0 Punts 3–40.0
1–1 Fumbles–lost 2–1
2–12 Penalties–yards 10–77
23:50 Time of possession 36:10

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 13/23, 161 YDS, 3 TDs, 1 INT; Young – 1/3, 4 YDS
  • Rushing: Craig – 18 CAR, 67 YDS, 1 TD; Rice – 2 CAR, 29 YDS; Montana – 3 CAR, 20 YDS; Rathman – 8 CAR, 10 YDS; Young – 1 CAR, -2 YDS
  • Receiving: Frank – 5 REC, 59 YDS, 2 TDs; Craig – 5 REC, 43 YDS; Rice – 2 REC, 41 YDS; Wilson – 1 REC, 17 YDS, 1 TD; Rathman – 1 REC, 5 YDS
  • Kickoff Return: DuBose – 4 KR, 105 YDS
  • Punt Return: Griffin – 2 PR, 18 YDS
  • Punting: Runager – 1 PUNT, 24 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 4/4 PAT, 2/2 FG
  • Sacks: Carter – 2.0; Fagan – 1.0; Haley – 1.0; Roberts – 1.0
  • Interceptions: Lott – 1 INT, 11 YDS; Carter – 1 INT, 0 YDS

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. Head 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 (Sunday, September 11, 1988): at New York Giants

[6]

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

at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SF PassingJoe Montana10/18, 148 YDS, 1 TD
RushingRoger Craig18 CAR, 110 YDS
ReceivingRoger Craig9 REC, 69 YDS
NYG PassingPhil Simms21/37, 227 YDS, 2 TDs
RushingJoe Morris22 CAR, 67 YDS
ReceivingLionel Manuel6 REC, 80 YDS, 2 TDs
  • Point spread: 49ers +2
  • Over/Under: 44.0 (under)
  • Time of Game: 3 hours, 13 minutes
49ers Game Statistics Giants
25 First downs 17
33–181 Rushes–yards 29–112
263 Passing yards 227
21–37–0 Passes 21–37–0
3–14 Sacked–yards 3–30
249 Net passing yards 197
430 Total yards 309
63 Return yards 133
4–39.0 Punts 5–39.2
4–2 Fumbles–lost 2–0
9–97 Penalties–yards 4–30
30:46 Time of possession 29:14

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 10/18, 148 YDS, 1 TD; Young – 11/18, 115 YDS; Rice – 0/1, 0 YDS
  • Rushing: Craig – 18 CAR, 110 YDS; Young – 5 CAR, 48 YDS; – Rathman – 6 CAR, 21 YDS; DuBose – 3 CAR, 2 YDS, 1 TD; Montana – 1 CAR, 0 YDS
  • Receiving: Craig – 9 REC, 69 YDS; Rice – 4 REC, 109 YDS, 1 TD; Rathman – 3 REC, 27 YDS; Wilson – 2 REC, 25 YDS; Heller – 2 REC, 24 YDS; Chandler – 1 REC, 9 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: DuBose – 3 KR, 49 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Chandler – 2 PR, 14 YDS
  • Punting: Helton – 4 PUNTS, 156 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 2/2 PAT, 2/4 FG
  • Sacks: Fagan – 1.0; Haley – 1.0; Roberts – 1.0
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Cofer 62, 35

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 (Sunday, September 18, 1988): vs. Atlanta Falcons

[8]

Week 3: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons (1–2) 0 21 31034
49ers (2–1) 3 0 7717

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

  • Date: September 18, 1988
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C); (Sunny) wind 12
  • Game attendance: 60,168
  • Referee: Fred Silva
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tim Brant (play–by–play) and John Dockery (color commentator)
  • [9][5]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ATL PassingChris Miller12/24, 175 YDS, 2 INTs
RushingGerald Riggs19 CAR, 115 YDS, 1 TD
ReceivingGerald Riggs4 REC, 64 YDS
SF PassingJoe Montana32/48, 343 YDS, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
RushingRoger Craig13 CAR, 57 YDS
ReceivingRoger Craig10 REC, 61 YDS
  • Point spread: 49ers –14
  • Over/Under: 44.0 (over)
  • Time of Game: 3 hours, 5 minutes
Falcons Game Statistics 49ers
19 First downs 22
41–196 Rushes–yards 19–104
175 Passing yards 343
12–24–2 Passes 32–49–4
1–4 Sacked–yards 3–21
171 Net passing yards 322
367 Total yards 426
101 Return yards 60
4–40.0 Punts 4–41.5
0–0 Fumbles–lost 0–0
5–35 Penalties–yards 4–50
30:44 Time of possession 29:16

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 32/48, 343 YDS, 2 TDs, 3 INTs; Rice – 0/1, 0 YDS, 1 INT
  • Rushing: Craig – 13 CAR, 57 YDS; Rathman – 2 CAR, 23 YDS; Rice – 2 CAR; 20 YDS; Montana – 2 CAR; 4 YDS
  • Receiving: Craig – 10 REC, 61 YDS; Rice – 8 REC, 183 YDS; Rathman – 5 REC, 29 YDS; Chandler – 3 REC, 24 YDS; Wilson – 2 REC, 18 YDS, 1 TD; Heller – 2 REC, 17 YDS; McIntyre – 1 REC, 17 YDS, 1 TD; Nicholas – 1 REC, 14 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: DuBose – 3 KR, 56 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Chandler – 2 PR, 4 YDS
  • Punting: Helton – 4 PUNTS, 166 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 2/2 PAT, 1/1 FG
  • Sacks: Stubbs – 1.0
  • Interceptions: Fuller – 1 INT, 0 YDS; Holmoe – 1 INT, 0 YDS

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 (Sunday, September 25, 1988): at Seattle Seahawks

[10]

Week 4: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers (3–1) 7 10 14738
Seahawks (2–2) 0 0 707

at The Kingdome • Seattle, Washington

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SF PassingJoe Montana20/29, 302 YDS, 4 TDs, 1 INT
RushingRoger Craig21 CAR, 107 YDS
ReceivingJerry Rice6 REC, 163 YDS, 3 TDs
SEA PassingKelly Stouffer11/15, 133 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingCurt Warner9 CAR, 29 YDS
ReceivingRay Butler2 REC, 52 YDS, 1 TD
49ers Game Statistics Seahawks
27 First downs 8
48–239 Rushes–yards 12–29
351 Passing yards 139
24–35–1 Passes 12–27–4
2–10 Sacked–yards 3–14
341 Net passing yards 125
580 Total yards 154
56 Return yards 180
3–37.3 Punts 7–43.9
1–0 Fumbles–lost 2–1
6–70 Penalties–yards 3–17
42:50 Time of possession 17:10

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 20/29, 302 YDS, 4 TDs, 1 INT; Young – 4/6, 49 YDS, 1 TD
  • Rushing: Craig – 21 CAR, 107 YDS; Rathman – 15 CAR, 79 YDS; DuBose – 8 CAR, 38 YDS; Sydney – 3 CAR, 16 YDS; Young – 1 CAR, –1 YD
  • Receiving: Rice – 6 REC, 163 YDS, 3 TDs; Craig – 6 REC, 38 YDS; Wilson – 4 REC, 62 YDS; Rathman – 3 REC, 37 YDS; DuBose – 3 REC, 29 YDS; Frank – 1 REC, 13 YDS, 1 TD; Sydney – 1 REC, 9 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: DuBose – 2 KR, 28 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Chandler – 2 PR, 10 YDS; Griffin – 1 PR, 10 YDS
  • Punting: Helton – 3 PUNTS, 112 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 5/5 PAT, 1/4 FG
  • Sacks: Haley – 2.0; Carter – 1.0
  • Interceptions: Fuller – 1 INT, 10 YDS; Holmoe – 1 INT, 0 YDS; McKyer – 1 INT; 0 YDS; Wright – 1 INT, –2 YDS
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Cofer 31, 52, 55

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 (Sunday, October 2, 1988): vs. Detroit Lions

[12]

Week 5: Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Lions (1–4) 0 3 3713
49ers (4–1) 0 10 7320

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
DET PassingChuck Long11/19, 139 YDS, 1 TD
RushingGarry James12 CAR, 30 YDS
ReceivingPete Mandley7 REC, 116 YDS, 1 TD
SF PassingJoe Montana19/30, 182 YDS
RushingRoger Craig18 CAR, 90 YDS
ReceivingMike Wilson6 REC, 59 YDS
Lions Game Statistics 49ers
18 First downs 19
21–49 Rushes–yards 35–176
275 Passing yards 182
21–37–0 Passes 19–30–0
4–27 Sacked–yards 2–19
248 Net passing yards 163
297 Total yards 339
86 Return yards 171
6–39.2 Punts 6–36.8
3–2 Fumbles–lost 2–1
2–15 Penalties–yards 4–25
31:19 Time of possession 28:41

Individual stats

Week 6 (Sunday, October 9, 1988): vs. Denver Broncos

[14]

Week 6: Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Broncos (3–3) 0 3 37316
49ers (4–2) 3 7 30013

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

  • Date: October 9, 1988
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C); (Sunny) wind 15
  • Game attendance: 61,711
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play–by–play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
  • [15][5]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
DEN PassingJohn Elway21/39, 210 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTs
RushingSammy Winder17 CAR, 100 YDS
ReceivingVance Johnson8 REC, 85 YDS, 1 TD
SF PassingJoe Montana12/24, 191 YDS, 1 INT
RushingRoger Craig26 CAR, 143 YDS
ReceivingTom Rathman5 REC, 27 YDS
Broncos Game Statistics 49ers
24 First downs 21
31–147 Rushes–yards 48–246
210 Passing yards 191
21–39–2 Passes 12–28–3
5–43 Sacked–yards 3–20
167 Net passing yards 171
357 Total yards 417
91 Return yards 102
6–45.2 Punts 4–43.3
2–1 Fumbles–lost 2–1
5–40 Penalties–yards 14–93
32:44 Time of possession 35:27

Individual stats

Joe Montana ran in a six-yard touchdown and threw for 191 yards and an interception; he was sacked three times and 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 (Young's second pick of the game), setting up Rich Karlis' winning field goal (16–13 final for the Broncos).

Week 7 (Sunday, October 16, 1988): at Los Angeles Rams

[16]

Week 7: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers (5–2) 7 10 0724
Rams (5–2) 7 0 14021

at Anaheim Stadium • Anaheim, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SF PassingJoe Montana21/31, 203 YDS, 1 INT
RushingRoger Craig22 CAR, 190 YDS, 3 TDs
ReceivingRoger Craig5 REC, 12 YDS
LARams PassingJim Everett20/33, 199 YDS, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
RushingGreg Bell13 CAR, 28 YDS
ReceivingHenry Ellard7 REC, 83 YDS, 1 TD
49ers Game Statistics Rams
24 First downs 14
40–245 Rushes–yards 17–42
203 Passing yards 199
21–33–1 Passes 20–33–2
2–19 Sacked–yards 1–5
184 Net passing yards 194
429 Total yards 236
61 Return yards 154
7–34.3 Punts 7–43.9
4–1 Fumbles–lost 4–2
7–73 Penalties–yards 5–35
36:11 Time of possession 23:49

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 21/31, 203 YDS, 1 INT; Young – 0/2, 0 YDS
  • Rushing: Craig – 22 CAR, 190 YDS, 3 TDs; Rathman – 9 CAR, 19 YDS; DuBose – 5 CAR, 16 YDS; Sydney – 1 CAR, 13 YDS; Montana – 2 CAR, 7 YDS; Young – 1 CAR, 0 YDS
  • Receiving: Craig – 5 REC, 12 YDS; Rice – 4 REC, 65 YDS; Rathman – 4 REC, 44 YDS; DuBose – 2 REC, 22 YDS; Jones – 2 REC, 4 YDS; Greer – 1 REC, 31 YDS; Taylor – 1 REC, 14 YDS; Wilson – 1 REC, 11 YDS; Heller – 1 REC, 0 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: Taylor – 2 KR, 31 YDS; DuBose – 1 KR, 0 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Taylor – 6 PR, 26 YDS
  • Punting: Helton – 7 PUNTS, 240 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 3/3 PAT, 1/2 FG
  • Sacks: Stubbs – 1.0
  • Interceptions: Lott – 2 INTs, 4 YDS
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Cofer 47

Roger Craig had one of his greatest games in a 190-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 8: (Monday, October 24, 1988): at Chicago Bears

[18]

Week 8: San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers (5–3) 7 0 209
Bears (7–1) 0 10 0010

at Soldier Field • Chicago, Illinois

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SF PassingJoe Montana13/29, 168 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingRoger Craig10 CAR, 31 YDS
ReceivingRoger Craig6 REC, 39 YDS
CHI PassingJim McMahon10/22, 132 YDS, 1 INT
RushingNeal Anderson16 CAR, 62 YDS
ReceivingNeal Anderson3 REC, 40 YDS
49ers Game Statistics Bears
12 First downs 14
21–78 Rushes–yards 41–122
169 Passing yards 132
14–30–1 Passes 10–22–1
4–34 Sacked–yards 3–17
135 Net passing yards 115
213 Total yards 237
103 Return yards 58
8–37.2 Punts 7–33.4
1–0 Fumbles–lost 1–0
10–57 Penalties–yards 2–14
23:29 Time of possession 36:21

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 13/29, 168 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT; Young – 1/1, 1 YD
  • Rushing: Craig – 10 CAR, 31 YDS; Rathman – 6 CAR, 21 YDS; Montana – 1 CAR, 15 YDS; Rice – 2 CAR, 8 YDS; Young – 2 CAR, 3 YDS
  • Receiving: Craig – 6 REC, 39 YDS; Rice – 4 REC, 86 YDS, 1 TD; Heller – 3 REC, 31 YDS; Rathman – 1 REC, 13 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: Taylor – 3 KR, 36 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Taylor – 4 PR, 57 YDS
  • Punting: Helton – 8 PUNTS, 293 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 1/1 PAT, 0/1 FG
  • Sacks: Haley – 3.0
  • Interceptions: McKyer – 1 INT, 0 YDS
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Cofer 51

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 9 (Sunday, October 30, 1988): vs. Minnesota Vikings

[21]

Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings (5–4) 0 7 7721
49ers (6–3) 0 3 14724

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MIN PassingWade Wilson18/30, 243 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTs
RushingRick Fenney6 CAR, 35 YDS, 1 TD
ReceivingHassan Jones6 REC, 81 YDS
SF PassingSteve Young14/25, 232 YDS, 1 TD
RushingSteve Young7 CAR, 72 YDS, 1 TD
ReceivingRoger Craig3 REC, 37 YDS
Vikings Game Statistics 49ers
15 First downs 16
31–92 Rushes–yards 28–130
243 Passing yards 232
18–30–2 Passes 14–25–0
2–14 Sacked–yards 4–23
229 Net passing yards 209
321 Total yards 339
160 Return yards 148
6–42.2 Punts 7–43.6
1–1 Fumbles–lost 3–2
8–53 Penalties–yards 5–51
30:49 Time of possession 29:11

Individual stats

  • Passing: Young – 14/25, 232 YDS, 1 TD
  • Rushing: Young – 7 CAR, 72 YDS, 1 TD; Roger Craig – 19 CAR, 56 YDS; Rathman – 2 CAR, 2 YDS
  • Receiving: Craig – 3 REC, 37 YDS; Wilson – 3 REC, 31 YDS; Jones – 3 REC, 26 YDS; Taylor – 2 REC, 88 YDS, 1 TD; Rice – 1 REC, 22 YDS; Greeg – 1 REC, 18 YDS; Rathman – 1 REC, 10 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: DuBose – 2 KR, 54 YDS; Taylor – 2 KR, 46 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Taylor – 4 PR, 44 YDS
  • Punts: Helton – 7 PUNTS, 305 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 3/3 PAT, 1/2 FG
  • Sacks: Fagan – 1.0; Haley – 0.5; Roberts – 0.5
  • Interceptions: McKyer – 2 INTs; 4 YDS
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Cofer 45

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.[23]

Week 10: (Sunday, November 6, 1988): at Phoenix Cardinals

[24]

Week 10: San Francisco 49ers at Phoenix Cardinals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers (6–4) 3 13 7023
Cardinals (6–4) 0 0 71724

at Sun Devil Stadium • Tempe, Arizona

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SF PassingSteve Young14/27, 145 YDS, 1 TD
RushingRoger Craig26 CAR, 162 YDS, 1 TD
ReceivingTom Rathman4 REC, 45 YDS
PHO PassingNeil Lomax25/41, 323 YDS, 3 TDs
RushingEarl Ferrell12 CAR, 54 YDS
ReceivingRoy Green6 REC, 93 YDS, 2 TDs
49ers Game Statistics Cardinals
22 First downs 21
38–240 Rushes–yards 19–67
145 Passing yards 323
14–27–0 Passes 25–41–0
4–28 Sacked–yards 7–35
117 Net passing yards 288
357 Total yards 355
94 Return yards 172
7–46.6 Punts 5–45.2
0–0 Fumbles–lost 3–3
14–106 Penalties–yards 3–30
34:31 Time of possession 25:29

Individual stats

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 11 (Sunday, November 13, 1988): vs. Los Angeles Raiders

[26]

Week 11: Los Angeles Raiders at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders (6–5) 0 0 639
49ers (6–5) 0 3 003

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

  • Date: November 13, 1988
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C); (Light Rain) wind 20
  • Game attendance: 54,448
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play–by–play) and Joe Namath (color commentator)
  • [27][5]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
RAI PassingSteve Beuerlein8/22, 112 YDS
RushingBo Jackson18 CAR, 85 YDS
ReceivingTim Brown4 REC, 58 YDS
SF PassingJoe Montana16/31, 160 YDS
RushingRoger Craig17 CAR, 58 YDS
ReceivingJerry Rice5 REC, 61 YDS
Raiders Game Statistics 49ers
17 First downs 15
45–159 Rushes–yards 26–83
112 Passing yards 112
8–22–0 Passes 16–31–0
2–20 Sacked–yards 4–24
92 Net passing yards 88
251 Total yards 219
31 Return yards 72
6–39.0 Punts 8–38.2
1–1 Fumbles–lost 3–2
6–48 Penalties–yards 8–85
35:33 Time of possession 24:27

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 16/31, 160 YDS
  • Rushing: Craig – 17 CAR, 58 YDS; Rathman – 3 CAR, 15 YDS; Montana – 4 CAR, 12 YDS; Rice – 2 CAR, –2 YDS
  • Receiving: Rice – 5 REC, 61 YDS; Craig – 5 REC, 29 YDS; Wilson – 4 REC, 44 TDS; Heller – 1 REC, 15 YDS; Rathman – 1 REC, 11 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: DuBose – 3 KR, 44 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Taylor – 3 PR, 28 YDS
  • Punting: Helton – 8 PUNTS, 306 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 1/1 FG
  • Sacks: Ellison – 1.0; Holt – 1.0

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 12 (Monday, November 21, 1988): vs. Washington Redskins

[28]

Week 12: Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins (6–6) 7 0 7721
49ers (7–5) 7 16 01437

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
WSH PassingDoug Williams27/41, 271 YDS, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
RushingMike Oliphant4 CAR, 29 YDS
ReceivingArt Monk9 REC, 89 YDS, 1 TD
SF PassingJoe Montana15/23, 218 YDS, 2 IDs, 1 INT
RushingRoger Craig24 CAR, 75 YDS
ReceivingRoger Craig5 REC, 37 YDS
Redskins Game Statistics 49ers
20 First downs 18
25–56 Rushes–yards 30–112
271 Passing yards 218
27–42–2 Passes 15–25–2
0–0 Sacked–yards 2–10
271 Net passing yards 208
327 Total yards 320
150 Return yards 177
4–39.2 Punts 5–36.6
4–2 Fumbles–lost 0–0
5–51 Penalties–yards 10–65
33:28 Time of possession 26:32

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 15/23, 218 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT; Young – 0/2, 0 YDS, 1 INT
  • Rushing: Craig – 24 CAR, 75 YDS; Montana – 2 CAR, 20 YDS, 1 TD; Young – 1 CAR, 12 YDS; Rathman – 2 CAR, 5 YDS, 1 TD; DuBose – 1 CAR, 0 YDS
  • Receiving: Craig – 5 REC, 37 YDS; Rice – 3 REC, 105 YDS, 1 TD; Wilson – 2 REC, 18 YDS; Rathman – 2 REC, 12 YDS; Taylor – 1 REC, 22 YDS; Jones – 1 REC, 18 YDS, TD; DuBose – 1 REC, 6 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: Taylor – 2 KR, 44 YDS; DuBose – 1 KR, 13 YDS; Wilson – 1 KR, 2 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Taylor – 4 PR, 113 YDS
  • Punting: Helton – 5 PUNTS, 183 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 4/5 PAT, 1/1 FG
  • Interceptions: Fuller – 1 INT, 5 YDS; Lott – 1 INT, 0 YDS

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 13 (Sunday, November 27, 1988): at San Diego Chargers

[30]

Week 13: San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers (8–5) 7 17 141048
Chargers (4–9) 0 7 3010

at Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SF PassingJoe Montana14/22, 271 YDS, 3 TDs
RushingRoger Craig17 CAR, 87 YDS, 2 TDs
ReceivingJerry Rice6 REC, 171 YDS, 2 TDs
SD PassingMark Malone17/32, 136 YDS, 2 INTs
RushingGary Anderson14 CAR, 61 YDS
ReceivingRod Bernstine9 REC, 80 YDS
49ers Game Statistics Chargers
24 First downs 21
36–203 Rushes–yards 23–136
285 Passing yards 179
16–25–0 Passes 23–45–2
2–13 Sacked–yards 1–3
272 Net passing yards 176
475 Total yards 312
126 Return yards 172
3–42.3 Punts 4–42.8
1–0 Fumbles–lost 1–1
8–79 Penalties–yards 9–93
28:20 Time of possession 31:40

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 14/22, 271 YDS, 3 TDs; Young – 2/3, 14 YDS
  • Rushing: Craig – 17 CAR, 87 YDS, 2 TDs; DuBose – 7 CAR, 60 YDS, 1 TD; Rathman – 5 CAR, 20 YDS; Montana – 2 CAR, 14 YDS; Sydney – 3 CAR, 13 YDS; Young – 2 CAR, 9 YDS
  • Receiving: Rice – 6 REC, 171 YDS, 2 TDs; Rathman – 3 REC, 35 YDS; Greer – 2 REC, 19 YDS; Craig – 2 REC, 8 YDS, 1 TD; Frank – 1 REC, 38 YDS; Sydney – 1 REC, 9 YDS; Taylor – 1 REC, 5 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: DuBose – 2 KR, 36 YDS; Taylor – 1 KR, 17 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Taylor – 3 PR, 22 YDS
  • Punting: Helton – 3 PUNTS, 127 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 6/6 PAT, 2/2 FG
  • Sacks: Stubbs – 1.0
  • Interceptions: Lott – 1 INT, 44 YDS; McKyer – 1 INT, 7 YDS

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 14 (Sunday, December 4, 1988): at Atlanta Falcons

[32]

Week 14: San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers (9–5) 0 7 0613
Falcons (5–9) 0 0 033

at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium • Atlanta, Georgia

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SF PassingJoe Montana20/34, 230 YDS, 1 TD
RushingRoger Craig23 CAR, 103 YDS
ReceivingRoger Craig7 REC, 73 YDS
ATL PassingChris Miller13/27, 156 YDS, 1 INT
RushingGerald Riggs12 CAR, 17 YDS
ReceivingJohn Settle6 REC, 40 YDS
  • Point spread: 49ers –7
  • Over/Under: 41.0 (under)
  • Time of Game: 2 hours, 52 minutes
49ers Game Statistics Falcons
20 First downs 8
37–140 Rushes–yards 21–43
244 Passing yards 156
21–35–0 Passes 13–27–1
1–6 Sacked–yards 3–22
238 Net passing yards 134
378 Total yards 177
73 Return yards 41
3–44.7 Punts 6–44.8
2–0 Fumbles–lost 1–0
7–65 Penalties–yards 2–21
36:49 Time of possession 23:11

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 20/34, 230 YDS, 1 TD; Rice – 1/1, 14 YDS
  • Rushing: Craig – 23 CAR, 103 YDS; Rathman – 7 CAR, 20 YDS; Rice – 1 CAR, 9 YDS; Montana – 5 CAR, 8 YDS; Sydney – 1 CAR, 0 YDS
  • Receiving: Craig – 7 REC, 73 YDS; Rice – 5 REC, 63 YDS, 1 TD; Wilson – 3 REC, 49 YDS; Frank – 3 REC, 33 YDS; Greer – 1 REC, 16 YDS; Taylor – 1 REC, 10 YDS; Flagler – 1 REC, 0 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: DuBose – 1 KR, 30 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Taylor – 5 PR, 40 YDS
  • Punts: Helton – 3 PUNTS, 134 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 1/1 PAT, 2/4 FG
  • Sacks: Haley – 1.0; Holt – 1.0; Stubbs – 1.0
  • Interceptions: Fuller – 1 INT, 3 YDS
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Cofer 23, 40

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

Week 15 (Sunday, December 11, 1988): vs. New Orleans Saints

[34]

Week 15: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Saints (9–6) 3 7 7017
49ers (10–5) 0 21 3630

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
NO PassingBobby Hebert19/30, 170 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingDalton Hilliard9 CAR, 35 YDS
ReceivingEric Martin7 REC, 61 YDS
SF PassingJoe Montana18/29, 233 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingRoger Craig22 CAR, 115 YDS, 1 TD
ReceivingJerry Rice6 REC, 78 YDS
Saints Game Statistics 49ers
15 First downs 20
24–70 Rushes–yards 35–152
197 Passing yards 233
20–35–1 Passes 18–29–1
2–15 Sacked–yards 2–12
182 Net passing yards 221
252 Total yards 373
127 Return yards 79
5–38.2 Punts 3–36.7
2–1 Fumbles–lost 1–1
2–11 Penalties–yards 1–0
26:35 Time of possession 33:25

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 18/29, 233 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
  • Rushing: Craig – 22 CAR, 115 YDS, 1 TD; Rathman – 7 CAR, 19 YDS; Montana – 6 CAR, 18 YDS, 1 TD
  • Receiving: Rice – 6 REC, 78 YDS; Frank – 5 REC, 45 YDS; Taylor – 2 REC, 77 YDS, 1 TD; Rathman – 2 REC, 20 YDS; Craig – 2 REC, 7 YDS; Jones – 1 REC, 6 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: DuBose – 3 KR, 66 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Taylor – 2 PR, 13 YDS
  • Punting: Helton – 3 PUNTS, 110 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 3/3 PAT, 3/3 FG
  • Sacks: Carter – 1.0; Holt – 1.0
  • Interceptions: Wright – 1 INT, 0 YDS

The Niners hosted the Saints with both teams at 9–5 but going in opposite directions following two straight Saints losses. 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 to 1987.

Week 16: (Sunday, December 18, 1988) vs. Los Angeles Rams

[36]

Week 16: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Rams (10–6) 0 21 10738
49ers (10–6) 3 10 0316

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LARams PassingJim Everett19/38, 201 YDS, 4 TDs, 1 INT
RushingGreg Bell21 CAR, 88 YDS, 1 TD
ReceivingHenry Ellard6 REC, 74 TDS, 1 TD
SF PassingJoe Montana15/26, 171 YDS
RushingRoger Craig16 CAR, 51 YDS
ReceivingJohn Taylor5 REC, 54 YDS
Rams Game Statistics 49ers
23 First downs 20
30–121 Rushes–yards 21–70
201 Passing yards 291
19–38–1 Passes 22–37–0
0–0 Sacked–yards 9–45
201 Net passing yards 246
322 Total yards 316
84 Return yards 159
5–38.2 Punts 6–35.3
1–0 Fumbles–lost 2–1
5–33 Penalties–yards 7–58
31:28 Time of possession 28:32

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 15/26, 171 YDS; Young – 7/11, 120 YDS
  • Rushing: Craig – 16 CAR, 51 YDS; Rathman – 2 CAR, 11 YDS, 1 TD; Young – 1 CAR, 9 YDS; Helton – 1 CAR, 0 YDS; Flagler – 1 CAR, –1 YD
  • Receiving: Taylor – 5 REC, 54 YDS; Flagler – 3 REC, 72 YDS; Craig – 3 REC, 32 YDS; Rathman – 3 REC, 29 YDS; Wilson – 2 REC, 34 YDS; Rice – 2 REC, 29 YDS; Greer – 2 REC, 24 YDS; Heller – 1 REC, 10 YDS; Frank – 1 REC, 7 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: Rodgers – 6 KR, 98 YDS; Sydney – 1 KR, 8 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Taylor – 3 PR, 53 YDS
  • Punting: Helton – 6 PUNTS, 212 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 1/1 PAT, 3/3 FG
  • Interceptions: McKyer – 1 INT, 0 YDS

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 on the conference record tiebreaker.

Game officials

Preseason
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
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

Regular Season Stats

Passing

Passing
Player Pos G GS QBrec Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD TD% Int Int% Lng Y/A AY/A Y/C Y/G Rate Sk Yds NY/A ANY/A Sk% 4QC GWD
MontanaQB14138–5–023839759.92981184.5102.5967.57.312.5212.987.9342237.96.406.1922
YoungQB1132–1–05410153.568033.033.0736.76.012.661.872.2137511.45.314.6511
RiceWR16161333.31400.0133.3144.7–10.314.00.99.7000.04.67–10.33
SydneyRB160010.0000.000.000.00.00.039.6000.00.000.00
Team Total 16 10–6–0 293 502 58.4 3675 21 4.2 14 2.8 96 7.3 6.9 12.5 229.7 83.5 47 298 8.6 6.15 5.77 3 3
Opp Total 16 292 530 55.1 3284 25 4.7 22 4.2 67 6.2 5.27 11.2 205.3 72.2 42 297 7.3 5.2 4.4

Rushing

Rushing
Player Pos G GS Att Yds TD Lng Y/A Y/G A/G
CraigRB161531015029464.893.919.4
RathmanFB16161024272264.226.76.4
YoungQB113271841496.816.72.5
MontanaQB1413381323153.59.42.7
DuBoseRB140241162374.88.31.7
RiceWR1616131071298.26.70.8
SydneyRB1609500135.63.10.6
FlaglerRB3035041.71.71.0
HeltonP15010000.00.00.1
Team Total 16 527 2523 18 49 4.8 157.7 32.9
Opp Total 16 441 1588 8 3.6 99.3 27.6

Receiving

Receiving
Player Pos G GS Rec Yds Y/R TD Lng R/G Y/G Ctch%
CraigRB1615765347.01224.833.40.0%
RiceWR161664130620.49964.081.60.0%
RathmanFB1616423829.10242.623.90.0%
WilsonWR16113340512.33312.12.530.0%
FrankTE761619512.23382.327.90.0%
TaylorWR1231432523.22731.227.10.0%
HellerTE1691414010.00220.98.80.0%
GreerWR100812015.00310.812.00.0%
JonesTE1108577.12180.75.20.0%
DuBoseRB1406579.50130.44.10.0%
FlaglerRB3047218.00571.324.00.0%
ChandlerWR444338.3091.08.30.0%
SydneyRB1602189.0090.11.10.0%
McIntyreRG161211717.01170.11.10.0%
NicholasWR7011414.00140.12.00.0%
Team Total 16 293 3675 12.5 21 96 18.3 229.3
Opp Total 16 292 2987 10.2 25 18.3 186.7

Kicking

Kicking
Games 0–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50+ Scoring
Player Pos G GS FGA FGM FGA FGM FGA FGM FGA FGM FGA FGM FGA FGM Lng FG% XPA XPM XP%
CoferK160111091191175138275271.1%414097.6%
Team Total 16 1 1 10 9 11 9 11 7 5 1 38 27 71.1% 41 40 97.6%
Opp Total 16 24 18 75.0% 34 34 100.0%

Punting

Punting
Player Pos G GS Pnt Yds Lng Blck Y/P
HeltonP15078306953139.3
RunagerP1012424024.0
Team Total 16 79 3093 53 1 39.2
Opp Total 16 86 3522 0 41.0

Kick Return

Kick Return
Player Pos G GS Rt Yds TD Lng Y/Rt
DuBoseRB1403260804419.0
TaylorWR1231222502918.8
RodgersRB1069802416.3
CraigRB161523201716.0
SydneyRB16018088.0
ThomasC16015055.0
WilsonWR161112022.0
Team Total 16 55 978 0 44 17.8
Opp Total 16 73 1362 0 18.7

Punt Return

Punt Return
Player Pos G GS Rt Yds TD Lng Y/R
TaylorWR1235555629512.6
ChandlerWR446280134.7
GriffinRCB1064280107.0
Team Total 16 54 612 2 95 11.3
Opp Total 16 47 426 0 9.1

Sacks

Sacks

Interceptions

Interceptions

Fumbles

Fumbles

Tackles

Tackles

Scoring Summary

Scoring Summary

Team

San Francisco 49ers Opponents
First downs326277
First downs rushing14190
First downs passing167160
First downs penalty1827
Third down efficiency94/22588/225
Fourth down efficiency5/106/16
Net yards rushing25231588
Rushing attempts527441
Yards per rush4.83.6
Passing – Completions/attempts293/502292/530
Times sacked-total yards47–29842–297
Interceptions thrown1422
Net yards passing33772987
Yards per pass6.25.2
Total net yards59004575
Punt returns-total yards54–61247–426
Kickoff returns-total yards55–97873–1362
Interceptions-total return yards22–8814–185
Punts-average yardage79–39.286–41.0
Fumbles-lost27–1230–14
Penalties-total yards115–98676–603
Time of possession30:3129:29
Turnovers2638

Quarter-by-quarter

Quarter-by-quarter
Team 1 2 3 4 OT T
49ers 54 140 95 80 0 369
Opponents 31 92 77 91 3 294

Playoffs
Week Date Opponent Time TV Result Record Game Site Attendance Recap
Divisional January 1, 1989 Minnesota Vikings (4) 1:00 p.m. PST CBS W 34–9 1–0 Candlestick Park
61,848
 Recap
NFC Championship January 8, 1989 at Chicago Bears (1) 1:00 p.m. PST CBS W 28–3 2–0 Soldier Field
66,946
 Recap
Super Bowl XXIII January 22, 1989 Cincinnati Bengals (A1) 2:00 p.m. PST NBC W 20–16 3–0 Joe Robbie Stadium
75,129
 Recap

1988 NFC Divisional Playoffs (Sunday, January 1, 1989): vs. (4) Minnesota Vikings

[38]

NFC Divisional Playoffs: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings (1–1) 3 0 609
49ers (1–0) 7 14 01334

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MIN PassingWade Wilson23/47, 255 YDS, 2 INTs
RushingRick Fenney6 CAR, 20 YDS
ReceivingHassan Jones7 REC, 71 YDS
SF PassingJoe Montana16/27, 178 YDS, 3 TDs, 1 INT
RushingRoger Craig21 CAR, 135 YDS, 2 TDs
ReceivingJerry Rice5 REC, 61 YDS, 3 TDs
Vikings Game Statistics 49ers
20 First downs 20
19–54 Rushes–yards 34–201
255 Passing yards 177
23–47–2 Passes 17–28–1
6–47 Sacked–yards 1–6
208 Net passing yards 171
262 Total yards 372
123 Return yards 76
7–39.3 Punts 5–36.2
1–1 Fumbles–lost 2–1
9–90 Penalties–yards 6–60
28:13 Time of possession 31:47

Individual stats

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.

1988 NFC Championship Game (Sunday, January 8, 1989): at (1) Chicago Bears

[40]

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

at Soldier Field • Chicago, Illinois

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SF PassingJoe Montana17/27, 288 YDS, 3 TDs
RushingRoger Craig18 CAR, 68 YDS
ReceivingJerry Rice5 REC, 133 YDS, 2 TDs
CHI PassingJim McMahon14/29, 121 YDS, 1 INT
RushingNeal Anderson14 CAR, 59 YDS
ReceivingNeal Anderson5 REC, 31 YDS
49ers Game Statistics Bears
21 First downs 15
37–138 Rushes–yards 25–91
288 Passing yards 176
17–27–0 Passes 20–41–1
2–20 Sacked–yards 0–0
268 Net passing yards 176
406 Total yards 267
60 Return yards 90
6–34.5 Punts 7–31.4
1–1 Fumbles–lost 2–1
0–0 Penalties–yards 3–35
31:03 Time of possession 28:57

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 17/27, 288 YDS, 3 TDs
  • Rushing: Craig – 18 CAR, 68 YDS; Rathman – 10 CAR, 36 YDS, 1 TD; Montana – 3 CAR, 12 YDS; Sydney – 2 CAR, 12 YDS; Flagler – 3 CAR, 7 YDS; Rice – 1 CAR, 3 YDS
  • Receiving: Rice – 5 REC, 133 YDS, 2 TDs; Rathman – 5 REC, 51 YDS; Taylor – 3 REC, 51 YDS; Craig – 2 REC, 33 YDS; Frank – 2 REC, 20 YDS, 1 TD
  • Kickoff Returns: Taylor – 1 KR, 22 YDS Sydney – 1 KR, 14 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Taylor – 4 PR, 24 YDS
  • Punting: Helton – 6 PUNTS, 207 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 4/4 PAT
  • Interceptions: Fuller – 1 INT, 0 YDS

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 (Sunday, January 22, 1989): vs. (A1) Cincinnati Bengals
Main article: Super Bowl XXIII

[42]

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

at Joe Robbie Stadium •, Miami Gardens, Florida

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
CIN PassingBoomer Esiason11/25, 144 YDS, 1 INT
RushingIckey Woods20 CAR, 79 YDS
ReceivingCris Collinsworth3 REC, 40 YDS
SF PassingJoe Montana23/36, 357 YDS, 2 TDs
RushingRoger Craig17 CAR, 71 YDS
ReceivingJerry Rice11 REC, 215 YDS, 1 TD
  • Point spread: 49ers –7
  • Over/Under:
  • Time of Game: 3 hours, 24 minutes
Bengals Game Statistics 49ers
13 First downs 23
28–106 Rushes–yards 28–111
144 Passing yards 357
11–25–1 Passes 23–36–0
5–21 Sacked–yards 3–14
123 Net passing yards 343
229 Total yards 454
137 Return yards 133
5–44.2 Punts 4–37.0
1–0 Fumbles–lost 4–1
7–65 Penalties–yards 4–32
32:43 Time of possession 27:17

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 23/36, 357 YDS, 2 TDs
  • Rushing: Craig – 17 CAR, 71 YDS, Rathman – 5 CAR, 23 YDS; Montana – 4 CAR, 13 YDS; Rice – 1 CAR, 5 YDS
  • Receiving: Rice – 11 REC, 215 YDS, 1 TD; Craig – 8 REC, 101 YDS; Frank – 2 REC, 15 YDS; Rathman – 1 REC, 16 YDS; Taylor – 1 REC, 10 YDS, 1 TD
  • Kickoff Returns: Rodgers – 3 KR, 53 YDS; Taylor – 1 KR, 13 YDS; Sydney – 1 KR, 11 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Taylor – 3 PR, 56 YDS
  • Punting: Helton – 4 PUNTS, 148 YDS
  • Kicking: Cofer – 2/2 PAT, 2/4 FG
  • Sacks: Haley – 2.0; Carter – 1.0; Fagan – 1.0; Stubbs – 1.0
  • Interceptions: Romanowsi – 1 INT, 0 YDS
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Cofer 19, 49

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.

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

Playoff Stats

Passing

Passing
Player Pos G GS QBrec Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD TD% Int Int% Lng Y/A AY/A Y/C Y/G Rate Sk Yds NY/A ANY/A Sk% 4QC GWD
MontanaQB333–0569062.282388.911.1610.17.312.5274.3117.07427.96.4011
YoungQB2011100.0–103.000.0-16.7–1.012.6–1.079.20011.45.31
Team Total 3 3–0 57 91 822 8 1 61 7 42 1 1
Opp Total 3 54 113 575 1 4 23 11 68

Rushing

Receiving

Kicking

Punting

Kick Return

Punt Return

Sacks

Interceptions

Fumbles

Tackles

Scoring Summary

Team

San Francisco 49ers Opponents
First downs6448
First downs rushing2219
First downs passing3927
First downs penalty32
Third down efficiency18/3912/44
Fourth down efficiency0/03/6
Net yards rushing451251
Rushing attempts9872
Yards per rush4.63.5
Passing – Completions/attempts57/9154/113
Times sacked-total yards7–4211–68
Interceptions thrown14
Net yards passing780501
Yards per pass9.05.0
Total net yards1231752
Punt returns-total yards9–1076–33
Kickoff returns-total yards10–15214–317
Interceptions-total return yards4–101–0
Punts-average yardage15–35.719–37.7
Fumbles-lost7–34–2
Penalties-total yards6–6019–190
Time of possession30:0229:58
Turnovers46

Quarter-by-quarter

Quarter-by-quarter
Team 1 2 3 4 T
49ers 17 21 10 34 82
Opponents 3 3 13 3 22

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

[44]

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. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  4. Pro Football Reference; San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – September 4, 1988
  5. San Francisco 49ers 2023 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 570.
  6. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  7. Pro Football Reference; San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants – September 11, 1988
  8. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  9. Pro Football Reference; Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – September 18, 1988
  10. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  11. Pro Football Reference; San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – September 25, 1988
  12. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  13. Pro Football Reference; Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers – October 2, 1988
  14. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  15. Pro Football Reference; Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers – October 9, 1988
  16. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  17. Pro Football Reference; San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – October 16, 1988
  18. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  19. Pro Football Reference; San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears – October 24, 1988
  20. San Francisco 49ers 2022 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 567.
  21. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  22. Pro Football Reference; Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – October 30, 1988
  23. 1988 Steve Young touchdown vs. Vikings on YouTube
  24. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  25. Pro Football Reference; San Francisco 49ers at Phoenix Cardinals – November 6, 1988
  26. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  27. Pro Football Reference; Los Angeles Raiders at San Francisco 49ers – November 13, 1988
  28. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  29. Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers – November 21, 1988
  30. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  31. Pro Football Reference; San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers – November 27, 1988
  32. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  33. Pro Football Reference; San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – December 4, 1988
  34. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  35. Pro Football Reference; New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – December 11, 1988
  36. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  37. Pro Football Reference; Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – December 18, 1988
  38. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  39. Pro Football Reference; 1988 NFC Divisional Playoffs – Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – January 1, 1989
  40. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  41. Pro Football Reference; 1988 NFC Championship Game – San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears – January 8, 1989
  42. The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-May-17.
  43. Pro Football Reference; Super Bowl XXIII – Cincinnati Bengals vs. San Francisco 49ers – January 22, 1989
  44. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 517.
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