1981 San Francisco 49ers season

1981 San Francisco 49ers season
Head coach	Bill Walsh
General manager	Bill Walsh
Home field	Candlestick Park
Results
Record	13–3
Division place	1st NFC West
Playoff finish	Won Divisional Playoffs (Giants) 38–24 Won NFC Championship (Cowboys) 28–27 Won Super Bowl XVI (Bengals) 26–21
Uniform

The 49ers playing against the Bengals in Super Bowl XVI.

The 1981 San Francisco 49ers season was their 32nd season in the National Football League. Under third-year head coach Bill Walsh, the team finished the regular season with a 13–3 record. The season would be one of the franchise's most successful seasons to that point and would be 'the birth of a dynasty', when the 49ers began their decade of dominance. The 49ers drew an average home attendance of 54,399 in the 1981 NFL season.

The 49ers won Super Bowl XVI by defeating the AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals. It was the first of five Super Bowl victories in franchise history, all within the next 13 seasons.

Quarterback Joe Montana began the 1981 season as San Francisco's starting quarterback. Montana produced two fourth-quarter comeback victories. Montana's 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 Dallas, and a berth in their first Super Bowl.

Offseason

NFL Draft

A turning point for the franchise was the drafting of safety Ronnie Lott from the University of Southern California. Lott would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College
1	8	Ronnie Lott	DB	USC
2	36^(Choice from Washington)	John Harty	DT	Iowa
2	Choice to Chicago
2	40^(Choice from Chicago)	Eric Wright	DB	Missouri
3	65	Carlton Williamson	DB	Pittsburgh
4	Choice to Dallas
5	121	Lynn Thomas	DB	Pittsburgh
5	122^(Choice from Chicago)	Arrington Jones	RB	Winston-Salem State
6	147	Pete Kugler	DT	Penn State
7	Choice to Philadelphia
8	203	Garry White	RB	Minnesota
9	Choice to Cincinnati
10	Choice to Baltimore
11	286	Ron DeBose	TE	UCLA
12	313	Major Ogilvie	RB	Alabama
12	322^(Choice from Pittsburgh)	Joe Adams	QB	Tennessee State

^[1]

Training Camp

The 1981 San Francisco 49ers season held training camp at Sierra College in Rocklin, California.

Personnel

Staff

1981 San Francisco 49ers staff
	Front office Owner and President – Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. General Manager – Bill Walsh Director of Football Operations – John McVay Director of College Scouting – Tony Razzano Head coaches Head Coach – Bill Walsh Offensive coaches Quarterbacks – Sam Wyche Running Backs – Billie Matthews Receivers – Milt Jackson Offensive Line – Bobb McKittrick Assistant Offensive Line – Cas Banaszek			Defensive coaches Defensive Coordinator – Chuck Studley Defensive Line – Bill McPherson Linebackers – Norb Hecker Defensive Backs – George Seifert Assistant Defensive Backs – Ray Rhodes Special teams coaches Special Teams – Milt Jackson Strength and conditioning Strength and Conditioning – Al Vermeil

Roster

1981 San Francisco 49ers roster
	Quarterbacks  7 Guy Benjamin 16 Joe Montana Running backs 49 Earl Cooper FB 38 Johnny Davis 31 Walt Easley FB 35 Lenvil Elliott 36 Paul Hofer 40 Arrington Jones 20 Amos Lawrence 32 Ricky Patton 30 Bill Ring Wide receivers 81 Matt Bouza 87 Dwight Clark 84 Mike Shumann 88 Freddie Solomon 85 Mike Wilson		Tight ends 82 Brian Peets 80 Eason Ramson 86 Charle Young Offensive linemen 61 Dan Audick T 68 John Ayers G 60 John Choma G/T 51 Randy Cross G 62 Walt Downing C/G 71 Keith Fahnhorst T 66 Allan Kennedy T 56 Fred Quillan C		Defensive linemen 76 Dwaine Board DE 74 Fred Dean DE 75 John Harty NT 77 Pete Kugler NT 65 Lawrence Pillers DE 78 Archie Reese NT 79 Jim Stuckey DE Linebackers 57 Dan Bunz ILB 59 Willie Harper OLB 52 Bobby Leopold OLB 50 Jim Looney ILB 53 Milt McColl OLB 54 Craig Puki ILB 64 Jack Reynolds ILB 50 Terry Tautolo ILB 58 Keena Turner OLB		Defensive backs 33 Ricky Churchman SS 24 Rick Gervais FS 22 Dwight Hicks FS 42 Ronnie Lott CB 29 Saladin Martin CB 28 Lynn Thomas CB 27 Carlton Williamson SS 21 Eric Wright CB Special teams 10 Matt Bahr K  3 Jim Miller P 14 Ray Wersching K Rookies in italics

^[2]

Pre season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Score	Record	Stadium	Attendance	Time	Local TV
1	August 5, 1981	at Seattle Seahawks	W	27–24 (OT)	1–0	Kingdome	56,958	7:30 PM PDT	KPIX-TV
2	August 15, 1981	San Diego Chargers	L	28–31	1–1	Candlestick Park	41,667	6:00 PM PDT	KPIX-TV
3	August 22, 1981	Seattle Seahawks	W	24–22	2–1	Candlestick Park	37,563	6:00 PM PDT	KPIX-TV
4	August 29, 1981	at Oakland Raiders	L	7–21	2–2	Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum	51,192	6:00 PM PDT	KPIX-TV

Notes:

^a All times are PACIFIC time.

Game officials

Week	Opponent	Referee	Umpire	Head Linesman	Line Judge	Back Judge	Side Judge	Field Judge
1	at Seattle Seahawks	(7)	(12)	(10)	(19)	(16)	(8)	(11)
2	San Diego Chargers
3	Seattle Seahawks	(10)	(7)	(22)	(14)	(5)	(19)	(20)
4	at Oakland Raiders

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 made the Pro Bowl, as did Lott, in his rookie season, and Hicks.

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 (he had 51 catches during the season).

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Score	Record	Stadium	Attendance	Time	Network	National Radio
1	September 6, 1981	at Detroit Lions	L	17–24	0–1	Pontiac Silverdome	63,710	10:00 AM PDT	CBS
2	September 13, 1981	Chicago Bears	W	28–17	1–1	Candlestick Park	49,520	1:00 PM PDT	CBS
3	September 20, 1981	at Atlanta Falcons	L	17–34	1–2	Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium	56,653	10:00 AM PDT	CBS
4	September 27, 1981	New Orleans Saints	W	21–14	2–2	Candlestick Park	44,433	1:00 PM PDT	CBS
5	October 4, 1981	at Washington Redskins	W	30–17	3–2	RFK Stadium	51,843	10:00 AM PDT	CBS
6	October 11, 1981	Dallas Cowboys	W	45–14	4–2	Candlestick Park	57,574	1:00 PM PDT	CBS	Mutual
7	October 18, 1981	vs. Green Bay Packers (at Milwaukee)	W	13–3	5–2	County Stadium	50,171	11:00 AM PDT	CBS
8	October 25, 1981	Los Angeles Rams	W	20–17	6–2	Candlestick Park	59,190	1:00 PM PST	CBS
9	November 1, 1981	at Pittsburgh Steelers	W	17–14	7–2	Three Rivers Stadium	52,878	10:00 AM PST	CBS
10	November 8, 1981	Atlanta Falcons	W	17–14	8–2	Candlestick Park	59,127	1:00 PM PST	CBS
11	November 15, 1981	Cleveland Browns	L	12–15	8–3	Candlestick Park	52,455	1:00 PM PST	NBC
12	November 22, 1981	at Los Angeles Rams	W	33–31	9–3	Anaheim Stadium	63,456	1:00 PM PST	CBS
13	November 29, 1981	New York Giants	W	17–10	10–3	Candlestick Park	57,186	1:00 PM PST	CBS
14	December 6, 1981	at Cincinnati Bengals	W	21–3	11–3	Riverfront Stadium	56,796	10:00 AM PST	CBS
15	December 13, 1981	Houston Oilers	W	28–6	12–3	Candlestick Park	55,707	1:00 PM PST	NBC
16	December 20, 1981	at New Orleans Saints	W	21–17	13–3	Louisiana Superdome	43,639	11:00 AM PST	CBS

Notes:

^a All times are PACIFIC time. (UTC–7 and UTC–8 starting October 25)

Game summaries

Week 1 at Detroit Lions

Week One: San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	3	0	14	17
Lions	0	10	0	14	24

at Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan

• Date: September 6
• Game time: 10:00 a.m. PDT
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 63,710
• Referee: Tom Dooley
• TV announcers (CBS): Lindsey Nelson (play-by-play), George Allen (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

Second Quarter SF – Ray Wersching 25 yard field goal – 49ers 3–0 DET – Billy Sims 39 yard pass from Gary Danielson – (Eddie Murray kick) Lions 7–3 DET – Eddie Murray 29 yard field goal – Lions 10–3 Fourth Quarter SF – Ricky Patton 1 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) Tied 10–10 DET – Horace King 17 yard pass from Gary Danielson – (Eddie Murray kick) Lions 17–10 SF – Freddie Solomon 21 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) Tied 17–17 DET – Billy Sims 1 yard rush – (Eddie Murray kick) Lions 24–17 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 18/28, 195 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int DET – Gary Danielson, 16/27, 196 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int Top rushers SF – Ricky Patton, 15 Car, 72 Yds, 1 TD DET – Billy Sims, 21 Car, 59 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers SF – Freddie Solomon, 8 Rec, 94 Yds, 1 TD DET – Billy Sims, 5 Rec, 66 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers SF - DET - Turnovers SF – 3 DET – 2

Week 2 vs. Chicago Bears

Week Two: Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	0	10	7	0	17
49ers	7	7	7	7	28

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: September 13
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C); wind 12
• Game attendance: 49,520
• Referee: Bob Frederic
• TV announcers (CBS): Tom Brookshier (play-by-play), Johnny Morris (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF – Ricky Patton 31 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 7–0 Second Quarter SF – Freddie Solomon 46 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 14–0 CHI – Walter Payton 2 yard rush – (Bob Thomas kick) 49ers 14–7 CHI – Bob Thomas 37 yard field goal – 49ers 14–10 Third Quarter CHI – Robin Earl 12 yard pass from Vince Evans – (Bob Thomas kick) Bears 17–14 SF – Charle Young 5 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 21–17 Fourth Quarter SF – Ricky Patton 12 yard rush – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 28–17 Top passers CHI – Vince Evans, 19/33, 216 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int SF – Joe Montana, 20/32, 287 Yds, 3 TDs Top rushers CHI – Walter Payton, 27 Car, 97 Yds, 1 TD SF – Ricky Patton, 14 Car, 67 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers CHI – Rickey Watts, 5 Rec, 74 Yds SF – Dwight Clark, 6 Rec, 81 Yds Top tacklers CHI - SF - Turnovers CHI – 3 SF – 2

Week 3 at Atlanta Falcons

Week Three: San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	10	0	7	17
Falcons	17	7	10	0	34

at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, Atlanta

• Date: September 20
• Game time: 10:00 a.m. PDT
• Game weather: 61 °F (16 °C); wind 8
• Game attendance: 56,653
• Referee: Gene Barth
• TV announcers (CBS): Lindsey Nelson (play-by-play), George Allen (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter ATL – Alfred Jackson 29 yard pass from Steve Bartkowski – (Mick Luckhurst kick) Falcons 7–0 ATL – Mick Luckhurst 47 yard field goal – Falcons 10–0 ATL – Lynn Cain 18 yard pass from Steve Bartkowski – (Mick Luckhurst kick) Falcons 17–0 Second Quarter SF – Charle Young 11 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Matt Bahr kick) Falcons 17–7 SF – Matt Bahr 47 yard field goal – Falcons 17–10 ATL – Alfred Jenkins 15 yard pass from Steve Bartkowski – (Mick Luckhurst kick) Falcons 24–10 Third Quarter ATL – Tom Pridemore 101 yard interception return – (Mick Luckhurst kick) Falcons 31–10 ATL – Mick Luckhurst 18 yard field goal – Falcons 34–10 Fourth Quarter SF – Freddie Solomon 12 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Matt Bahr kick) Falcons 34–17 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 24/34, 274 Yds, 2 TDs, 2 Ints ATL – Steve Bartkowski, 13/22, 208 Yds, 3 TDs Top rushers SF – Ricky Patton, 12 Car, 30 Yds ATL – William Andrews, 12 Car, 85 Yds Top receivers SF – Dwight Clark, 9 Rec, 77 Yds ATL – William Andrews, 4 Rec, 37 Yds Top tacklers SF - ATL - Turnovers SF – 3 ATL – 0

Week 4 vs. New Orleans Saints

Week Four: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	7	0	0	7	14
49ers	0	7	7	7	21

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: September 27
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 64 °F (18 °C); wind 12
• Game attendance: 44,433
• Referee: Fred Silva
• TV announcers (CBS): Lindsey Nelson (play-by-play), Sonny Jurgenson (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter NO – Jeff Groth 24 yard pass from Dave Wilson – (Benny Ricardo kick) Saints 7–0 Second Quarter SF – Johnny Davis 6 yard rush – (Matt Bahr kick) Tied 7–7 Third Quarter SF – Solomon 60 yard pass from Montana – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 14–7 Fourth Quarter SF – Ronnie Lott 26 yard interception return – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 21–7 NO – Wayne Wilson 9 yard pass from Archie Manning – (Benny Ricardo kick) 49ers 21–14 Top passers NO – Dave Wilson, 11/22, 180 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int SF – Joe Montana, 16/22, 175 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int Top rushers NO – George Rogers, 25 Car, 115 Yds SF – Johnny Davis, 11 Car, 48 Yds Top receivers NO – Wes Chandler, 4 Rec, 72 Yds SF – Charle Young, 3 Rec, 41 Yds Top tacklers NO - SF - Turnovers NO – 4 SF – 2

Week 5 at Washington Redskins

Week Five: San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	14	10	6	0	30
Redskins	0	3	0	14	17

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

• Date: October 4
• Game time: 10:00 a.m. PDT
• Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C); wind 10
• Game attendance: 51,843
• Referee: Gordon McCarter
• TV announcers (CBS): Tom Brookshier (play-by-play), Roger Staubach (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF – Ricky Patton 16 yard rush – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 7–0 SF – Dwight Hicks 80 yard fumble return – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 14–0 Second Quarter SF – Matt Bahr 43 yard field goal – 49ers 17–0 WSH – Mark Moseley 34 yard field goal – 49ers 17–3 SF – Johnny Davis 1 yard run – (Matt Bahr kick) 49ers 24–3 Third Quarter SF – Dwight Hicks 32 yard interception return – (kick failed) 49ers 30–3 Fourth Quarter WSH – Mike Nelms 58 yard punt return – (Mark Moseley kick) 49ers 30–10 WSH – Joe Washington 5 yard rush – (Mark Moseley kick) 49ers 30–17 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 15/28, 193 Yds, 1 Int WSH – Joe Theismann, 10/22, 123 Yds, 2 Ints Top rushers SF – Ricky Patton, 9 Car, 43 Yds, 1 TD WSH – John Riggins, 13 Car, 47 Yds Top receivers SF – Lenvil Elliott, 6 Rec, 69 Yds WSH – Joe Washington, 8 Rec, 49 Yds Top tacklers SF - WSH - Turnovers SF – 2 WSH – 6

Week 6 vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week Six: Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Cowboys	0	7	0	7	14
49ers	21	3	14	7	45

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: October 11
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C); wind 18
• Game attendance: 57,574
• Referee: Jim Tunney
• TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF – Freddie Solomon 1 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 7–0 SF – Paul Hofer 4 yard run – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 14–0 SF – Johnny Davis 1 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 21–0 Second Quarter SF – Ray Wersching 18 yard field goal – 49ers 24–0 DAL – Tony Hill 22 yard pass from Drew Pearson – (Rafael Septien kick) 49ers 24–7 Third Quarter SF – Dwight Clark 78 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 31–7 SF – Ronnie Lott 41 yard interception return – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 38–7 Fourth Quarter SF – Amos Lawrence 1 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 45–7 DAL – Benny Barnes 72 yard fumble return – (Rafael Septien kick) 49ers 45–14 Top passers DAL – Danny White, 8/16, 60 Yds, 2 Ints SF – Joe Montana, 19/29, 279 Yds, 2 TDs Top rushers DAL – Tony Dorsett, 9 Car, 21 Yds SF – Paul Hofer, 11 Car, 40 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers DAL – Ron Springs, 3 Rec, 9 Yds SF – Freddie Solomon, 5 Rec, 74 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers DAL - SF - Turnovers DAL – 4 SF – 1

Week 7 at Green Bay Packers

Week Seven: San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	3	7	3	13
Packers	0	3	0	0	3

at Milwaukee County Stadium, Milwaukee

• Date: October 18
• Game time: 11:00 a.m. PDT
• Game weather: 47 °F (8 °C); wind 21
• Game attendance: 50,171
• Referee: Ben Dreith
• TV announcers (CBS): Tim Ryan (play-by-play), Johnny Morris (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

Second Quarter GB – Jan Stenerud 26 yard field goal – Packers 3–0 SF – Ray Wersching 26 yard field goal – Tied 3–3 Third Quarter SF – Johnny Davis 1 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 10–3 Fourth Quarter SF – Ray Wersching 32 yard field goal – 49ers 13–3 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 23/32, 220 Yds GB – Lynn Dickey, 11/18, 156 Yds Top rushers SF – Johnny Davis, 16 Car, 65 Yds, 1 TD GB – Gerry Ellis, 7 Car, 50 Yds Top receivers SF – Dwight Clark, 6 Rec, 55 Yds GB – Gerry Ellis, 5 Rec, 65 Yds Top tacklers SF - GB - Turnovers SF – 1 GB – 1

Week 8 vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week Eight: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	0	10	7	0	17
49ers	14	3	3	0	20

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: October 25
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C); wind 11
• Game attendance: 59,190
• Referee: Pat Haggerty
• TV announcers (CBS): Gary Bender (play-by-play), Roger Staubach (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF – Freddie Solomon 14 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 7–0 SF – Dwight Clark 41 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 14–0 Second Quarter LA – Frank Corral 25 yard field goal – 49ers 14–3 LA – Mike Guman 2 yard rush – (Frank Corral kick) 49ers 14–10 SF – Ray Wersching 42 yard field goal – 49ers 17–10 Third Quarter SF – Ray Wersching 18 yard field goal – 49ers 20–10 LA – Wendell Tyler 16 yard pass from Pat Haden – (Frank Corral kick) 49ers 20–17 Top passers LA – Pat Haden, 20/39, 310 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int SF – Joe Montana, 18/32, 287 Yds, 2 TDs Top rushers LA – Wendell Tyler, 22 Car, 90 Yds SF – Paul Hofer, 8 Car, 23 Yds Top receivers LA – Preston Dennard, 6 Rec, 119 Yds SF – Dwight Clark, 8 Rec, 109 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers LA - SF - Turnovers LA – 1 SF – 0

Week 9 at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Nine: San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	10	0	7	17
Steelers	0	0	14	0	14

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh

• Date: November 1
• Game time: 10:00 a.m. PST
• Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C); wind 8
• Game attendance: 52,878
• Referee: Bob Frederic
• TV announcers (CBS): Vin Scully (play-by-play), Hank Stram (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

Second Quarter SF – Charle Young 5 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 7–0 SF – Ray Wersching 45 yard field goal – 49ers 10–0 Third Quarter PIT – Mel Blount 50 yard interception return – (David Trout kick) 49ers 10–7 PIT – Jim Smith 22 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw – (David Trout kick) Steelers 14–10 Fourth Quarter SF – Walt Easley 1 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 17–14 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 22/37, 205 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Ints PIT – Terry Bradshaw, 12/23, 125 Yds, 1 TD, 3 Ints Top rushers SF – Walt Easley, 14 Car, 47 Yds, 1 TD PIT – Franco Harris, 17 Car, 104 Yds Top receivers SF – Dwight Clark, 7 Rec, 80 Yds PIT – Frank Pollard, 3 Rec, 42 Yds Top tacklers SF - PIT - Turnovers SF – 2 PIT – 6

Week 10 vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week Ten: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	0	0	7	7	14
49ers	0	10	0	7	17

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: November 8
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C); wind 11
• Game attendance: 59,127
• Referee: Fred Wyant
• TV announcers (CBS): Lindsey Nelson (play-by-play), George Allen (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

Second Quarter SF – Freddie Solomon 14 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 7–0 SF – Ray Wersching 45 yard field goal – 49ers 10–0 Third Quarter ATL – William Andrews 1 yard rush – (Mick Luckhurst kick) 49ers 10–7 Fourth Quarter SF – Charle Young 3 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 17–7 ATL – Alfred Jackson 25 yard pass from Steve Bartkowski – (Mick Luckhurst kick) 49ers 17–14 Top passers ATL – Steve Bartkowski, 20/42, 236 Yds, 1 TD, 3 Ints SF – Joe Montana, 16/30, 223 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int Top rushers ATL – William Andrews, 18 Car, 61 Yds, 1 TD SF – Walt Easley, 15 Car, 31 Yds Top receivers ATL – Alfred Jenkins, 7 Rec, 134 Yds SF – Dwight Clark, 7 Rec, 128 Yds Top tacklers ATL - SF - Turnovers ATL – 3 SF – 1

Week 11 vs. Cleveland Browns

Week Eleven: Cleveland Browns at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Browns	2	3	0	10	15
49ers	0	6	6	0	12

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: November 15
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C); wind 15
• Game attendance: 52,455
• Referee: Chuck Heberling
• TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play), John Brodie (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter CLE – Safety, intentional grounding by Joe Montana in end zone – Browns 2–0 Second Quarter SF – Ray Wersching 28 yard field goal – 49ers 3–2 CLE – Matt Bahr 28 yard field goal – Browns 5–3 SF – Ray Wersching 29 yard field goal – 49ers 6–5 Third Quarter SF – Ray Wersching 28 yard field goal – 49ers 9–5 SF – Ray Wersching 28 yard field goal – 49ers 12–5 Fourth Quarter CLE – Reggie Rucker 21 yard pass from Brian Sipe – (Matt Bahr kick) Tied 12–12 CLE – Matt Bahr 24 yard field goal – Browns 15–12 Top passers CLE – Brian Sipe, 16/33, 180 Yds, 1 TD, 1 Int SF – Joe Montana, 24/42, 213 Yds, 2 Ints Top rushers CLE – Mike Pruitt, 18 Car, 76 Yds SF – Walt Easley, 16 Car, 59 Yds Top receivers CLE – Greg Pruitt, 4 Rec, 33 Yds SF – Paul Hofer, 7 Rec, 64 Yds Top tacklers CLE - SF - Turnovers CLE – 2 SF – 2

Week 12 at Los Angeles Rams

Week Twelve: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	3	7	17	6	33
Rams	0	17	7	7	31

at Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim, California

• Date: November 22
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C); wind 8
• Game attendance: 63,456
• Referee: Red Cashion
• TV announcers (CBS): Vin Scully (play-by-play), Hank Stram (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF – Ray Wersching 47 yard field goal – 49ers 3–0 Second Quarter LA – Frank Corral 44 yard field goal – Tied 3–3 LA – Wendell Tyler 22 yard pass from Dan Pastorini – (Frank Corral kick) Rams 10–3 SF – Johnny Davis 1 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) Tied 10–10 LA – Preston Dennard 7 yard pass from Mike Guman – (Frank Corral kick) Rams 17–10 Third Quarter SF – Amos Lawrence 92 yard kickoff return – (Ray Wersching kick) Tied 17–17 SF – Ray Wersching 34 yard field goal – 49ers 20–17 SF – Ronnie Lott 25 yard interception return – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 27–17 LA – Walt Arnold 2 yard pass from Pat Haden – (Frank Corral kick) 49ers 27–24 Fourth Quarter SF – Ray Wersching 32 yard field goal – 49ers 30–24 LA – Wendell Tyler 22 yard rush – (Frank Corral kick) Rams 31–30 SF – Ray Wersching 37 yard field goal – 49ers 33–31 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 19/30, 283 Yds, 1 Int LA – Pat Haden, 9/13, 122 Yds, 1 TD Top rushers SF – Johnny Davis, 8 Car, 23 Yds, 1 TD LA – Wendell Tyler, 23 Car, 97 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers SF – Freddie Solomon, 5 Rec, 124 Yds LA – Preston Dennard, 5 Rec, 56 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers SF - LA - Turnovers SF – 2 LA – 2

Week 13 vs. New York Giants

Week Thirteen: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	0	3	0	7	10
49ers	7	7	0	3	17

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: November 29
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 49 °F (9 °C); wind 10
• Game attendance: 57,186
• Referee: Jerry Markbreit
• TV announcers (CBS): Tim Ryan (play-by-play), Fred Dryer (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF – Johnny Davis 1 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 7–0 Second Quarter SF – Joe Montana 20 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 14–0 NYG – Joe Danelo 52 yard field goal – 49ers 14–3 Fourth Quarter NYG – Rob Carpenter 3 yard rush – (Joe Danelo kick) 49ers 14–10 SF – Ray Wersching 23 yard field goal – 49ers 17–10 Top passers NYG – Scott Brunner, 13/34, 162 Yds, 3 Ints SF – Joe Montana, 27/39, 234 Yds Top rushers NYG – Rob Carpenter, 13 Car, 40 Yds, 1 TD SF – Paul Hofer, 8 Car, 33 Yds Top receivers NYG – Rob Carpenter, 5 Rec, 55 Yds SF – Dwight Clark, 7 Rec, 87 Yds Top tacklers NYG - SF - Turnovers NYG – 5 SF – 0

Week 14 at Cincinnati Bengals

Week Fourteen: San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	7	0	7	21
Bengals	0	3	0	0	3

at Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati

• Date: December 6
• Game time: 10:00 a.m. PST
• Game weather: 28 °F (−2 °C); wind 7, wind chill 21 °F (−6 °C)
• Game attendance: 56,796
• Referee: Jerry Seeman
• TV announcers (CBS): Tim Ryan (play-by-play), Fred Dryer (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF – Bill Ring 4 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 7–0 Second Quarter CIN – Jim Breech 30 yard field goal – 49ers 7–3 SF – Dwight Clark 15 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 14–3 Fourth Quarter SF – Joe Montana 1 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 21–3 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 23/36, 187 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int CIN – Jack Thompson, 10/18, 114 Yds, 1 Int Top rushers SF – Earl Cooper, 12 Car, 62 Yds CIN – Pete Johnson, 12 Car, 86 Yds Top receivers SF – Dwight Clark, 6 Rec, 78 Yds, 1 TD CIN – Dan Ross, 7 Rec, 69 Yds Top tacklers SF - CIN - Turnovers SF – 1 CIN – 6

Week 15 vs. Houston Oilers

Week Fifteen: Houston Oilers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Oilers	0	0	0	6	6
49ers	0	0	21	7	28

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: December 13
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C); wind 7
• Game attendance: 55,707
• Referee: Dick Jorgensen
• TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas (play-by-play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

Third Quarter SF – Ricky Patton 3 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 7–0 SF – Earl Cooper – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 14–0 SF – Dwight Clark 2 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 21–0 Fourth Quarter SF – Mike Wilson 27 yard pass from Guy Benjamin – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 28–0 HOU – Earl Campbell 1 yard rush – (kick failed) 49ers 28–6 Top passers HOU – Gifford Nielsen, 21/30, 140 Yds SF – Joe Montana, 18/26, 204 Yds, 1 TD Top rushers HOU – Earl Campbell, 18 Car, 45 Yds, 1 TD SF – Ricky Patton, 9 Car, 57 Yds, 1 TD Top receivers HOU – Adger Armstrong, 9 Rec, 62 Yds SF – Earl Cooper, 6 Rec, 77 Yds Top tacklers HOU - SF - Turnovers HOU – 2 SF – 0

Week 16 at New Orleans Saints

Week Sixteen: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	7	0	7	21
Saints	14	0	3	0	17

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans

• Date: December 20
• Game time: 11:00 a.m. PST
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 43,639
• Referee: Gene Barth
• TV announcers (CBS): Tim Ryan (play-by-play), Fred Dryer (color commentator)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF – Charle Young 13 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 7–0 NO – George Rogers 6 yard rush – (Benny Ricardo kick) Tied 7–7 NO – George Rogers 5 yard rush – (Benny Ricardo kick) Saints 14–7 Second Quarter SF – Freddie Solomon 2 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) Tied 14–14 Third Quarter NO – Benny Ricardo 27 yard field goal – Saints 17–14 Fourth Quarter SF – Johnny Davis 1 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 21–17 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 9/11, 106 Yds, 2 TDs NO – Archie Manning, 14/21, 110 Yds, 1 Ints Top rushers SF – Bill Ring, 11 Car, 71 Yds NO – George Rogers, 30 Car, 107 Yds, 2 TDs Top receivers SF – Freddie Solomon, 5 Rec, 38 Yds, 1 TD NO – Toussaint Tyler, 5 Rec, 21 Yds Top tacklers SF - NO - Turnovers SF – 3 NO – 1

Game officials

Week	Opponent	Referee	Umpire	Head Linesman	Line Judge	Back Judge	Side Judge	Field Judge
1	at Detroit Lions	(19) Tom Dooley	(12) Dave Hamilton	(7) Tony Veteri	(20) Jim Osborne	(9) Banks Williams	(8) Grover Klemmer	(14) Jack Vaughn
2	Chicago Bears	(15) Bob Frederic	(3) Lou Palazzi	(17) Jerry Bergman	(16) Bob Beeks	(20) Bob Swanson	(14) Ron Murphy	(6) Don Hakes
3	at Atlanta Falcons	(14) Gene Barth	(5) Bob Boylston	(18) Burl Toler	(3) Bob McLaughlin	(15) J.W. Sanders	(9) Dean Look	(7) Fritz Graf
4	New Orleans Saints	(7) Fred Silva	(15) Ralph Morcroft	(20) Frank Glover	(19) Vern Marshall	(12) Jim Kearney	(22) Merrill Douglas	(10) Don Orr
5	at Washington Redskins	(20) Gordon McCarter	(22) Ron Botchan	(14) Earnie Frantz	(9) Jack Fette	(10) Jimmy Rosser	(18) Ron DeSuzza	(11) Armen Terzian
6	Dallas Cowboys	(3) Jim Tunney	(8) Pat Harder	(25) Sid Semon	(8) Dick McKenzie	(11) Pat Knight	(5) Gil Mace	(24) Johnny Grier
7	vs. Green Bay Packers (at Milwaukee)	(12) Ben Dreith	(10) Tom Myers	(8) Dale Williams	(11) Bill Reynolds	(8) Don Wedge	(4) Ed Ward	(16) Pat Mallette
8	Los Angeles Rams	(4) Pat Haggerty	(9) Dave Moss	(10) Terry Gierke	(24) Walt Peters	(16) Jim Poole	(15) Dick Creed	(18) Bob Lewis
9	at Pittsburgh Steelers	(15) Bob Frederic	(3) Lou Palazzi	(17) Jerry Bergman	(16) Bob Beeks	(20) Bill Swanson	(14) Ron Murphy	(6) Don Hakes
10	Atlanta Falcons	(11) Fred Wyant	(19) Tom Hensley	(6) Ed Marion	(4) Wilson Gosier	(18) Dick Hantak	(25) Vince Jacob	(12) Bob Wortman
11	Cleveland Browns	(18) Chuck Heberling	(11) Gordon Wells	(15) Ray Dodez	(17) Dale Orem	(14) Al Jury	(24) Duwayne Gandy	(19) Charley Musser
12	at Los Angeles Rams	(8) Red Cashion	(14) Art Demmas	(16) Jack Johnson	(25) Neil Gereb	(4) Ben Tompkins	(3) Nate Jones	(15) Dick Ferguson
13	New York Giants	(9) Jerry Markbreit	(17) Ed Fiffick	(12) Dale Hamer	(15) Bama Glass	(7) Tom Kelleher	(6) Willie Spencer	(5) Bill Stanley
14	at Cincinnati Bengals	(17) Jerry Seeman	(20) Frank Sinkovitz	(3) Leo Miles	(6) John Leimbach	(23) Paul Baetz	(7) Bill Quinby	(9) Bill O'Brien
15	Houston Oilers	(6) Dick Jorgensen	(4) John Keck	(9) Ligouri Hagerty	(22) Boyce Smith	(17) Roy Clymer	(16) Royal Cathcart	(3) Dick Dolack
16	at New Orleans Saints	(14) Gene Barth	(5) Bob Boylston	(18) Burl Toler	(3) Bob McLaughlin	(15) J.W. Sanders	(9) Dean Look	(7) Fritz Graf

Standings

NFC West
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
San Francisco 49ers^(1)	13	3	0	.813	5–1	10–2	357	250	W5
Atlanta Falcons	7	9	0	.438	3–3	6–6	426	355	L3
Los Angeles Rams	6	10	0	.375	2–4	5–7	303	351	L1
New Orleans Saints	4	12	0	.250	2–4	2–10	207	378	L4

Postseason

Round	Date	Opponent	Result	Score	Stadium	Attendance	Time	Network	National Radio
NFC Divisional Playoff	January 3, 1982	New York Giants	W	38–24	Candlestick Park	58,360	2:00 PM PST	CBS	CBS
NFC Championship Game	January 10, 1982	Dallas Cowboys	W	28–27	Candlestick Park	60,525	2:00 PM PST	CBS	CBS
Super Bowl XVI	January 24, 1982	vs. Cincinnati Bengals (at Pontiac, Michigan)	W	26–21	Pontiac Silverdome	81,270	1:00 PM PST	CBS	CBS

Notes:

^a All times are PACIFIC time.

NFC Divisional Playoff

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 first ever 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.

NFC Divisional Playoff: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	7	3	7	7	24
49ers	7	17	0	14	38

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: January 3, 1982
• Game time: 2:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C); wind 11
• Game attendance: 58,360
• Referee: Ben Dreith
• TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator), Irv Cross (sideline reporter)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF – Charle Young 8 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 7–0 NYG – Earnest Gray 72 yard pass from Scott Brunner – (Joe Danelo kick) Tied 7–7 Second Quarter SF – Ray Wersching 22 yard field goal – 49ers 10–7 SF – Freddie Solomon 58 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 17–7 SF – Ricky Patton 25 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 24–7 NYG – Joe Danelo 48 yard field goal – 49ers 24–10 Third Quarter NYG – Johnny Perkins 59 yard pass from Scott Brunner – (Joe Danelo kick) 49ers 24–17 Fourth Quarter SF – Bill Ring 3 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 31–17 SF – Ronnie Lott 20 yard interception return – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 38–17 NYG – Johnny Perkins 17 yard pass from Scott Brunner – (Joe Danelo kick) 49ers 38–24 Top passers NYG – Scott Brunner, 16/37, 290 Yds, 3 TDs, 2 Ints SF – Joe Montana, 20/31, 304 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int Top rushers NYG – Rob Carpenter, 17 Car, 61 Yds SF – Earl Cooper, 7 Car, 52 Yds Top receivers NYG – Johnny Perkins, 7 Rec, 121 Yds, 2 TDs SF – Freddie Solomon, 6 Rec, 107 Yds, 1 TD Top tacklers NYG - SF - Turnovers NYG – 4 SF – 1

NFC Championship Game

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 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.

NFC Championship Game: Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Cowboys	10	7	0	10	27
49ers	7	7	7	7	28

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: January 10, 1982
• Game time: 2:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 43 °F (6 °C); wind 4
• Game attendance: 60,525
• Referee: Jim Tunney
• TV announcers (CBS): Vin Scully (play-by-play), Hank Stram (color commentator), Irv Cross (sideline reporter)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF – Freddie Solomon 8 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 7–0 DAL – Rafael Septien 44 yard field goal – 49ers 7–3 DAL – Tony Hill 26 yard pass from Danny White – (Rafael Septien kick) Cowboys 10–7 Second Quarter SF – Dwight Clark 20 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 14–10 DAL – Tony Dorsett 5 yard rush – (Rafael Septien kick) Cowboys 17–14 Third Quarter SF – Johnny Davis 2 yard rush – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 21–17 Fourth Quarter DAL – Rafael Septien 22 yard field goal – 49ers 21–20 DAL – Doug Cosbie 21 yard pass from Danny White – (Rafael Septien kick) Cowboys 27–21 SF – Dwight Clark 6 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 28–27 Top passers DAL – Danny White, 16/24, 173 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Int SF – Joe Montana, 22/35, 286 Yds, 3 TDs, 3 Ints Top rushers DAL – Tony Dorsett, 22 Car, 91 Yds, 1 TD SF – Lenvil Elliott, 10 Car, 48 Yds Top receivers DAL – James Jones, 3 Rec, 17 Yds SF – Dwight Clark, 8 Rec, 120 Yds, 2 TDs Top tacklers DAL - SF - Turnovers DAL – 3 SF – 6

Super Bowl XVI

Super Bowl XVI: San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	13	0	6	26
Bengals	0	0	7	14	21

at Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan

• Date: January 24, 1982
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 81,270
• Referee: Pat Haggerty
• TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator), Irv Cross (sideline reporter)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com ^[3]

Game information

First Quarter SF – Joe Montana 1 yard run – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 7–0 Second Quarter SF – Earl Cooper 11 yard pass from Joe Montana – (Ray Wersching kick) 49ers 14–0 SF – Ray Wersching 22 yard field goal – 49ers 17–0 SF – Ray Wersching 26 yard field goal – 49ers 20–0 Third Quarter CIN – Ken Anderson 5 yard rush – (Jim Breech kick) 49ers 20–7 Fourth Quarter CIN – Dan Ross 4 yard pass from Ken Anderson – (Jim Breech kick) 49ers 20–14 SF – Ray Wersching 40 yard field goal – 49ers 23–14 SF – Ray Wersching 23 yard field goal – 49ers 26–14 CIN – Dan Ross 3 yard pass from Ken Anderson – (Jim Breech kick) 49ers 26–21 Top passers SF – Joe Montana, 14/22, 157 Yds, 1 TD CIN – Ken Anderson, 25/34, 300 Yds, 2 TDs, 2 Ints Top rushers SF – Ricky Patton, 17 Car, 55 Yds CIN – Pete Johnson, 14 Car, 36 Yds Top receivers SF – Freddie Solomon, 4 Rec, 52 Yds CIN – Dan Ross, 11 Rec, 104 Yds, 2 TDs Top tacklers SF - CIN - Turnovers SF – 1 CIN – 4

Game officials

Round	Opponent	Referee	Umpire	Head Linesman	Line Judge	Back Judge	Side Judge	Field Judge	Alternates
NFC Divisional Playoff	New York Giants	(12) Ben Dreith	(12) Dave Hamilton	(15) Ray Dodez	(9) Jack Fette	(9) Banks Williams	(4) Ed Ward	(14) Jack Vaughn	(16) Jack Johnson
NFC Championship Game	Dallas Cowboys	(3) Jim Tunney	(5) Bob Boylston	(6) Ed Marion	(16) Bob Beeks	(5) Ray Douglas	(9) Dean Look	(20) Ed Merrifield	(20) Gordon McCarter (9) Dave Moss
Super Bowl XVI	vs. Cincinnati Bengals (at Pontiac, Michigan)	(4) Pat Haggerty	(7) Al Conway	(17) Jerry Bergman	(16) Bob Beeks	(20) Bill Swanson	(19) Bob Rice	(6) Don Hakes	(14) Gene Barth (8) Pat Harder

Awards and records

• Joe Montana, Super Bowl Most Valuable Player
• Bill Walsh, National Football League Coach of the Year Award

1982 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl

Number	Player	Position	Conference
87	Dwight Clark	WR	NFC Pro Bowlers
51	Randy Cross	RG, Starter	NFC Pro Bowlers
74	Fred Dean	DE	NFC Pro Bowlers
22	Dwight Hicks	S	NFC Pro Bowlers
42	Ronnie Lott	RCB, Starter	NFC Pro Bowlers
16	Joe Montana	QB, Starter	NFC Pro Bowlers

^[4]

Media

Pre season Local TV

Channel	Play-by-play	Color commentator(s)
KPIX-TV 5

Local Radio

Flagship station	Play-by-play	Color commentator(s)	Sideline reporter(s)
KCBS–AM 740	Don Klein	Wayne Walker

References

1. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. pp. 561–562.
2. "1981 San Francisco 49ers starters and roster". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
3. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 448.
4. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 517.

External links

• 49ers on Pro Football Reference
• 49ers Schedule on jt-sw.com