1981 San Francisco 49ers season

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1981 San Francisco 49ers season
San Francisco 49ers Saloon Wordmark.svg
Owner Edward J. DeBartolo Jr.
General manager Bill Walsh
Head coachBill Walsh
Defensive coordinator Chuck Studley
Home field Candlestick Park
Results
Record13–3
Division place1st NFC West
Playoff finishWon Divisional Playoffs
(vs. Giants) 38–24
Won NFC Championship
(vs. Cowboys) 28–27
Won Super Bowl XVI
(vs. Bengals) 26–21
Uniform
49ers uniforms12.png
The 49ers playing against the Bengals in Super Bowl XVI. 1986 Jeno's Pizza - 27 - Dan Bunz (cropped).jpg
The 49ers playing against the Bengals in Super Bowl XVI.

The 1981 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 32nd season in the National Football League (NFL), their 36th overall and their third under head coach Bill Walsh.

Contents

The 49ers were 13–3 in the regular season for their first winning season in five years and first playoff appearance in nine years. The franchise's most successful season to date, it was considered to be "the birth of a dynasty", [1] when the 49ers began a decade of dominance over much of the NFL. The 49ers drew an average home attendance of 54,398 in the 1981 season.

The 49ers won Super Bowl XVI, defeating the AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals 26–21. It was the first of five Super Bowl victories in franchise history, all within the next thirteen seasons. From 1981 to 1997, the 49ers would have thirteen NFC West titles, eight NFC top seeds, and seven seasons with the NFL's best regular season record.

Third-year quarterback Joe Montana began the 1981 season as the starter, and produced two fourth-quarter comeback victories. His signature game of the season was the NFC Championship Game, which culminated in "The Catch", a last-minute touchdown pass from Montana to Dwight Clark, propelling the 49ers to victory over Dallas and a berth in their first Super Bowl. The 49ers were undefeated in their first five Super Bowls.

NFL Films produced a documentary about the team's season entitled A Very Special Team; it was narrated by John Facenda. On March 23, 2007, NFL Network aired America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions, the 1981 San Francisco 49ers, with team commentary from Dwight Clark, Ronnie Lott and Randy Cross, and narrated by Gene Hackman.

Offseason

NFL Draft

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

1981 San Francisco 49ers Draft
RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
18 Ronnie Lott CBUSC
236 John Harty DTIowafrom Washington
Traded to the Bears
40 Eric Wright CBMissourifrom Chicago
365 Carlton Williamson SSPittsburgh
4Traded to the Cowboys
5121 Lynn Thomas CBPittsburgh
122 Arrington Jones RBWinston-Salem Statefrom Chicago
6147 Pete Kugler DTPenn State
7Traded to the Eagles
8203Garry WhiteRBMinnesota
9Traded to the Bengals
10Traded to the Colts
11286Ron DeBoseTEUCLA
12313Major OgilvieRBAlabama
322 Joe Adams QBTennessee Statefrom Pittsburgh
Source: [2]

Training Camp

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

Personnel

Staff

1981 San Francisco 49ers staff

Front office

Head coaches

  • Head Coach – Bill Walsh

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and Conditioning – Al Vermeil


Roster

1981 San Francisco 49ers roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

 Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

 Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Reserve


Rookies in italics

Source: [3] [4]

Preseason

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentTimeTVResultRecordGame SiteAttendanceRecap
1 August 5at Seattle Seahawks 7:30 p.m. PDT KPIX-TV W 27–24 (OT)1–0 Kingdome
56,958
 Recap
2 August 15 San Diego Chargers 6:00 p.m. PDT KPIX-TV L 28–311–1 Candlestick Park
41,667
 Recap
3 August 22 Seattle Seahawks 6:00 p.m. PDT KPIX-TV W 24–222–1 Candlestick Park
37,563
 Recap
4 August 29at Oakland Raiders 6:00 p.m. PDT KPIX-TV L 7–212–2 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum
51,192
 Recap

Preseason Game summaries

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

Preseason Week 1: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Quarter1234OTTotal
49ers (1–0)7737327
Seahawks (0–1)73014024

at The Kingdome • Seattle, Washington

  • Date: August 5, 1981
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: indoors
  • Game attendance: 56,958
  • TV announcers (KPIX-TV): Wayne Walker (play-by-play)
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SFPassing
Rushing
Receiving
SEAPassing
Rushing
Receiving
49ersGame StatisticsSeahawks
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 15, 1981): vs. San Diego Chargers

Preseason Week 2: San Diego Chargers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chargers (1–1)0771731
49ers (1–1)0771428

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

  • Date: August 15, 1981
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game attendance: 41,667
  • TV announcers (KPIX-TV): Wayne Walker (play-by-play)
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SDPassing
Rushing
Receiving
SFPassing
Rushing
Receiving
ChargersGame Statistics49ers
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 22, 1981) vs. Seattle Seahawks

Preseason Week 3: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Seahawks (0–3)1700017
49ers (2–1)7071024

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

  • Date: August 22, 1981
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game attendance: 37,563
  • TV announcers (KPIX-TV): Wayne Walker (play-by-play)
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SEAPassing
Rushing
Receiving
SFPassing
Rushing
Receiving
SeahawksGame Statistics49ers
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 29, 1981): at Oakland Raiders

Preseason Week 4: San Francisco 49ers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers (2–2)00077
Raiders (2–2)1470021

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum • Oakland, California

  • Date: August 29, 1981
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game attendance: 51,192
  • TV announcers (KPIX-TV): Wayne Walker (play-by-play)
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SFPassing
Rushing
Receiving
OAKPassing
Rushing
Receiving
49ersGame StatisticsRaiders
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

With the offense in good shape, Walsh and the 49ers focused on overhauling the defense in 1981. Walsh took the highly unusual step of overhauling his entire secondary with rookies and untested players, bringing on board Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson and giving Dwight Hicks a prominent role. He also acquired veteran linebacker Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds and veteran defensive lineman and sack specialist Fred Dean.

These new additions, when added to existing defensive mainstays like Keena Turner, turned the 49ers into a dominant team. After a 1–2 start, the 49ers won all but one of their final games to finish with a 13–3 record, easily the best record in the team's history. Additionally, the 49ers defense yielded more than 20 points in only three games. Dean and Hicks made the Pro Bowl. The 49ers selection of Lott in the 1981 NFL draft proved to be a seminal one. In addition to making the NFC Pro Bowl roster, Lott was voted First-Team All-Pro and received nods from all 5 newspapers that voted, a significant honor for a rookie. Giants' linebacker Lawrence Taylor was the only other rookie from the 1981 NFL draft to achieve this unanimous selection to the First Team All-Pro unit.

Led by Montana, the unusual offense was centered around the short passing game, which Walsh used as ball control. Both Dwight Clark and Freddie Solomon had excellent years receiving; Clark as the possession receiver, and Solomon as more of a deep threat. The 49ers running game, however, was among the weakest for any champion in NFL history. Ricky Patton led the 49ers with only 543 yards rushing. The 49ers' most valuable running back, however, might have been Earl Cooper, whose strength was as a pass-catching back (he had 51 catches during the season).

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentTimeTVResultRecordGame SiteAttendanceRecap
1 September 6at Detroit Lions 10:00 a.m. PDT CBS L 17–240–1 Pontiac Silverdome 63,710 Recap
2 September 13 Chicago Bears 1:00 p.m. PDT CBS W 28–171–1 Candlestick Park 49,520 Recap
3 September 20at Atlanta Falcons 10:00 a.m. PDT CBS L 17–341–2 Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium 56,653 Recap
4 September 27 New Orleans Saints 1:00 p.m. PDT CBS W 21–142–2 Candlestick Park 44,433 Recap
5 October 4at Washington Redskins 10:00 a.m. PDT CBS W 30–173–2 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium 51,843 Recap
6 October 11 Dallas Cowboys 1:00 p.m. PDT CBS W 45–144–2 Candlestick Park 57,574 Recap
7 October 18at Green Bay Packers
(at Milwaukee)		11:00 a.m. PDT CBS W 13–35–2 Milwaukee County Stadium 50,171 Recap
8 October 25 Los Angeles Rams 1:00 p.m. PST CBS W 20–176–2 Candlestick Park 59,190 Recap
9 November 1at Pittsburgh Steelers 10:00 a.m. PST CBS W 17–147–2 Three Rivers Stadium 52,878 Recap
10 November 8 Atlanta Falcons 1:00 p.m. PST CBS W 17–148–2 Candlestick Park 59,127 Recap
11 November 15 Cleveland Browns 1:00 p.m. PST NBC L 12–158–3 Candlestick Park 52,455 Recap
12 November 22at Los Angeles Rams 1:00 p.m. PST CBS W 33–319–3 Anaheim Stadium 63,456 Recap
13 November 29 New York Giants 1:00 p.m. PST CBS W 17–1010–3 Candlestick Park 57,186 Recap
14December 6at Cincinnati Bengals 10:00 a.m. PDT CBS W 21–311–3 Riverfront Stadium 56,796 Recap
15December 13 Houston Oilers 1:00 p.m. PST NBC W 28–612–3 Candlestick Park 55,707 Recap
16 December 20at New Orleans Saints 11:00 a.m. PST CBS W 21–1713–3 Louisiana Superdome 43,639 Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Regular Season Game summaries

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

[5]

Week 1: San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers (0–1)0301417
Lions (1–0)01001424

at Pontiac Silverdome • Pontiac, Michigan

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SFPassing Joe Montana 18/28, 195 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Ricky Patton 15 CAR, 72 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Freddie Solomon 8 REC, 94 YDS, 1 TD
DETPassing Gary Danielson 16/27, 197 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing Billy Sims 21 CAR, 59 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Billy Sims 5 REC, 66 YDS, 1 TD
49ersGame StatisticsLions
19First downs21
33–121Rushes–yards30–127
195Passing yards196
18–28–1Passes16–27–1
4–19Sacked–yards4–28
176Net passing yards168
297Total yards295
105Return yards47
3–33.7Punts4–46.2
2–2Fumbles–lost1–1
8–54Penalties–yards7–65
31:56Time of possession28:04

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 18/28, 195 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
  • Rushing: Patton – 15 CAR, 72 YDS, 1 TD; Easley – 7 CAR, 23 YDS; Cooper – 9 CAR, 22 YDS; Montana – 2 CAR, 4 YDS
  • Receiving: Solomon – 8 REC, 94 YDS, 1 TD; Clark – 5 REC, 57 YDS; Cooper – 3 REC, 11 YDS; Young – 2 REC, 33 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: Jones – 3 KR, 43 YDS; Patton – 1 KR, 0 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Hicks – 2 PR, 46 YDS; Solomon – 2 PR, 16 YDS
  • Punting: Miller – 3 PUNTS, 101 YDS
  • Kicking: Wersching – 2/2 PAT, 1/2 FG
  • Sacks:
  • Interceptions: Reynolds – 1 INT, 0 YDS
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Wersching 32

Week 2 (Sunday, September 13, 1981): vs. Chicago Bears

[8]

Week 2: Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bears (0–2)0107017
49ers (1–1)777728

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

  • Date: September 13, 1981
  • 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) and Johnny Morris (color commentator)
  • [9] [7]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
CHIPassing Vince Evans 19/33, 216 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Walter Payton 27 CAR, 97 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Rickey Watts 5 REC, 74 YDS
SFPassing Joe Montana 20/32, 287 YDS, 3 TDs
Rushing Ricky Patton 14 CAR, 67 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Dwight Clark 6 REC, 81 YDS
  • Point spread: 49ers Pick
  • Over/Under: 41.0 (over)
  • Time of Game:
BearsGame Statistics49ers
18First downs20
36–123Rushes–yards32–125
216Passing yards287
19–33–1Passes20–32–0
1–0Sacked–yards0–0
216Net passing yards287
339Total yards412
106Return yards110
6–41.5Punts5–38.0
2–2Fumbles–lost2–2
4–16Penalties–yards3–25
25:16Time of possession34:44

Individual stats

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

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

[10]

Week 3: San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers (1–2)0100717
Falcons (3–0)17710034

at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium • Atlanta, Georgia

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SFPassing Joe Montana 24/34, 274 YDS, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Rushing Earl Cooper 9 CAR, 40 YDS
Receiving Dwight Clark 9 REC, 77 YDS
ATLPassing Steve Bartkowski 13/22, 208 YDS, 3 TDs
Rushing William Andrews 12 CAR, 85 YDS
Receiving William Andrews 4 REC, 37 YDS
49ersGame StatisticsFalcons
23First downs18
30–113Rushes–yards34–163
274Passing yards222
24–34–2Passes14–23–0
1–1Sacked–yards2–22
273Net passing yards200
386Total yards363
110Return yards199
3–35.3Punts3–36.7
1–1Fumbles–lost2–0
3–25Penalties–yards4v50
32:08Time of possession27:52

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 24/34, 274 YDS, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
  • Rushing: Cooper – 9 CAR, 40 YDS; Patton – 12 CAR, 30 YDS; Easley – 4 CAR, 18 YDS; Elliott – 4 CAR, 17 YDS; Solomon – 1 CAR, 0 YDS
  • Receiving: Clark – 9 REC, 77 YDS; Young – 3 REC, 55 YDS, 1 TD; Solomon – 3 REC, 36 YDS, 1 TD; Cooper – 3 REC, 29 YDS; Wilson – 2 REC, 34 YDS; Patton – 2 REC, 16 YDS; Hofer – 1 REC, 22 YDS; Peets – 1 REC, 5 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: Lott – 3 KR, 56 YDS; Ring – 1 KR, 23 YDS; Wilson – 1 KR, 22 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Solomon – 2 PR, 9 YDS
  • Punting: Miller – 3 PUNTS, 160 YDS
  • Kicking: Bahr – 2/2 PAT, 1/2 FG
  • Sacks:
  • 49ers Missed Field Goals: Bahr 24 (Blocked)

Joe Montana was intercepted twice in 34 passes (24 completed) as the Niners fell to the Falcons for the eleventh time in the last eight seasons.

Week 4 (Sunday, September 27, 1981): vs. New Orleans Saints

[12]

Week 4: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Saints (1–3)700714
49ers (2–2)077721

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
NOPassing Dave Wilson 11/22, 180 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing George Rogers 25 CAR, 115 YDS
Receiving Wes Chandler 4 REC, 72 YDS
SFPassing Joe Montana 16/22, 175 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Johnny Davis 11 CAR, 48 YDS
Receiving Charle Young 3 REC, 41 YDS
  • Point spread: 49ers –6
  • Over/Under: 43.0 (under)
  • Time of Game:
SaintsGame Statistics49ers
18First downs15
37–163Rushes–yards39–146
250Passing yards175
21–38–2Passes16–22–1
0–0Sacked–yards1–7
250Net passing yards168
413Total yards314
192Return yards102
6–40.2Punts9–45.1
3–2Fumbles–lost1–1
11–106Penalties–yards8–79
30:44Time of possession29:16

Individual stats

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

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

[14]

Week 5: San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers (3–2)14106030
Redskins (0–5)0301417

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SFPassing Joe Montana 15/28, 193 YDS, 1 INT
Rushing Ricky Patton 9 CAR, 43 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Lenvil Elliott 6 REC, 69 YDS
WSHPassing Joe Theismann 10/22, 123 YDS, 2 INTs
Rushing John Riggins 13 CAR, 47 YDS
Receiving Joe Washington 8 REC, 49 YDS
49ersGame StatisticsRedskins
16First downs19
35–128Rushes–yards23–83
193Passing yards241
15–28–1Passes22–46–4
2–25Sacked–yards2–20
168Net passing yards221
296Total yards304
176Return yards224
5–40.0Punts5–40.4
1–1Fumbles–lost4–2
3–27Penalties–yards7–50
29:17Time of possession30:43

Individual stats

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

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

[16]

Week 6: Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Cowboys (4–2)070714
49ers (4–2)21314745

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
DALPassing Danny White 8/16, 60 YDS, 2 INTs
Rushing Tony Dorsett 9 CAR, 21 YDS
Receiving Ron Springs 3 REC, 9 YDS
SFPassing Joe Montana 19/29, 279 YDS, 2 TDs
Rushing Paul Hofer 11 CAR, 40 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Freddie Solomon 5 REC, 74 YDS, 1 TD
CowboysGame Statistics49ers
10First downs23
21–83Rushes–yards46–150
135Passing yards304
12–29–2Passes20–33–0
3–26Sacked–yards1–14
109Net passing yards290
192Total yards440
138Return yards110
8–39.5Punts6–46.2
3–2Fumbles–lost4–1
5–40Penalties–yards4–28
25:53Time of possession34:07

Individual stats

Week 7 (Sunday, October 18, 1981) at Green Bay Packers

[18]

Week 7: San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers (5–2)037313
Packers (2–5)03003

at Milwaukee County Stadium • Milwaukee, Wisconsin

  • Date: October 18, 1981
  • 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) and Johnny Morris (color commentator)
  • [19] [7]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SFPassing Joe Montana 23/32, 220 YDS
Rushing Johnny Davis 16 CAR, 65 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Dwight Clark 6 REC, 55 YDS
GBPassing Lynn Dickey 11/18, 156 YDS
Rushing Gerry Ellis 7 CAR, 50 YDS
Receiving Gerry Ellis 5 REC, 65 YDS
  • Point spread: 49ers –1
  • Over/Under: 44.0 (under)
  • Time of Game:
49ersGame StatisticsPackers
21First downs13
47–126Rushes–yards19–78
220Passing yards193
23–32–0Passes14–24–1
1–9Sacked–yards4–30
211Net passing yards163
337Total yards241
85Return yards101
7–35.9Punts7–40.0
2–1Fumbles–lost1–0
7–35Penalties–yards4–35
37:41Time of possession22:19

Individual stats

Week 8 (Sunday, October 25, 1981): vs. Los Angeles Rams

[20]

Week 8: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Rams (4–4)0107017
49ers (6–2)1433020

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LAPassing Pat Haden 20/39, 310 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Wendell Tyler 22 CAR, 90 YDS
Receiving Preston Dennard 6 REC, 119 YDS
SFPassing Joe Montana 18/32, 287 YDS, 2 TDs
Rushing Paul Hofer 8 CAR, 23 YDS
Receiving Dwight Clark 8 REC, 109 YDS, 1 TD
  • Point spread: 49ers –1
  • Over/Under: 46.0 (under)
  • Time of Game:
RamsGame Statistics49ers
25First downs14
37–145Rushes–yards28–60
310Passing yards287
20–39–1Passes18–32–0
6–54Sacked–yards3–22
256Net passing yards265
401Total yards325
267Return yards90
5–43.0Punts10–43.3
0–0Fumbles–lost0–0
7–39Penalties–yards5–45
33:18Time of possession26:42

Individual stats

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

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

[22]

Week 9: San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers (7–2)0100717
Steelers (5–4)0014014

at Three Rivers Stadium • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 1, 1981
  • 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) and Hank Stram (color commentator)
  • [23] [7]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SFPassing Joe Montana 22/37, 205 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Rushing Walt Easley 14 CAR, 47 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Dwight Clark 7 REC, 80 YDS
PITPassing Terry Bradshaw 12/23, 125 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs
Rushing Franco Harris 17 CAR, 104 YDS
Receiving Frank Pollard 3 REC, 42 YDS
  • Point spread: 49ers +5
  • Over/Under: 45.0 (under)
  • Time of Game:
49ersGame StatisticsSteelers
25First downs16
39–130Rushes–yards28–144
210Passing yards125
23–38–2Passes12–23–3
1–10Sacked–yards0–0
200Net passing yards125
330Total yards269
86Return yards192
5–45.8Punts2–48.5
0–0Fumbles–lost3–3
6–55Penalties–yards8–45
34:16Time of possession25:34

Individual stats

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

[24]

Week 10: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Falcons (5–5)007714
49ers (8–2)0100717

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ATLPassing Steve Bartkowski 20/42, 236 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs
Rushing William Andrews 18 CAR, 61 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Alfred Jenkins 7 REC, 134 YDS
SFPassing Joe Montana 16/30, 223 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing Walt Easley 15 CAR, 31 YDS
Receiving Dwight Clark 7 REC, 128 YDS
  • Point spread: 49ers +2½
  • Over/Under: 44.0 (under)
  • Time of Game:
FalconsGame Statistics49ers
19First downs17
26–76Rushes–yards34–82
236Passing yards223
20–42–3Passes16–30–1
3–20Sacked–yards2–18
216Net passing yards205
292Total yards287
126Return yards162
8–44.9Punts10–42.0
2–0Fumbles–lost4–0
8–82Penalties–yards11–74
29:29Time of possession30:31

Individual stats

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

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

[26]

Week 11: Cleveland Browns at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Browns (5–6)2301015
49ers (8–3)066012

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
CLEPassing Brian Sipe 16/33, 180 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Mike Pruitt 18 CAR, 76 YDS
Receiving Greg Pruitt 4 REC, 33 YDS
SFPassing Joe Montana 24/42, 213 YDS, 2 INTs
Rushing Walt Easley 16 CAR, 59 YDS
Receiving Paul Hofer 7 REC, 64 YDS
  • Point spread: 49ers –3
  • Over/Under: 43.0 (under)
  • Time of Game:
BrownsGame Statistics49ers
14First downs21
26–106Rushes–yards35–118
180Passing yards213
16–33–1Passes24–42–2
2–19Sacked–yards3–26
161Net passing yards187
267Total yards305
165Return yards84
5–42.4Punts4–36.0
1–1Fumbles–lost1–0
7–55Penalties–yards4–29
24:48Time of possession35:12

Individual stats

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

Week 12 (Sunday, November 22, 1981): at Los Angeles Rams

[28]

Week 12: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers (9–3)3717633
Rams (5–7)0177731

at Anaheim Stadium • Anaheim, California

  • Date: November 22, 1981
  • 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) and Hank Stram (color commentator)
  • [29] [7]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SFPassing Joe Montana 19/30, 283 YDS ,1 INT
Rushing Johnny Davis 8 CAR, 23 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Freddie Solomon 5 REC, 124 YDS
LAPassing Pat Haden 9/13, 122 YDS, 1 TD
Rushing Wendell Tyler 23 CAR, 97 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Preston Dennard 5 REC, 56 YDS, 1 TD
49ersGame StatisticsRams
19First downs27
28–71Rushes–yards47–203
283Passing yards208
19–30–1Passes18–32–1
3–24Sacked–yards1–0
259Net passing yards208
330Total yards411
220Return yards91
2–44.0Punts4–44.8
1–1Fumbles–lost4–1
5–51Penalties–yards7–71
25:00Time of possession35:00

Individual stats

  • Passing: Montana – 19/30, 283 YDS, 1 INT
  • Rushing: Davis – 8 CAR, 23 YDS, 1 TD; Patton – 8 CAR, 20 YDS; Hofer – 5 CAR, 16 YDS; Lawrence – 2 CAR, 9 YDS; Cooper – 4 CAR, 4 YDS; Montana – 1 CAR, –1 YDS
  • Receiving: Solomon – 5 REC, 124 YDS; Cooper – 5 REC, 55 YDS; Clark – 4 REC, 59 YDS; Hofer – 2 REC, 20 YDS; Young – 2 REC, 18 YDS; Shumann – 1 REC, 7 YDS
  • Kickoff Returns: Lawrence – 3 KR, 138 YDS, 1 TD; Ring – 2 KR, 45 YDS
  • Punt Returns: Hicks – 2 PR, 12 YDS
  • Punting: Miller – 2 PUNTS, 88 YDS
  • Kicking: Wersching – 3/3 PAT, 4/4 FG
  • Sacks:
  • Interceptions: Lott – 1 INT, 25 YDS, 1 TD

The game lead tied or changed eight times as the Rams wound up using quarterbacks Dan Pastorini and Pat Haden while running back Mike Guman threw a seven-yard touchdown to Preston Dennard. Amos Lawrence opened the third quarter by scoring on the opening kickoff and Ronnie Lott scored after intercepting Pastorini.

Week 13 (Sunday, November 29, 1981): vs. New York Giants

[30]

Week 13: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Giants (6–7)030710
49ers (10–3)770317

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
NYGPassing
Rushing
Receiving
SFPassing
Rushing
Receiving
GiantsGame Statistics49ers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession
|scoring=

First quarter

Second quarter

Fourth quarter

|stats= Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Top tacklers

  • NYG -
  • SF -

Turnovers

  • NYG – 5
  • SF – 0

}}

Week 14 at Cincinnati Bengals

[32]

Week Fourteen: San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers770721
Bengals03003

at Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati

Game information

Week 15 vs. Houston Oilers

[33]

Week Fifteen: Houston Oilers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Oilers00066
49ers0021728

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Week 16 (Sunday, December 20, 1981): at New Orleans Saints

[34]

Week 16: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers (13–3)770721
Saints (4–12)1403017

at Louisiana Superdome • New Orleans, Louisiana

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SFPassing Joe Montana 9/11, 106 YDS, 2 TDs
Rushing Bill Ring 11 CAR, 71 YDS
Receiving Freddie Solomon 5 REC, 38 YDS, 1 TD
NOPassing Archie Manning 14/21, 110 YDS, 1 INT
Rushing George Rogers 30 CAR, 107 YDS, 2 TDs
Receiving Toussaint Tyler 5 REC, 21 YDS
  • Point spread: 49ers –7
  • Over/Under: 37.0 (over)
  • Time of Game:
49ersGame StatisticsSaints
19First downs15
31–154Rushes–yards36–133
195Passing yards110
17–25–1Passes14–23–1
0–0Sacked–yards2–21
195Net passing yards89
349Total yards222
74Return yards118
4–46.0Punts4–34.8
3–2Fumbles–lost1–0
5–45Penalties–yards3–30
26:03Time of possession33:57

Individual stats

Standings

NFC West
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
San Francisco 49ers (1)1330.8135–110-2357250W5
Atlanta Falcons 790.4383–36–6426355L3
Los Angeles Rams 6100.3752–45–7303351L1
New Orleans Saints 4120.2502–42–10207378L4

Final statistics

Regular Season Stats

Passing

Passing
PlayerPosGGSQBrecCmpAttCmp%YdsTDTD%IntInt%LngY/AAY/AY/CY/GRateSkYdsNY/AANY/ASk%4QCGWD
Montana QB161613–3–031148863.73565193.9122.5787.37.011.5222.888.4261935.16.566.2522
Benjamin QB40152657.717113.813.8276.65.611.442.874.433010.34.864.0011
Solomon WR151511100.02500.000.02525.025.025.01.7118.7000.025.0025.00
Easley RB12111100.0500.000.055.05.05.00.487.5000.05.005.00
Clark WR1616010.0000.000.000.00.00.439.6000.00.000.00
Team Total1613–3–032851763.43766203.9132.5787.36.911.5235.487.7292235.36.496.1533
Opp Total1627351453.13135163.1275.3676.14.3611.5195.960.2362906.55.23.5

Rushing

Rushing
PlayerPosGGSAttYdsTDLngY/AY/GA/G
Patton RB16151525434283.633.99.5
Cooper FB1611983301233.420.66.1
Davis RB115942977143.218.65.9
Easley RB12176224192.918.76.3
Hofer RB120601931123.216.15.0
Ring RB120221060164.88.81.8
Montana QB161625952203.85.91.6
Lawrence RB13013481143.73.71.0
Solomon WR15159430164.82.90.6
Clark WR161633201810.72.00.2
Elliott RB40729094.17.31.8
Benjamin QB4011011.00.30.3
Team Total16560194117283.5121.335.0
Opp Total164641918104.1119.929.0

Statistical comparison

San Francisco 49ersOpponents
First downs317280
First downs rushing110113
First downs passing183144
First downs penalty2423
Third down efficiency114/25987/224
Fourth down efficiency0/00/0
Net yards rushing19411918
Rushing attempts560454
Yards per rush3.54.1
Passing – Completions/attempts328/517273/514
Times sacked-total yards29–22336–290
Interceptions thrown1327
Net yards passing35432845
Total net yards54844763
Punt returns-total yards48–34457–664
Kickoff returns-total yards45–90967–1389
Interceptions-total return yards27–44813–297
Punts-average yardage93–41.583–41.4
Fumbles-lost26–1236–21
Penalties-total yards92–752108–866
Time of possession31:3828:22
Turnovers2548

Quarter-by-quarter

49ers Quarter-by-quarter
1234T
49ers801008889357
Opponents40765579250

Individual leaders

49ers Passing
C/ATT1YdsTDINTRating
Montana 311/4883565191288.4
Benjamin 15/261711174.4
Solomon 1/12500118.8
Easley 1/150087.5
Clark 0/100039.6
49ers Rushing
Car2YdsTDLG3Yds/Car
Patton 1525434283.6
Cooper 983301233.4
Davis 942977143.2
Easley 76224192.9
Hofer 601931123.2
Ring 221060164.8
Montana 25952203.8
Lawrence 13481143.7
Solomon 9430164.8
Clark 33201810.7
Elliott 729094.1
Benjamin 11011.0
49ers Receiving
Rec4YdsTDLG3Yds/Rec
Clark 85110547813.0
Solomon 5996986016.4
Cooper 514770509.4
Young 3740052910.8
Hofer 272440229.0
Patton 271951317.2
Wilson 912512713.9
Easley 9620216.9
Elliott 78101911.6
Ramson 44501611.3
Ring 3281219.3
Shumann 321087.0
Lawrence 310053.3
Davis 3–103–0.3
Peets 15055.0
49ers Interception
Int5YdsTDLG3Y/Int
Hicks 923917226.6
Lott 711734116.7
Williamson 44402811.0
Wright 3260268.7
McColl 12202222.0
Martin 10000
Reynolds 10000
Turner 10000
49ers Punts
Pnt6YdsLG3BlckY/P
Miller 93385865041.5
49ers Kickoff Returns
Rt7YdsTDLG3Y/Rt
Lawrence 1743719225.7
Ring 1021702921.7
Lott 711102015.9
Wilson 46702216.8
Jones 34302214.3
Hicks 12202222.0
Ramson 11201212.0
Davis 10000.0
Patton 10000.0
49ers Punt Returns
Rt8YdsTDLG3Y/Rt
Solomon 291730196.0
Hicks 191710399.0
49ers Extra Points
XPXPAXP%
Wersching 3030100
Bahr 1212100
49ers Field Goals
1–1920–2930–3940–4950+FGFGAFG%
Wersching 2–27–74–74–7172373.9
Bahr 0–20–12–32633.9

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

Postseason

RoundDateOpponent (seed)TimeTVResultRecordGame SiteAttendanceRecap
Divisional January 3, 1982 New York Giants (5)2:00 p.m. PST CBS W 38–241–0 Candlestick Park 58,360 Recap
NFC Championship January 10, 1982 Dallas Cowboys (2)2:00 p.m. PST CBS W 28–272–0 Candlestick Park 60,525 Recap
Super Bowl XVI January 24, 1982vs. Cincinnati Bengals (A1)W 26–213–0 Pontiac Silverdome 81,270 Recap

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

[36]

NFC Divisional Playoff: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Giants (1–1)737724
49ers (1–0)71701438

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
NYGPassing
Rushing
Receiving
SFPassing
Rushing
Receiving
GiantsGame Statistics49ers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession
|scoring=

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

|stats= Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Top tacklers

  • NYG -
  • SF -

Turnovers

  • NYG – 4
  • SF – 1

}}

The Giants were making their first appearance in the postseason since 1963. First-year starting quarterback Joe Montana led the 49ers to victory in his debut playoff game, completing 20 of 31 passes for 304 yards and 2 touchdowns, with 1 interception. His top target in the game was receiver Dwight Clark, who caught 5 passes for 104 yards.

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

[38]

NFC Championship Game: Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Cowboys (1–1)10701027
49ers (2–0)777728

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
DALPassing Danny White 16/24, 173 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing Tony Dorsett 22 CAR, 91 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Jones 3 REC, 17 YDS
SFPassing Joe Montana 22/35, 286 YDS, 3 TDs, 3 INTs
Rushing Lenvil Elliott 10 CAR, 48 YDS
Receiving Dwight Clark 8 REC, 120 YDS, 2 TDs
CowboysGame Statistics49ers
16First downs26
32–115Rushes–yards31–127
173Passing yards286
16–24–1Passes22–35–3
4–38Sacked–yards3–20
135Net passing yards266
250Total yards393
102Return yards136
6–39.3Punts3–35.7
4–2Fumbles–lost3–3
5–39Penalties–yards7–106
32:57Time of possession27:03

Individual stats

The 49ers were making their third appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Their opponent was their opponent for the two previous NFC Championship Games-the Dallas Cowboys. In both previous matches, the 49ers had lost the game. The game is remembered for "The Catch".

The play, remembered in 49er lore as "Red Right Tight—Sprint Right Option" had called for both the primary receiver, Solomon, and Dwight Clark to line up on the right. Montana was supposed to roll to his right and find Solomon. Clark's pattern called for him to cut left across the end zone, stop, and immediately reverse his path to the right. If Solomon were covered, it would be up to Montana to find Clark. Due to the pressure, Montana's pass was high, but Clark was in position to make his memorable grab. Future New England Patriots/Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who grew up in the Bay Area, attended the game as a four-year-old. The 49ers were victorious despite an astonishing six turnovers, including three interceptions by Joe Montana.

A photograph of the catch, with Clark at the height of his leap and Everson Walls reaching out to try to block the ball, was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated the following week.

Super Bowl XVI

[40]

Super Bowl XVI: San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers7130626
Bengals0071421

at Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan

Game information

Awards and records

1982 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl

NumberPlayerPositionConference
87 Dwight Clark WRNFC Pro Bowlers
51 Randy Cross RG, StarterNFC Pro Bowlers
74 Fred Dean DENFC Pro Bowlers
22 Dwight Hicks SNFC Pro Bowlers
42 Ronnie Lott RCB, StarterNFC Pro Bowlers
16 Joe Montana QB, StarterNFC Pro Bowlers

[41]

Media

Pre season Local TV

ChannelPlay-by-playColor commentator(s)
KPIX-TV 5

Local Radio

Flagship stationPlay-by-playColor commentator(s)Sideline reporter(s)
KCBS–AM 740Don Klein Wayne Walker

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Boise State Broncos football team</span> Boise State University in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season

The 2020 Boise State Broncos football team represented Boise State University during the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Broncos played their home games at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho, as members of the Mountain West Conference. They were led by seventh-year head coach Bryan Harsin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Wyoming Cowboys football team</span> American college football season

The 2020 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The season was suspended on August 10, 2020, however, the Mountain West Conference board of directors later decided to play an eight-game season, starting on October 24. The Cowboys played their home games at War Memorial Stadium as members of the Mountain West Conference. They were led by seventh-year head coach Craig Bohl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 Wyoming Cowboys football team</span> American college football season

The 2021 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Cowboys were led by eighth-year head coach Craig Bohl and played their home games at War Memorial Stadium. They were members of the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference. The Cowboys finished the season 7-6, 2-6 in Mountain West play to finish fourth in the Mountain Division. They were invited to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where they defeated Kent State.

References

  1. ↑ "Remembering the Silverdome and the 49er dynasty".
  2. ↑ "1981 San Francisco 49ers Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com .
  3. ↑ "1981 San Francisco 49ers starters and roster". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Team rosters". Spokane Chronicle. (Washington). January 23, 1982. p. 12.
  5. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  6. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions – September 6, 1981
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 San Francisco 49ers 2023 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 563.
  8. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  9. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers – September 13, 1981
  10. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  11. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – September 20, 1981
  12. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  13. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – September 27, 1981
  14. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  15. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins – October 4, 1981
  16. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  17. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers – October 11, 1981
  18. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  19. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers – October 18, 1981
  20. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  21. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – October 25, 1981
  22. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  23. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers – November 1, 1981
  24. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  25. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – November 8, 1981
  26. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  27. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; Cleveland Browns at San Francisco 49ers – November 15, 1981
  28. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  29. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – November 22, 1981
  30. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  31. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – November 29, 1981
  32. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  33. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  34. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  35. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – December 20, 1981
  36. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  37. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; NFC Divisional Playoff – New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – January 3, 1982
  38. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  39. ↑ Pro Football Reference ; 1981 NFC Championship Game – Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers – January 10, 1982
  40. ↑ The Football Database. Retrieved 2023-Sep-03.
  41. ↑ San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 517.
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