2011 San Francisco 49ers season

2011 San Francisco 49ers season
Owner	Jed York
General manager	Trent Baalke
Head coach	Jim Harbaugh
Home field	Candlestick Park
Results
Record	13–3
Division place	1st NFC West
Playoff finish	Won Divisional Playoffs (vs. Saints) 36–32 Lost NFC Championship (vs. Giants) 17–20 (OT)
Pro Bowlers	RB Frank Gore OT Joe Staley DE Justin Smith ILB Patrick Willis CB Carlos Rogers FS Dashon Goldson P Andy Lee K David Akers LS Brian Jennings
AP All-Pros	Patrick Willis (1st team) NaVorro Bowman (1st team) Justin Smith (1st & 2nd team) David Akers (1st team) Andy Lee (1st team) Carlos Rogers (2nd team)
Uniform
←  2010 49ers seasons 2012  →

The 2011 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 66th season overall, and 62nd in the National Football League (NFL). It was the first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke. The 49ers rebounded from their disappointing 2010 season to end their streak of eight consecutive non-winning seasons. After defeating the St. Louis Rams in week 13 and attaining a 10–2 record, the team clinched the NFC West and made their first playoff appearance since 2002. The 49ers ended the regular season with a 13–3 record, their best since 1997, and earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs. In the Divisional Playoffs they defeated the New Orleans Saints 36–32 and were in the NFC Championship for the first time since 1997, where they lost to the eventual eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants in overtime by a score of 20–17, coming just short of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994.

One of the main catalysts for San Francisco's return to relevance in 2011 was the team's dominant defense—specifically against the run. The 49ers yielded the fewest rushing yards in the league (1,236), average yards per rush (3.5), and set an NFL record for fewest rushing touchdowns surrendered in a 16-game regular season (3). ^{[1] [2]} The team did not allow a single 100 yard rusher nor a rushing touchdown through the first 14 weeks, and only three of their opponents gained over 100 total yards on the ground. In addition to their dominance against the run, San Francisco's defense finished second in points allowed (229, or 14.3/g), ^[2] fourth in yards allowed (308.1/g) ^[2] second in team interceptions (23), ^[2] and third in Pro Football Outsiders Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) power rankings. ^[3]

Despite their most successful season in years, the 49ers were 31st in the league in third-down conversion percentage in the regular season (29.1) and were 17.9 percent in the playoffs and ranked 26th in total offense. ^[4]

Offseason

Coaching changes

Owner Jed York announced that he would hire a general manager and the new GM would make a decision on the new head coach to replace Mike Singletary after the 49ers' loss to the St. Louis Rams on December 26, 2010, that eliminated the team from the postseason. ^[5] On January 5, the 49ers promoted the vice president of player personnel, Trent Baalke, to the position of general manager. ^[6] On January 7, the 49ers hired Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh to be the 18th head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

With the hiring of a new head coach, many of the assistant coaches were replaced. Of the coordinators and position coaches from the previous season, only running backs coach Tom Rathman, defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, and offensive line coach Mike Solari were retained. The coaching staff featured Greg Roman as the new offensive coordinator and Vic Fangio as the new defensive coordinator, both previously assistant coaches under Harbaugh at Stanford. Former Cleveland Browns assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Brad Seely was hired for the same roles with the 49ers. Geep Chryst was the new quarterbacks coach, Reggie Davis was the new tight ends coach. John Morton was the new wide receivers coach, and Tim Drevno was a new offensive line coach to help out Mike Solari. Jim Leavitt was the new linebackers coach and Ed Donatell was the new secondary coach. The staff also featured defensive assistants Peter Hansen and Ejiro Evero, offensive assistant Bobby Engram, and special assistant to the head coach Bill Nayes.

Roster changes

Free agents

Position	Player	Tag	2011 Team	Notes and references
C	David Baas	UFA	New York Giants
C	Tony Wragge	UFA	St. Louis Rams
G	Chris Patrick	ERFA	Edmonton Eskimos
T	Barry Sims	UFA	Free Agent
QB	Alex Smith	UFA	San Francisco 49ers
QB	Troy Smith	UFA	Omaha Nighthawks
RB	Brian Westbrook	UFA	Free Agent
DE	Demetric Evans	UFA	Free Agent
DE	Ray McDonald	UFA	San Francisco 49ers
LB	Travis LaBoy	UFA	San Diego Chargers
NT	Aubrayo Franklin	UFA	New Orleans Saints
LB	Manny Lawson	UFA	Cincinnati Bengals
LB	Takeo Spikes	UFA	San Diego Chargers
CB	William James	UFA
S	Dashon Goldson	UFA	San Francisco 49ers
S	C. J. Spillman	ERFA	San Francisco 49ers
K	Jeff Reed	UFA	Seattle Seahawks

Player re-signed by the 49ers

2011 NFL Draft

Main article: 2011 NFL Draft

San Francisco 49ers 2011 NFL Draft selections

Draft order			Player name	Position	Height	Weight	College	Contract	Notes
Round	Choice	Overall
1	7	7	Aldon Smith	DE	6'4"	263 lbs.	Missouri
2	4	36	Colin Kaepernick	QB	6'4"	233 lbs.	Nevada		[e]
3	12	80	Chris Culliver	CB	6'1"	201 lbs.	South Carolina		[f]
4	11	108	Traded to the Denver Broncos [e]
4	18	115	Kendall Hunter	RB	5'8"	190 lbs.	Oklahoma State		[a]
5	10	141	Traded to the Denver Broncos [e]
5	32	163	Daniel Kilgore	G	6'3"	308 lbs.	Appalachian State		[g]
6	9	174	Traded to the Green Bay Packers [g]
6	17	182	Ronald Johnson	WR	6'1"	190 lbs.	University of Southern California		[f]
6	25	190	Colin Jones	S	5'11"	200 lbs.	Texas Christian University		[b]
7	8	211	Bruce Miller	DE	6'1"	254 lbs.	University of Central Florida
7	28	231	Traded to the Green Bay Packers [c] [g]
7	36	239	Mike Person	OT	6'4"	299 lbs.	Montana State		[d]
7	47	250	Curtis Holcomb	CB	5'10"	184 lbs.	Florida A&M		[d]

Draft notes

^{^[a]} The 49ers acquired this fourth-round selection from the San Diego Chargers along with a 2010 third-round selection (#91 overall; used to select LB NaVorro Bowman) and a 2010 sixth-round selection (#173 overall; used to select RB Anthony Dixon) in exchange for a 2010 third-round selection (#79 overall). ^[7]

^{^[b]} The 49ers acquired this sixth-round selection from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for DT Kentwan Balmer. ^[8]

^{^[c]} The 49ers acquired this seventh-round selection from the Detroit Lions in exchange for QB Shaun Hill. ^[9]

^{^[d]} Compensatory selection

^{^[e]} The 49ers acquired this second-round selection from the Denver Broncos in exchange for their second-round selection (#45 overall), a fourth-round selection (#108 overall), and a fifth-round selection (#141 overall).

^{^[f]} The 49ers acquired this third-round selection (#80 overall) and this sixth-round selection (#180 overall) from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for their third-round selection (#76 overall).

^{^[g]} The 49ers acquired this fifth-round selection (#163 overall) from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for their sixth-round selection (#174 overall) and a seventh-round selection (#231 overall).

Personnel

Staff

2011 San Francisco 49ers staff

Front office Co-chairman – Denise DeBartolo York Co-chairman – John York CEO – Jed York President/co-owner – Gideon Yu General manager – Trent Baalke Director of player personnel – Tom Gamble Director of college scouting – Joel Patten Director of football administration – Brian Hampton Head coaches Head coach – Jim Harbaugh Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Greg Roman Quarterbacks – Geep Chryst Running backs – Tom Rathman Wide receivers – John Morton Tight ends – Reggie Davis Offensive line – Tim Drevno Offensive line – Mike Solari Offensive assistant – Bobby Engram

Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Vic Fangio Defensive line – Jim Tomsula Linebackers – Jim Leavitt Secondary – Ed Donatell Assistant secondary – Greg Jackson Special teams coaches Assistant head coach/special teams coordinator – Brad Seely Coaching assistant - Ejiro Evero Strength and conditioning Head strength and conditioning – Mark Uyeyama Assistant strength and conditioning – Kevin Tolbert

Roster

2011 San Francisco 49ers roster

Quarterbacks (QB)  7 Colin Kaepernick 11 Alex Smith  3 Scott Tolzien Running backs (RB) 24 Anthony Dixon 21 Frank Gore 32 Kendall Hunter 49 Bruce Miller FB 44 Moran Norris FB Wide receivers (WR) 15 Michael Crabtree 19 Ted Ginn Jr. RS 13 Joe Hastings 18 Brett Swain 10 Kyle Williams Tight ends (TE) 85 Vernon Davis 81 Justin Peelle 46 Delanie Walker

Offensive linemen (OL) 75 Alex Boone T 76 Anthony Davis T 59 Jonathan Goodwin C 77 Mike Iupati G 67 Daniel Kilgore C 78 Mike Person G/T 62 Chilo Rachal G 68 Adam Snyder G 74 Joe Staley T Defensive linemen (DL) 96 Demarcus Dobbs DE 95 Ricky Jean-Francois 91 Ray McDonald DE 94 Justin Smith DE 90 Isaac Sopoaga NT 93 Ian Williams NT

Linebackers (LB) 53 NaVorro Bowman ILB 55 Ahmad Brooks OLB 51 Blake Costanzo ILB 56 Tavares Gooden ILB 54 Larry Grant ILB 98 Parys Haralson OLB 99 Aldon Smith OLB 52 Patrick Willis ILB Defensive backs (DB) 26 Tramaine Brock CB 25 Tarell Brown CB 29 Chris Culliver CB 38 Dashon Goldson FS 43 Colin Jones FS 22 Carlos Rogers CB 30 Reggie Smith SS 36 Shawntae Spencer CB 27 C. J. Spillman FS 31 Donte Whitner SS 20 Madieu Williams S Special teams  2 David Akers K 86 Brian Jennings LS  4 Andy Lee P

Practice squad 61 Chase Beeler C 71 Derek Hall T 87 John Matthews WR 23 Cory Nelms CB 48 Konrad Reuland TE 47 Monte Simmons LB 57 Michael Wilhoite LB Reserve 84 Josh Morgan WR (IR) 92 Will Tukuafu DE (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 2 reserve, 7 practice squad

Notes

Wide receiver Braylon Edwards was released after nine games.

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	August 12	at New Orleans Saints	L 3–24	0–1	Louisiana Superdome	Recap
2	August 20	Oakland Raiders *	W 17–3	1–1	Candlestick Park	Recap
3	August 27	Houston Texans	L 7–30	1–2	Candlestick Park	Recap
4	September 1	at San Diego Chargers	W 20–17	2–2	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap

Candlestick Park incident

• The preseason game against the Raiders was marked by brawls in the stands and a major beating in a restroom at Candlestick Park. Because of this, the NFL officially canceled all future preseason games between the two teams. They now only meet in the regular season every four years when the NFC West plays the AFC West, or in the Super Bowl.

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	September 11	Seattle Seahawks	W 33–17	1–0	Candlestick Park	Recap
2	September 18	Dallas Cowboys	L 24–27 (OT)	1–1	Candlestick Park	Recap
3	September 25	at Cincinnati Bengals	W 13–8	2–1	Paul Brown Stadium	Recap
4	October 2	at Philadelphia Eagles	W 24–23	3–1	Lincoln Financial Field	Recap
5	October 9	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 48–3	4–1	Candlestick Park	Recap
6	October 16	at Detroit Lions	W 25–19	5–1	Ford Field	Recap
7	Bye
8	October 30	Cleveland Browns	W 20–10	6–1	Candlestick Park	Recap
9	November 6	at Washington Redskins	W 19–11	7–1	FedExField	Recap
10	November 13	New York Giants	W 27–20	8–1	Candlestick Park	Recap
11	November 20	Arizona Cardinals	W 23–7	9–1	Candlestick Park	Recap
12	November 24	at Baltimore Ravens	L 6–16	9–2	M&T Bank Stadium	Recap
13	December 4	St. Louis Rams	W 26–0	10–2	Candlestick Park	Recap
14	December 11	at Arizona Cardinals	L 19–21	10–3	University of Phoenix Stadium	Recap
15	December 19	Pittsburgh Steelers	W 20–3	11–3	Candlestick Park	Recap
16	December 24	at Seattle Seahawks	W 19–17	12–3	CenturyLink Field	Recap
17	January 1, 2012	at St. Louis Rams	W 34–27	13–3	Edward Jones Dome	Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week One: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	0	0	7	10	17
49ers	0	16	0	17	33

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: September 11
• Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 69,732
• Referee: Jeff Triplette
• TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jaime Maggio

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter SF – David Akers 27 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 3–0. SF – David Akers 24 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 6–0. SF – David Akers 31 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 9–0. SF – Alex Smith 1 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 16–0. Third quarter SEA – Golden Tate 8 yd. pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Steven Hauschka kick), 49ers 16–7. Fourth quarter SEA – Steven Hauschka 39 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 16–10. SF – David Akers 18 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 19–10. SEA – Doug Baldwin 55 yd. pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Steven Hauschka kick), 49ers 19–17. SF – Ted Ginn 102 yd. kickoff return (David Akers kick), 49ers 26–17. SF – Ted Ginn 55 yd. punt return (David Akers kick), 49ers 33–17. Top passers SEA – Tarvaris Jackson – 21/37, 197 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception SF – Alex Smith – 15/20, 124 yards Top rushers SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 13 carries, 33 yards SF – Frank Gore – 22 carries, 59 yards Top receivers SEA – Doug Baldwin – 4 receptions, 83 yards, 1 touchdown SF – Vernon Davis – 5 receptions, 47 yards Top tacklers SEA – Kam Chancellor – 10 tackles SF – NaVorro Bowman – 7 tackles

With the win, the 49ers started the season 1–0.

Week 2: vs. Dallas Cowboys

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Cowboys	0	7	7	10	3	27
49ers	0	14	7	3	0	24

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: September 18
• Game time: 1:05 pm. PDT
• Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C) (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 69,732
• Referee: Ron Winter
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin

Game information

First quarter No Scoring Second quarter SF – Frank Gore 1 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 7–0 SF – Kyle Williams 12 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 14–0 DAL – Miles Austin 53 yd. pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 49ers 14–7 Third quarter DAL – Miles Austin 5 yd. pass from Jon Kitna (Dan Bailey kick), Tied 14–14 SF – Delanie Walker 29 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 21–14 Fourth quarter SF – David Akers 55 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 24–14 DAL – Miles Austin 25 yd. pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 49ers 24–21 DAL – Dan Bailey 48 yd. Field Goal, Tied 24–24 Overtime DAL – Dan Bailey 19 yd. Field Goal, Cowboys 27–24 Top passers DAL – Tony Romo – 20/33, 345 yards, 2 touchdowns SF – Alex Smith – 16/24, 179 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception Top rushers DAL – Felix Jones – 9 carries, 25 yards SF – Frank Gore – 20 carries, 47 yards Top receivers DAL – Miles Austin – 9 receptions, 143 yards, 3 touchdowns SF – Ted Ginn Jr. – 4 receptions, 38 yards Top tacklers DAL – Sean Lee – 9 tackles, 1 assist SF – NaVorro Bowman – 10 tackles, 1 assist

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 1–1.

Week 3: at Cincinnati Bengals

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	0	3	10	13
Bengals	3	0	0	5	8

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

• Date: September 25
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 am. PDT
• Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 43,363
• Referee: Jerome Boger
• TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts, Jim Mora, Jr. and Jennifer Hale

Game information

First quarter CIN – Mike Nugent 22 yd. Field Goal, Bengals 3–0 Second quarter No Scoring Third quarter SF – David Akers 23 yd. Field Goal, Tied 3–3 Fourth quarter CIN – Mike Nugent 23 yd. Field Goal, Bengals 6–3 SF – Kendall Hunter 7 yd. run (David Akers kick) 49ers 10–6 SF – David Akers 53 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 13–6 CIN – Andy Lee run out of bounds for a safety, 49ers 13–8 Top passers SF – Alex Smith – 20/30, 201 YDS, 0 TD, 0 INT CIN – Andy Dalton – 17/32, 157 YDS, 0 TD, 2 INT Top rushers SF – Frank Gore – 17 CAR, 42 YDS CIN – Cedric Benson – 17 CAR, 64 YDS Top receivers SF – Vernon Davis – 8 REC, 114 YDS CIN – Andre Caldwell – 6 REC, 53 YDS Top tacklers SF – NaVorro Bowman – 7 TKL, 4 AST CIN – Reggie Nelson – 7 TKL, 2 AST

With the win, the 49ers improved to 2–1.

Week 4: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week Four: San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	3	14	7	24
Eagles	7	13	3	0	23

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Date: October 2
• Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT/10:00 am. PDT
• Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C) (Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 69,144
• Referee: Alberto Riveron
• TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts and Jim Mora, Jr.

Game information

First quarter PHI – Clay Horbor 16 yd. pass from Michael Vick (Alex Henery kick), Eagles 7–0 Second quarter SF – David Akers 37 yd. Field Goal, Eagles 7–3 PHI – Alex Henery 32 yd. Field Goal, Eagles 10–3 PHI – Alex Henery 32 yd. Field Goal, Eagles 13–3 PHI – LeSean McCoy 5 yd. pass from Michael Vick (Alex Henery kick), Eagles 20–3 Third quarter PHI – Alex Henery 33 yd. Field Goal, Eagles 23–3 SF – Josh Morgan 30 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), Eagles 23–10 SF – Vernon Davis 9 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), Eagles 23–17 Fourth quarter SF – Frank Gore 12 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 24–23 Top passers SF – Alex Smith – 21/33, 291 yards, 2 touchdowns PHI – Michael Vick – 30/46, 416 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception Top rushers SF – Frank Gore – 15 carries, 127 yards PHI – Michael Vick – 8 carries, 75 yards Top receivers SF – Michael Crabtree – 5 receptions, 68 yards PHI – DeSean Jackson – 6 rceptions, 171 yards Top tacklers SF – Dashon Goldson – 10 tackles PHI – Jamar Chaney – 6 tackles, 2 assists

With the comeback win, the 49ers improved to 3–1.

Week 5: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Five: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	3	0	0	0	3
49ers	7	17	10	14	48

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: October 9
• Game time: 1:05 pm. PDT
• Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C) (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 69,732
• Referee: Terry McAulay
• TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa

Game information

First quarter SF – Delanie Walker 26 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 7–0 TB – Connor Barth 24 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 7–3 Second quarter SF – Carlos Rogers 31 yd. interception return (David Akers kick), 49ers 14–3 SF – Frank Gore 2 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 21–3 SF – David Akers 37 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 24–3 Third quarter SF – Vernon Davis 23 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 31–3 SF – David Akers 27 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 34–3 Fourth quarter(David Akers kick) SF – Vernon Davis 14 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 41–3 SF – Anthony Dixon 1 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 48–3 Top passers TB – Josh Freeman – 17/33, 187 yards, 2 interceptions SF – Alex Smith – 11/19, 170 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions Top rushers TB – LeGarrette Blount – 10 rushes, 34 yards SF – Frank Gore – 20 rushes, 125 yards, 1 touchdown Top receivers TB – Kellen Winslow – 5 receptions, 54 yards SF – Josh Morgan – 5 receptions, 75 yards Top tacklers TB – Sean Jones – 8 tackles SF – Patrick Willis – 10 tackles, 2 assists

With the win, the 49ers improved to 4–1.

Week 6: at Detroit Lions

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	12	3	10	25
Lions	10	0	3	6	19

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

• Date: October 16
• Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT/10:00 am. PDT
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,061
• Referee: Mike Carey
• TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
• Recap
  Gamebook

Game information

First quarter DET – Jason Hanson 25-yard field goal, Lions 3–0,Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 2:01. DET – Brandon Pettigrew 16-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 10–0,Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:02. Second quarter SF – Frank Gore 1-yard run (David Akers kick), Lions 10–7,Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:47. SF – Matthew Stafford sacked by Aldon Smith and Ray McDonald in end zone for −11 yards, Lions 10–9,Drive: 2 plays, −11 yards, 0:05. SF – David Akers 55-yard field goal, 49ers 12–10,Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 0:55. Third quarter DET – Jason Hanson 24-yard field goal, Lions 13–12,Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 2:12. SF – David Akers 31-yard field goal, 49ers 15–13,Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:18. Fourth quarter DET – Nate Burleson 5-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, Lions 19–15,Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 2:55. SF – Delanie Walker 6-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 22–19,Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:33. SF – David Akers 37-yard field goal, 49ers 25–19,Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:14. Top passers SF – Alex Smith – 17/32, 125 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception DET – Matthew Stafford – 28/50, 293 yards, 2 touchdowns Top rushers SF – Frank Gore – 15 carries, 141 yards, 1 touchdown DET – Jahvid Best – 12 carries, 37 yards Top receivers SF – Michael Crabtree – 9 receptions, 77 yards DET – Calvin Johnson – 7 receptions, 113 yards Top tacklers SF – Navarro Bowman – 8 tackles, 5 assists DET – DeAndre Levy – 7 tackles, 5 assists

With the win, the 49ers went into their bye week at 5–1.

Week 8: vs. Cleveland Browns

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Browns	0	3	0	7	10
49ers	10	7	0	3	20

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: October 30
• Game time: 1:15 pm. PDT
• Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C) (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 69,732
• Referee: Bill Leavy
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts

Game information

First quarter SF – Frank Gore 4 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 7–0 SF – David Akers 29 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 10–0 Second quarter SF – Michael Crabtree 2 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 17–0 CLE – Phil Dawson 52 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 17–3 Third quarter No Scoring Fourth quarter CLE – Joshua Cribbs 45 yd. pass from Colt McCoy (Phil Dawson kick), 49ers 17–10 SF – David Akers 26 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 20–10 Top passers CLE – Colt McCoy – 22/34, 241 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception SF – Alex Smith – 15/24, 177 yards, 1 touchdown Top rushers CLE – Chris Ogbonnaya – 11 carries, 37 yards SF – Frank Gore – 31 carries, 134 yards Top receivers CLE – Jordan Norwood – 5 receptions, 32 yards SF – Michael Crabtree – 5 receptions, 54 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers CLE – D'Qwell Jackson – 11 tackles SF – NaVorro Bowman – 11 tackles, 1 assist

With the win, the 49ers improved to 6–1.

Week 9: at Washington Redskins

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	13	3	3	19
Redskins	0	3	0	8	11

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

• Date: November 6
• Game time: 1:00 pm. EST/10:00 am. PST
• Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C) (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 78,032
• Referee: Gene Steratore
• TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa

Game information

First quarter No Scoring Second quarter SF – David Akers 52 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 3–0 SF – David Akers 34 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 6–0 SF – Bruce Miller 30 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 13–0 WAS – Graham Gano 59 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 13–3 Third quarter SF – David Akers 45 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 16–3 Fourth quarter SF – David Akers 20 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 19–3 WAS – Jabar Graffney 9 yd. pass from John Beck (Leonard Hankerson pass from John Beck), 49ers 19–11 Top passers SF – Alex Smith – 17/24, 200 yards, 1 touchdown WAS – John Beck – 30/47, 254 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception Top rushers SF – Frank Gore – 19 carries, 107 yards WAS – Roy Helu – 10 carries, 41 yards Top receivers SF – Michael Crabtree – 5 receptions, 51 yards WAS – Roy Helu – 14 receptions, 105 yards Top tacklers SF – Patrick Willis – 9 tackles, 4 assists WAS – Reed Doughty – 6 tackles, 5 assists

With the win, the 49ers improved to 7–1.

Week 10: vs. New York Giants

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	3	3	7	7	20
49ers	3	6	3	15	27

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: November 13
• Game time: 1:15 pm. PST
• Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 69,732
• Referee: Tony Corrente
• TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver

Game information

First quarter NYG – Lawerence Tynes 23 yd. Field Goal, Giants 3–0 SF – David Akers 36 yd. Field Goal, Tied 3–3 Second quarter NYG – Lawerence Tynes 25 yd. Field Goal, Giants 6–3 SF – David Akers 52 yd. Field Goal, Tied 6–6 SF – David Akers 39 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 9–6 Third quarter SF – David Akers 28 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 12–6 NYG – Mario Manningham 13 yd. pass from Eli Manning (Lawerence tynes kick), Giants 13–12 Fourth quarter SF – Vernon Davis 31 yd. pass from Alex Smith (Michael Crabtree pass from Alex Smith), 49ers 20–13 SF – Kendall Hunter 17 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 27–13 NYG – Hakeem Nicks 32 yd. pass from Eli Manning (Lawerence Tynes kick), 49ers 27–20 Top passers NYG – Eli Manning – 26/40, 311 YDS, 2 TD, 2 INT SF – Alex Smith – 19/30, 242 YDS, TD, INT Top rushers NYG – Brandon Jacobs – 18 CAR, 55 YDS SF – Kendall Hunter – 6 CAR, 40 YDS, TD Top receivers NYG – Victor Cruz – 6 REC, 84 YDS SF – Delanie Walker – 6 REC, 69 YDS Top tacklers NYG – Kenny Phillips/Antrel Rolle – 4 TKL, AST each SF – NaVorro Bowman – 10 TKL, 4 AST

With the win, the 49ers improved to 8–1.

Week 11: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week Eleven: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	0	0	0	7	7
49ers	6	3	14	0	23

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: November 20
• Game time: 1:05 pm. PST
• Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C) (Light Rain)
• Game attendance: 69,732
• Referee: Pete Morelli
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin

Game information

First quarter SF – David Akers 22 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 3–0 SF – David Akers 43 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 6–0 Second quarter SF – David Akers 29 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 9–0 Third quarter SF – Kyle Williams 8 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 16–0 SF – Vernon Davis 18 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 23–0 Fourth quarter ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 23 yd. pass from Richard Bartel (Jay Feely kick), 49ers 23–7 Top passers ARI – Ricahrd Bartel – 8/16, 64 yards, 1 touchdown SF – Alex Smith – 20/38, 267 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception Top rushers ARI – Chris Wells – 8 carries, 33 yards SF – Frank Gore – 24 carries, 88 yards Top receivers ARI – Early Doucet – 6 receptions, 50 yards SF – Michael Crabtree – 7 receptions, 120 yards Top tacklers ARI – Paris Lenon – 9 tackles SF – Patrick Willis – 6 tackles, 1 assist

With this win, the 49ers improve their record to 9–1, securing them their first winning season since 2002.

Week 12: at Baltimore Ravens

Thanksgiving Day Game

Week Twelve: San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	3	0	3	0	6
Ravens	3	3	0	10	16

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

• Date: November 24
• Game time: 8:20 pm. EST/5:20 pm. PST
• Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C) (Clear)
• Game attendance: 71,345
• Referee: John Parry
• TV announcers (NFLN): Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan

Game information

First quarter BAL – Billy Cundiff 39-yard field goal, Ravens 3–0,Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 4:39. SF – David Akers 45-yard field goal, Tied 3–3,Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 4:42. Second quarter BAL – Billy Cundiff 23-yard field goal, Ravens 6–3,Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:24. Third quarter SF – David Akers 52-yard field goal, Tied 6–6,Drive: 13 plays, 46 yards, 7:30. Fourth quarter BAL – Dennis Pitta 8-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Billy Cundiff kick), Ravens 13–6,Drive: 16 plays, 76 yards, 7:34. BAL – Billy Cundiff 39-yard field goal, Ravens 16–6,Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 4:16. Top passers SF – Alex Smith – 15/24, 140 yards, 1 interception BAL – Joe Flacco – 15/23, 161 yards, 1 touchdown Top rushers SF – Frank Gore – 14 carries, 39 yards BAL – Ray Rice – 21 carries, 59 yards Top receivers SF – Michael Crabtree – 6 receptions, 54 yards BAL – Anquan Boldin – 4 receptions, 63 yards Top tacklers SF – NaVorro Bowman – 9 tackles BAL – Bernard Pollard – 8 tackles

Coming off their divisional home win over the Cardinals, head coach Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers flew to M&T Bank Stadium for a Week 12 interconference duel with the Baltimore Ravens and their head coach (Jim's brother) John Harbaugh on Thanksgiving.

San Francisco trailed early in the first quarter as Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff got a 39-yard field goal, yet the 49ers answered with a 45-yard field goal from kicker David Akers. Baltimore struck back in the second quarter with Cundiff making a 23-yard field goal.

San Francisco began the third quarter with a 52-yard field goal from Akers, but the Ravens opened the fourth quarter with quarterback Joe Flacco completing an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dennis Pitta, followed by Cundiff nailing a 39-yard field goal. The Niners tried to rally, but Baltimore's defense held on to preserve the win.

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 9–2.

These two teams would meet again a year later in Super Bowl XLVII with the 49ers falling short 34–31.

Week 13: vs. St. Louis Rams

Week Thirteen: St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	0	0	0	0	0
49ers	3	6	10	7	26

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: December 4
• Game time: 1:15 pm. PST
• Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C) (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 69,732
• Referee: Pete Morelli
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers and Tim Ryan

Game information

First quarter SF – David Akers 36-yard field goal, 49ers 3–0. Second quarter SF – David Akers 19-yard field goal, 49ers 6–0. SF – David Akers 28-yard field goal, 49ers 9–0. Third quarter SF – Michael Crabtree 52-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 16–0. SF – David Akers 34-yard field goal, 49ers 19–0. Fourth quarter SF – Kyle Williams 56-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 26–0. Top passers STL – A.J. Feeley – 12/22, 156 yards, 1 interception SF – Alex Smith – 17/23, 274 yards, 2 touchdown Top rushers STL – Steven Jackson – 10 carries, 19 yards SF – Frank Gore – 21 carries, 73 yards Top receivers STL – Brandon Gibson – 4 catches, 42 yards SF – Michael Crabtree – 4 catches, 96 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers STL – Craig Dehl – 11 tackles, 2 assists SF – NaVarro Bowman – 6 tackles

With the shutout win, not only did the 49ers improve to 10–2, but they also clinched 1st place in the NFC West for their first playoff berth since the 2002 season.

Week 14: at Arizona Cardinals

Week Fourteen: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	3	9	7	0	19
Cardinals	0	7	7	7	21

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

• Date: December 11
• Game time: 2:05 p.m. MST/1:05 pm. PST
• Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
• Game attendance: 60,808
• Referee: Alberto Riveron
• TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer Hale

Game information

First quarter SF – David Akers 46-yard field goal, 49ers 3–0. Second quarter SF – David Akers 22-yard field goal, 49ers 6–0. ARI – Early Doucet 60-yard pass from John Skelton (Jay Feely kick), Cardinals 7–6. SF – David Akers 27-yard field goal, 49ers 9–7. SF – David Akers 22-yard field goal, 49ers 12–7. Third quarter SF – Frank Gore 37-yard run (David Akers kick), 49ers 19–7. ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 46-yard pass from John Skelton (Jay Feely kick), 49ers 19–14. Fourth quarter ARI – Andre Roberts 3-yard pass from John Skelton (Jay Feely kick), Cardinals 21–19. Top passers SF – Alex Smith – 18/37, 175 yards ARI – John Skelton – 19/28, 282 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions Top rushers SF – Frank Gore – 10 carries, 72 yards ARI – Chris Wells – 15 carries, 27 yards Top receivers SF – Michael Crabtree – 7 catches, 63 yards ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 7 catches, 149 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers SF – Larry Grant – 10 tackles, 1 assist ARI – Richard Marshall – 4 tackles, 3 assists

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 10–3.

Week 15: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	0	0	3	0	3
49ers	6	0	7	7	20

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: December 19
• Game time: 5:30 pm. PST
• Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C) (Clear)
• Game attendance: 69,732
• Referee: Walt Coleman
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden and John Sutcliffe

Game information

First quarter SF – David Akers 22-yard field goal, 49ers 3–0. Second quarter SF – David Akers 38-yard field goal, 49ers 6–0. Third quarter PIT – Shaun Suisham 51-yard field goal, 49ers 6–3. SF – Vernon Davis 1-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 13–3. Fourth quarter SF – Frank Gore 5-yard run (David Akers kick), 49ers 20–3. Top passers PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 25/44, 330 yards, 3 interceptions SF – Alex Smith – 18/31, 187 yards, 1 touchdown Top rushers PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 15 carries, 64 yards SF – Frank Gore – 18 carries, 65 yards, 1 touchdown Top receivers PIT – Jerricho Cotchery – 5 carries, 93 yards SF – Vernon Davis – 6 catches, 72 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers PIT – Troy Polamalu – 7 tackles SF – NaVarro Bowman – 7 tackles, 1 assist

The 49ers traveled home for a game on Monday Night Football against the Steelers. It was delayed due to a power outage in their stadium. The lights went off again in the 2nd quarter when the 49ers were leading 6–0, which eventually became the score at halftime. In the 2nd half the 49ers would go on a 14 to 3 run to make the final score 20–3 and improve their record to 11–3.

Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks

Week Sixteen: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	3	10	6	19
Seahawks	7	3	0	7	17

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

• Date: December 24
• Game time: 1:15 pm. PST
• Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C) (Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 66,697
• Referee: Ron Winter
• TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts, Charles Davis and Drea Avent

Game information

First quarter SEA – Doug Baldwin 13-yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Steven Hauschka kick), Seahawks 7–0. Second quarter SF – David Akers 53-yard field goal, Seahawks 7–3. SEA – Steven Hauschka 19-yard field goal, Seahawks 10–3. Third quarter SF – Frank Gore 4-yard run (David Akers kick), Tied 10–10. SF – David Akers 29-yard field goal, 49ers 13–10. Fourth quarter SF – David Akers 44-yard field goal, 49ers 16–10. SEA – Marshawn Lynch 4-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), Seahawks 17–16. SF – David Akers 39-yard field goal, 49ers 19–17. Top passers SF – Alex Smith – 14/26, 179 yards SEA – Tarvaris Jackson – 15/28, 163 yards, 1 touchdown Top rushers SF – Frank Gore – 23 carries, 83 yards, 1 touchdown SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 21 carries, 107 yards, 1 touchdown Top receivers SF – Michael Crabtree – 5 carries, 85 yards SEA – Golden Tate – 3 catches, 16 yards Top tacklers SF – NaVarro Bowman – 7 tackles, 5 assists SEA – Kam Chancellor – 10 tackles

With the win, the 49ers improved to 12–3 and swept the Seahawks for the first time since 2006. The 49ers would not win at CenturyLink Field again until 2019.

Week 17: at St. Louis Rams

Week Seventeen: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	13	7	7	34
Rams	7	0	3	17	27

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

• Date: January 1
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST/10:00 am. PST
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 55,990
• Referee: Jeff Triplette
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Tim Ryan, & Jaime Maggio

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers SF – STL – Top rushers SF – STL – Top receivers SF – STL – Top tacklers SF – STL –

With the win, the 49ers finished their season at 13–3 as they swept the Rams for the first time since 2009 and captured the NFC's #2 playoff seed.

Standings

NFC West
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(2) San Francisco 49ers	13	3	0	.813	5–1	10–2	380	229	W3
Arizona Cardinals	8	8	0	.500	4–2	7–5	312	348	W1
Seattle Seahawks	7	9	0	.438	3–3	6–6	321	315	L2
St. Louis Rams	2	14	0	.125	0–6	1–11	193	407	L7

Postseason

Main article: 2011–12 NFL playoffs

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
Wild Card	First-round bye
Divisional	January 14, 2012	New Orleans Saints (3)	W 36–32	1–0	Candlestick Park	Recap
NFC Championship	January 22, 2012	New York Giants (4)	L 17–20	1–1	Candlestick Park	Recap

Game summaries

NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. #3 New Orleans Saints

NFC Divisional Round Playoff Game: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	0	14	0	18	32
49ers	14	3	3	16	36

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: January 14, 2012
• Game time: 1:30 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 69,732
• Referee: John Parry
• TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, & Tony Siragusa

Game information

First quarter SF – Vernon Davis 49-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 7–0,Drive: 2 plays, 54 yards, 0:46. SF – Michael Crabtree 4-yard catch from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 14–0,Drive: 3 plays, 4 yards, 0:15. Second quarter SF – David Akers 21-yard field goal, 49ers 17–0,Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:23. NO – Jimmy Graham 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 49ers 17–7,Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:40. NO – Marques Colston 25-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 49ers 17–14,Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:04. Third quarter SF – David Akers 41-yard field goal, 49ers 20–14,Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:59. Fourth quarter NO – John Kasay 48-yard field goal, 49ers 20–17,Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 0:59. SF – David Akers 37-yard field goal, 49ers 23–17,Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 3:02 NO – Darren Sproles 44-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), Saints 24–23,Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 3:34. SF – Alex Smith 28-yard run (2-point conversion failed), 49ers 29–24,Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:51. NO – Jimmy Graham 66-yard pass from Drew Brees (Drew Brees pass to Darren Sproles for two-point conversion), Saints 32–29,Drive: 4 plays, 88 yards, 0:34. SF – Vernon Davis 14-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 36–32,Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 1:28. Top passers NO – Drew Brees – 40/63, 462 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions SF – Alex Smith – 24/42, 299 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions Top rushers NO – Chris Ivory – 9 carries, 23 yards, 0 touchdowns SF – Frank Gore – 13 carries, 89 yards, 0 touchdowns Top receivers NO – Marques Colston – 9 receptions, 136 yards, 1 touchdown SF – Vernon Davis – 7 receptions, 180 yards, 2 touchdowns Top tacklers NO – Malcolm Jenkins – 8 tackles, 0 assists, 1 sack SF – Dashon Goldson – 11 tackles, 0 assists, 1 interception

Alex Smith's 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Vernon Davis with 9 seconds left gave San Francisco their first playoff win since 2002 at the end of a wild, back and forth final quarter which featured four lead changes in a span of 3:53. Sports writers and 49ers fans have taken to referring Davis' catch as The Catch III, as it occurred four days after the 30th anniversary of The Catch – Joe Montana's famous game-winning touchdown pass to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys, one of the most famous plays in San Francisco 49ers history as it helped propel the 49ers to their first-ever Super Bowl, with both plays occurring with the 49ers trailing with less than a minute to play and facing 3rd down and 3 yards to go. ^[10] This game was voted the number 1 game of 2011 by NFL.com. ^[11] (The Catch II refers to Steve Young's game-winning pass to Terrell Owens in the 1998 NFC Divisional Playoff against the Green Bay Packers.) With the win, the 49ers improved to 14–3 and faced the New York Giants at Candlestick Park in the NFC Championship Game.

NFC Championship: vs. #4 New York Giants

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Giants	0	10	0	7	3	20
49ers	7	0	7	3	0	17

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: January 22, 2012
• Game time: 3:30 pm. PST
• Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C), rain
• Game attendance: 69,732
• Referee: Ed Hochuli
• TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver and Chris Myers

Game information

First quarter SF – Vernon Davis 73-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 7:21. 49ers 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 73 yards, 0:13 Second quarter NYG – Bear Pascoe 6-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick). Giants 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 4:16 NYG – Lawrence Tynes 31-yard field goal, 0:02. Giants 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 1:34 Third quarter SF – Vernon Davis 28-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 5:18. 49ers 14–10. Drive: 3 plays, 54 yards, 1:30 Fourth quarter NYG – Mario Manningham 17-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), 8:34. Giants 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 29 yards, 2:34 SF – David Akers 25-yard field goal, 5:39. Giants 17–17. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 2:55 Overtime NYG – Lawrence Tynes 31-yard field goal, 7:06. Giants 20–17. Drive: 5 plays, 11 yards, 2:26 Top passers NYG – Eli Manning – 32/58, 316 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions SF – A. Smith – 12/26, 196 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions Top rushers NYG – Ahmad Bradshaw – 20 Carries, 74 yards, 0 touchdowns SF – Frank Gore – 16 Carries, 74 yards, 0 touchdowns Top receivers NYG – Victor Cruz – 10 Rec, 142 yards, 0 touchdowns SF – Vernon Davis – 3 Rec, 112 yards, 2 touchdowns Top tacklers NYG – Chase Blackburn – 7 Tot, 5 Solo SF – NaVorro Bowman – 13 Tot, 7 Solo

For the fifth time in conference championship history and for the third time in five years, overtime decided the game, and as it was in the 2007 NFC Championship Game, a field goal by Lawrence Tynes was the winning score as the Giants defeated the 49ers for their fifth NFC Championship Game victory. The Giants became the third team in NFL history to advance to the Super Bowl with fewer than 10 wins during the regular season, joining the 1979 Los Angeles Rams and the 2008 Arizona Cardinals.

With Ted Ginn Jr. injured, Rookie Kyle Williams started at wide receiver and performed punt returns in the NFC Championship Game. He lost two fumbles returning punts, including one in overtime that preceded the game-winning field goal by the Giants. His other fumble in the fourth quarter was followed by a Giants' touchdown to retake the lead, 17–14. QB Alex Smith defended Williams, saying: "Offensively we weren't good enough today. We didn't get it done .... You can't put it on [Williams]". The 49ers did not make a 3rd down conversion until the 4th quarter. The 49ers' season ended with a 14–4 record.

Team statistics

• Set franchise and NFL record for fewest turnovers in a season (10)
• Fewest rushing touchdowns allowed in the NFL since 1978 (3)
• Most consecutive games not allowing a rushing touchdown since 1970 (15)
• Highest turnover differential in franchise history (+28)
• Set franchise record of not allowing a 100-yard rusher in 36 consecutive games (dating back to 2009)
• NFL record set for most field goals made and attempted in a single season (David Akers, 44 out of 52)

References

1. "2011 San Francisco 49ers defense played to historical heights | Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site". pfhof. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
2. "2011 San Francisco 49ers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
3. "2011 Team DVOA Ratings: Defense | Football Outsiders". www.footballoutsiders.com. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
4. Branch, Eric (January 23, 2012). "Third-down disaster helped doom 49ers". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on January 24, 2012.
5. David White (December 28, 2010). "York says new GM will hire next 49ers coach". San Francisco Chronicle . Retrieved December 28, 2010.
6. "49ers promote Trent Baalke to GM". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 5, 2011.
7. "Draft trade tracker: Let's make a deal: Safety insurance: The Butler did it: Chargers snag linebacker". NFL.com. April 23, 2010. Archived from the original on April 25, 2010. Retrieved April 23, 2010.
8. "Report: Niners Trade Balmer to Seattle". CSNBayArea.com. August 16, 2010. Archived from the original on July 24, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
9. "49ers sign Carr, deal Hill to Lions". Associated Press. March 16, 2010. Archived from the original on March 17, 2010. Retrieved March 16, 2010.
10. Ortiz, Jorge L. (January 15, 2012). "TD could become 'The Catch III' in 49ers lore". USA Today . David Hunke; Gannett Company . Retrieved January 16, 2012.
11. Harrison, Elliot (June 25, 2012). "Game 1: Saints at 49ers Divisional Game". NFL.com . Retrieved April 6, 2014.

External links

• 2011 San Francisco 49ers at ESPN
• 2011 San Francisco 49ers at Football Reference