FILE--San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana chats with coach Bill Walsh as the team gets ready for Super Bowl XVI against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 19, 1982. Montana, who will retire from pro football on Tuesday, had all of those elusive qualities and he combined them into a brilliant package that made him the NFL's best quarterback ever. Even more, he could convince his teammates that he could do the impossible.(AP Photo/file)
Poll
Who was the greatest 49ers performer in the Super Bowl
Your vote has been counted, thank you for voting.
Here are the game-turning factors from each of the 49ers' five Super Bowl victories. Feel free to dispute them.
Super Bowl XVI: Dan Bunz's lead-saving goal-line tackle of Bengals running back Charles Alexander has been replayed and assessed and celebrated since the echo of that titanic hit shook the Pontiac Silverdome. But, yes, it was that great of a play.
Super Bowl XIX: Pick Joe Montana if you wish. He was the MVP and flawless. But look closer and see 49ers running backs Wendell Tyler and Roger Craig combined for 123 rushing yards and 147 receiving yards, a blazing example of the West Coast offense's efficiency. Craig also scored three touchdowns.
Super Bowl XXIII: Jerry Rice had 11 receptions for 215 yards and a touchdown. Montana led a 92-yard fourth-quarter drive beginning with 3:10 left and the 49ers trailing 16-13, and ending with an elegant 10-yard TD pass to John Taylor.
Super Bowl XXIV: It's nearly impossible to pick one play or series to highlight from the 55-10 blowout of Denver. It's easier to say it was Montana's show. He threw 29 passes, and just seven were not completed. He passed for five touchdowns, then a record. He was MVP for the third time. Visions of Montana still nauseate Denverites.
Super Bowl XXIX: One could point to Steve Young's statistical summary, with its six TD passes and goofy-high 134.8 QB rating. But look instead to the third play from scrimmage when he hit Rice in stride for a 44-yard touchdown, setting the stage for the 49-26 rout of San Diego that ensued.
What to watch
NBA, Kings at Boston, 4:30 p.m.: It's the third game of six on the road in 10 days; the Kings aren't home again until Feb. 9.
Today's poll
Who was the greatest 49ers performer in the Super Bowl?
• Joe Montana
• Jerry Rice
• Roger Craig
• Steve Young
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Tuesday's results
How would you feel about a gay NFL player?
• Not on my team: 29%
• Sure, no problem: 71%
Total votes: 290
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