San Francisco 49ers: Top 10 Moments in Franchise’s Super Bowl History
By Peter Panacy
No. 10: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick Nearly Wins Super Bowl XLVII
Result: 49ers 31, Ravens 34
2012 was the year in which quarterback Colin Kaepernick came to dominate the NFL. His revolutionary style of play took the league by storm, and Kaepernick’s hot streak continued into the Super Bowl against the Baltimore Ravens.
But the 49ers found themselves trailing 21-6 entering the half. And the opening second-half kickoff, returned for a touchdown by Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones, didn’t help much either.
Still, Kaepernick ended up putting San Francisco’s offense on his shoulders. Later in the third quarter, Kaepernick and the 49ers engineered an impressive 80-yard drive — 20 of the yards were thanks to Kap’s legs — which was culminated by a 31-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
28-13 in favor of the Ravens.
On the following 49ers possession, Kaepernick took advantage of good field position to deliver a 14-yard pass to tight end Vernon Davis. The 49ers cut the gap 28-20 thanks to a six-yard rush by running back Frank Gore.
28-20.
Baltimore and San Francisco traded field goals to make the game 31-23. But Kaepernick added a 15-yard touchdown run at the 10:04 mark of the fourth quarter to cut the lead to two points after a failed two-point try.
Following another field goal from the Ravens, San Francisco’s hopes came down to a fade pass intended for Crabtree in the Ravens end zone. One can argue whether or not Crabtree was held, but the pass sailed over his head. Baltimore went on to seize the championship.
Oh so close.
Next: Gary Johnson Harasses Dan Marino in Super Bowl XIX