San Francisco 49ers: Top 10 Moments in Franchise’s Super Bowl History
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: Jerry Rice Sets up the Game-Winning Touchdown in Super Bowl XXIII
Result: 49ers 20, Bengals 16
Quarterback Joe Montana’s famous drive in Super Bowl XXIII against the Cincinnati Bengals is the stuff of legend (don’t worry, it’s on this list). The “Hey, isn’t that John Candy?” drive culminated in a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver John Taylor to give San Francisco a 20-16 victory in the game.
But it may not have happened had it not been for wide receiver Jerry Rice and an astounding 27-yard catch that put the 49ers offense at the Bengals 18-yard line.
Remember, there was only 1:22 remaining on the clock with the 49ers trailing by three in the fourth quarter.
Rice hauled in the pass over the middle and put San Francisco in excellent position to, at least, tie the game with a late field goal. But the 49ers wouldn’t need to tie the game thanks to Montana and Taylor.
Oh, and Rice had three receptions for 51 yards on this drive alone.
Not surprisingly, Rice would go on to receive MVP accolades for his efforts during the game.
Next: Steve Young Gets the Monkey off His Back