Ranking 49ers Teams over Last 10 Years by Strength

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Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: The 2009 Niners

In 2009, the 49ers opened the season with two straight victories. They looked fantastic. They continued to look fantastic through game three, until one of the top hail-mary plays in NFL History.

In Week 3, of the 2009 NFL regular season, the 49ers went on the road to take on the Minnesota Vikings. In that game the Niners outplayed the Vikings, but were outgained 377 yards to 246. Shaun Hill was proving why he won the starting quarterback job, because of his ability to keep possession of the football. The 49ers led 14-13 at halftime, and 24-20 late in the fourth quarter.

Then, the unthinkable happened.

With under a minute remaining, Brett Favre, pressured heavily by Justin Smith, heaved a prayer to the back of the end zone.

Greg Lewis somehow came down with the ball, and the 49ers hopes of winning were dashed.

That is the reason the 2009 Niners aren’t higher on this list.

Back then, cornerback Walt Harris said that the game deflated the team. The Niners went from a 2-1 start, to an 8-8 finish.

Disappointing, if you ask me.

Bottom Line

The 2009 Niners were better than the next team on this list, but disappointment is all Niners fans can remember.

Next: No. 4, the 2006 Niners