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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 5 Greatest Plays in Franchise History

By Peter Panacy

December 23, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) runs the ball for a touchdown after an interception during the fourth quarter in the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 23, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) runs the ball for a touchdown after an interception during the fourth quarter in the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Honorable Mentions

As we said before, there are simply too many plays to choose from in order to adequately whittle down the number to five.

So here are some honorable mentions to help Niners fans recall great plays that didn’t quite make the cut.

Colin Kaepernick’s 56-Yard Touchdown Run versus the Packers

In 2012, the 49ers boasted one of the most promising quarterbacks in the NFL, Colin Kaepernick.

And the team rode that momentum all the way into the Super Bowl that year. But before getting there, the Niners would have to upend the Green Bay Packers at home in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Well, Kap did just that. And his 56-yard touchdown run, which broke a 24-all tie, ensured San Francisco would advance in the postseason.

The Vernon Post

There are a few back-and-forth games on this list, but one recent postseason play that stands out is the game-winning touchdown grab by former 49ers tight end Vernon Davis against the New Orleans Saints in the 2012 divisional round.

New Orleans took a 32-29 lead with less than two minutes remaining in regulation.

Yet quarterback Alex Smith and Co. were able to drive the length of the field. And Smith found Davis on a post route, hitting him with a game-winning 14-yard pass with nine seconds remaining.

Joe Montana to John Taylor Wins Super Bowl XXIII

Some might feel this play belongs in the top five. But don’t worry, Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana gets his due in a little bit.

If anything, the drive that made Joe Montana “Joe Cool” would be atop any best-drives list. Montana put on a quarterbacking clinic in the final drive of Super Bowl XXIII against the Cincinnati Bengals.

At the tail end, one might have expected Montana to target wide receiver Jerry Rice. Instead, fellow wideout John Taylor was the target.

Taylor hauled in the 10-yard pass from Montana, sealing San Francisco’s 20-16 Super Bowl victory and further adding credence to the 49ers dynasty of the 1980s.