49ers: San Francisco's all-time 5 best games in franchise history

49ers all-time 5 best games in franchise history

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 9: Dwight Clark #87 of the San Francisco 49ers and teammates await the introduction of Joe Montana #16 prior to an NFL game against the St. Louis Cardinals played on November 9, 1986 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. Also visible are John Ayers #68 and Fred Quillan #56. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /

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Garrison Hearst #20 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images) /

No. 3: 2002 NFC Wild Card Game vs. New York Giants

Speaking of wild comebacks, the 2002 NFC Wild Card game against the New York Giants at Candlestick Park was about as epic as it gets.

The Giants have a long history of haunting San Francisco’s postseason dreams, and it looked as if that would be the case again this season. New York was already up 28-14 by halftime and extended its lead to 35-14 early in the third quarter.

When the G-Men tacked on a field goal to make it 38-14 with just over four minutes remaining in the third quarter, it was all over.

Or was it?

A 26-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jeff Garcia to wide receiver Terrell Owens late in the third quarter gave the 49ers some life and a chance. Following a Giants punt their next possession, Garcia responded again with a 14-yard rushing touchdown to make it 38-30.

A one-score game followed by another New York 3-and-out.

The Niners tacked on a field goal to close the gap even further, then the Giants subsequently botched a field-goal try of their own to keep it 38-33.

Finally, Garcia engineered a drive culminating in a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Tai Streets to give the 49ers the most insane of insane comeback leads.

And it held. San Francisco advanced in epic fashion.