1990 NFC Championship vs Giants
A miraculous comeback from a 20-point hole to seal the Super Bowl berth.
The 1990 NFC Championship Game stands as one of the most dramatic and defining moments in San Francisco 49ers history. Played on January 6, 1991, at Candlestick Park, this contest pitted the defending Super Bowl champions against their fierce New York Giants rivals in a game that would decide who advanced to Super Bowl XXV. It is remembered not just for its playoff stakes, but for an improbable comeback from a 20-point deficit.
- Date
- January 6, 1991
- Location
- Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA
- Opponent
- New York Giants
- Final Score
- 49ers 20, Giants 15
- Key Figure
- Joe Montana (Quarterback)
- Status
- NFC Championship Game
Lore & Background
The turning point arrived when quarterback Joe Montana took over, orchestrating a methodical drive after drive to chip away at the lead. The atmosphere inside Candlestick Park shifted from despair to electric belief as the crowd roared louder with every yard gained. The game culminated in a field goal by Matt Stover and a final touchdown pass to John Taylor, capping off one of the most stunning reversals in NFL history.
In Their Own Story
The biting San Francisco wind whipped through Candlestick Park as the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter. Inside the huddle, Joe Montana wiped sweat from his brow, his eyes scanning a defense that had just surrendered a massive lead. The Giants' players looked exhausted, their confidence shaken by the relentless 49ers drive.
Reader's Guide
The Giants struck first with a quick field goal and a rushing touchdown by Ottis Anderson, building a 17-3 lead by halftime. The 49ers offense, struggling against the Giants' pass rush, found themselves down 20-3 in the third quarter after another New York score. Joe Montana entered the game with renewed focus, leading a methodical drive that ended in a field goal to make it 20-6. He then orchestrated a masterful series, mixing short passes and runs to move the ball into scoring range, eventually tying the game at 17-17 after a touchdown pass. With seconds remaining on the clock, Montana drove the team down the field one last time. A crucial conversion set up the final play: a touchdown run by John Taylor that gave San Francisco a 20-15 victory and their ticket to Super Bowl XXV.
Did You Know?
- The 49ers overcame a 17-point deficit in this game, one of the largest comebacks in NFC Championship history.
- Joe Montana was named MVP of the game for his clutch performance under pressure.
- This victory set the stage for the 49ers' fourth Super Bowl title later that month.
- The Giants entered the game as heavy favorites due to their dominant defense and home-field advantage in previous matchups.
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