The SF 49er Observer: The Drive that Started it All

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The Drive that Started it All

The 49ers waited thirty-five years to win their first championship and nobody really expected it. Coming off a less than successful 1980 season, Bill Walsh went heavily for defensive secondary players in the draft, landing Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, and Carlton Williamson to go along with free agent pickup, Dwight Hicks. The Niners started off the season at 3-2, then faced the heavily favored Dallas Cowboys at Candlestick Park. The Niners made a statement that day with a 45-14 shellacking of the 'Boys to the delight of a raucus sold-out Stick.

Later that season, the Niners faced the Cowboys again in the NFC Championship Game. Trailing 27-21 with a little over three minutes remaining. The drive that ends with The Catch. Originally aired on CBS January 10, 1982. Vin Scully doing play by play with Hank Stram doing color commentary. Enjoy the excitement of the greatest single moment in 49er history.

1 comment:

AnonymousJuly 15, 2009 at 8:05 AM
I'm a younger 49er fan and that was the first time I have seen the entire drive and was able to experience the excitement of that day. In fact, I have to admit that the name Lenvil Elliott is new to me. Thank you very much for posting this important piece of 49er history. I learned a lot.
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