| Niners Notch Second-Largest NFL Playoff Comeback | |
Sunday, Jan. 5, 4:30 PM ET
At: San Francisco Stadium
After falling behind by 24 points late in the third quarter of Sunday's playoff game with the New York Giants, San Francisco capped the second-largest comeback in NFL Playoff history when Jeff Garcia hit Tai Streets with a 13-yard touchdown pass with one minute left in the game, giving the 49ers a 39-38 win.
The Giants had a chance to make a comeback of their own, as quarterback Kerry Collins got New York to the San Francisco 23 with six seconds left. But a botched snap resulted in an incomplete pass as time expired. Even if the pass had been caught, it would not have counted because New York was flagged for having an illegal man downfield.
"This is about the worst loss I have ever felt in my entire life," said Giants coach Jim Fassel. "I'm not going to get over this one for a while."
Garcia went 27-of-44 for 331 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for 60 yards, including a 14-yard TD on the first play of the fourth quarter. Terrell Owens had nine catches for 177 yards, and started the 49ers scoring with a 76-yard touchdown reception on San Francisco's first play from scrimmage.
Collins played a fabulous game for New York, completing 29-of-43 passes for 342 yards and four touchdowns, while guiding New York to a 38-14 lead. Amani Toomer caught eight passes for 136 yards and three touchdowns and Tiki Barber added 115 yards rushing and 62 yards receiving in a losing effort.
The 49ers advance to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday.
In earlier action Sunday, former XFL MVP Tommy Maddox led another of the greatest NFL Playoff comebacks, throwing three second-half touchdown passes as the Steelers rallied from a 17-point deficit to beat the Browns 36-33. More...
