Joe Montana is arguably the best quarterback to ever play in the NFL. As time passes and the league continues to throw more and more, fans of yesteryear see their image of Montana diminishing under the weight of gaudy stats and instant gratification. However, since Montana retired, only one QB has come close to reaching 4 Super Bowl wins (we all know who has seven…and counting). In 1989, he and the San Francisco 49ers won their last Super Bowl together. It was also a season of domination.
Montana, 49ers Roll Through the NFL
The 49ers entered the 1989 season as the defending champs. Their epic 20-16 last minute win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII enhanced Montana’s ‘Joe Cool’ nickname. Montana always seemed unfazed when the pressure was on. This season, he put the pressure on his opponents.
In Week one, the 49ers beat the Indianapolis Colts 30-24 on the road. The 49ers were road warriors that season as they won every game (8-0) away from Candlestick Park. They finished the regular season 14-2, best record in the league. In the playoffs it wasn’t much different. They throttled the Minnesota Vikings (41-13) and Los Angeles Rams (30-3) in the NFC playoffs and returned to the Super Bowl. They faced John Elway and the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV.
Unlike the previous Super Bowl win by Montana and the 49ers, this game wasn’t even close. In fact, the 49ers set a record for the largest margin of victory in Super Bowl history, annihilating the Broncos 55-10. Montana was on fire. He completed 22-29 passes for 297 yards and a Super Bowl record 5 TD passes, three to Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. Without any doubt, Montana was named Super Bowl MVP for the 3rd time, capping off another sensational season.
Joe Montana 1989 Season Stats
The 49ers’ success in wining their second consecutive Super Bowl and the fourth of the decade was largely due to Number 16. Montana didn’t have his best statistical season in all categories, but collectively it was one of his best season. In 13 regular season games, Montana:
- Completed 271/386 passes (70.2 completion pct.) Team Record at the time.
- 3,521 yards
- 26 TDs/8 INTs
- 112.4 passer rating
- Offensive Player of the Year
- NFL MVP