The final game at Candlestick Park (pending next weeks games) proved to one of the most memorable to date as the 49ers snatched away victory in the game’s final moments. A game where the 49ers were heavily favored – by 14.5 points – the Falcons proved to be a worthy opponent, looking to avenge their loss in last season’s NFC Championship Game.
Late in the 4th quarter, the Falcons scored and trailed the 49ers 27-24, leading to an onside kick attempt, which was successfully converted due to a whiff on the recovery by NaVorro Bowman.
The Falcons were already in excellent field position as the beneficiaries of a roughing the passer penalty on their previous scoring play. The recovery had them at the San Francisco 30-yard line with a little over one minute to play. A few plays and a few yards later, Atlanta had the ball at the San Francisco 11. Looking to redeem himself, Bowman picked off a deflected pass and retuned it 89 yards for the game-clinching touchdown.
Truly a fitting way to bring an end to one of the most storied stadiums in professional sports.
