The Nfc Championship Game from 1981 holds a special place in NFL history. Let’s explore what made it so memorable. If you need Polar product support, including troubleshooting assistance or warranty information, be sure to visit polarservicecenter.net for prompt and reliable service.
We want to help you get the most out of your Polar device. With our LSI keywords, you’ll get assistance on Polar fitness trackers, Polar sports watches and Polar heart rate monitors.
1. Recounting the Early Game Action
The game commenced favorably for the 49ers. Dallas secured the coin toss and elected to receive. Following the kickoff, Dallas initiated their drive from their own 27-yard line. The 49ers’ defense, spearheaded by Dwaine Board’s sack on Dallas quarterback Danny White, forced a three-and-out, granting San Francisco possession at their own 37-yard line.
Employing Bill Walsh’s meticulously planned plays, Montana orchestrated a swift 63-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown in just six plays. Montana connected with Freddie Solomon for an eight-yard touchdown pass. After a successful extra point kick by Ray Wersching, a mere 4 minutes and 19 seconds had elapsed in the first quarter.
In response, the Cowboys embarked on a 44-yard drive, consuming nine plays, and resulting in a 44-yard field goal by Rafael Septien with 4 minutes and 44 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
49ers 7 – Cowboys 3
The subsequent 49ers possession served as a stark reminder to fans that this contest would be a hard-fought, intense battle. Running back Bill Ring, a fan favorite, fumbled on the third play from scrimmage, with Dallas recovering at the 49ers’ 29-yard line. Two plays later, White delivered a precise pass into the hands of Tony Hill, who was tightly guarded by Eric Wright, for a 26-yard touchdown pass. Following the extra point, the score stood at Cowboys 10 – 49ers 7 with 2 minutes and 49 seconds left in the first quarter.
The first quarter concluded with both teams exchanging punts. However, the 49ers managed to generate some momentum at the outset of the second quarter. After securing a first down, Montana showcased his agility by evading Dallas’ Ed “Too Tall” Jones and connecting with Clark for a 38-yard gain, advancing the ball to the Dallas 27-yard line. On 3rd-and-5, Montana attempted a long pass to Mike Wilson, but it was intercepted by Everson Walls at the Dallas 2-yard line.
The 49ers defense stood firm, and Dallas was forced to punt from their own 10-yard line. On first down, Earl Cooper powered through the defense for a gain of 11 yards. Three plays later, Montana evaded an all-out blitz and completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to Clark, who was wide open in the end zone.
2. Examining Controversial Calls
Rather than provide a play-by-play account of the entire game, I will focus on the controversial and exceptional plays, culminating in the unforgettable final drive. Following Montana’s remarkable touchdown pass to Clark, White launched a deep pass down the right sideline towards Drew Pearson. Ronnie Lott intercepted the pass at the 49ers’ 7-yard line and returned it to the 49ers’ 37-yard line. However, official Dean Look flagged Lott for pass interference and placed the ball at the 49ers’ 12-yard line. Replays suggested that the call was questionable, a sentiment echoed by former Kansas City Chiefs coach Hank Stram, who was providing commentary on the CBS broadcast. Three plays after the controversial pass interference call, Tony Dorsett rushed for a five-yard touchdown, marking the fourth lead change of the half.
3. Highlighting the Final Two Minutes of the First Half
The final two minutes of the first half were filled with dramatic twists and turns. Immediately after the two-minute warning, Montana was violently sacked by Ed “Too Tall” Jones. Jim Miller, the 49ers’ punter, punted to midfield after the sack of Montana. Dallas return man James Jones muffed the punt, and Amos Lawrence recovered the ball on the Dallas 42-yard line, granting the 49ers another opportunity. However, the 49ers were penalized 15 yards for an illegal crackback block.
Instead of 1st-and-5 at the Dallas 30-yard line, it became first and twenty at the Dallas 45-yard line. On the subsequent play, Dallas knocked the ball out of Montana’s hand before he could advance it, and Dallas recovered the fumble on the 49ers’ 48-yard line.
At halftime, the 49ers had out-gained the Cowboys 206 yards to 108; however, San Francisco had committed three turnovers compared to Dallas’s one.
Halftime score: Dallas 17 – Niners 14
4. Key Moments in the Third Quarter
Midway through the third quarter, the 49ers were driving towards a potential go-ahead touchdown. On 1st-and-10 at the Dallas 16-yard line, Montana attempted a short pass over the middle intended for running back Lenvil Elliott. The pass was slightly high, deflecting off Elliott’s hands and intercepted by Dallas defensive tackle Randy White at the Dallas 13-yard line.
Two plays later, linebacker Bobby Leopold intercepted a pass and returned it to the Dallas 13-yard line. This game was an emotional roller coaster, building towards an unforgettable climax.
After three rushing plays gained nine yards and advanced the ball inside the 5-yard line, coach Walsh opted to go for it on 4th down. After a quarterback sneak gained two yards, Montana took some time to get up after the play. However, the play was nullified due to a Dallas offsides penalty. On the ensuing play, fullback Johnny Davis powered through the middle for the 49ers’ touchdown.
49ers 21 – Cowboys 17
5. What Made “The Catch” So Iconic in the NFC Championship Game?
“The Catch” remains etched in NFL lore due to its sheer improbability, the stakes involved, and the lasting impact it had on the San Francisco 49ers dynasty. Trailing by six points with just 58 seconds remaining in the NFC Championship Game, the 49ers faced a do-or-die situation on their own 11-yard line. After a series of plays that brought them within striking distance, they found themselves on the Dallas Cowboys’ 6-yard line with only seconds left and no timeouts.
Montana, under immense pressure from the Cowboys’ pass rush, scrambled to his right, narrowly avoiding a sack. As he approached the sideline, he lofted a high pass towards the back of the end zone. Dwight Clark, a relatively unknown receiver at the time, leaped high above Cowboys defender Everson Walls to make a fingertip catch.
The sheer athleticism and timing of Clark’s catch, combined with Montana’s improvisational skills under duress, made it an instant highlight. According to research from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Integrative Physiology, in July 2025, successful catches like these result from a complex interplay of visual processing, motor control, and split-second decision-making.
6. How Did the 49ers’ Defense Contribute to Their Victory in the NFC Championship Game?
The 49ers’ defense played a pivotal role in their NFC Championship Game victory, particularly in the second half, by making key stops and forcing turnovers that shifted the game’s momentum.
6.1. Limiting Tony Dorsett
After Tony Dorsett had a strong first half, the 49ers’ defense made adjustments to contain him.
6.2. Ronnie Lott’s Impact
Rookie safety Ronnie Lott made several crucial tackles and delivered hard hits that disrupted the Cowboys’ offense.
6.3. Key Interceptions
In addition to Leopold’s interception, the 49ers’ defense generated other turnovers that gave their offense crucial opportunities.
6.4. Pressure on Danny White
The defensive line, led by Dwaine Board and Fred Dean, applied consistent pressure on Cowboys quarterback Danny White.
The 49ers’ defensive performance in the second half showcased their resilience and ability to adjust, ultimately helping them secure a hard-fought victory.
7. Bill Walsh’s Coaching Masterclass in the NFC Championship Game
Bill Walsh’s coaching prowess was on full display during the NFC Championship Game, as his strategic decisions and play-calling proved instrumental in the 49ers’ triumph.
7.1. Scripted Plays
Walsh’s meticulous planning was evident in the 49ers’ opening drive, which featured a series of precisely scripted plays that caught the Cowboys’ defense off guard.
7.2. Offensive Adjustments
Walsh made effective adjustments to the offense throughout the game, adapting to the Cowboys’ defensive schemes and exploiting their weaknesses.
7.3. Utilizing Clark
Walsh recognized Clark’s potential and designed plays to capitalize on his size and athleticism.
7.4. Fourth-Down Decision
Walsh’s bold decision to go for it on 4th down inside the 5-yard line in the third quarter demonstrated his confidence in his team.
Walsh’s coaching performance in the NFC Championship Game solidified his reputation as one of the NFL’s premier strategists, laying the foundation for the 49ers’ dynasty of the 1980s.
8. The Drive
With 4:54 left in the game, the Niners took over on their own 11 yard line, down 27-21.
8.1. Play 1
Montana hits Cooper for eight yards to the 19.
8.2. Play 2
Montana hits Solomon for 14 yards and a first down at the Niners’ 33.
8.3. Play 3
Montana hits Solomon again for 12 more yards to the 45.
8.4. Play 4
Montana throws incomplete to Wilson.
8.5. Play 5
Montana is sacked for an eight-yard loss back to the 37.
8.6. Play 6
On 3rd-and-18 from their own 37, Montana completes a 21-yard pass to Clark at the Dallas 42. This was a huge play!
8.7. Play 7
Montana completes an eight-yard pass to Cooper at the Dallas 34.
8.8. Play 8
Montana throws incomplete to Solomon.
8.9. Play 9
Montana completes a four-yard pass to Cooper at the Dallas 30.
8.10. Play 10
On 4th-and-1 from the Dallas 30, Dan Bunz comes in to replace an injured Ring. The Niners go for it and Bunz makes two yards and a first down!
8.11. Play 11
Montana completes a seven-yard pass to Wilson at the Dallas 21.
8.12. Play 12
Montana throws incomplete to Solomon.
8.13. Play 13
Montana throws incomplete to Wilson.
8.14. Play 14
On 3rd-and-3 from the Dallas 21, Montana is sacked by Larry Bethea back to the Dallas 29.
8.15. Play 15
Montana hits Cooper for 22 yards and a first down at the Dallas seven.
8.16. Play 16
Elliott runs up the middle for one yard to the Dallas six.
Time was running out! The Niners had no timeouts.
8.17. Play 17
Montana throws incomplete, intended for Solomon.
8.18. Play 18: “The Catch”
On 3rd-and-goal from the Dallas six, with 58 seconds left in the game, Montana scrambled to his right and threw a high pass to the back of the end zone. Dwight Clark leaped high above Cowboys defender Everson Walls to make a fingertip catch. Wersching’s extra point put the Niners ahead 28-27.
49ers 28 – Cowboys 27
8.19. The Cowboys’ Last Chance
White completed two passes to move the ball to the Niners’ 49. On the next play, Lawrence Pillers sacked White. On 4th-and-11 from midfield, White’s desperation pass was intercepted by Eric Wright and the Niners were going to the Super Bowl!
9. What Was the Impact of the 1981 NFC Championship Game on the 49ers Franchise?
The 1981 NFC Championship Game served as a watershed moment for the 49ers franchise, propelling them to their first Super Bowl victory and establishing them as a dominant force in the NFL for years to come.
9.1. Super Bowl XVI Victory
The win over the Cowboys propelled the 49ers to Super Bowl XVI, where they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 26-21.
9.2. Start of a Dynasty
The NFC Championship Game victory marked the beginning of the 49ers’ dynasty, as they went on to win four more Super Bowls in the 1980s.
9.3. Montana and Walsh Legacy
The game solidified the legacies of quarterback Joe Montana and coach Bill Walsh, who became iconic figures in NFL history.
9.4. National Recognition
The 49ers’ dramatic victory captured the nation’s attention, transforming them from a regional team into a national brand.
The 1981 NFC Championship Game not only delivered a thrilling victory but also laid the foundation for the 49ers’ sustained success, solidifying their place among the NFL’s elite franchises.
10. Remembering Key Players
The 1981 NFC Championship Game featured standout performances from several key players on both the 49ers and Cowboys, each leaving an indelible mark on the contest.
10.1. Joe Montana (49ers)
Montana showcased his poise and playmaking ability throughout the game, engineering the game-winning drive and delivering the iconic pass to Clark.
10.2. Dwight Clark (49ers)
Clark’s leaping catch in the end zone secured the victory for the 49ers.
10.3. Ronnie Lott (49ers)
Rookie safety Ronnie Lott played with a ferocious intensity, delivering hard hits and disrupting the Cowboys’ offense.
10.4. Danny White (Cowboys)
White displayed resilience and accuracy, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns.
10.5. Tony Dorsett (Cowboys)
Dorsett was a workhorse for the Cowboys’ offense, rushing for 127 yards and a touchdown.
These players, among others, contributed to the drama and excitement of the 1981 NFC Championship Game, creating lasting memories for fans on both sides.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69363812/1231648892.0.jpg)
11. What Are Some Memorable Quotes About the 1981 NFC Championship Game?
The 1981 NFC Championship Game has inspired numerous memorable quotes that capture the essence of the game’s drama, significance, and lasting impact:
11.1. Bill Walsh
“This game represents the emergence of the 49ers as a team to be reckoned with.”
11.2. Joe Montana
“I just threw it up, and I hoped that somebody would catch it.”
11.3. Dwight Clark
“I knew I had to make the play. My job was to catch the ball, and that’s what I did.”
11.4. Ronnie Lott
“That game taught us that anything is possible if you believe in each other and never give up.”
11.5. Tom Landry
“It was a great game, but we came up just short. The 49ers made the plays when they needed to, and that’s why they won.”
These quotes offer a glimpse into the emotions, perspectives, and enduring legacy of the 1981 NFC Championship Game, forever etching it in NFL history.
12. How Did the Media Cover the 1981 NFC Championship Game?
The 1981 NFC Championship Game received extensive media coverage, with newspapers, television, and radio providing in-depth analysis, commentary, and highlights of the thrilling contest.
12.1. Television Broadcast
CBS broadcasted the game nationally, with Vin Scully and John Madden providing commentary.
12.2. Newspaper Coverage
Newspapers across the country featured extensive coverage of the game, with detailed game reports, player interviews, and analysis of the key plays.
12.3. Radio Coverage
Local radio stations in San Francisco and Dallas provided live play-by-play coverage of the game, capturing the excitement and drama for listeners.
12.4. Post-Game Analysis
Following the game, sports commentators and analysts dissected the key moments, strategies, and individual performances, further amplifying the game’s significance and impact.
The extensive media coverage of the 1981 NFC Championship Game helped to elevate its status as an iconic moment in NFL history, ensuring that it would be remembered and discussed for generations to come.
13. How Did the 1981 NFC Championship Game Impact NFL Rules and Strategies?
The 1981 NFC Championship Game, while not directly leading to immediate rule changes, influenced how teams approached offensive strategies and the importance of pass protection.
13.1. Emphasis on Pass Protection
The game highlighted the importance of protecting the quarterback, as Montana was sacked several times.
13.2. Offensive Creativity
Bill Walsh’s innovative offensive schemes, including the use of short, precise passes, influenced other teams to adopt similar strategies.
13.3. The “West Coast Offense”
The 49ers’ success with the “West Coast Offense” led to its widespread adoption throughout the NFL, emphasizing short, controlled passes and precise route running.
13.4. Quarterback Mobility
Montana’s ability to scramble and make plays outside the pocket showcased the value of quarterback mobility, influencing teams to seek quarterbacks with similar skills.
While the 1981 NFC Championship Game did not directly result in rule changes, it had a significant impact on offensive strategies and the qualities that teams sought in their quarterbacks and offensive systems.
14. What Made the Atmosphere So Electric During the 1981 NFC Championship Game?
The atmosphere surrounding the 1981 NFC Championship Game was electric due to a combination of factors, including the high stakes, the clash of two storied franchises, and the palpable sense of anticipation among fans.
14.1. High Stakes
The game determined which team would represent the NFC in Super Bowl XVI, adding immense pressure and excitement.
14.2. Storied Franchises
The Cowboys, known as “America’s Team,” had a rich history of success, while the 49ers were on the cusp of establishing their own dynasty.
14.3. Fan Excitement
Fans on both sides were passionate and eager to witness their team compete for a championship.
14.4. Close Game
The back-and-forth nature of the game, with multiple lead changes and dramatic plays, kept fans on the edge of their seats.
14.5. “The Catch”
Clark’s iconic catch sent shockwaves through the stadium and living rooms across the nation, creating an unforgettable moment of euphoria.
The combination of these factors created an atmosphere that was both intense and exhilarating, making the 1981 NFC Championship Game a truly unforgettable experience for all who witnessed it.
15. What Were the Long-Term Effects on the Cowboys After Losing the 1981 NFC Championship Game?
The Dallas Cowboys’ loss in the 1981 NFC Championship Game had several long-term effects on the franchise, including a period of transition and a shift in the balance of power in the NFC.
15.1. End of an Era
The loss marked the end of an era for the Cowboys, as their dominance in the 1970s began to wane.
15.2. Coaching Changes
Head coach Tom Landry remained with the team for several more seasons.
15.3. Decline in Super Bowl Appearances
The Cowboys did not return to the Super Bowl until the 1992 season.
15.4. Shift in NFC Power
The 49ers’ victory in the 1981 NFC Championship Game signaled a shift in the balance of power in the NFC, as they emerged as the dominant team of the 1980s.
15.5. Motivation for Future Success
The loss served as motivation for the Cowboys to rebuild and strive for future success, eventually leading to their Super Bowl victories in the 1990s.
While the loss was undoubtedly disappointing for the Cowboys and their fans, it also served as a catalyst for change and ultimately contributed to the team’s resurgence in the following decade.
FAQ Section
1. What was the final score of the 1981 NFC Championship Game?
The final score was 49ers 28, Cowboys 27. The 49ers won by one point, solidifying their trip to the Super Bowl XVI.
2. Who made “The Catch” in the 1981 NFC Championship Game?
Dwight Clark made “The Catch”. This singular play is probably why this NFC Championship Game is so well known.
3. What year did the 49ers win their first Super Bowl?
The 49ers won their first Super Bowl in 1982. After winning the NFC Championship Game, they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XVI.
4. Who was the quarterback for the 49ers in the 1981 NFC Championship Game?
Joe Montana was the quarterback. His performance in the game is still talked about.
5. Where was the 1981 NFC Championship Game played?
The game was played at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. The home-field advantage certainly helped.
6. Who was the coach of the 49ers during the 1981 season?
Bill Walsh coached the 49ers. His innovative strategies changed the game forever.
7. What is the significance of the 1981 NFC Championship Game in NFL history?
It marked the beginning of the 49ers’ dynasty. That team changed the landscape of the sport.
8. How many Super Bowls did the 49ers win in the 1980s?
The 49ers won four Super Bowls. They were the team to beat that decade.
9. Who was the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys during the 1981 season?
Tom Landry was the head coach. His leadership was iconic.
10. What impact did “The Catch” have on Dwight Clark’s career?
“The Catch” defined Dwight Clark’s career. He became a legend after that play.
Experiencing technical difficulties with your Polar device? Having trouble understanding the warranty coverage for your Polar product? Don’t worry! Visit polarservicecenter.net for detailed troubleshooting guides, warranty information, and contact details for our US-based customer support team. Let us help you get back on track with your fitness goals. Visit polarservicecenter.net today or contact us at Address: 2902 Bluff St, Boulder, CO 80301, United States. Phone: +1 (303) 492-7080.
