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2003 San Francisco 49ers season

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2003 San Francisco 49ers season
OwnerDenise DeBartolo York and John York
General managerTerry Donahue
Head coachDennis Erickson
Offensive coordinatorGreg Knapp
Defensive coordinatorJim L. Mora
Home fieldSan Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point
Results
Record7–9
Division place3rd NFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersFB Fred Beasley
WR Terrell Owens
LB Julian Peterson
AP All-ProsLB Julian Peterson (1st team)
FB Fred Beasley (2nd team)
SS Tony Parrish (2nd team)

The 2003 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 57th season in the National Football League (NFL).

The team entered their 2003 season attempting to improve upon their 10–6 output from 2002. Dennis Erickson was the new head coach after Steve Mariucci was fired which resulted in a search that lasted four weeks.[1] The 49ers failed to surpass their 2002 record and finished the season 7–9 by losing six close games, and the 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

It was the final season that noted 49ers Terrell Owens, Garrison Hearst, Tai Streets, Derrick Deese, Ron Stone, and Jeff Garcia spent with the team.

Offseason

[edit]

NFL Draft

[edit]
2003 San Francisco 49ers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 26 Kwame Harris  Offensive tackle Stanford
2 57 Anthony Adams  Defensive tackle Penn State
3 89 Andrew Williams  Defensive end Miami (FL)
4 124 Brandon Lloyd *  Wide receiver Illinois
5 161 Aaron Walker  Tight end Florida
6 197 Arnaz Battle  Wide receiver Notre Dame
7 241 Ken Dorsey  Quarterback Miami (FL)
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Personnel

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Staff

[edit]
2003 San Francisco 49ers staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Physical development coordinator – Jerry Attaway
  • Strength development coordinator – Terrell Jones


Roster

[edit]
2003 San Francisco 49ers roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 6 reserve, 5 practice squad

Regular season

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Schedule

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Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance
1 September 7 Chicago Bears W 49–7 1–0 San Francisco Stadium 67,554
2 September 14 at St. Louis Rams L 24–27 (OT) 1–1 Edward Jones Dome 65,990
3 September 21 Cleveland Browns L 12–13 1–2 San Francisco Stadium 67,412
4 September 28 at Minnesota Vikings L 7–35 1–3 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,111
5 October 5 Detroit Lions W 24–17 2–3 San Francisco Stadium 67,365
6 October 12 at Seattle Seahawks L 19–20 2–4 Seahawks Stadium 66,437
7 October 19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 24–7 3–4 San Francisco Stadium 67,809
8 October 26 at Arizona Cardinals L 13–16 (OT) 3–5 Sun Devil Stadium 40,824
9 November 2 St. Louis Rams W 30–10 4–5 San Francisco Stadium 67,812
10 Bye
11 November 17 Pittsburgh Steelers W 30–14 5–5 San Francisco Stadium 67,877
12 November 23 at Green Bay Packers L 10–20 5–6 Lambeau Field 70,250
13 November 30 at Baltimore Ravens L 6–44 5–7 M&T Bank Stadium 69,549
14 December 7 Arizona Cardinals W 50–14 6–7 San Francisco Stadium 66,975
15 December 14 at Cincinnati Bengals L 38–41 6–8 Paul Brown Stadium 64,666
16 December 21 at Philadelphia Eagles W 31–28 (OT) 7–8 Lincoln Financial Field 67,866
17 December 27 Seattle Seahawks L 17–24 7–9 San Francisco Stadium 67,840
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

[edit]

Week 1: vs. Chicago Bears

[edit]
Week 1: Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bears 0 7 007
49ers 10 23 61049

at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point

  • Date: Sunday, September 7, 2003
  • Game weather: 66 °F or 18.9 °C (Partly cloudy)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen & Bill Maas
Game information
1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

  • CHI – Desmond Clark 3-yard pass from Kordell Stewart (Paul Edinger kick) SF 10–7
  • SF – Jeff Garcia 3-yard rush (Jeff Chandler kick) SF 17–7
  • SF – Tai Streets 16-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (kick failed) SF 23–7
  • SF – Ahmed Plummer 68-yard interception return (Jeff Chandler kick) SF 30–7
  • SF – Jeff Chandler 29-yard field goal SF 33–7

3rd Quarter

  • SF – Jeff Chandler 28-yard field goal SF 36–7
  • SF – Jeff Chandler 24-yard field goal SF 39–7

4th Quarter

  • SF – Jeff Chandler 26-yard field goal SF 42–7
  • SF – Garrison Hearst 1-yard rush (Jeff Chandler kick) 49–7

The 49ers started the season off strongly, defeating the Bears 49–7. The game was close in the second quarter, with the 49ers leading 10–7, however, the Bears' defense gave way to the 49ers' offense who scored 39 unanswered points. The Bears were also plagued with turnovers; the team lost two fumbles and quarterback Kordell Stewart tossed three interceptions. The 49ers’ offensive line performed exceptionally well, as quarterback Jeff Garcia was never sacked during the course of the game.

Week 2: at St. Louis Rams

[edit]
Week 2: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
49ers 7 3 77024
Rams 7 0 710327

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

  • Date: Sunday, September 14, 2003
  • Game weather: Played indoors (domed stadium)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Cris Collinsworth & Pam Oliver
Game information
1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

  • SF – Jeff Chandler 35-yard field goal SF 10–7

3rd Quarter

  • STL – Marshall Faulk 2-yard rush (Jeff Wilkins kick) STL 14–10
  • SF – Kevan Barlow 19-yard rush (Jeff Chandler kick) SF 17–14

4th Quarter

  • STL – Dane Looker 19-yard pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick) STL 21–17
  • STL – Jeff Wilkins 29-yard field goal STL 24–17
  • SF – Terrell Owens 13-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Jeff Chandler kick) TIED 24–24

Overtime

  • STL – Jeff Wilkins 28-yard field goal STL 27–24

Coming off of a blowout, the 49ers played a tight match against the division rivals St. Louis Rams. It was a back-and-forth game, with the lead changing hands four times. The 49ers scored a game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter with a pass to Terrell Owens. In overtime, the Rams' Jeff Wilkins kicked a 28-yard (26 m) field goal to win the game, the team overcoming their four turnovers. The loss meant the 49ers started the season 1–1.

Week 3: vs. Cleveland Browns

[edit]
Week 3: Cleveland Browns at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 0 01313
49ers 0 6 3312

at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point

Game information
2nd Quarter
  • SF – Owen Pochman 38-yard field goalSF 3–0
  • SF – Owen Pochman 44-yard field goalSF 6–0

3rd Quarter

  • SF – Owen Pochman 36 field goal SF 9–0

4th Quarter

In a low-scoring contest, the 49ers lost in the squeaker. After a scoreless first quarter, the 49ers struck first, however, they could not get into the end zone, scoring only four field goals. However, it appeared it would be sufficient; the 49ers led 12–0 in the final quarter. This would not be the case, though, as Browns’ quarterback Kelly Holcomb went on to throw two touchdown passes. Lossing dropped the 49ers to 1–2.

Week 4: at Minnesota Vikings

[edit]
Week 4: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 0 077
Vikings 14 14 0735

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis

  • Date: Sunday, September 28, 2003
  • Game weather: Played indoors (domed stadium)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Cris Collinsworth & Pam Oliver
Game information
1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 35-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick) MIN 21–0
  • MIN – Nate Burleson 22-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick) MIN 28–0

4th Quarter

  • MIN – Randy Moss 59-yard pass from Gus Frerotte (Aaron Elling kick) MIN 28–0
  • SF – Tai Streets 37-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Owen Pochman kick) MIN 35–7

Playing against the undefeated Vikings, the 49ers were unable to keep pace with their opponent. Scoring only in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, the 49ers were, at one point, behind 35–0. Several times the 49ers came within striking distance, however, three interceptions sealed their fate. The 49ers lost their third consecutive game and fell to 1–3.

Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions

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Week 5: Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Lions 0 10 0717
49ers 10 7 7024

at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point

  • Date: Sunday, October 5, 2003
  • Game weather: 71 °F or 21.7 °C (Partly cloudy)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert & Brian Baldinger
Game information
1st Quarter
  • SF – Terrell Owens 6-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Owen Pochman kick) SF 7–0
  • SF – Owen Pochman 48-yard field goal SF 10–0

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

  • SF – Jeff Garcia 1-yard rush (Owen Pochman kick) SF 24–10

4th Quarter

  • DET – Olandis Gary 2-yard rush (Jason Hanson kick) SF 24–17

Attempting to snap a three-game losing streak, the 49ers hosted the Detroit Lions, who were led by former head coach Steve Mariucci. A game riddled with errors, the 49ers fumbled three times (recovery each time), Jeff Garcia threw an interception, and Joey Harrington tossed two. The Lions never led, with the 49ers opening up a 17–0 lead in the second quarter. With their first win since the season opener, the 49ers moved up to 2–3.

Week 6: at Seattle Seahawks

[edit]
Week 6: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 3 13319
Seahawks 7 10 0320

at Qwest Field, Seattle

  • Date: Sunday, October 12, 2003
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann, Paul Maguire & Suzy Kolber
Game information
1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

  • SEA – Josh Brown 27-yard field goal SEA 10–0
  • SEA – Mack Strong 21-yard rush (Josh Brown kick) SEA 17–0
  • SF – Owen Pochman 42-yard field goal SEA 17–3

3rd Quarter

  • SF – Garrison Hearst 6-yard rush (Owen Pochman kick) SEA 17–10
  • SF – Jeff Garcia 2-yard rush (kick failed) SEA 17–16

4th Quarter

  • SF – Owen Pochman 33-yard field goal SF 19–17
  • SEA – Josh Brown 37-yard field goal SEA 20–19

For the second time in four games, the 49ers lost by a one-point differential. Playing against the division rival Seahawks, the 49ers fell behind 17–0 before halftime and had to play catch up in the second half. Slowly closing the gap, the 49ers scored 19 straight points to take the lead 19–17. However, the defense was unable to stop the Seahawks' 2-minute drill as Seattle's team drove into field goal range and scored the game-winning field goal off the foot of kicker Josh Brown and on the final drive of the game, Garrison Hearst fumbled the ball away at their own 43-yard-line to seal the loss. With the loss, the 49ers fell to 2–4.

Week 7: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

[edit]
Week 7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 7 0 007
49ers 7 14 0324

at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point

  • Date: Sunday, October 19, 2003
  • Game weather: 73 °F or 22.8 °C (Sunny)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Curt Menefee & Tim Green
Game information
1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

4th Quarter

  • SF – Owen Pochman 27-yard field goal SF 24–7

Hosting the defending Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 49ers got their third win of the season, knocking off the Buccaneers 24–7. The 49ers led the entire game and statistically dominated on both sides of the ball, both scoring often and forcing turnovers. Both teams were able to score touchdowns on passes of 75 yards (69 m). With the victory, the 49ers moved to 3–4 on the season.

Week 8: at Arizona Cardinals

[edit]
Week 8: San Francisco 49era at Arizona Cardinals
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
49ers 6 0 07013
Cardinals 7 3 30316

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

  • Date: Sunday, October 26, 2003
  • TV announcers (Fox): Curt Menefee & Tim Green
Game information
1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

  • AZ – Tim Duncan 53-yard field goal AZ 10–6

3rd Quarter

  • AZ – Tim Duncan 20-yard field goal AZ 13–6

4th Quarter

  • SF – Kwame Harris 1-yard fumble return (Owen Pochman kick) TIED 13–13

Overtime

  • AZ – Tim Duncan 39-yard field goal AZ 16–13

In an attempt to win their second consecutive game for the first time this season, the 49ers traveled to Arizona to play against their division rival, the Cardinals. The game was close throughout, being tied up in the fourth quarter off a one-yard fumble return for a touchdown. However, it was decided in Arizona's favor in overtime with a 39-yard (36 m) field goal. In that game, kicker Owen Pochman missed two field goals and an extra point, and would be replaced by Todd Peterson for the rest of the season. With the loss, the 49ers instead of improving to .500, they dropped to 3–5.

Week 9: vs. St. Louis Rams

[edit]
Week 9: St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 3 0 0710
49ers 14 10 6030

at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point

  • Date: Sunday, November 2, 2003
  • Game weather: 55 °F or 12.8 °C (Mostly cloudy)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Daryl Johnston & Tony Siragusa
Game information
1st Quarter
  • SF – Cedrick Wilson 95-yard kickoff return (Todd Peterson kick) SF 7–0
  • STL – Jeff Wilkins 39-yard field goal SF 7–3
  • SF – Terrell Owens 5-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Todd Peterson kick) SF 14–3

2nd Quarter

  • SF – Todd Peterson 44-yard field goal SF 17–3
  • SF – Brandon Lloyd 27-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Todd Peterson kick) SF 24–3

3rd Quarter

  • SF – Tai Streets 5-yard pass from Tim Rattay (kick failed) SF 30–3

4th Quarter

  • STL – Torry Holt 41-yard pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick) SF 30–10

Playing their second straight game against a division rival, the 49ers hosted the St. Louis Rams. The 49ers kick returner Cedrick Wilson returned the opening kick 95 yards (87 m) for a touchdown and the 49ers would not relinquish their lead. The 49ers offense became potent, opening up a 30–3 lead in the third quarter. The win brought the 49ers up to 4–5 heading into their bye week.

Week 11: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]
Week 11: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 0 7714
49ers 7 3 14630

at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point

  • Date: Monday, November 17, 2003
  • Game weather: 54 °F or 12.2 °C (Clear)
  • TV announcers (ABC): Al Michales & John Madden
Game information
1st Quarter
  • SF – Terrell Owens 61-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Todd Peterson kick) SF 7–0

2nd Quarter

  • SF – Todd Peterson 32-yard field goal SF 10–0

3rd Quarter

  • PIT – Jerome Bettis 1-yard rush (Jeff Reed kick) SF 10–7
  • SF – Kevan Barlow 78-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) SF 17–7
  • SF – Fred Beasley 28-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Todd Peterson kick) SF 24–7

4th Quarter

  • SF – Todd Peterson 22-yard field goal SF 27–7
  • SF – Todd Peterson 44-yard field goal SF 30–7
  • PIT – Antwaan Randle El 32-yard pass from Tommy Maddox (Jeff Reed kick) SF 30–14

Coming off their bye, the 49ers strung together their second straight victory, this time over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 49ers shut out the Steelers in the first half, leading 10–0 at halftime. The Steelers offense came together in the second half to put some points on the board, statistically leading the 49ers, however it wasn't enough to close the gap. The 49ers' victory brought them to 5–5.

Week 12: at Green Bay Packers

[edit]
Week 12: San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 3 7010
Packers 7 10 0320

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: Sunday, November 23, 2003
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Daryl Johnston & Tony Siragusa
Game information
1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

  • GB – Robert Ferguson 16-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick) GB 14–0
  • SF – Todd Peterson 24-yard field goal GB 14–3
  • GB – Ryan Longwell 38-yard field goal GB 17–3

3rd Quarter

  • SF – Terrell Owens 24-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Todd Peterson kick) GB 17–10

4th Quarter

  • GB – Ryan Longwell 37-yard field goal GB 20–10

After completing their first two-game win streak of the season, the 49ers traveled in Week 12 to their conference rival Green Bay Packers. The Packers dominated on both sides of the ball, leading 17–3 at the half. Despite forcing Brett Favre into throwing three interceptions, the 49ers offense could only manage 192 total yards, a majority coming off the performance of their two star players, Garrison Hearst and Terrell Owens. Losing dropped the 49ers back under .500, at 5–6.

Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens

[edit]
Week 13: San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 3 3 006
Ravens 7 17 02044

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore

  • Date: Sunday, November 30, 2003
  • TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen & Bill Maas
Game information
1st Quarter
  • BAL – Jamal Lewis 6-yard rush (Matt Stover kick) BAL 7–0
  • SF – Todd Peterson 48-yard field goal BAL 7–3

2nd Quarter

  • SF – Todd Peterson 40-yard field goal BAL 7–6
  • BAL – Matt Stover 28-yard field goal BAL 10–6
  • BAL – Marcus Robinson 38-yard pass from Anthony Wright (Matt Stover kick) BAL 17–6
  • BAL – Ray Lewis 29-yard interception return (Matt Stover kick) BAL 24–6

4th Quarter

  • BAL – Matt Stover 47-yard field goal BAL 27–6
  • BAL – Terry Jones 6-yard pass from Anthony Wright (Matt Stover kick) BAL 34–6
  • BAL – Matt Stover 41-yard field goal BAL 37–6
  • BAL – Musa Smith 2-yard rush (Matt Stover kick) BAL 44–6

The 49ers were dismantled by the Ravens easily, 44–6, with the 49ers limited to only two field goals. The 49ers were plagued with turnovers, quarterback Jeff Garcia throwing four interceptions, one of which was returned 29 yards (27 m) for a touchdown by Ray Lewis. With the loss, the 49ers fell to 5–7, including six losses on the road.

Week 14: vs. Arizona Cardinals

[edit]
Week 14: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 0 7714
49ers 14 20 9750

at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point

  • Date: Sunday, December 7, 2003
  • Game weather: 55 °F or 12.8 °C (Sunny)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Curt Menefee & Tim Green
Game information
1st Quarter
  • SF – Jeff Garcia 3-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) SF 7–0
  • SF – Terrell Owens 1-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Todd Peterson kick) SF 14–0

2nd Quarter

  • SF – Tai Streets 18-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Todd Peterson kick) SF 21–0
  • SF – Cedrick Wilson 27-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (kick failed) SF 27–0
  • SF – Terrell Owens 2-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Todd Peterson kick) SF 34–0

3rd Quarter

  • SF – Josh McCown fumbles, recovered by Marcel Shipp in end zone for a safety SF 36–0
  • AZ – James Hodgins 3-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick) 36–7
  • SF – Jeff Garcia 4-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) SF 43–7

4th Quarter

  • SF – Kevan Barlow 46-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) SF 50–7
  • AZ – Anquan Boldin 16-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick) SF 50–14

After an embarrassing loss, the 49ers regrouped to win 50–14 against their division rival Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers’ offense dominated throughout the game, at one point leading 36–0 and rolling up nearly 500 yards (460 m) of total offense. A rare safety was also scored, just after halftime. The defense also performed well, forcing two fumbles. With the win, the 49ers climbed to 6–7 on the season.

Week 15: at Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]
Week 15: San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 17 02138
Bengals 7 14 101041

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati

  • Date: Sunday, December 14, 2003
  • TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts & Tim Ryan
Game information
1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

  • CIN – Kevin Hardy 10-yard fumble return (Shayne Graham kick) CIN 14–0
  • SF – Terrell Owens 58-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Todd Peterson kick) CIN 14–7
  • SF – Tai Streets 41-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Todd Peterson kick) TIED 14–14
  • CIN – Peter Warrick 31-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Shayne Graham kick) CIN 21–14
  • SF – Todd Peterson 23-yard field goal CIN 21–17

3rd Quarter

  • CIN – Rudi Johnson 49-yard rush (Shayne Graham kick) CIN 28–17
  • CIN – Shayne Graham 34-yard field goal 31–17

4th Quarter

  • SF – Jeff Garcia 6-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) CIN 31–24
  • CIN – Shayne Graham 30-yard field goal CIN 34–24
  • SF – Kevan Barlow 1-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) CIN 34–31
  • CIN – Rudi Johnson 3-yard rush (Shayne Graham kick) CIN 41–31
  • SF – Kevan Barlow 3-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) CIN 41–38

A high-scoring shootout, the 49ers were slightly outscored by the Bengals, 41–38. The 49ers topped 500 yards (460 m) of total offense, but surprisingly never led in this close game. This can be partially attributed to their four fumbles, three of which were lost to the Bengals. One fumble was returned 10 yards (9.1 m) for a touchdown by Bengals' Kevin Hardy. The loss meant the 49ers fell to 6–8. Of the 49ers' season, this was the 13th time in 14 games in which the home team won (including the last 11 games), the home team outscoring the visitor 422–199 so far this season.

Week 16: at Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]
Week 16: San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
49ers 7 7 311331
Eagles 0 14 77028

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

  • Date: Sunday, December 21, 2003
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Cris Collinsworth & Pam Oliver
Game information
1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

  • PHI – Duce Staley 7-yard rush (David Akers kick) TIED 7–7
  • PHI – Duce Staley 1-yard rush (David Akers kick) PHI 14–7
  • SF – Brandon Lloyd 33-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Todd Peterson kick) TIED 14–14

3rd Quarter

  • PHI – Brian Westbrook 81-yard punt return (David Akers kick) PHI 21–14
  • SF – Todd Peterson 33-yard field goal PHI 21–17

4th Quarter

  • SF – Todd Peterson 25-yard field goal PHI 21–20
  • SF – Kevan Barlow 1-yard rush (Brandon Lloyd pass from Jeff Garcia) SF 28–21
  • PHI – Todd Pinkston 19-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick) TIED 28–28

Overtime

  • SF – Todd Peterson 22-yard field goal SF 31–28

Another squeaker, this game marked the sixth time this season the 49ers played a game that was decided three points or less, and the only one of those six in which the 49ers walked away with a victory. The 49ers outgained the Eagles, 414 to 293, and dominated in time of possession, but they failed to put away the Eagles in regulation due largely to three special teams miscues by punter Bill LaFleur: a fumbled hold on a first-quarter field goal attempt, a punt returned 81 yards for a touchdown by Brian Westbrook, and an 8-yard punt that set up an Eagles touchdown. But the 49ers were able to win when kicker Todd Peterson from 22 yards (20 m) out during overtime. With the victory, the 49ers moved up to 7–8.

Week 17: vs. Seattle Seahawks

[edit]
Week 17: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 0 14 7324
49ers 0 14 3017

at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point

  • Date: Saturday, December 27, 2003
  • Game weather: 49 °F or 9.4 °C (Partly Cloudy)
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Daryl Johnston & Tony Siragusa
Game information
2nd Quarter
  • SF – Jed Weaver 18-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Todd Peterson kick) SF 7–0
  • SF – Cedrick Wilson 14-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Todd Peterson kick) SF 14–0
  • SEA – Alex Bannister 31-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick) SF 14–7
  • SEA – Shaun Alexander 3-yard rush (Josh Brown kick) TIED 14–14

3rd Quarter

  • SF – Todd Peterson 38-yard field goal SF 17–14
  • SEA – Koren Robinson 30-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick) SEA 21–17
  • SEA – Josh Brown 33-yard field goal SEA 24–17

The last game of the season, the 49ers hosted division rival Seattle Seahawks. The game was tied at the end of the first quarter and again at halftime, but the 49ers were unable to keep in during the second half. With the loss, the 49ers clinched a losing season, at 7–9, after winning the division the previous year.

Standings

[edit]
NFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) St. Louis Rams 12 4 0 .750 4–2 8–4 447 328 L1
(5) Seattle Seahawks 10 6 0 .625 5–1 8–4 404 327 W2
San Francisco 49ers 7 9 0 .438 2–4 6–6 384 337 L1
Arizona Cardinals 4 12 0 .250 1–5 3–9 225 452 W1

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Niners Choose Erickson". Reno Gazette-Journal. Reno, Nevada. Associated Press. February 12, 2003. p. B1.
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