Super Bowl power rankings: Miami games from 10-1

9. XXIX: San Francisco 49ers 49, San Diego Chargers 26

This was the second of what now will be three Super Bowl appearances at the currently-named Hard Rock Stadium for the 49ers. On this day against the then-San Diego Chargers, George Seifert’s squad struck early and ever often in a blowout win over the AFC champion Bolts.

Of course, this was also the celebrated “monkey off the back” game for Pro Football Hall of Fame-bound quarterback Steve Young. The talented pro had some big shoes to fill in the form of Joe Montana. The fellow member of Canton’s amazing fraternity had taken San Francisco to the Super Bowl four times and in those contests, threw for 11 scores without an interception and captured game MVP honors three times.

Against the Chargers, the skilled southpaw made it look easy. On the team’s third play from scrimmage, Jerry Rice split the San Diego secondary and Young found him for a 44-yard score. Later in the quarter, he would connect with running back Rickey Watters for a similar 51-yard touchdown. The Colts would answer with a TD drive of their own. But by intermission, George Seifert’s club owned a 28-10 advantage, Young had thrown for three scores and San Francisco had racked up 304 total yards.

The San Francisco signal-caller would throw for 325 yards and a Super Bowl record six TD tosses. He also led the Niners with 49 yards on the ground. While the game lacked excitement, it did feature one of the greatest postseason performances ever.

Next: XXXIII