DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS: Atlanta (9-7) at San Francisco (14-2)
1st Quarter
Things started out looking good for Michael Vick and the Falcons as they scored a touchdown on the opening drive after Vick threw the ball for a short TD. The thing that made this drive great, besides the fact that they scored a touchdown, was that it took up about 8 minutes of the quarter. The 49ers tried to respond in kind on their next drive, but stalled and settled for Chandler booting a 50-yard field goal to put the score at 7-3.
2nd Quarter
Things here started off poorly for the Niners as Garcia threw an interception at the San Francisco 22 yard line. After two plays to get them to the 4-yard line, Dunn finished off the drive with a run to put Atlanta on top 14-3. Feeling pressured, the Niners came through on their next drive and drew within 4 points after Beasley charged in from the goaline. Vick & Co. wasn't done, however, and Mike found Gaylor for a 59 yard touchdown pass. San Francisco's offense struggled and was forced to punt. Deion Sanders came through with an interception at Atlanta's 33 yard line, and afterwards Jeff Garcia found Eric Johnson from 7 yards out to make the score 21-17 at the half.
3rd Quarter
The 49ers got the ball first and drove to the 26 yard line but were unable to go any further. Another Chandler field goal made it 21-20. After a few bad run plays, Atlanta was forced to throw the ball on third down. Jason Webster ended up intercepting it and returning it to the Falcons 26 yard line. The 49ers once again converted the turnover into points, this time with a 7-yard run by Beasley to take their first lead of the game, 27-21.
4th Quarter
The San Francisco defense was really stepping up now as they forced the Falcons to punt. On the offensive side of the ball, the Niners moved effectively and eventually gave it to Garrison Hearst who took it in from three yards out. The Niners had a 34-21 lead and boy were they pumped. Atlanta got the ball back but their hopes of a comeback were dashed as Webster intercepted the ball at the 16 yard line and returned it for a touchdown to give SF a 20-point lead. Vick & Co. would get to midfield before launching a 49-yard touchdown bomb to Peerless Price but it was too little too late.
FINAL: San Francisco wins 41-28!
Player of the Game
CB Jason Webster - 7 tackles, 2 INT, TD
Key Performances
QB Jeff Garcia - 84.1, 15/25, 212 yards, TD, INT
RB Garrison Hearst - 16 att, 82 yards, TD
FB Fred Beasley - 7 att, 30 yards, 2 TD
WR Terrell Owens - 5 rec, 93 yards
Next: vs Bears (10-6)
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