Focus on Sport-Getty Images
Joe Montana s QB GOAT case starts here. At the peak of his powers at age 33, the 49ers icon was on his own tier in 1989. His completion percentage (70.2), yards per attempt (9.1) and passer rating (112.4) look confusing when compared to his peers. Apex Jerry Rice (17 TDs), Roger Craig and John Taylor made 1989 the West Coast Offense s masterwork, despite Bill Walsh having retired after the 88 season. The defense ranked third, too. The 49ers went 14-2, losing by five total points, and obliterated the Vikings, Rams and Broncos by a 126-26 margin in the playoffs. George Seifert s debut team may be the NFL s best ever.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucs have one clear advantage. Already down stalwart right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, the Chiefs lost left tackle Eric Fisher to an Achilles tear. But Tampa Bay is fortunate to be in Super Bowl LV; Kansas City (an incomprehensible 25-1 in Mahomes past 26 starts) was always on this track. The Chiefs extending Mahomes, Kelce, and Jones the first two on team-friendly deals opened a longer-term title window. Mahomes did not look too hindered by his toe injury, and his NFL-best QBR against the blitz will be key against a blitz-happy Bucs team the Chiefs already beat. Modern pro sports defining winner against the team gunning to be the first post-Patriots dynasty. There will be hype.
How one photo came to embody Joe Montana, Bill Walsh and a 49ers dynasty [San Francisco Chronicle]
Jan. 22 Michael Zagaris has clicked his shutter countless times in his 48 years as the 49ers’ team photographer, but, of all his pictures, just one is framed and hanging on a wall at his home.
The late Bill Walsh felt such a connection to Zagaris’ photo that he rarely wanted it out of sight. Walsh had large framed prints displayed in three spots: his house, his office at the 49ers’ facility and his personal office in Menlo Park.
Joe Montana, who also had it blown up and hung in his home, included the photo last week in a message he posted on Twitter, saying he was “feeling nostalgic” during the NFL playoffs, a time of year when he reached his greatest heights.
How one photo came to embody Joe Montana, Bill Walsh and a 49ers dynasty
FacebookTwitterEmail
1of3
Niners coach Bill Walsh and quarterback Joe Montana during a win over the Bears in the NFC Championship Game in 1985.Michael Zagaris / Getty Images 1984Show MoreShow Less
2of3
Many of the photographs of the 49ers were taken by team photographer Michael Zagaris including this one of Joe Montana and Coach Bill Walsh. A collection of 200 new artworks will decorate Levi s stadium, including photographs and original artwork of the team, but also material from the history of San Francisco, the Bay Area and California.Brant Ward / San Francisco ChronicleShow MoreShow Less