The 49ers came on an all-out blitz, and Matt Ryan's pass deflected off of Harry Douglas and into the night air at Candlestick Park. The stadium that has played host to more Monday Night Football games than any other got one more crazy moment in its 36th and final Monday Night Football game between the 49ers and Falcons in Week 16.
49ers vs. Falcons provides final classic Monday Night Football moment at Candlestick Park
Candlestick Park has hosted more Monday Night games than any other NFL stadium, and NaVorro Bowman joined the history of memorable moments in its regular season finale.
The Candlestick crowd held its collective breath as the ball tipped into the air. The Falcons were down by just three and driving in Niner territory. A playoff spot was on the line for San Francisco. The ball was only in the air for a split second before NaVorro Bowman plucked it from the air and started running away with it, but the tension made that moment last.
Bowman raced into the open field and toward the end zone, sending the crowd into a vintage Candlestick roar. The 49ers pulled away with a 34-24 win, clinched a playoff spot and made Candlestick Park’s final Monday Night Football game one of its best.
With one play, Bowman added to the list of memorable primetime MNF moments in San Francisco.
High-scoring affairs
The 49ers have put up some big numbers at Candlestick Park on Monday Night Football over the years. San Francisco scored the third most points in Monday Night Football history against the Bears back in 1991. The 49ers put up 52 points in that game. Two years earlier, the Niners had the fourth most lopsided game in Monday Night Football history against the same Bears. The margin of victory in that game was 41 points.
Lights out
Candlestick Park wasn't exactly known as the nicest NFL stadium, and games like a 2011 MNF contest between the 49ers and Steelers are part of the reason why. During that game, a blown transformer caused the lights to go our during the game. Not exactly the best moment for Candlestick, but one that will be remembered for a long time.
Rivalry grounds
Candlestick Park played host to two great games between the 49ers and Giants in 1990. The two teams played for the NFC Championship, but before they got to that point, they had to battle it out at Candlestick on Monday Night Football. It was a classic clash, too. The 49ers won the game 7-3, and the score is a perfect indication of how physical a game it was.
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