Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/637179
Below: Running backs Wendell Tyler (26) and Roger Craig (33) of the 49ers celebrate the team's second Super Bowl championship of the 1980s. Below: The pregame talk centered on Dan Marino, but Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium quickly turned into The Joe Montana Show. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE | SUPER BOWL SUNDAY | 13 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Above: 49ers owner Eddie Debartolo Jr. congratulates quarterback Joe Montana and running back Roger Craig (33) aer the 49ers routed the Miami Dolphins to win the Super Bowl in January 1985. Le: Running back Roger Craig (33) did his usual high- stepping through the Miami defense as the 49ers offense ran wild. PHOTOS BY GEORGE ROSE — GETTY IMAGES FILE TONY DUFFY — GETTY IMAGES FILE Above: Wendell Tyler (26) and Roger Craig gave the 49ers an unbeatable one-two punch coming out of the backfield against the Dolphins. That 1984 49ers team might have been their best ever, even though it did not yet have players such as Jerry Rice, John Taylor, Tom Rathman or Charles Haley. Montana was 28, at the top of his game. Dwight Clark was still his primary target. Wen- dell Tyler and Roger Craig comprised a powerhouse backfield. The defense was stout with Fred Dean, Dwaine Board and Gary "Big Hands" Johnson up front, Keena Turner at linebacker and Dwight Hicks and His Hot Licks — Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson — roaming the secondary. Forever etched in my memory was how bril- liant Montana was from start to finish that day, both passing and running the ball. He was so good, Walsh was already referencing him as one of the best all-time quarterbacks after the game. Craig and Tyler repeatedly gashed Miami's defense, while Walsh and his defensive coordinator, George Seif- ert, went to a novel 4-1-6 alignment that served to confuse and frustrate Marino and his stellar receiv- ers, Mark Clayton and Mark Duper. It was a performance that truly cemented the 49ers' 1980s dynasty. I would witness them win three more Super Bowls in more modern stadiums with better halftime shows. But for me, nothing tops the one with the fog, the poor lighting and the horrible sight lines at Stanford. Even with all the modern conveniences, splendid stadium architecture and state of the art technol- ogy we now have in 2016, Levi's Stadium will have a very tough time matching it. And you can tweet that.