Candlestick Park hosted its final regular-season game on Monday, and the 4-11 Falcons gave the 49ers all they could handle.
A Tony Gonzalez touchdown catch brought Atlanta to within three points with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, and Jason Snelling made a brilliant play on the ensuing onside kick to give the Birds prime field position.
Matt Ryan drove the Falcons offense down to the San Francisco 19-yard line with two quick completions, but cornerback Tramaine Brock wrestled Ryan’s next pass attempt out of Harry Douglas‘ hands and into the waiting arms of NaVorro Bowman. The linebacker took off for the end zone, galloping 89 yards untouched to seal the victory and send the Niners to the playoffs.
It was a fitting sendoff for one of the NFL’s most storied stadiums, and a moment head coach Jim Harbaugh called “one of the greatest plays I’ve ever seen.”
Check it out for yourself in the GIF below, courtesy of Eye on Football.
