Dream Matchup #1: ’89 49ers vs. ’04 Patriots

We’re starting a new series here at The Athletes Hub called “Dream Matchup”, which will be a series of articles that feature results from a simulated, seven game series between two teams that either fans have wanted to see play each other, teams that broke records or started debates, or sometimes it’ll be something a little fun and it’ll (hopefully) get a good laugh. Here is the first matchup presented: 

1989 San Francisco 49ers (14-2, Super Bowl Champions) vs 2004 New England Patriots (14-2, Super Bowl Champions)

Now, this is an interesting one that I believe should be intriguing. Both were the champions of the NFL at the end of it all. The argument here is that the 49ers were aided by their wide receiver talent and New England has a better defense, I guess. Also, it’s Brady vs. Montana. The Pats will have home field advantage due to having the better home record. Let’s get simming.

Game One: 49ers 10, Pats 32

Game One was almost all Pats. New England’s defense held the high powered Niners offense to just one field goal in the first half. Tom Brady finished Game One with 18 completions for 195 yards, two TDs, and one INT. Joe Montana on the other hand finished with 16 completions for 225 years, one TD, and one INT. Defensively, there were just three sacks all game, all by Patriot defenders. The Niners defense just couldn’t do anything against this New England O-Line. Let’s move on to Game Two.

Game Two: 49ers 29, Pats 26

The first two games in New England are split between the teams. This was a close battle between the two juggernauts, but it looked all but over entering the fourth quarter. The Pats held a seemingly safe 23-12 lead, but a 17 point fourth from San Fran propelled them to the 29-26 win and gives them a lot of momentum heading back to The Bay for Games Three and Four. Joe Montana completed 20 passes for 222 yards, while his defense racked up four of the five total sacks in this game. Time for Game Three.

Game Three: Pats 31, 49ers 30

This time San Francisco blew a fourth quarter lead. They lead 23-14 headed into the fourth, but New England racked up its own 17-point quarter as they take Game Three and lead the series two games to one. Both QBs threw two TDs and no INTs, and Roosevelt Colvin lead the way defensively with two sacks. Game Four, coming up next.

Game Four: Pats 24, 49ers 21

Despite an 18-point fourth quarter, San Francisco could not complete the comeback. Adam Vinatieri’s last second field goal propells New England to the win, and they now have a chance to win our first “Dream Matchup” series on home field. Let’s see if they can pull it off.

Game Five: 49ers 21, Pats 14

The Niners kept themselves alive with a big 21-14 win. Montana threw for 257 yards as the Niners held the Pats to just two first quarter scores. An interesting note is that Jerry Rice has yet to score a touchdown in this series. It’s been Tom Rathman doing most of the work for this Niners WR core. Can San Francisco force a game seven? Let’s find out.

Game Six: Pats 27, 49ers 24

Jerry Rice finally joins the TD parade, but it’s not enough as the Pats win Game Six and the series 4-2. Brady threw just eight incompletions all game, threw for 267 yards and two TDs, and got some defensive help as well. David Givens and Deion Branch both had 60+ receiving yards in this final game, but neither had a TD. Joe Montana threw three TDs, but also threw two INTs, which led to the downfall of the Niners in this series.

2004 Patriots defeat 1989 San Francisco 49ers four games to two.

It was a competitive series, but the road games meant a lot. New England won all three of it’s road games. Their offense also was spectacular, as they didn’t score less than 20 in five of these six games. They just overpowered the ’89 49ers.

Well, that’s it for our first matchup, what other matchups would you like us to sim? Let us know!

Photo Credit: George Rose/Elsa/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images