It’s Been 30 Years Since the Eagles Dominated the World Champions at Candlestick Park.
Thirty years ago — in an early October meeting in 1994— two of the NFC’s most formidable teams faced off at Candlestick Park. Since the 1980s, Buddy Ryan’s Eagles and Bill Walsh’s 49ers had some truly memorable games.
Now, two disciples—Rich Kotite for the Eagles and George Seifert for the 49ers—lead both clubs.
Much like in 2024, the Eagles and 49ers were two of the most formidable teams in the NFC.
From the opening kickoff, the 2–2 49ers were out-hustled and outplayed by the 2–1 Eagles in almost all phases. With Randall Cunningham directing the opening drive, Charlie Garner sprinted for a one-yard touchdown run. After Eric Allen then intercepted Steve Young, Garner scampered 24 yards for the second score — a play that included a great block by Fred Barnett on Deion Sanders at the goal line.
By the time Randall Cunningham found Victor Bailey for a 32-yard score — the Eagles were up 23–8, and the rout was on. One highlight for Eagles fans came in the third quarter, with the Eagles up 33–8. In the middle of a Steve Young play call, backup quarterback Elvis Grbac raced onto the field and replaced Young — leading to a sideline tirade by Young with Coach Gary Kubiak.
Garner would end up with 111 yards on 16 carries and another 28 yards receiving.
As with most great Eagles moments in the 1990s, the victory was short-lived. George Seifert’s 49ers would go on to beat Stan Humphries and the San Diego Chargers in the Super Bowl that year, 49–26. The Eagles would squander at a 3–1 start and finish 7–9. New Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie would fire Rich Kotite at the end of the season and hired Ray Rhodes. One year later — in a bitter quarterback controversy with Rodney Peete- Randall Cunningham would play his last game as an Eagle in Dallas in 1995.
We’ll always have Candlestick Park — October of 1994.
PHOTO: WikiCommons
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