SI Doesn't Love Awesome 49ers Super Bowl Blowouts

The folks at SI.com put together a rundown of what they view as the ten worst Super Bowls and it should surprise nobody that a pair of 49ers Super Bowls made appearances on the list. The 49ers 55-10 romp over the Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV topped the list and the 49ers 49-26 whipping of the Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX was fifth.

I was too young to remember the first two 49ers Super Bowl victories in 1981 and 1984. However, I was able to enjoy wins three, four and five. I did love the last-minute victory over the Bengals, but as a fan of the 49ers there was something incredibly enjoyable about watching them thrash Denver and San Diego. I think any fan would take particular pleasure seeing their team dominate an opposing team. There is something to be said for thrillers, but a particularly epic beatdown brings its own satisfaction.

The 49ers win over the Broncos was particularly tasty given how badly they embarrassed the Wade Phillips-led Broncos defense. That Broncos defense finished the 1989 season number one in points allowed, first downs allowed, and passing touchdowns allowed, and second in turnovers created. This was not like the 1994 Chargers that were just sort of happy to be there en route to their thrashing. This was a very good defense that might still be wondering what hit them.

The 49ers 55 points remains the highest scoring performance in Super Bowl history. The 49ers did not run over the Broncos with the run either. They did manage three rushing touchdowns, but those were more frequently set up by Joe Montana's big passing day. The 49ers QB finished 22/29 for 297 yards and five touchdowns. Jerry Rice finished with seven receptions for 148 yards and three touchdowns. Add in a dominant defensive performance against a very solid offense, and it was an all around great game for the 49ers.