"The Catch" (Cowboys vs. 49ers 1981, NFC Championship)

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[@eugenesatele9434]

The special play that started a dynasty. But that defensive stop should also get more recognition too.

[@jaytee4374]

Right, people forget that Dallas had a chance to win the game after Clark's touchdown

[@JAWrightonline]

Puttin' respect on Eric Wright's name...the defensive back, not Eazy E (RIP, though).

[@jmsantel]

@@jaytee4374 True. People think the catch ended the game, but Dallas was about 10-15 yards from field goal range with about :35 seconds left. The tackle on Drew Pearson and the Lawrence Pillars sack/strip sealed the game.

[@davidroberts7282]

Actually, if that game had been played under modern NFL rules post-2004, their wouldve been a clear horse-collar penalty on Eric Wright essentially using his pinky fingers to drag and hold onto the back of Pearson's jersey, which slowed him down and allowed the surrounding defenders to tackle him. If a horse-collar penalty had been called and added on to Dallas gain, they'd have the ball plenty damn close to Septien's range and the choice of selection in terms of play-calling as it relates to situational football wouldve been different as they would have likely run the ball with Dorsett to get a few extra yards before sending out Septien for a possible game-winning FG. Now, here's where it gets more interesting: if you're a Cowboys fan, you might be tempted to say, "well, Septien was a Pro-Bowler in 1981 and had a great season that year, but coming into that late-season game, Septien had been dealing with a dislocated, bad lower back and HC Tom Landry knew about it from team doctors but didnt tell him the complete, honest truth about his severely strained his back was. Septien knew it was extremely sore, but the coaching staff didnt tell him the whole truth. So, even if Dallas had driven maybe to the 25-30 yard line of S.F., taking into consideration how severe their Pro-Bowl PK's injury really was, there's also a decent chance he doesn't make that FG or misses it like Buffalo's Tyler Bass did last Sunday night, and 49ers still win, anyway.

[@sparky2898]

Yrs indeed i was there and "E"WRITE got our stomachs sraight. Thatccowboy wide receiver was on a sprint mission to the goal line...and eric handed his buisness. I was there, and will never forget erics destructive throwdown tothe ground, after ringing ball carriers neck . Thank you for the Initial comment ​@JAWrightonline

[@TheGoat69236]

The catch literally shifted the rivalry’s advantage to the 49ers till the 90s

[@cbod14]

Wrong. Poor drafting and The NFC East did as well.

[@TheGoat69236]

@@cbod14 cowboys were a powerhouse before this catch and dominated the 49ers this catch literally shifted the momentum. Plus after this cowboys didn’t recover till like 1991

[@cbod14]

@@TheGoat69236 Gee you mean The Giants, Redskins and Eagles becoming better had NOTHING to do with Dallas decline? Yeah it did. The Cowboys drafted poorly and their divisional competition got better. Fact.

[@TheGoat69236]

@@cbod14 and what started the Dallas decline dumbfuck? This catch. Ruined their moral and luck you really don’t know how to connect the dots. And my comment is all about this rivalry not about the whole decline of the cowboys in the 80s in general

[@garry760]

I was a Dallas fan,I was screaming at "too tall",to get there ,then the "throw"and the "catch". ARRRG!!!!,

[@Brentolini23]

“It’s a mad house at Candlestick!” Vin Scully calling this game was one for the books❤️

[@sports3117]

The call by the late great, Vin Scully was one of the greatest calls in NFL history

[@evanschmitt2830]

It’s a shame he didn’t get to call more football games

[@Samuel_Gonzalez35]

It was also the last football game he ever called. He feared he wouldn't see our call a better game so he just walked away after this game.

[@rockyracoon3233]

@@evanschmitt2830 . He was jerked around by CBS.

[@SPTO]

One of the most monumental games in NFL history. I've said some stuff about it throughout the years on this channel so I won't go into too much detail but there rarely are games in ANY sport that's as clear of a baton passing from one generation of greatness to the next as this one.

[@cbod14]

Just a reminder to all you Brady, Manning and Brees fan boys that no Joe Montana wasn't throwing to Jerry Rice, John Taylor and others his whole career. You're welcome

[@senormejia9832]

Imagine if Montana played in the National Flag Football League today he would have played 30yrs

[@345optimusprime]

@ Seńor Mejia “Flag” yet these players are still getting hurt. Guess they are “weaker” but we’ll overlook Terry Bradshaw 4-0 record in the 70s, but that would mean he’s “better” than Joe due to “tougher era” Pick a struggle, you guys continue to argue from feelings and ignorance about the game. You guys are just lazy to make stronger cases.

[@DontDrinkthatstuff]

Yeah he just had a constant team of HOFers around him with virtually 0 FA around. Imagine acting as if Joe didn't have the best supporting cast all the time. Steve Young showed that.

[@cbod14]

@@DontDrinkthatstuff Really? Dwight Clark, Freddie Solomon, Linvil Elliott are in Canton? He had one Hall of Fame talent on his offense & that it is all. Google is your friend kid.

[@DontDrinkthatstuff]

@@cbod14 1 HOF talent on this particular team. Meanwhile Joe routinely had the most stacked teams. Keep crying though boomer. Steve Young > Montana

[@DiabloOutdoors]

Both defenses were merciless. Incredible plays by both of them.

[@iamchrisbrewer]

Respect to Eric Wright for his touchdown-saving tackle that preserved the victory!

[@sshza2143]

😳😤preserved history😁🙋‍♂✌😎

[@Makai77]

Horse collar... but no such rule back then.

[@Eastsidesavage]

Eric Wright was a good football player and a rapper

[@robertosso5210]

Cowboys were robbed!!!! Drew pearson was Horse collard!!!!

[@hbachi1]

@@robertosso5210 horse collar wasn't a penalty in '81. Not until Terrell Owens got injured is when they changed it

[@oldschooleddie2057]

The play at 14:30 is ridiculous. That might be the smallest window I have ever seen and Montana got it in there. Remarkable.

[@erichagan8992]

Absolutely

[@Samuel_Gonzalez35]

There's something aesthetically beautiful about these uniforms and this broadcast in general. The iconic blue and silver of Dallas clashing with the red and gold of San Francisco, the back-and-forth action, Vin Scully and Hank Stram in the booth and, of course, those kick-ass 49ers satin jackets. Punctuated with that catch along with one of Vin Scully's many, many memorable quotes "IT'S A MADHOUSE AT CANDLESTICK!"

[@bryanburnap4537]

It's majestic !!!

[@JamesGrinstead]

Tom Brady, then 4 years old attended this game & he never thought that he would surpass his idol Joe Montana as the best QB in NFL history 35 years later!

[@blackdonaldtrump3869]

So unreal to think about

[@LeBronJameIsABum]

@@blackdonaldtrump3869 What's the name tho 💀

[@ck-1649]

Who knows, maybe the next GOAT would've attended the Tuck Rule game

[@murrieta49]

Did not pass Joe in games played with hard hitting allowed

[@achronos999able]

You can see him in the crowd at 18:14

[@typorter-pp6lh]

Vin Scully wanted to be the lead announcer for the NFL on CBS with John Madden as color commentator. Pat Summerall got the gig the next year instead, so Vin went over to NBC to be their lead baseball announcer. Worked out well for all of us in the end!

[@americangiant1003]

Not to mention (correct me guys if I am wrong)Vin I heard was going to give up the Dodgers gig, if he got that lead NFL Announcer for CBS. If true that would have changed American broadcasting. Imagine the Bill Buckner play at the end of the 1986 World Series being called by someone else. Or the now immortal Kurt Gibson HR in the 1988 World Series. Sometimes in life, initial disappointments in life that Vin did not get that lead NFL gig with Madden turns into blessings. Well said Typorter.

[@user-q3cIy1mkx9]

I had no idea that the sack and forced fumble by Lawrence Pillers was an actual game winner. All my life, I thought it was "The Catch". I can't believe the Cowboys actually had a chance to kick a field goal to win the game.

[@calebpaez-98]

Would love to see purdy take em to a Super bowl this year. Hoping for another classic exciting game like this

[@Stev4e897]

wont happen

[@masonmcconnell9375]

@@Stev4e897 why wont it happpen ?

[@evilmonkeyspeaks7801]

​@@masonmcconnell9375 1 - the place they're at now definitely isn't Candlestick Park. 2 - no way in hell Dallas gets there

[@Jamesboy98]

@@Stev4e897lmaooooo

[@cbod14]

People shocked that The Jaguars won a game with five turnovers needed to watch this one. Imagine winning a title game with SIX turnovers. Unreal.

[@pigskin94pvp82]

I was to young to remember Montana in his prime. Steve young was my guy. But I’ve watched tons of old film on Montana & there’s so many similarities I see between him & Brock purdy. This 2022 Niners team is the most fun I’ve had watching football in a long time.

[@PG2248CoasterNews]

fuck an "immaculate reception", The Catch is the greatest play in NFL history

[@americangiant1003]

Both plays being fair, changed NFL history forever. And both deserve their rankings as among the top 2-3 'plays' aka 'on the field' moments in league history as of January 2023. However as controversial as I am saying this, I think I have to agree "the catch' is IMO, the most play in NFL history by a finger nail. Personally I only give that landmark play here in Jan. 1982, the nod because it led to the 49ers first SB later that season. With that said don't overlook that "Immaculate Reception" either.

[@robertosso5210]

Ronnie Lott over the years has always said that Eric wright launched the 49er Dynasty

[@TheRedShadow74]

vin will always be my favorite announcer in nfl history such iconic calls from this game alone, "For the upstart 49ers they are 6 yards away from Pontiac, 3rd and 3" "Its a madhouse at candle stick" it never fails to get me hype and its why i started loving the niners

[@chipramos2066]

RIP Vin Scully One of the greatest sportscasters ever!

[@ST0NE_206]

Always remember the catch of catching.

[@JustSomeDamnCalifornian45]

RIP Vin Scully, the man has been apart of so many legendary sports moments it's insane.

[@RevKali]

Crazy to know Tom Brady was at this game, and broke every of Montanas records years later! 🤯

[@charlesmoore7349]

The call on Lott for pass interference is proof the bad calls were always being made. Thus, instant replay.

[@roljamas]

That PI call at 5:30 is *real* bad

[@markelscott100]

Idk they called p.i in the 80s figured that would be a 90s thing

[@Eastsidesavage]

@@markelscott100 they started calling pass interference in 1978

[@curtisb3336]

Weird hearing Vin Scully call a NFL Playoff game.

[@JamesGrinstead]

Fun Fact: this would be the last time for Pat Summerall doing color commentating before switching to play by play a week later starting with Super Bowl 16.

[@americangiant1003]

@@JamesGrinstead Incorrect. The Color Analyst for this historic "Catch" game is Hall of Fame Coach Hank Stream (won Super Bowl 4 with the Chiefs)who had just recently retired. Pat was I believe (correct me guys)doing the National/International Radio broadcasts for this game or had the week off preparing for that SB in the Detroit area. Its true that Summerall, did start his career calling NFL games as a color commentary either with Ray Scott(who during the baseball season was also the Minnesota Twins main announcer)and or Jack Buck(legendary St Louis Cardinals Baseball Radio Announcer.) Pat only became the lead Announcer starting in the mid 1970's first teaming with former Eagles great Tom Brookshire. CBS only replaced Brookshire with Madden because of the severe alcoholism issue with both Pat and Tom. FYI It was no secret that both Brookshire and Summerall was both borderline drunk on the air for the 1979/'80 aka SB 14 Steelers/Rams Super Bowl game that lead to the end of that also excellent NFL broadcast team soon after.

[@jefferyrobertson7520]

Dallas Cowboys Against San Francisco 49ers Before 1992 NFC Championship Known As Change Of The Guard Thanks For Uploading

[@rockyracoon3233]

This game was its own Super Bowl.

[@bartonpercival3216]

Wow if the stars weren't aligned for the 49ers in this championship game. 6 turnovers and the Niners still win. What a exciting season that was. I remember spilling my beer in my living room when Dwight caught that high pass in the endzone. I really thought Montana was throwing the ball out of bounds!!! 👍🏈❤️💛

[@keruetz]

That call on Ronnie Lott when he got position on Drew Pearson is a typical Dallas call back in those days. Cowboys get more calls like that than any other team.

[@Emankind]

Love or hate these teams, that old Cowboy/49ers NFC rivalry was football at it’s best! It’s reassuring to see that the Refereeing was as “questionable” then as it is now.

[@jaytee4374]

During the NFL'S 100th anniversary, "The Catch" was ranked the 2nd greatest play in NFL history

[@Jimmy_Hopkins15]

The catch by Dwight Clark started a decade of dommmiamce by the 49ers in 1980s winning 4 super bowls and one more in the 90s R.I.P DC

[@dandane8164]

Joe Montana is real g.o.a.t he played an era where there was hard hitting on QBs and the bump and run in receivers, Brady and QBs of today play in a watered down NFL.

[@345optimusprime]

@ Dan Dane Then why people like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson and Tua keep getting injuried? Are they soft and weaker than Brady? By your logic Terry Bradshaw is the goat because he went 4-0 in the 70s and that was “tougher” than the 80s you guys argue from feelings.

[@alyssa-mn2ur]

@@345optimusprimeIt’s a 10 year difference , football was way rougher back then when u could actually hit the quarterback as hard as u want. That’s how joe Montana broke his back. Same football from 70s and 80s

[@dandane8164]

@@345optimusprime really fella? You can't see the difference, those QBs rely heavily on running with the ball, Brady is a pure pocket passing QB seldom if ever does Brady scramble, he makes his reads and deliver the ball, running QBs like Jackson which is now the most sought after type QB yes it's fun watching them do their thing, but they open themselves up for injury, I watched the game since the late 60s it's evolved from what I grew up watching.

[@345optimusprime]

@alyssa Since you wanna glorified the past? Why did in 1979 Jack Lambert made the infamous “flag football” comment when Joe entered the league? Cut the crap, you just don’t wanna admit Joe benefited from defensive pass inference that was placed in 78 because it hurts the “goat” status

[@345optimusprime]

@Dan Dane So you’re telling me actually making reads on time makes you avoid hits? Okay let me ask you this, what if Brady’s release time was faster than the QBs in the past? You can’t see that difference huh? I don’t wanna hear “It was tougher in my day!” Yet modern players are still getting hurt? Cause if you claim to watch from the “60s” clearly you can’t see these modern day players are bigger and faster, but you’ll cry “but it ain’t tough!”

[@jrad410]

Imagine if White doesn’t make that tackle. Such a historic game

[@bensantiago4557]

I remember watching this when I was 12.The ultimate cardiac game.The Cowboys of the 70's and first part of 80's were the equivalent of the Brady/ Belichek Patriots in terms of being hated and every time they lost especially in playoffs the whole world rejoiced.This game has still in its own way never been topped

[@johngogas4682]

Yup . The 77-81 Dallas Cowboys should have won a minimum of 3 if not 4 SBs . In those 5 years they had more wins than the 74-79 Steelers . SB 13 was stolen from them and the following year the Rams got 2 of the luckiest long TDs in playoff history . Cowboys should have won 3 in a row from 77-79

[@ezsmith3765]

If it wasn’t for Eric Wright and the quality of Drew Pearsons jersey Tom Landry probably gets his 3rd SuperBowl win in a decade. (The Cowboys likely beat the Bengals in 1981).

[@robertosso5210]

DREW PEARSON WAS HORSE COLLARD!! WE WUZ ROBBED!!!!

[@Hittloc1352]

#1Montana #2Brady #3Manning #4Rodgers #5Marino my TOP5

[@XBC3-4GOTY]

Surprised no Brees

[@bradleystereoguitaramplifi9616]

Hard to believe that Candlestick is gone.❤

[@mjcurtiss]

It's incredible that the 49ers won this game with all those turnovers, they had no business winning this game honestly Danny White went to 3 straight NFC CHAMPIONSHIP Games and didn't win one He definitely deserved to play in the Super Bowl once at least

[@sshza2143]

i wanted landry to get one more. great cowboys team in the '80's but the nfc was stacked.💪possibly the best dressed and humble coach ever. not a cowboys fan but landry will always be top class👏😤🙏🍻😁🙋‍♂✌😎

[@howl_with_the_wolves]

He played in 2 SB 12 &13 winning 1 27-10 over Denver in SB XII

[@ezsmith3765]

Danny White used to piss me off when I was only 10 years old (Dallas fan). Ain’t nothing changed but the weather.

[@simtek3475]

Vin Scully, the legend...

[@AWB-Official-u1b]

15:23 Best part

[@lucasmann2308]

the catch with Vin on play by play awesome

[@palaceofwisdom9448]

I had only ever seen the clip of the catch and never knew that they very nearly lost the game afterward. The Niners were great on defense considering all those turnovers that left them defending a shortened field.

[@AndreiKenshin24]

Best Game ever

[@taraalbright8094]

Everyone looking for little TB12 in the crowd after “the catch” 😊

[@robmorrow3275]

5:28 The officials are going to make bad/questionable calls, but this was absolutely inexcusable. Lott had every right to positioned himself to go after ball like Person. Thank goodness it didn't effect the outcome of the game.

[@jgowin66]

Bogus PI on the 49ers at the 5:15 mark. Instead of SF ball on their 37, after Lott's interception, Cowboys got the gift possession on the SF 13.

[@redmustangredmustang]

16:55 if Wright doesn't horse collar Drew Pearson, that is a touchdown and the Cowboys play the Bengals for the Super Bowl. Hell they might have enough momentum to play the next year in the Rose Bowl. Still it wasn't an illegal tackle back then because today that's a 15 yard penalty. That one horse collar saved the 49er season and potential dynasty.

[@Bill_Woo]

Two fascinating aspects: One, greatly loved "Too Tall Jones" (#72) leaped just a mere, a tiny fraction of a second too soon, or the play would have been doomed!! Watch the 16:18 slo-mo! Two, look at how Dallas durn near did one of THE most amazing turnarounds in history (not exaggerating) in the last minute. *Insanely* close to being pulled off. But...but...watch at 17:25 right guard #65 Kurt Petersen. Seriously? SERIOUSLY??

[@Bill_Woo]

Even more! 65 even was lazily slow to get off the ground, *finally* going, "Oh! I better get up because the play's alive". It's highly plausible that if 65 had played like a professional, even after the pathetic stumbling to the ground, he would have recovered the fumble, thus becoming a part of winning history, instead of all-time Wall of Shaming it. 17:25+ reveals all. Follow the RG 65.

[@johngoldsmith9752]

The thing I keep looking at is Danny White's arm was going forward, there's no good angle to see if he released the ball as his arm was going forward and it was a incomplete pass and not a fumble. Definitely looked like a Tuck rule kind of play, don't know if that rule was in play 40 years ago or not.

[@willhennessy864]

I like the looks of both Danny White and Willie Harper at 7:15 like, "THAT'S In the Grasp?! Seriously?!"

[@ernieneverscardinals461]

As a kid of the 80s seeing Dallas lose 3 straight championship games made my teen years awesome. F- the Cowboys !! Hail to the Redskins. HTTR.

[@matsugo24]

Landry was sometimes too stubborn for his own good. He called all the offensive plays and defensive schemes for each down. Notice how Hank Shram was surprised the Cowboys were staying with six DBs. Charlie Waters said he pleaded with the defensive coordinator to adjust and change the scheme, during the final drive; but it was useless; because Landry wouldn’t consider it.

[@AndreiKenshin24]

Rivalry of the Decade 1980s

[@sholo6198]

Tom Brady was there at that stadium when he was 4 years old.

[@tyreepowell8367]

RIP Dwight Clark

[@guilhermefernandes5762]

Hope Cowboys and 49ers can provide us a game that will go to the book of history this sunday!

[@battlestarmarc]

Awesome game. Start of the 49ers' dynasty in the 80's. wow 15:21. What a catch by Clark.

[@bigmoneybarron00]

Everybody got wild when he made that catch 💪🏾

[@devin26508]

The 94 regular season game would've been nice to see

[@duanegipson6939]

That in-the-crasp on DW was Bogus ASF

[@STP43FAN1]

15:19 the fateful third down

[@usnva5638]

RIP Dwight Clark.

[@thecritic81]

Never mind the catch what about the pass!,,

[@ronxxf]

It was really fun watching this game and it looks pretty good. Anyone have a top 5/10 games from the first half (80-84) of the 80's? The first Superbowl I remember watching was The Hogs & Smurfs vs ????

[@archangelmusic13]

too tall jones was 6 foot 9? well then montana had to throw it high to get it over him jumping

[@markelscott100]

Well timed nfl

[@jjj0026]

Forgot how Drew Pearson came close to winning game at the end. Wow

[@harveycooper7600]

Joe Montana. The GOAT.

[@chad3452]

montana to clark could have the biggest hog in SF highlight history ... its inchin toward the top

[@tyreepowell8367]

I Like This Video 📸 NFL Throwback 🏈🏉 Keep Up The Good Work With Success.

[@EricDavidFloyd]

today at 17:04 there would be a horse collar penalty of 15 years. Cowboys would be in field goal range and history would have been changed.

[@gabrielmendesdacunha6346]

wow just wow

[@1986-r2c]

Niners haven't beaten anybody good. Dallas will make Brock Purdy IRRELEVANT! 38 - 17, Cowboys.

[@TYreLL0416]

Say that for Kansas City too

[@erotomaniac51]

I don’t think so

[@erotomaniac51]

Guess brock purdy isn’t irrelevant

[@gabeshriver1693]

5:51 hand

[@tobiojo6469]

Awesome video

[@masonmcconnell9375]

watching brock ppurdy reminds me of a young joe this is crazy wtf.

[@drats1279]

It was always satisfying to watch the crybaby excuse making cowgirls lose. This loss was especially sweet.

[@zack6701]

Vin Scully on the call too

[@9114utube]

Ronnie Lott first PI uncalled for even by today's standards

[@jacksonj3082]

have always wondered what emotion the girl at 15:28 was making - happy, sad, missed the play, or what

[@dennisstanley1965]

If you ever find out, post it here--I've been wondering about her for years myself.

[@lexusdav]

Montana 💥

[@johnathanlovescars]

man u think of much of a innovator coach landry was. his schemes is the modern nfl

[@Chihuahuaproductions2007]

14:50 is the greatest pass of all time 😊

[@Chihuahuaproductions2007]

Please don’t take offensive it’s just a joke

[@sshza2143]

@@Chihuahuaproductions2007 🤣🍻😁🙋‍♂✌😎

[@JAWrightonline]

The woman's hugging him. No #MeToo there.

[@Geep615]

Don’t understand why the Cowboys were under center on their last offensive play

[@JAWrightonline]

Crowd noise.

[@lanefisher9836]

The pass interference on LOTT was total BS!!

[@amazingmazur6752]

Danny White was a good QB, but he had some bad breaks for sure.

[@chad3452]

dallas had the bigger hog but SF finessed it better .... they took that shit from lil d dallas

[@donwilcox728]

5:30 That pass interference call on Ronnie Lott was B.S.

[@Rsbraun126]

That PI on Lott deep against Pearson was a horrible call.

[@kaydenlor]

This was an day where a dynasty was born

[@masonmcconnell9375]

and one ended

[@zackaryhaselius2226]

Which Catch? The Niners fans name like every catch with semi big significance "The Catch." Lol.

[@JamesGrinstead]

15:25 you’re welcome.

[@brucecooke5194]

The original “Catch”. The granddaddy of all in Niner history

[@gbrow1604]

There's three of them, I, II, and III.

[@markelscott100]

3 of them montanaa youngs and alex smith

[@michaelleroy9281]

All of them were 3rd down plays

[@JakeSmith-rv1hm]

49ers fans 3 favorite words: 3rd and 3

[@grantmcgee6163]

Oh my goodness the call at 550 was atrocious

[@jimnfl7134]

A young Tom Brady attended this game with his Mother. As great a QB as Montana was, he did have a Sloppy performance with a fumble and 2 interceptions!

[@thatllputmarzipaninyourpie3117]

If Dallas goes down and scores at the end of the game, and goes on to win the Super Bowl, Danny White is probably in the Hall of Fame.

[@corngamerpro]

Ya 49ers

[@robertosso5210]

DREW PEARSON WAS HORSE COLLARD!!!!!

[@asundelgun3487]

Really throwback? We all know about this game. Put up one of the lesser known ones that the cowboys won lol