49ers set to say goodbye to Candlestick
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO
Two teams separated by just a few plays and all of four points for a berth to the Super Bowl last February now find themselves on opposite ends of the spectrum and standings.
The San Francisco 49ers (10-4) are riding a four-game winning streak and surging down the stretch with a playoff berth practically in hand. The Atlanta Falcons (4-10), meanwhile, sit in last place in the NFC South and soon will be headed into a longer offseason than they imagined less than a year after a loss to San Francisco on their home field.
“They’re a different team, we’re a different team,” San Francisco left tackle Joe Staley said. “New season.”
Now, the NFC champion Niners are more determined than ever to defend their home turf in the final game at Candlestick Park. Next season, San Francisco moves into new Levi’s Stadium at team headquarters in Santa Clara.
“It’s the last game in Candlestick,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “We don’t want to be the guys who screw up the last game in Candlestick.”
The way things have gone for Atlanta, the Falcons know how quickly things can turn.
“The dynamics of the team change each and every year,” coach Mike Smith said. “We’ve been a relevant team for the last five years. Unfortunately, we have not played up to our expectations.”
Here are five things to watch:
GONZALEZ’S LAST BAY AREA HURRAH: Former Cal star Tony Gonzalez will make his last Bay Area trip before retirement after the season. Gonzalez just reached 15,000 yards receiving.
He will leave 20 tickets for family and friends, many making the trip from Southern California.
THE ‘STICK SAYS SO LONG: The 49ers have played at Candlestick since 1971, so this farewell season has been bittersweet for many of the players who produced their greatest moments there.
From Hall of Famers Jerry Rice, Joe Montana and Steve Young, to Dwight Clark and the famous “Catch” that made him a worldwide name, to the current players trying to do their part in the stadium’s legacy, this game means a little bit more.
DAWSON ON A ROLL: Phil Dawson has been on such a roll it affects Harbaugh’s play-calling knowing he has a spot-on kicker.
Dawson has converted a franchise-record 24 straight field-goal tries, and adjusted well to the wind and elements at Candlestick.
Dawson realizes one missed kick can change a season, so he’s not thinking too far ahead — like about his chance to stay with the 49ers after his one-year deal is done.
“I’d love to be back,” he said. “We’ve got some exciting football down the chute that’s got my focus.”