2009 San Francisco 49ers season

American football team season August 2023 March 2026 San Francisco 49ers 2009 8–8 2nd NFC West Mike Singletary Jimmy Raye Greg Manusky Candlestick Park Did not qualify RB Frank Gore TE Vernon Davis DE Justin Smith ILB Patrick Willis P Andy Lee Patrick Willis (1st team)Andy Lee (2nd team) 180px 49ers seasons The 2009 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 64th season, 60th in the National Football League (NFL), and the first and only full year with Mike Singletary as head coach after being named interim head coach in 2008.https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3796761 49ers make Singletary coach heading into 2009 December 29, 2008 January 26, 2009 ESPN.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090206023234/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3796761 6 February 2009 live It is the seventh year in which the 49ers have their seventh offensive coordinator.https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/49ers-fire-Martz-3178665.php 49ers fire Martz December 31, 2008 January 25, 2009 SFGate John Crumpacker https://web.archive.org/web/20081231090151/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2008%2F12%2F30%2FSPI91519E8.DTL 31 December 2008 live They were looking to improve upon their 7–9 record from 2008 with the 10th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft.http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5069&section=PR%20News 49ers to Draft at 10th Overall 2009-01-07 49ers.com September 2010 H3llBot The 49ers started the 2009 season hot by winning three of the first four games. Their only loss in that span was against the Minnesota Vikings on a last-second, 32-yard touchdown from quarterback Brett Favre to wide receiver Greg Lewis. With that, and a week-5 blowout loss against the Atlanta Falcons, the team got a bad omen for the remainder of the year. The 49ers' defense, led by linebacker Patrick Willis, kept the 49ers in games, while their offense was inconsistent. Most of the blame was due to their weak offensive line, namely, the injury of left tackle Joe Staley in a week 7 game against the Indianapolis Colts. The 49ers won a week 12 home game over the Jacksonville Jaguars, 20–3. The win helped keep the 49ers' season alive. Going into week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers were heavily favored to win the game; however, critical mistakes in the game cost them the win and gave the team a huge blow of any chances of making the playoffs. The following week on Monday Night Football, the 49ers played the Arizona Cardinals, who were trying to clinch the NFC West. The 49ers' defense came out and exploded on the Cardinals top-ranked offense, causing them to turn over the ball 7 times. This was the first time San Francisco caused 7 or more turnovers in a game since forcing eight against the New Orleans Saints on September 14, 1997. The 49ers won the game 24–9, keeping their very slim playoff hopes alive. The next week they were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles. The loss officially wiped out the 49ers from playoff contention. Despite being benched for 5 and a half games, Alex Smith came in and threw for a career-best 2,350 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Frank Gore rushed for 1,120 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was awarded his second Pro Bowl appearance. Tight end Vernon Davis turned his career around by leading the team with 965 yards and 13 touchdowns – which tied the single-season record for most touchdowns by a tight end. Rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who held out the first four games of the season, was able to put up solid numbers, with 625 receiving yards, 48 receptions, and 2 touchdowns. On defense, Patrick Willis, for the second time in his first three seasons in the league, led the NFL with 152 tackles and helped the 49ers become one of the best defensive units in the NFL. He was awarded his third straight Pro Bowl appearance. The 49ers defense would finish the season in the top of the league in multiple categories. They finished fourth in the league in scoring defense, surrendering just 17.6 points per game. They also finished fifth in the league in forced turnovers with 33, tied for first in the league with 15 fumble recoveries and sixth in rushing defense.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/opp.htm 2009 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics Offseason Coaching changes The 49ers released Mike Martz on December 30, 2008. One day following the firing of Martz, the 49ers released quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner and running backs coach Tony Nathan. "To get where we needed to go, I felt those decisions needed to be made at this time", said Mike Singletary.http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5071&section=PR%20News 49ers Dismiss Tollner, Nathan 2009-01-08 49ers.com September 2010 H3llBot Tony Nathan's replacement came on January 7, 2009, when former 49ers' fullback Tom Rathman agreed to become the new running backs coach.https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3817663 Rathman to coach Niners running backs ESPN 2009-01-07 2009-01-08 Before the 49ers found a new quarterbacks coach, they introduced two new coaching positions on January 12, 2009. Mike Singletary's nephew Vantz Singletary became the 49ers' inside linebackers coach, while Al Harris was signed as the 49ers' pass rush specialist coach.http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5091 49ers Add New Coaching Positions 2009-12-09 49ers.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090227183425/http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5091 February 27, 2009 One month after the firing of Martz, Jimmy Raye was finally hired as offensive coordinator, making him the seventh offensive coordinator in seven years for the 49ers. Along with the hiring of Raye, Ted Tollner's replacement Mike Johnson was signed as the 49ers' quarterback coach. The 49ers' next coaching addition would be Jason Michael as an offensive assistant on March 6, 2009.https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Singletary-hires-offensive-assistant-3248595.php Singletary hires offensive assistant Crumpacker John The San Francisco Chronicle March 7, 2009 March 7, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090310000949/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F03%2F07%2FSPVL16AOBJ.DTL 10 March 2009 live Offensive coordinator search [Mike Singletary and I] had a shared vision of how you play the game and what we would like to see when the game is played ... His passion for football is kind of contagious. That started the mutual understanding between the two of us. – Jimmy Raye after being hired as San Francisco's offensive coordinator. 33% right Two days after Mike Singletary was hired as San Francisco's head coach, Singletary fired offensive coordinator Mike Martz. "I am not what he is looking for offensively. I understand that", said Martz in a statement released by the club. With the firing of Martz, the 49ers guaranteed themselves their seventh offensive coordinator in seven years. Possible replacement candidates included Colts wide receivers coach Clyde Christensen,http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5094 Interview Rundown January 14, 2009 January 25, 2009 49ers.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090121203110/http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5094 21 January 2009 dead former Rams head coach Scott Linehan, Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. After a second interview with the 49ers, Linehan was offered the position; however, he declined the position stating that it was not right for his family.https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Linehan-says-no-to-49ers-offer-3254145.php Linehan says no to 49ers' offer January 19, 2009 January 25, 2009 SFGate John Crumpacker https://web.archive.org/web/20090122000251/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F01%2F18%2FSPS515CR63.DTL 22 January 2009 live Soon after, Linehan accepted the offensive coordinator position for the Detroit Lions.https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3855314 Linehan to coach Lions' offense January 23, 2009 January 25, 2009 ESPN.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090208194132/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3855314 8 February 2009 live Following, the 49ers interviews Broncos offensive coordinator Rick Dennison,http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80e13e2d&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true 49ers interview Broncos' Dennison for offensive coordinator post January 25, 2009 NFL.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090118211401/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80e13e2d&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true 18 January 2009 live former Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski,http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80e3fe18&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true 49ers to interview Jagodzinski for offensive coordinator job January 25, 2009 NFL.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090123115142/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80e3fe18&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true 23 January 2009 live and Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson.http://www.sacbee.com/360/story/1569991.html 49ers might land an old hand January 24, 2009 January 25, 2009 The Sacramento Bee https://web.archive.org/web/20090129120709/http://sacbee.com/360/story/1569991.html January 29, 2009 dead On the same day as the interview with Jackson, the 49ers flew in former Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Reeves for an interview for the position. Following the Reeves interview, the 49ers interviewed Hue Jackson a second time.https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3865028 49ers, Jackson will talk again January 27, 2009 January 27, 2009 ESPN.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090215042822/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3865028 15 February 2009 live One day after Jackson was interviewed, former New York Jets' running back coach Jimmy Raye II was interviewed, making him the eighth offensive coordinator candidate to be interviewed by the 49ers.https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3867652 Raye is eighth to interview with 49ers ESPN.com January 28, 2009 January 29, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090201130535/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3867652 1 February 2009 live After interviewing with the 49ers, Raye was named the new offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers; coincidentally, Raye's first NFL job was the wide receivers coach for the 49ers under Ken Meyer in 1977.http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090128/SPORTS/901280138/1021/SPORTS05?Title=Raye_is_49ers__new_offensive_coordinator Raye is new offensive coordinator The Press Democrat January 28, 2009 January 29, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090130045235/http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090128/SPORTS/901280138/1021/SPORTS05?Title=Raye_is_49ers__new_offensive_coordinator 2009-01-30 dead Raye stated that he and Mike Singletary shared a belief on how football should be played, that being a ground-based, physical football team. Raye has had successful years as a run-based offensive coordinator, namely with the 1984 Los Angeles Rams, when Eric Dickerson rushed for a league-record 2,105 yards.https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3872751 Niners tap Raye to run offense ESPN.com January 30, 2009 January 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090131181040/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3872751 31 January 2009 live However, his recent success has been questionable. While being the Oakland Raiders' offensive coordinator from 2004 to 2005, the Raiders were 32nd and 29th in rushing offense, respectively.http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/019012.html Jimmy Raye is in the building The Sacramento Bee January 28, 2009 January 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090131045300/http://sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/019012.html 31 January 2009 dead dmy-all Nonetheless, while Raye was running backs coach for the New York Jets over the past two years, Jets' running back Thomas Jones has finished each season with over 1,000 yards rushing. In the 2008 season, Jones finished the season with the 5th most rushing yards, behind only Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams, and Clinton Portis.http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2008/11/30/2008-11-30_thomas_jones_tops_1000_yards_again.html Thomas Jones tops 1,000 yards again Cimini Rich December 1, 2008 February 21, 2009 NY Daily Newshttp://www.nfl.com/stats/player?seasonId=2008&seasonType=REG&Submit=Go NFL 2008 Player Statistics NFL.com February 21, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090222050307/http://www.nfl.com/stats/player?seasonId=2008&seasonType=REG&Submit=Go 22 February 2009 live Uniform change In 1996 the 49ers changed their uniform colors to a darker cardinal red, with the most recent change being updating their pants back to gold in 1998. Eleven years later, the 49ers decided to once again modify their uniform.http://blogs.usatoday.com/thehuddle/2009/02/49ers-plan-a-un.html 49ers plan a uniform change February 18, 2009 February 18, 2009 Leahy Sean USA Today https://web.archive.org/web/20090220232925/http://blogs.usatoday.com/thehuddle/2009/02/49ers-plan-a-un.html 2009-02-20 dead The uniform change rumors were confirmed by Andy Dolich at the 49ers' State of the Franchise. When asked when they were going to change their uniforms "back to normal", Dolich replied, stating, "Stay tuned. Don't be surprised if you see championship colors back". The uniforms were revealed on April 25, 2009, during the first day of the draft. 49ers players Patrick Willis, Josh Morgan, Dashon Goldson, Joe Staley, and Moran Norris displayed the new jerseys and pants at the 49ers draft party. The new jerseys are very similar to the classic design, with minor changes to the sleeve stripes, the moving of secondary numerals to the top of the shoulders, and the inclusion of a "49ers" ligature below the neck.Price Taylor 49ers Unveil Classic Uniforms https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-unveil-classic-uniforms-490491 NFL Enterprises, LLC 49ers.com April 24, 2009 January 16, 2020 The shade of red is also arguably slightly darker than the scarlet of classic jerseys, but significantly lighter than the cardinal red used in the 1996–2008 designs. Roster changes Additions The following are players signed by the 49ers in the 2009 off-season: Date signed Position Player 2008 Team Contract01-22 CB Jimmy Williamshttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5103 49ers Sign DB Jimmy Wiliams 49ers.com 2009-01-22 2009-01-23 https://web.archive.org/web/20090123235326/http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5103 23 January 2009 dead Did not play Released01-23 WR Micheal Spurlockhttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5107 49ers Sign WR Michael Spurlock 49ers.com 2009-01-23 2009-01-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20090129162639/http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5107 29 January 2009 dead Tampa Bay Buccaneers TBA01-29 WR Maurice Pricehttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5118 49ers Sign WR Maurice Price 49ers.com January 29, 2009 January 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090203073701/http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5118 3 February 2009 dead New England Patriots TBA02-28 WR Brandon Joneshttp://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9277262/WR-Jones-leaves-Titans,-signs-deal-with-49ers WR Jones leaves Titans, signs deal with 49ers Marvez Alex Fox Sports February 28, 2009 February 28, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090302044820/http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9277262/WR-Jones-leaves-Titans%2C-signs-deal-with-49ers 2 March 2009 dead dmy-all Tennessee Titans 5 yrs / $16.5 mil03-02 FB Moran Norrishttp://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090302/SPORTS/903020909?Title=49ers-wooing-Kurt-Warner https://web.archive.org/web/20120223134314/http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090302/SPORTS/903020909?Title=49ers-wooing-Kurt-Warner dead February 23, 2012 49ers wooing Kurt Warner Maiocco Matt Press Democrat March 2, 2009 March 3, 2009 Detroit Lions 3 yrs / $5 mil03-04 QB Damon Huardhttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5180&section=PR%20News 49ers Sign LB Spikes and QB Huard 49ers.com March 4, 2009 March 4, 2009 October 2017 Kansas City Chiefs TBA03-10 DE Demetric Evanshttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5189 49ers Sign KR/PR Rossum and DE Evans 49ers.com March 10, 2009 March 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090312035813/http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5189 12 March 2009 dead Washington Redskins 2 yrs / $3.8 mil03-16 S Lewis Bakerhttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5196 49ers Sign Baker and Washington 49ers.com March 16, 2009 March 16, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090320035521/http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5196 20 March 2009 dead Did not play Released03-16 LB Mark Washington Did not play TBA03-27 OT Marvel Smithhttps://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/For-49ers-it-s-the-changing-of-the-tackle-3167170.php For 49ers, it's the changing of the tackle Crumpacker John San Francisco Chronicle March 27, 2009 March 28, 2009 https://archive.today/20120910061830/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/28/SP0A16OCLU.DTL&type=49ers September 10, 2012 live Pittsburgh Steelers TBA04-30 OT Alex Boonehttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5278 49ers Sign 12 Undrafted Free Agents 49ers.com April 30, 2009 May 1, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090502133300/http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5278 2 May 2009 dead Ohio State Buckeyes† TBA04-30 LB Diyral Biggs Bowling Green Falcons† TBA04-30 WR Dobson Collins Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs† TBA04-30 DE Pannel Egboh Stanford Cardinal† TBA04-30 QB Kirby Freeman Baylor Bears† Released04-30 G Kyle Howard Wyoming Cowboys† TBA04-30 G Matthew Huners South Florida Bulls† Released04-30 CB Terrail Lambert Notre Dame Fighting Irish† TBA04-30 DE Khalif Mitchell East Carolina Pirates† TBA04-30 RB Kory Sheets Purdue Boilermakers† Released04-30 CB Carlos Thomas South Carolina Gamecocks† TBA04-30 CB Jahi Word-Daniels Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets† TBA04-30 LB Marques Harrishttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5277 49ers Sign LB Marques Harris 49ers.com April 30, 2009 May 1, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090502133255/http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5277 2 May 2009 dead San Diego Chargers 1yr05-01 K Alex Romerohttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5279 49ers Sign K Alex Romero 49ers.com May 1, 2009 May 1, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090503090825/http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5279 3 May 2009 dead New Orleans VooDoo‡ TBA05-21 CB Dré Blyhttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5314 49ers Sign CB Dré Bly 49ers.com May 21, 2009 May 22, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090523180115/http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5314 23 May 2009 dead Denver Broncos 1 yr07-07 FB Brit Millerhttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5380 49ers Claim FB Brit Miller July 7, 2009 July 8, 2009 49ers.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090712205825/http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5380 July 12, 2009 Illinois Fighting Illini† TBA07-30 DT Babatunde Oshinowohttp://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-sign-dl-babatunde-oshinowo/a72073ad-a44c-4450-8b0b-93d27d129f8b 49ers Sign DL Babatunde Oshinowo 49ers.com July 30, 2009 August 1, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090801180437/http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-sign-dl-babatunde-oshinowo/a72073ad-a44c-4450-8b0b-93d27d129f8b August 1, 2009 live Philadelphia Eagles Released07-31 G/C Matt Spanoshttp://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-sign-gc-matt-spanos/0a87242a-69cc-4ce0-bb44-4fbfdf3546b0 49ers Sign G/C Matt Spanos 49ers.com July 31, 2009 August 2, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090804034613/http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-sign-gc-matt-spanos/0a87242a-69cc-4ce0-bb44-4fbfdf3546b0 August 4, 2009 dead mdy-all Miami Dolphins 1 yr08-07 WR Chris Francieshttp://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-sign-wr-francies-release-dl-oshinowo/f402d1ae-5ad1-436a-8ad1-bc933d4492d0 49ers Sign WR Francies; Release DL Oshinowo 49ers.com August 7, 2009 August 7, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090810102625/http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-sign-wr-francies-release-dl-oshinowo/f402d1ae-5ad1-436a-8ad1-bc933d4492d0 August 10, 2009 live New Orleans Saints TBA08-16 FB Bill Rentmeesterhttp://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-waiveinjured-rb-clayton-sign-fb-rentmeester/9ef7ac39-8cac-4e79-bd95-39b08c264f71 49ers Waive/Injured RB Clayton; Sign FB Rentmeester 49ers.com August 16, 2009 August 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090818185258/http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-waiveinjured-rb-clayton-sign-fb-rentmeester/9ef7ac39-8cac-4e79-bd95-39b08c264f71 August 18, 2009 dead mdy-all Wisconsin Badgers† –08-19 CB Eric Greenhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2009/08/19/49ers-sign-cb-eric-green/ 49ers sign CB Eric Green Mercury News August 19, 2009 August 20, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090926182208/http://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2009/08/19/49ers-sign-cb-eric-green/ 26 September 2009 live Arizona Cardinals 1 yr † College football team ‡ Arena Football League team Departures The following are players who were released by the 49ers in the 2009 off-season:http://sfo.scout.com/2/838382.html Banta-Cain & Lewis: Why they're gone San Francisco Illustrated February 10, 2009 February 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090214155917/http://sfo.scout.com/2/838382.html 14 February 2009 dead dmy-all Date Released Position Player Contract left 2009 Team02-10 LB Tully Banta-Cain 1yr / $1.275 mil New England Patriotshttp://archive.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/02/24/patriot_return_thrills_banta_cain/ Patriot return thrills Banta-Cain Reiss Mike The Boston Globe February 24, 2009 March 4, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090301010327/http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/02/24/patriot_return_thrills_banta_cain/ 1 March 2009 live02-10 S Keith Lewis 1yr / $0.85 mil Arizona Cardinalshttp://www.kswt.com/Global/story.asp?S=9933100&nav=menu613_2_6 Cardinals sign safety Lewis, re-sign 2 others KSWT March 2, 2009 March 2, 2009April 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes 03-27 OT Jonas Jenningshttp://sfo.scout.com/2/851334.html The tackle two-step: Jennings out, Smith in Massei Craig Scout March 27, 2009 March 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090401172423/http://sfo.scout.com/2/851334.html 1 April 2009 dead dmy-all 3yrs –05-13 QB Kirby Freemanhttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5299 49ers Waive QB Freeman 49er.com May 12, 2009 May 13, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090516024305/http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5299 16 May 2009 dead – –05-18 S Jimmy Williams – –07-24 S Lewis Bakerhttp://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-sign-qb-davis-to-4-year-deal/158f7518-6fa8-4c8a-932c-2f5128a9710c 49ers Sign QB Davis to 4-Year Deal 49ers.com July 24, 2009 July 27, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090727085129/http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-sign-qb-davis-to-4-year-deal/158f7518-6fa8-4c8a-932c-2f5128a9710c July 27, 2009 live – –07-31 C/G Matthew Hunershttp://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-assign-mcdonald-to-pup-list-release-huners/f0dc1041-444d-4116-ab4c-0d2851e5530b 49ers Assign McDonald to PUP List, Release Huners 49ers.com July 31, 2009 August 2, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090804035833/http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/49ers-assign-mcdonald-to-pup-list-release-huners/f0dc1041-444d-4116-ab4c-0d2851e5530b August 4, 2009 live – –08-07 DL Babatunde Oshinowo – –08-16 RB Thomas Clayton – – Free agents The following are players whose contracts expired at the end of the 2008 season:http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5078 49ers Free Agent List 2009-01-07 49ers.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090122231032/http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=5078 22 January 2009 dead Position Player Free agency tag* 2009 Team Date signed Contract TE Billy Bajema UFA St. Louis Ramshttps://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4028355 Bajema brings blocking skills to Rams Pasquarelli Len ESPN March 30, 2009 March 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090403024344/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4028355 3 April 2009 live March 30, 2009 TBA OT Damane Duckett UFA New England Patriotshttp://archive.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/03/24/patriots_to_open_on_a_monday_night/ Patriots to open on a Monday night Gasper Christopher Boston Globe March 24, 2009 March 27, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090327092928/http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/03/24/patriots_to_open_on_a_monday_night/ March 27, 2009 live March 24, 2009 TBA DE Ronald Fields UFA Denver Broncoshttps://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g8GwTqSq4yzJGN9jnfsx-Vxgll_wD96MU7E80 Broncos sign DT Ronald Fields Associated Press March 3, 2009 March 4, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090314022244/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g8GwTqSq4yzJGN9jnfsx-Vxgll_wD96MU7E80 14 March 2009 dead March 3, 2009 2yrs / $5 mil RB DeShaun Foster UFA TBA LB Roderick Green UFA TBA WR Bryant Johnson UFA Detroit Lionshttp://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090228/SPORTS0101/902280421/1265 Lions to sign WR Bryant Johnson from 49ers Niyo John February 28, 2009 February 28, 2009 The Detroit News February 28, 2009 3yrs / $9 mil QB Jamie Martin UFA TBA QB JT O'Sullivan UFA Cincinnati Bengalshttp://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20090307_NFL___Bengals_sign_QB_O_Sullivan.html NFL: Bengals sign QB O'Sullivan The Philadelphia Inquirer March 7, 2009 March 7, 2009 September 2010 H3llBot March 6, 2009 2yrs RS Allen Rossum UFA San Francisco 49ers March 10, 2009 TBA TE Sean Ryan UFA Kansas City Chiefshttp://www.seattlepi.com/scorecard/nflnews.asp?articleID=258389 Chiefs sign TE Ryan Seattle Post-Intelligencer April 21, 2009 April 27, 2009 https://archive.today/20090814045605/http://www.seattlepi.com/scorecard/nflnews.asp?articleID=258389 August 14, 2009 live April 21, 2009 TBA LB Takeo Spikes UFA San Francisco 49ers March 4, 2009 2 yrs CB Donald Strickland UFA New York Jetshttp://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2009/03/jets_sign_veteran_cornerback_d.html New York Jets sign veteran cornerback Donald Strickland Hutchinson Dave NJ.com March 25, 2009 March 26, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090503141852/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2009/03/jets_sign_veteran_cornerback_d.html May 3, 2009 live March 25, 2009 3yrs FB Zak Keasey ERFA TBA *RFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent, ERFA: Exclusive-rights free agent 2009 NFL draft 2009 NFL draft After finishing the 2008 season with a 7–9 record, the 49ers held the 10th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft. + San Francisco 49ers' 2009 NFL Draft selectionshttp://www.49ers.com/pressbox/draft2009.php 49ers Draft Central 49ers.com April 28, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090427135909/http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/draft2009.php 27 April 2009 dead Draft order Player name Position Height Weight College Contract Notes Round Choice Overall 1 10 10 Michael Crabtree WR 6 ft 2 in 214 lb Texas Tech 6 yrs 2 11 43Traded Traded to the Carolina Panthers 3 10 74 Glen Coffee RB 6 ft 0 in 209 lb Alabama 4 yrs 4 11 111Traded Traded to the Carolina Panthers5 10 146 Scott McKillop ILB 6 ft 1 in 244 lb Pitt 4 yrs 35 171 Nate Davis QB 6 ft 1 in 226 lb Ball State 4 yrs Compensatory Pick 6 11 184 Bear Pascoe TE 6 ft 5 in 261 lb Fresno State 4 yrs7 10 219 Curtis Taylor S 6 ft 3 in 204 lb LSU 4 yrs / $1.8 mil 35 244 Ricky Jean-Francois DT 6 ft 3 in 281 lb LSU 4 yrs Compensatory Pick Surprisingly, the Oakland Raiders opted to choose WR Darrius Heyward-Bey at the 7th pick instead of WR Michael Crabtree, who was considered the top wide receiver in the draft. Because of this, the 49ers were able to pick Crabtree at the 10th selection. "Once we got to 10 and Crabtree was there, it was over", said general manager Scot McCloughan, "... this is great, this is outstanding." Additionally, the 49ers traded their 2009 2nd- and 4th-round picks to the Carolina Panthers for their 2010 1st-round pick.https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-catch-Crabtree-3163339.php 49ers catch Crabtree Crumpacker John San Francisco Chronicle April 26, 2009 April 28, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090427140359/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F04%2F26%2FSPVU1796RR.DTL 27 April 2009 live Staff 2009 San Francisco 49ers Head coach – Mike Singletary Special assistant to the head coach – Bill Nayes Special assistant to the head coach/defensive backs/secondary – Johnnie Lynn Offensive coordinator – Jimmy Raye Quarterbacks – Mike Johnson Running backs – Tom Rathman Senior assistant/wide receivers – Jerry Sullivan Tight ends – Pete Hoener Offensive line – Chris Foerster Offensive assistant – Jason Michael Offensive quality control – Shane Day Defensive coordinator – Greg Manusky Defensive line – Jim Tomsula Outside linebackers – Jason Tarver Inside linebackers – Vantz Singletary Defensive backs – Vance Joseph Pass rush specialist – Al Harris Special teams coordinator – Al Everest Assistant special teams – Dave Fipp Strength and conditioning – Duane Carlisle Assistant strength and conditioning – Mark Uyeyama Head athletic trainer – Jeff Ferguson Roster 2009 San Francisco 49ers 53 7 8  7 Nate Davis 13 Shaun Hill 11 Alex Smith 29 Glen Coffee 21 Frank Gore 47 Brit Miller FB 44 Moran Norris FB 24 Michael Robinson 83 Arnaz Battle 88 Isaac Bruce 15 Michael Crabtree 89 Jason Hill 81 Brandon Jones 84 Josh Morgan 85 Vernon Davis 46 Delanie Walker 64 David Baas G 66 Eric Heitmann C 61 Chris Patrick T 62 Chilo Rachal G 65 Barry Sims T 68 Adam Snyder T 74 Joe Staley T 59 Cody Wallace C 69 Tony Wragge C/G 93 Demetric Evans DE 92 Aubrayo Franklin NT 95 Ricky Jean Francois NT 91 Ray McDonald DE 94 Justin Smith DE 90 Isaac Sopoaga DE 78 Derek Walker DE 50 Diyral Briggs OLB 55 Ahmad Brooks OLB 98 Parys Haralson OLB 99 Manny Lawson OLB 56 Scott McKillop ILB 51 Takeo Spikes ILB 57 Matt Wilhelm ILB 52 Patrick Willis ILB 31 Dré Bly CB 25 Tarell Brown CB 22 Nate Clements CB 38 Dashon Goldson FS 23 Marcus Hudson CB 32 Michael Lewis SS 26 Mark Roman FS 30 Reggie Smith SS 36 Shawntae Spencer CB  9 Shane Andrus K 86 Brian Jennings LS  4 Andy Lee P  6 Joe Nedney K 96 Kentwan Balmer DE (IR) 7px 33 Thomas Clayton RB (IR) 7px 27 Walt Harris CB (IR) 7px 77 Tony Pashos T (IR) 7px  2 Ricky Schmitt K (IR) 7px 28 Curtis Taylor S (IR) 7px 53 Jeff Ulbrich LB (IR) 7px 71 Kirk Barton T 75 Alex Boone T 58 Martail Burnett LB 49 Joe Jon Finley TE 35 Keon Lattimore RB 60 Khalif Mitchell G 18 Rodney Wright WR 17 Dominique Zeigler WR Schedule Preseason Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 August 14, 2009 Denver Broncos W 17–16 1–0 Candlestick Park Recap 2 August 22, 2009 Oakland Raiders W 21–20 2–0 Candlestick Park Recap 3 August 29, 2009 at Dallas Cowboys W 20–13 3–0 Cowboys Stadium Recap 4 September 4, 2009 at San Diego Chargers L 7–26 3–1 Qualcomm Stadium Recap Regular season Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 September 13 at Arizona Cardinals W 20–16 1–0 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap 2 September 20 Seattle Seahawks W 23–10 2–0 Candlestick Park Recap 3 September 27 at Minnesota Vikings L 24–27 2–1 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Recap 4 October 4 St. Louis Rams W 35–0 3–1 Candlestick Park Recap 5 October 11 Atlanta Falcons L 10–45 3–2 Candlestick Park Recap 6 Bye 7 October 25 at Houston Texans L 21–24 3–3 Reliant Stadium Recap 8 November 1 at Indianapolis Colts L 14–18 3–4 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap 9 November 8 Tennessee Titans L 27–34 3–5 Candlestick Park Recap 10 November 12, 2009 Chicago Bears W 10–6 4–5 Candlestick Park Recap 11 November 22 at Green Bay Packers L 24–30 4–6 Lambeau Field Recap 12 November 29 Jacksonville Jaguars W 20–3 5–6 Candlestick Park Recap 13 December 6 at Seattle Seahawks L 17–20 5–7 Qwest Field Recap 14 December 14, 2009 Arizona Cardinals W 24–9 6–7 Candlestick Park Recap 15 December 20 at Philadelphia Eagles L 13–27 6–8 Lincoln Financial Field Recap 16 December 27 Detroit Lions W 20–6 7–8 Candlestick Park Recap 17 January 3 at St. Louis Rams W 28–6 8–8 Edward Jones Dome Recap Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Regular season summaries Week 1: at Arizona Cardinals San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 1: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary September 13 49ers 6 7 0 7 Cardinals 0 6 7 3 University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona 4:15 p.m. EDT/1:15 pm PDT None (dome closed) 61,981 Don Carey Fox Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan, & Nischelle Turner #eee First quarter SF- Joe Nedney 37 yard field goal SF- Joe Nedney 50 yard field goal Second quarter AZ- Neil Rackers 44 yard field goal SF- Frank Gore 6 yard rush (Joe Nedney kick) AZ- Neil Rackers 29 yard field goal Third quarter AZ- Larry Fitzgerald 5 yard pass from Kurt Warner (Neil Rackers kick) Fourth quarter AZ- Neil Rackers 43 yard field goal SF- Frank Gore 3 yard pass from Shaun Hill (Joe Nedney kick) The 49ers flew to Arizona for a week 1 opener against the team that had swept them the previous season. 49ers quarterback Shaun Hill made his season-opening debut, hoping to redeem himself for letting a close game slip through his fingers the previous year. The first half was largely a defensive struggle. With 5:26 remaining in the first half Frank Gore, the 49ers feature back and offensive focal point the last three seasons, had been held to negative one yard rushing on six carries. Arizona's offense, known in 2008 for their great passing attack, was forced to punt after going 3 and out on three separate occasions, was held to only 3 first downs, and turned the ball over once on an interception by Patrick Willis at this point in the game. After trading field goals, the 49ers were up 6–3 when Frank Gore pounded his way through for a 6-yard score. Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers would kick a 45-yard field goal to close out the first half to make the score 13–6. In the third quarter, Kurt Warner led the Cardinals on a long drive capped off with a quick touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald, a score that would tie the game at 13–13. Despite the small momentum the 49ers had gained by the end of the first half, in the third quarter the 49ers were held to all of 4 yards total Offense. All of the momentum was going Arizona's way after forcing the 49ers to zero first downs and three punts in as many drives. Not long thereafter, the Cardinals took the lead with a Rackers field goal to get the score to 16–13. In 4th quarter, Shaun Hill lifted his demons by responding on the following drive leading the 49ers offense on a long drive lasting 15 plays that was capped off with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Frank Gore. More tension was yet to come as the 49ers defense stopped the Cardinals hurry-up offense on two consecutive drives, one ending on a failed 4th and 5 from the 49ers 33 yard line with 1:51 left in the game. After forcing the Cardinals to burn up their final two time-outs with consecutive runs the 49ers were forced to punt giving Arizona one last chance with only 43 seconds left to play from their own 12. Defensive end Justin Smith would make the game winning sack. With the win, led primarily by the 49ers outstanding defensive effort, the 49ers started their season 1–0. Wide receiver Isaac Bruce (4 receptions, 74 yards) would join Jerry Rice as the only receivers to surpass 15,000 career receiving yards. Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 2: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary September 20 Seahawks 0 10 0 0 49ers 10 3 7 3 Candlestick Park, San Francisco 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 pm PDT 78 F (Sunny) 69,732 Bill Leavy Fox Thom Brennaman & Brian Billick Coming off their upset road win over the Cardinals, the 49ers would play their Week 2 home opener against another NFC West foe, the Seattle Seahawks. San Francisco would get off to a fast start in the first quarter as kicker Joe Nedney got a 37-yard field goal, followed by running back Frank Gore getting a 79-yard touchdown run. The Seahawks would answer in the second quarter as kicker Olindo Mare made a 36-yard field goal. The 49ers would reply with Nedney making a 42-yard field goal, while Seattle closed out the half with quarterback Seneca Wallace completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to running back Julius Jones. On the first play of the 3rd quarter, the Niners struck back as Gore would break an 80-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, Nedney closed the game out in the fourth quarter as he nailed a 39-yard field goal. With the win, the 49ers improved to 2–0. Gore (16 carries, 207 yards, 2 TDs) would join Barry Sanders and Maurice Jones-Drew as the only running backs in history to have two 75+ yard runs in one game. Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 3: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary September 27 49ers 0 14 3 7 Vikings 7 6 7 7 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 am PDT None (Domed Stadium) 63,398 Jerome Boger Fox Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan and Nischelle Turner Coming off an impressive divisional home win over the Seahawks, the 49ers flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for a Week 3 duel with the Minnesota Vikings. San Francisco would trail early as Vikings quarterback Brett Favre completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Sidney Rice. Minnesota would increase their lead in the second quarter with kicker Ryan Longwell's 40-yard field goal. The 49ers would answer with quarterback Shaun Hill's 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Vernon Davis. The Vikings struck back with Longwell's 52-yard field goal, yet the Niners would take the lead prior to halftime as cornerback Nate Clements returned a blocked field goal 59 yards for a touchdown. San Francisco would increase their lead in the third quarter with kicker Joe Nedney's 37-yard field goal, but Minnesota replied with wide receiver Percy Harvin returning a kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the Niners got the lead again Hill hooking up with Davis again on a 20-yard touchdown pass. However, the Vikings would snatch victory from the jaws of defeat as Favre completed a 32-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Lewis with 2 seconds left in the game. With the loss, the 49ers fell to 2–1. Week 4: vs. St. Louis Rams San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 4: St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary October 4 Rams 0 0 0 0 49ers 0 7 14 14 Candlestick Park, San Francisco 4:15 p.m. EDT/1:15 pm PDT 62 F (Sunny) 69,732 Tony Corrente Fox Ron Pitts, John Lynch, and Nischelle Turner The 49ers stayed home and looked to continue their undefeated streak against their divisional opponents with the St. Louis Rams coming to San Francisco. In the first half both teams would sputter offensively. Finally, the 49ers would receive some encouragement from special teams as rookie linebacker Scott McKillop recovered a muffed punt for a touchdown. After halftime, the 49ers were finally able to get some headway offensively as Shaun Hill completed an 18-yard touchdown to Vernon Davis. Not long after that, the 49ers defense cemented the victory with an interception returned for a touchdown by third-year linebacker Patrick Willis, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Ray McDonald. Shaun Hill put the final touches on as he completed a 28-yard touchdown pass to Josh Morgan to complete the shutout of 35–0. With the win, the 49ers improved to 3–1 for the first time since 2002. Patrick Willis had an excellent day, getting 2.5 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown. This also was the 49ers' first shutout win since 2002. Week 5: vs. Atlanta Falcons San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 5: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary October 11 Falcons 14 21 3 7 49ers 7 3 0 0 Candlestick Park, San Francisco 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 pm PDT 62 F (Overcast) 69,732 Pete Morelli Fox Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, & Tony Siragusa Coming off their shutout home win over the Rams, the 49ers stayed at home for a Week 5 duel with the Atlanta Falcons. The Niners would trail early in the first quarter as Falcons running back Michael Turner got a 7-yard touchdown run, followed by quarterback Matt Ryan's 31-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roddy White. San Francisco would answer with a 2-yard touchdown run from running back Glen Coffee. After starting the second quarter with a 39-yard field goal from kicker Joe Nedney, Atlanta took over with Ryan hooking up with White again on a 90-yard touchdown pass and Turner's 3-yard & 1-yard touchdown runs. The Falcons would then close out the game with kicker Jason Elam's 40-yard field goal in the third quarter and Ryan's 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth. With the loss, the 49ers entered their bye week at 3–2. Week 7: at Houston Texans San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 7: San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans – Game summary October 25 49ers 0 0 7 14 Texans 7 14 0 3 Reliant Stadium, Houston 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 am PDT 74 F (Sunny) 70,820 Mike Carey Fox Chris Myers, Brian Billick & Nischelle Turner Coming off their bye week, the 49ers flew to Reliant Stadium for a Week 7 interconference showdown with the Houston Texans. San Francisco would find itself trailing early in the first quarter as Texans running back Steve Slaton got a 1-yard touchdown. Houston would add onto their lead in the second quarter with quarterback Matt Schaub hooking up with Slaton on a 9-yard touchdown pass and finding tight end Owen Daniels on a 42-yard touchdown pass. For the second half, starting quarterback Shaun Hill (6/11 for 45 yards) was benched due to poor performance and replaced with quarterback Alex Smith. It began to pay off in the third quarter as Smith completed a 29-yard touchdown pass to tight end Vernon Davis. In the fourth quarter, Smith and Davis would hook up with each other again on a 14-yard touchdown pass. However, the Texans answered with a 50-yard field goal from kicker Kris Brown. The Niners tried to rally as Smith found Davis again on a 23-yard touchdown pass, but that would be as close to a comeback that San Francisco would get as Houston's defense stiffened for the win. With the loss, the 49ers fell to 3–3. Wide receiver Michael Crabtree, in his NFL debut, would have 5 receptions for 56 yards. Week 8: at Indianapolis Colts San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 8: San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary November 1 49ers 7 7 0 0 Colts 3 6 3 6 Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis 1:00 p.m. EST/10:00 am PST 49 F (Sunny) 66,229 Ed Hochuli Fox Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan & Laura Okmin Trying to snap their two-game losing streak, the 49ers flew to Lucas Oil Stadium for a Week 8 interconference duel with the Indianapolis Colts. This game would be quarterback Alex Smith's first start since November 12, 2007. In the first quarter, San Francisco struck first as running back Frank Gore got a 64-yard touchdown run. The Colts would answer with a 38-yard field goal from kicker Matt Stover. Indianapolis would begin the second quarter with Stover's 33-yard field goal, yet the Niners came right back with Smith's 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Vernon Davis. Afterwards, the Colts would close out the half with Stover nailing a 31-yard field goal. Indianapolis would take the lead in the third quarter as Stover nailed a 40-yard field goal, followed by running back Joseph Addai's 22-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Reggie Wayne to begin the fourth quarter (with a failed 2-point conversion). San Francisco tried to rally, but the Colts' defense would shut down any possible comeback attempt. With the loss, the 49ers fell to 3–4. Week 9: vs. Tennessee Titans San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 9: Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary November 8 Titans 3 7 7 17 49ers 3 14 0 10 Candlestick Park, San Francisco 4:15 p.m. EST/1:15 pm PST 64 F (Sunny) 69,732 Carl Cheffers CBS Ian Eagle & Rich Gannon Trying to snap a three-game losing streak, the 49ers went home for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Tennessee Titans. In the first quarter, San Francisco struck first as kicker Joe Nedney made a 40-yard field goal. The Titans would respond with a 21-yard field goal from kicker Rob Bironas. Tennessee would take the lead in the second quarter as quarterback Vince Young got a 7-yard touchdown run, yet the 49ers regained the lead with running back Frank Gore's 3-yard touchdown run and quarterback Alex Smith's 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jason Hill. The Titans would tie the game in the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Chris Johnson. San Francisco would begin the fourth quarter with Nedney booting a 25-yard field goal, but Tennessee would take the lead with Johnson's 2-yard touchdown run, kicker Rob Bironas' 28-yard field goal, and cornerback Cortland Finnegan returning an interception 39 yards for a touchdown. The Niners tried to rally as Smith hooked up with Hill again on a 3-yard touchdown pass, but the Titans' defense would prevent further progress. With their fourth-straight loss, the 49ers fell to 3–5. Week 10: vs. Chicago Bears San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 10: Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary November 12 Bears 0 3 3 0 49ers 0 7 0 3 Candlestick Park, San Francisco 8:20 p.m. EST/5:20 pm PST 54 F (Clear) 69,732 Ron Winter NFLN Bob Papa & Matt Millen Hoping to snap a four-game losing streak, the 49ers stayed at home for a Week 10 Thursday night duel with the Chicago Bears, as head coach Mike Singletary prepared to face his former team. After a scoreless first quarter, San Francisco would strike in the second quarter with a 14-yard touchdown run from running back Frank Gore. The Bears would close out the half with kicker Robbie Gould getting a 50-yard field goal. Chicago would creep closer in the third quarter as Gould nailed a 38-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Niners would add onto their lead as kicker Joe Nedney booted a 21-yard field goal. The Bears would get a comeback drive going as they got inside San Francisco's redzone, yet safety Michael Lewis got the game-ending interception, which preserved the four-point lead. With their four-game losing streak snapped, the 49ers improved to 4–5. Week 11: at Green Bay Packers San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 11: San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers – Game summary November 22 49ers 3 0 7 14 Packers 6 17 0 7 Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin 1:00 p.m. EST/10:00 am PST 53 F (Partly Sunny) 70,445 Scott Green Fox Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick & Chris Myers With the loss, the 49ers fell to 4–6. Week 12: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 12: Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary November 29 Jaguars 0 3 0 0 49ers 3 14 3 0 Candlestick Park, San Francisco 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 pm PST 68 F (Sunny) 69,732 John Parry CBS Kevin Harlan & Solomon Wilcots With the win, the 49ers improved to 5–6 and within two games of the Cardinals for the division lead. This marked the 49ers first victory over the Jaguars in franchise history. Week 13: at Seattle Seahawks San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 13: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary December 6 49ers 7 7 0 3 Seahawks 7 7 0 6 Qwest Field, Seattle 4:15 p.m. EST/1:15 pm PST 35 F (Mostly Cloudy) 67,761 Alberto Riveron Fox Chris Myers, Ross Tucker & Jaime Maggio With the loss, the 49ers dropped to 5–7. Week 14: vs. Arizona Cardinals San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 14: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary December 14 Cardinals 0 0 3 6 49ers 10 7 0 7 Candlestick Park, San Francisco 8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 pm PST 52 F (Cloudy) 69,732 Jerome Boger ESPN Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden & Michele Tafoya Once again showing up on MNF, the 49ers came home to face off against the surging Cardinals. It was soon evident however, that the Cardinals were not playing their best, turning over the football 7 times, and to add to their troubles the 49ers capitalized on all of their mistakes. In the end, the 49ers' 3 touchdowns were too much for the Cardinals, and the 49ers not only prevented Arizona from clinching the NFC West, but also avoided getting eliminated from the playoff race, improving to 6–7. Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 15: San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary December 20 49ers 3 0 10 0 Eagles 7 13 0 7 Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia 4:15 p.m. EST/1:15 pm PST 32 F (Mostly Cloudy) 69,144 Don Carey Fox Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston & Tony Siragusa With the loss, the 49ers fell to 6–8 and were eventually eliminated from the playoff contention. Week 16: vs. Detroit Lions San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 16: Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary December 27 Lions 3 0 0 3 49ers 3 3 14 0 Candlestick Park, San Francisco 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 pm PST 54 F (Sunny) 69,732 Walt Anderson Fox Dick Stockton & Charles Davis For their last home game of the season, the San Francisco 49ers took on the visiting team the Lions. The Lions took an early lead midway through the 1st quarter with a 27-yard Jason Hanson field goal. The 49ers tied it up at the end of the 1st quarter with a 33-yard field goal by Ricky Schmitt. The only score of the 2nd quarter was a 39-yard 49ers field goal just before halftime. In the 3rd quarter came 2 San Francisco TD's. First a 2-yard catch by Vernon Davis, then a 1-yard run by Frank Gore. The Lions kicked their final field goal of the day in the 4th quarter from 38 yards. 49ers RB Frank Gore finished with 152 total yards (110 alone in the third quarter) and a touchdown. Gore carried 28 times for 71 yards to give him 1,013 for the year, making him the first running back in team history to record four straight seasons of over 1,000 yards rushing. Also with the win, the 49ers improved to 7–8 Week 17: at St. Louis Rams San Francisco 49ers 2009 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 17: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams – Game summary January 3, 2010 49ers 0 0 7 21 Rams 0 3 0 3 Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis 1:00 p.m. EST/10:00 am PST None (Domed Stadium) 47,965 Mike Carey Fox Matt Vasgersian & Ross Tucker With the win, the 49ers were good enough to finish their season 8–8 and 2nd place in the NFC West. It also marked their first non-losing season since 2002. Standings References 30em External links 2009 San Francisco 49ers season at Pro Football Reference 2009 San Francisco 49ers season at ESPN San Francisco Category:San Francisco 49ers seasons San Category:2009 in San Francisco