2003 San Francisco 49ers season


The San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 57th season in the National Football League.
The team entered their 2003 season attempting to improve upon their 10–6 output from the previous year.
This was the first season under head coach Dennis Erickson, whose hiring was highly controversial due to the way the coaching change was handled. The 49ers failed to surpass their 2002 record and finished the season 7–9 by losing six close games.
It was Terrell Owens, Garrison Hearst’s, Tai Streets, and Jeff Garcia's final season as 49ers.

Offseason

NFL Draft

Personnel

Staff

Roster

Regular season

Schedule

Week 1: vs. Chicago Bears

Weather 66 °F
Sunday, September 7, 2003 at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point
The 49ers started the season off strongly, defeating the Bears 49–7. The game was close in the second quarter, with the 49ers leading 10–7, however, the Bears' defense gave way to the 49ers' offense who scored 39 unanswered points. The Bears were also plagued with turnovers; the team lost two fumbles and quarterback Kordell Stewart tossed three interceptions. The 49ers' offensive line performed exceptionally well, as quarterback Jeff Garcia of the 49ers was not sacked during the course of the game.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
SF- Jeff Chandler 22-yard field goal SF 3-0
SF- Garrison Hearst 12-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 10-0
2nd Quarter
CHI- Desmond Clark 3-yard pass from Kordell Stewart SF 10-7
SF- Jeff Garcia 3-yard rush SF 17-7
SF- Tai Streets 16-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 23-7
SF- Ahmed Plummer 68-yard interception return SF 30-7
SF- Jeff Chandler 29-yard field goal SF 33-7
3rd Quarter
SF- Jeff Chandler 28-yard field goal SF 36-7
SF- Jeff Chandler 24-yard field goal SF 39-7
4th Quarter
SF- Jeff Chandler 26-yard field goal SF 42-7
SF- Garrison Hearst 1-yard rush 49-7

Week 2: at St. Louis Rams

Sunday, September 14, 2003 at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
Coming off of a blowout, the 49ers played a tight match against the division rivals St. Louis Rams. It was a back-and-forth game, with the lead changing hands four times. The 49ers scored a game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter with a pass to Terrell Owens. In overtime, the Rams' Jeff Wilkins kicked a field goal to win the game, the team overcoming their four turnovers. The loss meant the 49ers started the season 1–1.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
SF- Tai Streets 16-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 7-0
STL- Torry Holt 11-yard pass from Marc Bulger TIED 7-7
2nd Quarter
SF- Jeff Chandler 35-yard field goal SF 10-7
3rd Quarter
STL- Marshall Faulk 2-yard rush STL 14-10
SF- Kevan Barlow 19-yard rush SF 17-14
4th Quarter
STL- Dane Looker 19-yard pass from Marc Bulger STL 21-17
STL- Jeff Wilkins 29-yard field goal STL 24-17
SF- Terrell Owens 13-yard pass from Jeff Garcia TIED 24-24
Overtime
STL- Jeff Wilkins 28-yard field goal STL 27-24

Week 3: vs. Cleveland Browns

Weather 90 °F
Sunday, September 21, 2003 at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point
In a low-scoring contest, the 49ers lost in a squeaker. After a scoreless first quarter, the 49ers struck first, however, they could not get into the endzone, scoring only four field goals. However, it appeared it would be sufficient; the 49ers led 12–0 in the final quarter. This would not be the case, though, as Browns' quarterback Kelly Holcomb went on to throw two touchdown passes. Losing dropped the 49ers to 1–2.
Scoring summary
2nd Quarter
SF- Owen Pochman 38-yard field goal SF 3-0
SF- Owen Pochman 44-yard field goal SF 6-0
3rd Quarter
SF- Owen Pochman 46-yard field goal SF 9-0
4th Quarter
SF- Owen Pochman 36-yard field goal SF 12-0
CLE- André Davis 2-yard pass from Kelly Holcomb SF 12-7
CLE- André Davis 11-yard pass from Kelly Holcomb CLE 13-12

Week 4: at Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, September 28, 2003 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis
Playing against the undefeated Vikings, the 49ers were unable to keep pace with their opponent. Scoring only in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, the 49ers were, at one point, behind 35–0. Several times the 49ers came within striking distance, however, three interceptions sealed their fate. The 49ers lost their third consecutive game and fell to 1–3.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
MIN- Randy Moss 15-yard pass from Gus Frerotte MIN 7-0
MIN- Onterrio Smith 5-yard rush MIN 14-0
2nd Quarter
MIN- Randy Moss 35-yard pass from Gus Frerotte MIN 21-0
MIN- Nate Burleson 22-yard pass from Gus Frerotte MIN 28-0
4th Quarter
MIN- Randy Moss 59-yard pass from Gus Frerotte MIN 28-0
SF- Tai Streets 37-yard pass from Tim Rattay MIN 35-7

Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions

Weather 71 °F
Sunday, October 5, 2003 at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point
Attempting to snap a three-game losing streak, the 49ers hosted the Detroit Lions, who were led by former head coach Steve Mariucci. A game riddled with errors, the 49ers fumbled three times, Jeff Garcia threw an interception, and Joey Harrington tossed two. The Lions never led, with the 49ers opening up a 17–0 lead in the second quarter. With their first win since the season opener, the 49ers moved up to 2–3.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
SF- Terrell Owens 6-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 7-0
SF- Owen Pochman 48-yard field goal SF 10-0
2nd Quarter
SF- Aaron Walker 14-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 17-0
DET- Jason Hanson 28-yard field goal SF 17-3
DET- Mikhael Ricks 6-yard pass from Joey Harrington SF 17-10
3rd Quarter
SF- Jeff Garcia 1-yard rush SF 24-10
4th Quarter
DET- Olandis Gary 2-yard rush SF 24 -17

Week 6: at Seattle Seahawks

Sunday, October 12, 2003 at Qwest Field, Seattle
For the second time in four games, the 49ers lost by a one-point differential. Playing against division rival Seahawks, the 49ers fell behind 17–0 before halftime and had to play catch up in the second half. Slowly closing the gap, the 49ers scored 19 straight points to take the lead 19–17. However, the defense was unable to stop the Seahawks' 2-minute drill as Seattle's team drove into field goal range and scored the game-winning field goal off the foot of kicker Josh Brown and on the final drive of the game, Garrison Hearst fumbled the ball away at their own 43-yard-line to seal the loss. With the loss, the 49ers fell to 2–4.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
SEA- Itula Mili 15-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck SEA 7-0
2nd Quarter
SEA- Josh Brown 27-yard field goal SEA 10-0
SEA- Mack Strong 21-yard rush SEA 17-0
SF- Owen Pochman 42-yard field goal SEA 17-3
3rd Quarter
SF- Garrison Hearst 6-yard rush SEA 17-10
SF- Jeff Garcia 2-yard rush SEA 17-16
4th Quarter
SF- Owen Pochman 33-yard field goal SF 19-16
SEA- Josh Brown 37-yard field goal SEA 20-19

Week 7: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Weather 73 °F
Sunday, October 19, 2003 at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point
Hosting the defending Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 49ers got their third win of the season, knocking off the Buccaneers 24–7. The 49ers led the entire game and statistically dominated on both sides of the ball, both scoring often and forcing turnovers. Both teams were able to score touchdowns on passes of. With the victory, the 49ers moved to 3–4 on the season.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
SF- Garrison Hearst 7-yard rush SF 7-0
TB- Keenan McCardell 75-yard pass from Brad Johnson TIED 7-7
2nd Quarter
SF- Tai Streets 14-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 14-7
SF- Terrell Owens 75-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 21-7
4th Quarter
SF- Owen Pochman 27-yard field goal SF 24-7

Week 8: at Arizona Cardinals

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
Sunday, October 26, 2003
In an attempt to win their second-straight game for the first time this season, the 49ers traveled to Arizona to play against their division rival, the Cardinals. The game was close throughout, being tied up in the fourth quarter off a one-yard fumble return for a touchdown. However, it was decided in Arizona's favor in overtime with a field goal. In that game, kicker Owen Pochman missed two field goals and an extra point, and would be replaced by Todd Peterson for the rest of the season. With the loss, the 49ers instead of improving to.500, they dropped to 3–5.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
SF- Jeff Garcia 21-yard rush SF 6-0
AZ- Jeff Blake 1-yard rush AZ 7-6
2nd Quarter
AZ- Tim Duncan 53-yard field goal AZ 10-6
3rd Quarter
AZ- Tim Duncan 20-yard field goal AZ 13-6
4th Quarter
SF- Kwame Harris 1-yard fumble return TIED 13-13
Overtime
AZ- Tim Duncan 39-yard field goal AZ 16-13

Week 9: vs. St. Louis Rams

At San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point
Weather 55 °F
Sunday, November 2, 2003
Playing their second straight game against a division rival, the 49ers hosted the St. Louis Rams. The 49ers kick returner Cedrick Wilson returned the opening kick for a touchdown and the 49ers would not relinquish their lead. The 49ers offense became potent, opening up a 30–3 lead in the third quarter. The win brought the 49ers up to 4–5 heading into their bye week.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
SF- Cedrick Wilson 95-yard kickoff return SF 7-0
STL- Jeff Wilkins 39-yard field goal SF 7-3
SF- Terrell Owens 5-yard pass from Tim Rattay SF 14-3
2nd Quarter
SF- Todd Peterson 44-yard field goal SF 17-3
SF- Brandon Lloyd 27-yard pass from Tim Rattay SF 24-3
3rd Quarter
SF- Tai Streets 5-yard pass from Tim Rattay SF 30-3
4th Quarter
STL- Torry Holt 41-yard pass from Marc Bulger SF 30-10

Week 11: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

At San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point
Weather 54 °F
Monday, November 17, 2003
Coming off their bye, the 49ers strung together their second straight victory, this time over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 49ers shut out the Steelers in the first half, leading 10–0 at halftime. The Steelers offense came together in the second half to put some points on the board, statistically leading the 49ers, however it wasn't enough to close the gap. The 49ers' victory brought them to 5–5.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
SF- Terrell Owens 61-yard pass from Tim Rattay SF 7-0
2nd Quarter
SF- Todd Peterson 32-yard field goal SF 10-0
3rd Quarter
PIT- Jerome Bettis 1-yard rush SF 10-7
SF- Kevan Barlow 78-yard rush SF 17-7
SF- Fred Beasley 28-yard pass from Tim Rattay SF 24-7
4th Quarter
SF- Todd Peterson 22-yard field goal SF 27-7
SF- Todd Peterson 44-yard field goal SF 30-7
PIT- Antwaan Randle El 32-yard pass from Tommy Maddox SF 30-14

Week 12: at Green Bay Packers

At Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Sunday, November 23, 2003
After completing their first two-game win streak of the season, the 49ers traveled to their conference rival, the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. The Packers dominated on both sides of the ball, leading 17–3 at the half. Despite forcing Brett Favre into throwing three interceptions, the 49ers offense could only manage 192 total yards, a majority coming off the performance of their two star players, Garrison Hearst and Terrell Owens. Losing dropped the 49ers back under.500, at 5–6.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
GB- Javon Walker 66-yard pass from Brett Favre GB 7-0
2nd Quarter
GB- Robert Ferguson 16-yard pass from Brett Favre GB 14-0
SF- Todd Peterson 24-yard field goal GB 14-3
GB- Ryan Longwell 38-yard field goal GB 17-3
3rd Quarter
SF- Terrell Owens 24-yard pass from Tim Rattay GB 17-10
4th Quarter
GB- Ryan Longwell 37-yard field goal GB 20-10

Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
Sunday, November 30, 2003
The 49ers were dismantled by the Ravens easily, 44–6, with the 49ers limited to only two field goals. The 49ers were plagued with turnovers, quarterback Jeff Garcia throwing four interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Ray Lewis. With the loss, the 49ers fell to 5–7, including six losses on the road.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
BAL- Jamal Lewis 6-yard rush BAL 7-0
SF- Todd Peterson 48-yard field goal BAL 7-3
2nd Quarter
SF- Todd Peterson 40-yard field goal BAL 7-6
BAL- Matt Stover 28-yard field goal BAL 10-6
BAL- Marcus Robinson 38-yard pass from Anthony Wright BAL 17-6
BAL- Ray Lewis 29-yard interception return BAL 24-6
4th Quarter
BAL- Matt Stover 47-yard field goal BAL 27-6
BAL- Terry Jones 6-yard pass from Anthony Wright BAL 34-6
BAL- Matt Stover 41-yard field goal BAL 37-6
BAL- Musa Smith 2-yard rush BAL 44-6

Week 14: vs. Arizona Cardinals

at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point
Weather 55 °F
Sunday, December 7, 2003
After an embarrassing loss, the 49ers regrouped to beat division rival, the Arizona Cardinals 50–14. The 49ers' offense dominated throughout the game, at one point leading 36–0 and rolling up nearly of total offense. A rare safety was also scored, just after halftime. The defense also performed well, forcing two fumbles. With the win, the 49ers climbed to 6–7 on the season.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
SF- Jeff Garcia 3-yard rush SF 7-0
SF- Terrell Owens 1-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 14-0
2nd Quarter
SF- Tai Streets 18-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 21-0
SF- Cedrick Wilson 27-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 27-0
SF- Terrell Owens 2-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 34-0
3rd Quarter
SF- Safety SF 36-0
AZ- James Hodgins 3-yard pass from Josh McCown 36-7
SF- Jeff Garcia 4-yard rush SF 43-7
4th Quarter
SF- Kevan Barlow 46-yard rush SF 50-7
AZ- Anquan Boldin 16-yard pass from Josh McCown SF 50-14

Week 15: at Cincinnati Bengals

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati
Sunday, December 14, 2003
A high-scoring shootout, the 49ers were slightly outscored by the Bengals, 41–38. The 49ers topped of total offense, but surprisingly never led in this close game. This can be partially attributed to their four fumbles, three of which were lost to the Bengals. One fumble was returned for a touchdown by Bengals' Kevin Hardy. The loss meant the 49ers fell to 6–8. Of the 49ers' season, this was the 13th time in 14 games in which the home team won, the home team outscoring the visitor 422–199 so far this season.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
CIN- Chad Johnson 10-yard pass from Jon Kitna CIN 7-0
2nd Quarter
CIN- Kevin Hardy 10-yard fumble return CIN 14-0
SF- Terrell Owens 58-yard pass from Jeff Garcia CIN 14-7
SF- Tai Streets 41-yard pass from Jeff Garcia TIED 14-14
CIN- Peter Warrick 31-yard pass from Jon Kitna CIN 21-14
SF- Todd Peterson 23-yard field goal CIN 21-17
3rd Quarter
CIN- Rudi Johnson 49-yard rush CIN 28-17
CIN- Shayne Graham 34-yard field goal 31-17
4th Quarter
SF- Jeff Garcia 6-yard rush CIN 31-24
CIN- Shayne Graham 30-yard field goal CIN 34-24
SF- Kevan Barlow 1-yard rush CIN 34-31
CIN- Rudi Johnson 3-yard rush CIN 41-31
SF- Kevan Barlow 3-yard rush CIN 41-38

Week 16: at Philadelphia Eagles

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Another squeaker, this game marked the sixth time this season the 49ers played a game that was decided three points or less, and the only one of those six in which the 49ers walked away with a victory. The 49ers outgained the Eagles, 414 to 293, and dominated in time of possession, but they failed to put away the Eagles in regulation due largely to three special teams miscues by punter Bill LaFleur: a fumbled hold on a first-quarter field goal attempt, a punt returned 81 yards for a touchdown by Brian Westbrook, and an 8-yard punt that set up an Eagles touchdown. But the 49ers were able to win when kicker Todd Peterson from out during overtime. With the victory, the 49ers moved up to 7–8.
Scoring summary
1st Quarter
SF- Kevan Barlow 15-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 7-0
2nd Quarter
PHI- Duce Staley 7-yard rush TIED 7-7
PHI- Duce Staley 1-yard rush PHI 14-7
SF- Brandon Lloyd 33-yard pass from Jeff Garcia TIED 14-14
3rd Quarter
PHI- Brian Westbrook 81-yard punt return PHI 21-14
SF- Todd Peterson 33-yard field goal PHI 21-17
4th Quarter
SF- Todd Peterson 25-yard field goal PHI 21-20
SF- Kevan Barlow 1-yard rush SF 28-21
PHI- Todd Pinkston 19-yard pass from Donovan McNabb TIED 28-28
Overtime
SF- Todd Peterson 22-yard field goal SF 31-28

Week 17: vs. Seattle Seahawks

at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point
Weather 49 °F
Saturday, December 27, 2003
The last game of the season, the 49ers hosted division rival Seattle Seahawks. The game was tied at the end of the first quarter and again at halftime, but the 49ers were unable to keep in during the second half, losing 24–17. With the loss, the 49ers clinched a losing season, at 7–9, after winning the division the previous year.
Scoring summary
2nd Quarter
SF- Jed Weaver 18-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 7-0
SF- Cedrick Wilson 14-yard pass from Jeff Garcia SF 14-0
SEA- Alex Bannister 31-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck SF 14-7
SEA- Shaun Alexander 3-yard rush TIED 14-14
3rd Quarter
SF- Todd Peterson 38-yard field goal SF 17-14
SEA- Koren Robinson 30-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck SEA 21-17
SEA- Josh Brown 33-yard field goal SEA 24-17

Standings