What If Garrison Hearst Didn’t Break His Ankle Against Atlanta in 1999?

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for NFLSportChannel.com

Published: June 5, 2009

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... and the San Francisco 49ers. Owner Eddie DeBartolo was being investigated in a gambling scandal and many experts felt the 49ers were an aging team on its last leg.

But the 1998 San Francisco 49ers would not be denied and compiled a 12-4 record, good enough for 2nd place in the NFC West and a Wildcard Playoff berth.

Following a career year by running back Garrison Hearst where he rushed for a then team record 1,570 yards averaging 5.1 yards per carry and a memorable 96-yard overtime touchdown run against the New York Jets on opening day, the 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers 30-27 in the 1999 Wildcard Playoffs on a last minute touchdown pass to Terrell Owens.

Hearst's numerous clutch runs gave San Francisco the field position necessary to win the game.

A week later on Jan. 9, 1999, the 49ers faced the NFC West champions—the surprising 14-2 Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome.

On the first play from scrim...

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Article Source: BleacherReport.com


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