49ers clinch the West with win on Monday Night
Two NFL superheavyweights collided Monday Night at 3 Comm Park as the San Francisco 49ers hosted the Denver Broncos. The 49ers clinched the #2 seed in the NFC and the NFC West Championship with a 23-10 victory.
The 49ers’ defense, which has been the NFL’s best all season, showed up again. They shut down the high-powered Broncos offense holding them to 223 total yards and 10 points. Bronco RB Terrell Davis was the AFC’s leading rusher, but he was held to just 60 yards on 17 carries. Bronco QB John Elway threw for just 144 yards, was sacked three times, and was intercepted once.
As for the Niners’ offense, they didn’t have a great day, but did just enough to hold off the Broncos. Steve Young threw for 167 yards on 18 of 28 passing with a TD and an INT. Without starting running back Garrison Hearst, the Niners were paced on the ground by Terry Kirby, who rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Next week, the 49ers (11-4) will end their season on Sunday Night Football as they travel to Seattle. As for the Broncos, they secured the fourth seed in the AFC playoffs and will host a first round Wildcard game. They will end their season at home against San Diego.