2007 San Francisco 49ers season
Owner	Denise DeBartolo York andJohn York
President	John York
General manager	Mike Nolan
Head coach	Mike Nolan
Offensive coordinator	Jim Hostler
Defensive coordinator	Greg Manusky
Home stadium	Monster Park
Results
Record	5–11
Division place	3rdNFC West
Playoffs	Did not qualify
All-Pros	Patrick Willis(1st team) Andy Lee(1st team)
Pro Bowlers	ILBPatrick Willis PAndy Lee
Uniform
← 2006 49ers seasons 2008 →

The2007San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 62nd season, and 58th in theNational Football League (NFL). They ended their season with a disappointing record of 5–11 in 2007, failing to improve upon their 7–9 record from2006. The 49ers offense struggled all season long—starting quarterbackAlex Smith injured his shoulder early in the season, and newly promoted offensive coordinatorJim Hostler was the subject of much scrutiny and criticism regarding his play calling. Hostler was fired following the season.

2007 is also noted for being defensive linemanBryant Young's final season; the futureHall of Fame enshrinee was the last remaining member of San Francisco'sSuper Bowl XXIX championship team.

The 49ers addressed their problems in the secondary with the signing of veteran cornerbackNate Clements from theBuffalo Bills. The contract was worth $80 million for 8 years, the largest contract given to a defensive player in NFL history. They also signed strong safetyMichael Lewis fromPhiladelphia on the same day. Other key defensive pickups included linebackersColby Bockwoldt andTully Banta-Cain and nosetackleAubrayo Franklin. The team also addressed its wide-receiver needs by signing formerDenver Bronco andAtlanta Falcon,Ashley Lelie andSeattle Seahawk,Darrell Jackson.San Francisco also used the free agency period to extendGore's contract to 4 years worth $28 million, $14 million of which is guaranteed.

In the2007 NFL draft, they addressed their need for an inside linebacker by pickingPatrick Willis in the first round and also gave up their 2008 first round pick to theNew England Patriots and selected 28 overall Offensive TackleJoe Staley. In the 2nd round the 49ers traded their pick for theColts' number one pick in the2008 NFL draft. On the second day of the NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers traded a 4th round pick forSeattle Seahawks leading receiver,Darrell Jackson.

Dressed up in their throwback uniforms, the 49ers began their 2007 campaign against their NFC West rival, theArizona Cardinals in the second game of the Monday Night Football doubleheader. In the first quarter, the Niners drew first blood as RBFrank Gore got a 6-yard TD run for the score of the period. However, in the second quarter, the Cardinals took the lead with kicker withNeil Rackers getting a 35-yard field goal and RBEdgerrin James getting a 7-yard TD run. San Francisco ended the half with kickerJoe Nedney getting a 33-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the 49ers retook the lead with Nedney kicking a 30-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Arizona jumped ahead with QBMatt Leinart completing a 5-yard TD pass to WRAnquan Boldin. With time running out late in the game, QBAlex Smith led the Niners on a last-minute drive that included a 20-yard run by Alex Smith and ended with WRArnaz Battle getting a 1-yard TD run. The Cardinals had just enough time to try a late-game comeback, but San Francisco clinched the game with CBShawntae Spencer getting an interception for the win. Matt Leinart's first and last passes in the game were both interceptions.

With the win, not only did the 49ers begin their year at 1–0, butMike Nolan finally got his first win against Arizona as a head coach.

Scoring summary

Q1 –SF – 11:24 –Frank Gore 6-yard TD run (Joe Nedney kick) (SF 7–0)

Q2 – ARI – 12:55 –Neil Rackers 35-yard FG (SF 7–3)

Q2 – ARI – 9:15 –Edgerrin James 7-yard TD run (Rackers kick) (ARI 10–7)

Q2 –SF – 3:40 – Joe Nedney 33-yard FG (10–10)

Q3 –SF – 11:20 – Joe Nedney 30-yard FG (SF 13–10)

Q4 – ARI – 6:46 – 5-yard TD pass fromMatt Leinart toAnquan Boldin (Rackers kick) (ARI 17–13)

Q4 –SF – 0:26 –Arnaz Battle 1-yard TD run (Nedney kick) (SF 20–17)

Coming off their divisional home win over the Cardinals, the 49ers flew to theEdward Jones Dome for a Week 2 divisional duel against their NFC West rival, theSt. Louis Rams.

In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Rams QBMarc Bulger completed a 12-yard TD pass to WRTorry Holt for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, San Francisco tied the game with RBFrank Gore getting a 1-yard TD run. St. Louis took the halftime lead on aJeff Wilkins 29-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the 49ers took the lead with Gore breaking through a gang of tacklers for a 43-yard TD run, along with the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Rams retook the lead with Wiklins getting a 53-yard field goal. Because a St. Louis goof-up on special teams, the Niners took the lead with kickerJoe Nedney getting a 40-yard field goal. Near the end the game, the Rams had one last chance to win the game, but Wilkins' 56-yard field goal attempt fell about a yard short of the crossbar.

With the win, the 49ers improved to 2–0 for the first time since 1998.

Scoring summary

Q1 – STL – 6:04 – 12-yard TD pass fromMarc Bulger toTorry Holt (Wilkins kick) (STL 7–0)

Q2 – SF – 14:57 –Frank Gore 1-yard TD run (Nedney kick) (7–7)

Q2 – STL – 9:04 – Jeff Wilkins 27-yard FG (STL 10–7)

Q2 – STL – 1:51 – Jeff Wilkins 29-yard FG (STL 13–7)

Q3 – SF – 2:43 – Frank Gore 43-yard TD run (Nedney kick) (SF 14–13)

Q4 – STL – 10:04 – Jeff Wilkins 53-yard FG (STL 16–14)

Q4 – SF – 3:23 – Joe Nedney 40-yard FG(SF 17–16)

Game summary

Coming off a fierce divisional road win over the Rams, the 49ers flew toHeinz Field for an interconference duel with thePittsburgh Steelers. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first with kickerJoe Nedney getting a 32-yard field goal. The Steelers immediately responded with CB–RSAllen Rossum returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. San Francisco wrapped up the period with Nedney kicking a 22-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Pittsburgh increased its lead with QBBen Roethlisberger completing a 9-yard TD pass to TEJerame Tuman for the only score of the period.

In the third quarter, the Steelers increased its lead with kickerJeff Reed nailing a 36-yard field goal. The Niners replied with Nedney kicking a 49-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh took control with Reed getting a 49-yard and a 35-yard field goal, while CBBryant McFadden returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown. San Francisco got a touchdown as QBAlex Smith completed a 21-yard pass to WRTaylor Jacobs. Afterwards, the Steelers ended the game with RBNajeh Davenport getting a 39-yard TD run.

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 2–1.

Scoring summary

Q1 – SF – 9:24 –Joe Nedney 32-yard FG (SF 3–0)

Q1 – PIT – 9:12 –Allen Rossum 98-yard kickoff return (PIT 7–3)

Q1 – SF – 3:01 – Joe Nedney 22-yard FG (PIT 7–6)

Q2 – PIT – 0:37 –Jerame Tuman 9-yard pass fromBen Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick) (PIT 14–6)

Q3 – PIT – 9:41 – Jeff Reed 36-yard FG (PIT 17–6)

Q3 – SF – 4:46 – Joe Nedney 49-yard FG (PIT 17–9)

Q4 – PIT – 14:55 – Jeff Reed 49-yard FG (PIT 20–9)

Q4 – PIT – 4:59 – Jeff Reed 35-yard FG (PIT 23–9)

Q4 – PIT – 4:01 –Bryant McFadden 50-yard interception return (Reed kick) (PIT 30–9)

Q4 – SF – 2:22 –Taylor Jacobs 21-yard pass fromAlex Smith (Nedney kick) (PIT 30–16)

Q4 – PIT – 1:51 –Najeh Davenport 39-yard run (Nedney kick)(PIT 37–16)

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Steelers, the 49ers went home and played an NFC West battle with theSeattle Seahawks. In the first quarter, the Niners lost QBAlex Smith with a separated shoulder during a sack. Back-up QBTrent Dilfer took over for the rest of the game. In the second quarter, San Francisco's recent woes continued with Seahawks kickerJosh Brown getting a 23-yard field goal. Afterwards, Seattle began to pound away with QBMatt Hasselbeck completing a 17-yard TD pass to WRBobby Engram, along with Brown kicking a 31-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Seahawks continued their domination as Hasselbeck completed a 14-yard TD pass to TEMarcus Pollard. The Niners got their only score of the game as kickerJoe Nedney got a 43-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Seattle sealed San Francisco's doom with Brown nailing a 25-yard field goal.

With their second-straight loss, the 49ers fell to 2–2.

Trying to break a two-game skid, the 49ers stayed at home for a Week 5 interconference matchup with theBaltimore Ravens. With QBAlex Smith out with a shoulder injury, back-upTrent Dilfer was given the start against the team to which he helped deliver a Super Bowl title.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Ravens got the lead with kickerMatt Stover getting a 26-yard and a 32-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Baltimore increased its lead with Stover nailing a 49-yard field goal. The Niners came close to taking the lead with Dilfer completing a 49-yard TD pass to WRArnaz Battle. With two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the 49ers had a chance to take the lead, but kickerJoe Nedney missed a 52-yard field goal and the Ravens ran out the clock.

With their third straight loss, the 49ers entered their bye week at 2–3.

Trying to snap a three-game losing streak, the 49ers flew toGiants Stadium for a Week 7 brawl with theNew York Giants. With QBAlex Smith still recovering from a shoulder injury, back-upTrent Dilfer once again got the start. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Giants QBEli Manning hooked up with WRAmani Toomer on a 4-yard TD pass (with a missed PAT) for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, San Francisco took the lead with Dilfer completing a 17-yard TD pass to WRArnaz Battle. However, New York responded with RBBrandon Jacobs getting a 5-yard TD run, while kickerLawrence Tynes nailed field goals of 29 and 39 yards.

In the third quarter, things got worse for the Niners as Giants DEOsi Umenyiora sacked Dilfer, causing a fumble, picked up the loose ball, and ran 75 yards for a touchdown. San Francisco managed to get a safety as FBMoran Norris blocked a punt, which went out of bounds in the end zone. In the fourth quarter, New York sealed its win with Manning completing a 2-yard TD pass to TEJeremy Shockey. The Niners ended its day with Dilfer completing a 1-yard TD pass to WRDarrell Jackson (with a failed 2-point conversion).

With its fourth-straight loss, the 49ers fell to 2–4.

Trying to snap a four-game skid, the 49ers went home for a Week 8 intraconference duel with theNew Orleans Saints. QBAlex Smith (who was recovering from a separated right shoulder since Week 4) was healthy enough to get the start.

In the first quarter, San Francisco trailed early as Saints QBDrew Brees completed a 17-yard TD pass to WRMarques Colston, while kickerOlindo Mare nailed a 26-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Niners' struggles continued as Brees completed a 2-yard TD pass to WRTerrance Copper, along with completing a 3-yard TD pass to Colston. In the third quarter, San Francisco managed to get on the board with kickerJoe Nedney getting a 29-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans wrapped up the win with Brees and Colston hooking up with each other again on a 15-yard TD pass. The Niners' only response was Smith completing a 7-yard TD pass to TEVernon Davis.

With their fifth-straight loss, the 49ers dropped to 2–5.

Trying to break a five-game losing skid, the 49ers flew to theGeorgia Dome for a Week 9 intraconference duel with theAtlanta Falcons. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first as RBMaurice Hicks got a 9-yard TD run. However, the Falcons answered with RBWarrick Dunn getting a 9-yard TD run. In the second quarter, San Francisco fell behind as Atlanta RBOvie Mughelli got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period.

In the third quarter, the 49ers crept close as kickerJoe Nedney got a 49-yard and a 32-yard field goal. However, in the fourth quarter, the Falcons replied with kickerMorten Andersen getting a 33-yard field goal. Nedney and the Niners tried to close the gap as Nedney kicked a 22-yard field goal. Andersen's 27-yard field goal helped seal Atlanta's win.

With their sixth-straight loss, the 49ers dropped to 2–6.

Trying to snap their six-game losing streak, the 49ers flew toQwest Field for an NFC West rematch on Monday Night Football with theSeattle Seahawks. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Seahawks QBMatt Hasselbeck completed a 1-yard TD pass to TEWill Heller, along with kickerJosh Brown. In the second quarter, San Francisco's struggles continued as RBMaurice Morris gave Seattle a 6-yard TD run for the only score of the period. After a scoreless third quarter, the Seahawks sealed the win and the season-sweep with Hasselbeck completing a 10-yard TD pass to WRD.J. Hackett.

With their seventh-straight loss, the 49ers fell to 2–7.

Trying to break their seven-game losing skid, the 49ers went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played their Week 11 NFC West rematch with theSt. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, the Niners' struggles continued as Rams QBMarc Bulger completed a 3-yard touchdown reception to WRTorry Holt. San Francisco managed to respond with kickerJoe Nedney 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, St. Louis increased its lead with kicker Jeff Wilkins getting a 49-yard field goal for the only score of the period.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Rams sealed the win with Wilkins kicking a 35-yard field goal. The Niners tried to mount a comeback as Nedney nailed a 38-yard and a 46-yard field goal. However, on four-straight plays deep in St. Louis territory, four shots to the endzone resulted in 3 incompletions and an interception.

With their eighth-straight loss, the 49ers dropped to 2–8.

• 
  Frank Gore takes a handoff
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  Rams running back Steven Jackson at the 49ers
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  Gore runs up the middle
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  Trent Dilfer hands off to Gore
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  Jeff Wilkins attempts a kick for the Rams
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  49ers punt return byMichael Lewis (wide receiver)
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  Rams QBMarc Bulger attempts a pass behindBrandon Moore (linebacker)
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  The 49ers on offense
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  49ers offensive line sets up

Trying to snap an eight-game losing streak, the 49ers flew to theUniversity of Phoenix Stadium for a Week 12 NFC West rematch with theArizona Cardinals. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Cardinals QBKurt Warner completed a 28-yard TD pass to WRLarry Fitzgerald. San Francisco responded with QBTrent Dilfer completed a 2-yard TD pass to TEVernon Davis. In the second quarter, the 49ers took the lead with kickerJoe Nedney getting a 19-yard field goal & RBFrank Gore getting an 11-yard TD run. However, Arizona regained the lead with RBMarcel Shipp getting a 1-yard TD run & Warner hooking up with Fitzgerald again on a 48-yard TD pass.

In the third quarter, the Niners retook the lead as Dilfer completed a 57-yard TD pass to WRArnaz Battle for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, it was back-and-forth as Cardinals QBTim Rattay (a former 49er) completed a 2-yard TD pass to TEBen Patrick, while Gore managed to get a 35-yard TD run. Afterwards, Arizona ended regulation with kickerNeil Rackers getting a 19-yard field goal. In overtime, the ball went back and forth between the Cardinals and the 49ers. When the Cardinals had the ball,Kurt Warner threw the ball to WRSean Morey who appeared to have a sure touchdown, but was run down by 49ers rookielinebackerPatrick Willis. KickerNeil Rackers missed a field goal, and the 49ers got the ball back. After a three and out, punterAndy Lee pinned the Cardinals close to their own endzone. San Francisco lifted their demons with stripping Warner in his endzone and LBTully Banta-Cain landed on it for the touchdown and the win.

With the win, not only did the 49ers improve to 3–8, it also snapped their dreaded eight-game losing streak. It also gave them a season-sweep over the Cardinals. It also improved their overtime record under head coachMike Nolan to 3–0. With the victory, the 49ers improved to 2–0 against the Cardinals and 1–8 against everyone else this season.

Coming off an impressive divisional road win over the Cardinals, the 49ers flew toBank of America Stadium for a Week 13 intraconference game with theCarolina Panthers. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Panthers kickerJohn Kasay nailing a 19-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, San Francisco continued to struggle as Carolina QBVinny Testaverde completed a 5-yard to TEDante Rosario, along with CBRichard Marshall returning an interception 67 yards for a touchdown.

In the third quarter, the Niners managed to get on the board with QBTrent Dilfer completing a 20-yard TD pass to WRArnaz Battle and 21-yard TD pass to TEDelanie Walker. Afterwards, the Panthers replied with RBDeShaun Foster getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Carolina sealed the win with Testaverde completing a 1-yard TD pass to TEJeff King.

With the loss, not only did the 49ers drop to 3–9, it guaranteed them their fifth consecutive losing season since San Francisco's last playoff appearance in 2002.

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Panthers, the 49ers went home for a Week 14 duel with theMinnesota Vikings. In the first quarter, the Niners trailed early as Vikings DTKevin Williams returned an interception 18 yards for a touchdown, while kickerRyan Longwell managed to get a 48-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Minnesota sealed the win early as QBTarvaris Jackson completed a 19-yard TD pass to WRRobert Ferguson, Longwell nailing a 46-yard field goal, and RBChester Taylor getting an 84-yard TD run. In the third quarter, San Francisco got their only score of the game as QBShaun Hill completed a 5-yard TD pass to WRArnaz Battle.

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 3–10. The only positive from the game was that the Niners held rookie RB phenomAdrian Peterson to just 3 rushing yards on 14 carries. Although, holding Adrian Peterson to just 3 yards and still losing the game is actually a negative.

Starting QBTrent Dilfer (7/19 for 45 yards and 1 interception) left the game in the second quarter with a head injury.

Trying to snap a two-game skid, the 49ers stayed at home for a Saturday night interconference battle with theCincinnati Bengals. With QBTrent Dilfer out with an injury, back-upShaun Hill made his first career start.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Niners drew first blood in the second quarter as Hill got a 3-yard TD run. However, the Bengals took the lead as kickerShayne Graham made a 24-yard field goal, while QBCarson Palmer completed a 52-yard TD pass to WRChris Henry. The Niners ended the half as Hill completed a 17-yard TD pass to TEVernon Davis.

In the third quarter, San Francisco increased their lead with kickerJoe Nedney managing to get a 29-yard and a 38-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cincinnati tried to mount a comeback as Graham kicked a 35-yard field goal. The Niners' defense held on for the victory.

With the win, the 49ers improved to 4–10. With the Rams' loss to the Packers, the Niners now sit in 3rd place in the NFC West.

Rolling with the momentum from the previous week's upset, the 49ers took on the playoff-boundBuccaneers as their final home game of the season, and of perennial pro-bowlerBryant Young's career.

With theBuccaneers clinching their division in Week 15, and no improvement in their seed in sight, they treated it as a glorified exhibition game by resting the majority of their starters after the first few drives. Although it wasn't an important game in the standings for either team, the 49ers had their pride – and maybe their head coachMike Nolan's job – on the line, and the Bucs wanted to make sure that their momentum and edge kept up as they entered the playoffs.

The game came down to a matter of inches, as the Buccaneers final touchdown with 80 seconds remaining led to a failed 2-point attempt at a tying score; receiverMichael Clayton caught the pass in the back of the end zone but half of his foot came down out of bounds.

The 49ers finished the season with a loss, dropping to a final standings of 5–11.

The Browns became just the fifth team in history to miss the playoffs after coming away with 10 victories in the regular season.

The loss gave the 49ers the seventh pick in the 2008 NFL draft, which they owed to theNew England Patriots.

• "2007 San Francisco 49ers Statistics & Players".Pro-Football-Reference.com.
• 49ers Archive from Football for Breakfast

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