GREEN BAY – Twenty-two years ago this week, the Packers traveled to San Francisco to play the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers.
Back then, just like now, the 49ers had earned the NFC's No. 1 seed at the conclusion of the 1997 regular season, with the Packers No. 2. San Francisco also beat No. 6 seed Minnesota back then to advance to the NFC title game. Green Bay had gotten by No. 4 Tampa Bay.
At a rain-soaked 3Com Park, the Packers advanced to Super Bowl XXXII with a 23-10 triumph over the 49ers that wasn't as close as the final score indicated.
Here are some highlights of how the game unfolded:
- The Packers opened the game with a long drive for a field goal and then extended their lead to 10-0 in the second quarter. Eugene Robinson's interception and long return was followed two plays later by a 27-yard TD pass from Brett Favre to Antonio Freeman.
- After holding the 49ers to a field goal in the red zone, the Packers got the three points back just before halftime when Favre's 40-yard bomb to Freeman set up another field goal.
- Green Bay sacked San Francisco QB Steve Young four times in the fourth quarter, with Keith McKenzie getting two of them. A fourth-down sack deep in 49ers territory set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Dorsey Levens for a 23-3 lead.
- The 49ers, who rushed for only 33 yards on 18 carries, finally found the end zone on a 95-yard kickoff return by Chuck Levy with less than three minutes to play.
- Levens finished with 114 rushing yards, the only time all season the 49ers allowed a 100-yard rusher. He also broke his own single-game postseason franchise record, which he had set the previous week vs. the Buccaneers with 112 yards. (Levens' mark has since been surpassed multiple times.)
Other notable individual performances were turned in by Freeman, who had four catches for 107 yards, and punter Craig Hentrich, who put all five of his punts inside the San Francisco 20-yard line.
The Green Bay Packers faced the San Francisco 49ers in the 1997 NFC Championship Game on Jan. 11, 1998. The Packers won 23-10 and advanced to Super Bowl XXXII.
Green Bay Packers safety Eugene Robinson tries to get of the grasp of San Francisco 49ers tight end Brent Jones (84) after intercepting a pass.
San Francisco 49ers fans Mindy Hightower from Orange County, Calif., wears her cheese-grater hat prior to the NFC championship game.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young drops back looking for room to pass during the opening minutes.
Green Bay Packers running back Dorsey Levens (25) is brought down in the first quarter for a short gain.
Green Bay Packers defenseman Darius Holland reacts as their second field goal of the game clears the goal posts during the second quarter.
A pass to Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman (86) is broken up by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tyronne Drakeford (22) during the third quarter.
Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Holmgren yells instructions to his team during their 23 -10 victory.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rod Woodson (26) tries to hang on to Green Bay Packers wide reciever Antonio Freeman (86).
San Francisco head coach Steve Mariucci yells instructions to his team in the second half of their loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Green Bay Packers running back Dorsey Levens carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman runs a pass pattern against the San Francisco 49ers.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Derrick Mayes runs a pass pattern.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Robert Brooks begins to run a pass pattern.
Green Bay Packers coach Mike Holmgren reacts to an official's call.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Reggie White (92) puts his arms around head coach Mike Holmgren towards the end of their win.
Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Santana Dotson celebrates with Packers fans after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 23-10.
A mud covered Steve Young walks off the field after his San Francisco 49ers lost 23-10 to the Green Bay Packers.
San Francisco 49ers coach Steve Mariucci leaves the field at San Francisco's 3Com Park after the 49ers loss.
