There was a time when the San Fransisco 49ers had two of the best quarterbacks of all time, but who was better?
Joe Montana
Joseph Clifford Montana Jr, nicknamed "Joe Cool" was the starting QB for the San Fransisco 49ers from 1980-1991. He was a member of the 49ers in 1979 but only threw 23 passes due to being a backup to Steve DeBerg.
In Montana's career with San Fransisco, he took the team to four Super Bowls and won every time.
Montana had many comebacks in his career, 26 with the 49ers. Joe also amassed 35,142 yards with 244 touchdowns and only 123 interceptions in his career with the 49ers. He also had 35 games where he threw for over 300+ yards (seven 400-yard games included!)
Joe Montana finished his career with the second-highest QB rating of 92.3 behind only his successor Steve Young. In Joe's career, his record of 117-47 is incredible.
Joe Montana finished his career with Kansas City. In his final year in th NFL he battled his once backup Steve Young and the 49ers and won 24-17. He lead his team to his final playoff game that same year.
Steve Young
Born Oct. 11, 1961, Steve Young was Joe's backup for many years with the 49ers. Steve Young also played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a while.
Steve Young was the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1992 and 1994. He was the MVP of Super Bowl XXIX, as well. Steve Young was introduced into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2005. Steve Young was the first left-handed QB to do so.
Steve Young went to BYU for college where his senior year he produced 3,902 yards and 33 touchdowns, with a 71.3 percent completion percentage.
With Steve's first team (Buccaneers) he wasn't so successful, throwing 11 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in 19 games, going 3-16 as a starter. When Steve went to the 49ers, he was Joe Montana's back up where he threw for 23 touchdowns and six interceptions in four seasons.
Steve Young took over the helm of starter for the 49ers in 1991. In his 15-year career, Steve Young amassed 33,124 yards, 232 touchdowns, and only 107 interceptions. He also managed 4,239 rushing yards, 2nd behind only Randall Cunningham. Steve Young also finished his career with the highest QB rating in history with 96.8.
So now the question is: Who was the Best 49ers QB of all time? You make the call!
10 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Farris Gunning 7 months ago
It's an argument that could take years but opinions are welcome...
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PabloPinero Pinero 7 months ago
Both were great.
Both won the Big Game.
Both were SB MVP.
Both were NFL MVP of the Year.
Both are in the Hall of Fame.
I could care less to sit here and made a single negative comment about either one, because I have none.
The first time in history that a team had two back to back qb's, both with the above credentials.
A record that likely will never be broken.
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Farris Gunning 7 months ago
Thanks for the comment Pablo, and I couldnt agree more. Two of the best QB's on the same team...WOW!
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Robert MacDonald 7 months ago
Can't say that I'm surprised, but you left out Brett Favre of your poll. There are things about all of those quarterbacks that may be better than Brett, but I believe he is the best all time. Not just because of his statistics. His grit and determination is unmatched, all time.
As far as the 49ers QB's, I say that Young wins. I've never been a fan of the argument that Super Bowl titles make the QB. With or without a title, Peyton is better than Tom Brady.
Young and Montana had similar careers with the exception of two things. Super Bowl titles and rushing statistics. Montana wasn't a tree in the pocket, but he wasn't nearly as good at extending a play as Young. To me, that makes a large difference. Young was more accurate and finished with a higher QB rating too.
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Farris Gunning 7 months ago
How do you think Brett is doing in N.Y.? Do you think his actions against Green bay were warranted? Just wanted some insight cause I like your thinking. I'm a Brett fan but not so sure on how he has been this year. What do you think?
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Farris Gunning 7 months ago
great outlook Robert! Thanks for the comment. brett is def. great Robert, there hasn't been a tougher QB than him, I should have included him and prob many others...Good Call
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Robert MacDonald 7 months ago
I think Brett is doing great in NY. I don't have a problem with the way he handled the situation with Green Bay. I know they gave him every effort to come out of retirement, and he chose not to. When finally decided to, they had already promised the job to Aaron Rogers. If they would have given him an opportunity to fight for a starting job, he claims he would have stayed. I've got no reason not to believe him.
I'm honestly a bit surprised that he's came around to the Jet's system as quickly as he has. It's a further testament to how truly great he is. Most times when you see a QB change teams late in their career, it turns out to be a bad decision. I don't feel as though this will be one of those situations. He'll do as good or better than Green Bay for as long as he chooses to play for the Jets. I'm hoping he'll at least fulfil his current contract.
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Josh Foster 7 months ago
I think that the game has changed a lot. Over the course of the past 10-15 years the systems and coaches have taken over the game. If you are to rank the QBs as to how pertanent to his time. Hmmmmmmmmmmm. I would have to say P.Manning he nuetralizes the need for an Off. cordinator. However I do feel that in these years of a salary cap a mobile QB speaks volumes. The years of an All Pro O-Line are gone. In closing if I am to crown a Qb of all time I would have to say Steve Young. He could dominate in this era as well as get the respect of all his teammates with his helmetless approach to the game. (no pun intended) Every football team has a pair of nuts one is the QB position and the other is the secondary, if either are kicked it could mean 6 points in the wrong direction. Steve Young always exposed theirs while protecting his. Joe made the game special, Marino was the best Sep.-Dec., Elway made you root, Brett was the us, but Steve was who we wanted to be.
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Farris Gunning 7 months ago
Great thoughts Josh, I agree Manning is amazing. Thanks for the comments
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Farris Gunning 7 months ago
Robert, I must agree with him doing good in NY, but I do have to dis-agree with the way he handled Green Bay. Just my opinion but I think he was a little out of line. He tells them he's going to retire, they use early draft picks and built a team around this "new" QB then he say's ok maybe I'll come back? I think he was a little shady with that, but he is def a great QB and NY will benefit from him a lot! Thanks again Robert for the comments
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