1996: Gutting it Out

49ers squeak into playoffs as wild card

1996 Season Statistics

Receptions	Yards	Average	TDs	100+ Yards	Multi TDs	Game High Rec	Game High Yards	Game High TDs
108	1254	11.6	8	3	1	10 (twice)	129	2

Achievements

Records third straight 100+ reception season with league leading 108 catches

Victimizes the Panthers for 20 receptions, 256 yards, and a touchdown score in both meetings

Becomes first NFL player to record 1,000 receptions with third catch against the Saints (11/3)

Best Game

Rice did all he could in the first half to avenge the Niners' loss to the Packers by grabbing two touchdowns en route to a 7 catch, 84 yard night at Lambeau Field.

Did You Know...

Jerry Rice had to contend with a groin injury in the latter part of the season.

Play of the Year

In Week 16 against the Steelers, Rice draws a crucial pass interference penalty against Rod Woodson to place the football at the Steeler 1 yard line. The Niners would eventually score and finally beat a winning team on the road with a 25-15 victory. This was one of the few times 49er offensive coordinator actually had Young throw to Rice on a deep route. The fact that he hardly ever ran Rice on deep routes contributed to a lot of frustration on my part.