NFC GAME REPORT

Eugene Robinson, the NFL’s active interception leader with 49 in regular-season play, made his third post-season interception--all against the 49ers--on what might have been the game’s biggest play.

The 49ers, trailing 3-0, were driving and sitting at the Green Bay 28 when Steve Young tried to hit Jones on third and eight. Robinson, however, stepped in front of Jones to intercept the pass and returned it 58 yards to the 49er 28. Two plays later, the Packers scored for a 10-0 lead.

“The ball was hanging,” Robinson said. “Steve Young asked me about the coverage after the game. I told him I was in man-to-man coverage.”

Said Young, “I didn’t think he’d get there in time.

“This season is just the epitome of bittersweet--a great season and a bitter ending.”

*

TV cameras caught Packer quarterback Brett Favre and 49er defender Kevin Greene exchanging love taps on each other’s helmets after 49er defensive tackle Bryant Young had tackled Favre.

“I was just letting him know I respected their pass rush, was also letting him know that I was going to bounce back up each time they knocked me down,” Favre said. “And Kevin just went into his pro wrestling thing.”

*

Ryan Longwell, who began the season trying to make the 49er roster, helped end San Francisco’s season with three field goals, including a 43-yarder on the final playof the first half that appeared to flatten his former employers.

“I thought I’d get my chance with the 49ers, but it didn’t work out,” said Longwell, who earned a job with Green Bay after rookie Brett Conway kicked poorly. “The field goal at the end of the half was huge, and it was particularly sweet to do it against the 49ers, the team that cut me.”