In 1980, starting quarterback Steve DeBerg got the 49ers off to a 3–0 start, but after a week 6 blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys by a score of 59–14, Walsh gave Montana a chance to start. On December 7 vs. the New Orleans Saints, the second-year player brought the 49ers back from a 35–7 halftime deficit to a 38–35 overtime win. In spite of this switch, the team struggled to a 6–10 finish – a record that belied a championship team in the making.
In 1980 starting quarterback Steve DeBerg got the 49ers off to a 3–0 start but after a week 6 blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys by a score of 59–14 Walsh gave Montana a chance to start On December 7 vs the New Orleans Saints the second-year player brought the 49ers back from a 35–7 halftime deficit to a 38–35 overtime win In spite of this switch the team struggled to a 6–10 finish – a record that belied a championship team in the making