In End, It’s All Dwight for Falcons

Tim Dwight gave the Atlanta Falcons hope for the future. Jerry Rice showed the San Francisco 49ers why he’s not ready to be part of their past.

Dwight caught seven passes for 162 yards, including two touchdowns, and returned a punt 70 yards for another score as the Falcons closed the NFL’s regular season with a 34-29 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

“Things just started happening,” said Dwight, whose 241 all-purpose yards were the third-highest in Falcon history. “It was kind of crazy out there.”

The 49ers (4-12) fell behind, 31-7, but showed a bit of pride in their worst season since 1979, scoring three second-half touchdowns to make it close. Although the Falcons recovered an onside kick with 2:45 remaining, they had to bat down a desperation pass in the end zone to secure the victory.

Rice, in what might have been his final game with the 49ers, added another highlight to his brilliant career with a 62-yard reception, setting up a San Francisco touchdown and drawing applause from Falcon defensive back Ray Buchanan. Rice finished with six receptions for 143 yards.

The 49ers, projected to be some $20 million over the salary cap, must decide if they can afford Rice and quarterback Steve Young, who missed most of the season after suffering a concussion.

“I still feel I can help this team out and I can make big plays,” Rice said. “I’m sure Steve--he doesn’t want to go out on this note also. We just want to come back, turn this thing around and be the 49ers of old.”

Chris Chandler took advantage of the league’s worst-rated pass defense to throw for 306 yards and three touchdowns, helping Atlanta (5-11) snap a 10-game losing streak on Monday night.

“We made it exciting, didn’t we?” Coach Dan Reeves said. “When you have control of a game like that, you shouldn’t let the other team back in it. We did.”

Dwight, a speedy, 5-foot-8 receiver, scored on his punt return in the final minute of the first half to give Atlanta a 17-7 halftime lead.