It was notable for a play in which spectators at Denver's Mile High Stadium disrupted a 49ers' field goal attempt by throwing snowballs from the stands.

Elway threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Steve Watson, and a second 49ers field goal attempt was disrupted by fans, leaving the Broncos up 14–3 at halftime.

After the game, referee Jim Tunney explained, "We have no recourse in terms of a foul or to call it on the home team or the fans.

He also expressed doubt that it had disrupted the play, saying "I don't think that Cavanaugh thought it affected him because if it did, he'd still be standing there arguing with the official right now", and "I think if you shot me with a 30.06 when I was a holder – you've still got to catch that football.

"[6][a] On November 13, Broncos management announced new policies to eject, prosecute, and revoke the season tickets of any fans found throwing snowballs at Mile High Stadium.

[8] A newspaper analyst suggested that while the ejection and prosecution of a fan for throwing snowballs may not have any effect, revoking season tickets might because in Denver it's "akin to banishment.

"[9] On November 14, NFL rules committee chairman Tex Schramm opined that officials should have intervened, saying "to me, the referee should have killed the play right at that instant, regardless of what happened to the kick.