Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Top 5 players of the Jim Harbaugh era

By Adam Trovato

Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh hands off to running back Frank Gore (21) during warm up before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh hands off to running back Frank Gore (21) during warm up before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next
Jan 5, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh smiles after tight end Vernon Davis (85) caught a 28-yard pass for a touchdown during the game against the Green Bay Packers in the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh smiles after tight end Vernon Davis (85) caught a 28-yard pass for a touchdown during the game against the Green Bay Packers in the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Vernon Davis

49ers fans vary on their perception of tight end Vernon Davis.

Some fans believe Davis was overly emotional, vain and never truly lived up to the hype. Though there is some truth to this opinion, it fails to recognise how dominant Davis was. He was “Gronk” before Rob Gronkowski, and though it started before Harbaugh, it was during his tenure as head coach 49ers fans saw the best tight end in the NFL.

In his first three years with Harbaugh, Davis established himself as the best dual-threat tight end in football. While it is a challenge to depict his blocking prowess, it can be recalled that he was critical in Roman’s run game, while being a weapon in the passing attack.

This pass-catching prowess can be seen on paper or on tape. In his first three years with Harbaugh, Davis caught 24 touchdowns and 2,190 yards in 47 regular-season games, and seven touchdowns and 600 yards in eight playoffs games.

Davis’ high moment in San Francisco came against the New Orleans Saints in the divisional playoffs.

In this game, he posted seven catches for 180 yards and two scores, while reeling in a critical 47-yard reception and a late touchdown catch that aligned the 49ers to reach the NFC Championship game.

This was truly one of the most memorable moments of the Harbaugh era, and of recent 49ers history:

Just listening and watching this moment gives most 49ers fans shivers. Hopefully 49ers fans don’t forget what Davis was capable of.

Don’t hold it against him that he didn’t do it for his whole career and just enjoy the times he did.