Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Top 10 games of the decade

By James Jones

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 14: Defensive tackle Justin Smith #94 and linebacker Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers wait for a play against the New York Giants in the third quarter on October 14, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The Giants won 26-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 14: Defensive tackle Justin Smith #94 and linebacker Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers wait for a play against the New York Giants in the third quarter on October 14, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The Giants won 26-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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Running back Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images) /

No. 10: 49ers @  Eagles: Week 4 — Oct. 2, 2011

The 2011 offseason did not begin with much hope for the 49ers. It was a year saw an owner-imposed player lockout, which lasted from March 12 to July 25. San Francisco was also hit with a double whammy, as it was the first year at the helm for new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The lockout prevented Harbaugh from having the full offseason to install his game plan, an integral aspect for a coach taking over a team for the first time. As it was, the coach and pending free-agent quarterback, Alex Smith, were able to spend some time together before the lockout actually began.

It was in this time Harbaugh decided Smith was the man he wanted under center to run his offense in San Francisco.

Once the season commenced, the world learned why.

Harbaugh was able to get a playbook to Smith during the NFL Draft when the lockout had been suspended for a day. Smith, in turn, took the playbook and began organizing practices with tackle Joe Staley in order to get his offensive teammates a head start on the brand new system. This more than anything else, besides the belief from Harbaugh Smith was his man, contributed to what happened in 2011.

Smith led the 49ers to a 2-1 record to open the 2011 campaign before facing the Philadelphia Eagles in the second of two straight east coast road games. With a win, the 49ers would improve to a 3-1 record and put a shock into the NFC standings early in the year.

After falling behind to the Michael Vick-led Eagles, 23-3 at the beginning of the third quarter,
Smith led the 49ers on a four-play, 80-yard drive culminating with a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Josh Morgan.

San Francisco’s defense suddenly stiffened in the second half, holding the Eagles to drives of three plays for 8 yards, seven plays for 59 yards and a missed field goal, 12 plays for 81 yards and another missed field goal before defensive end Justin Smith forced a fumble and safety Dashon Goldson recovered it to end the game.

Sandwiched in between those defensive stands was Alex Smith leading another touchdown drive, capped by a 9-yard pass to tight end Vernon Davis to cut the score to 23-17 in favor of Philadelphia. The 49ers signal-caller then orchestrated an eight-play, 77-yard drive. Running back Frank Gore ended it when he took a handoff up the middle for a 12-yard gain and the score.

After the takeaway securing the teams 24-23 come from behind win, their second east coast win in a row, the NFL was put on notice.

Harbaugh and the 49ers were for real.