A decade removed from its last winning season and two weeks shy of a handshake that will live in infamy, then-head coach Jim Harbaugh’s 2011 edition of the San Francisco 49ers showed signs of life. Trailing a Michael Vick-led Philadelphia Eagles squad 23-3 midway through the third quarter, Harbaugh’s men first demonstrated the resilience that, in the years to come, would lead them to the very precipice of dynasty.
Three possessions behind and well aware of the fact, swamped and silenced by that gleeful rancor so unique to Philadelphia crowds, quarterback Alex Smith and wide receiver Josh Morgan managed to connect for a touchdown.