San Francisco 49ers: 5 Best Plays of the Niners Comeback Win over the Eagles

The San Francisco 49ers hadn't won two straight roads games in almost five seasons, and trailing 23-3 in the third quarter on Sunday, it sure didn't look like they'd be breaking that streak any time soon.

Instead, they pulled off their biggest comeback victory since 2003, making some huge plays down the stretch and overcoming the three-score deficit in their 24-23 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday.

The Niners' offense had been playing a conservative game all season, but that approach seemed to fade in the second half against the Eagles. San Francisco notched up 442 yards of offense on the day, most of it coming in the second-half rally.

Let's take a look at the five best plays from Sunday's contest.

Kendall Hunter Catches Alex Smith's Pass and Runs for a 44-Yard Gain

Down 23-3 with 9:30 to play in the third quarter, Alex Smith took the snap and quickly saw his pocket dissolve. He ran right, away from the Eagles defenders and finally found a target—rookie running back Kendall Hunter.

Hunter caught the pass out of the shotgun and swerved his way through the Philadelphia defense, gaining 44 yards on the play before being tripped up by the Eagles' Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Smith's tough throw and Hunter's excellent run helped set up the next highlight...

Josh Morgan Weaves Through the Eagles Coverage for a 30-Yard Touchdown

Just one play after Hunter's 44-yard catch and dash, Alex Smith found the Niners' offense at the Eagles' 30-yard line. He threw a pass up the middle to wideout Josh Morgan, who curved his way through three defenders for the first San Francisco touchdown of the afternoon.

Morgan was open when he caught the pass but the Eagles coverage came swarming at him. He passed up Brian Role, Nate Allen and Asante Samuel and made it to the Red Zone nearly untouched.

Morgan finished the game with 65 yards on three receptions and his first touchdown of the season.

Vernon Davis Powers Past the Defense for a Nine-Yard Touchdown

Vernon Davis had some big plays on the day, but none bigger than the nine-yard touchdown midway through the third quarter that reduced the Eagles' lead to 23-17.

Davis caught Smith's pass near the 5-yard line and immediately had Philadelphia linebacker Jamar Chaney grabbing at his back. He powered through, spun around safety Jarrad Page (who ended up on Davis' neck) and earned the Niners their second touchdown of the day.

Much was made about Davis' inactivity in the Niners first two contests, but Davis had four receptions for 45 yards and one touchdown in the victory on Sunday.

Frank Gore Takes the Lead Late in the Fourth Quarter

All week long Frank Gore's ankle was the topic of conversation and worry. Turns out there wasn't much to be concerned about.

Gore had 15 carries for 127 yards on the day, including the game-winning touchdown with 3:00 left to play in the fourth quarter.

The San Francisco offensive line hadn't had much success on the season in creating a lane for Gore to get through, but it provided him a big one late in this game. 

Starting at the Philadelphia 12-yard line, Gore powered his way up the middle towards the end zone. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie wrapped up Gore and pulled him down, but Gore landed on top of Rodgers-Cromartie and kept his body up long enough to reach the ball over the line.

It was a fantastic play by Gore, made even sweeter given the fact that Gore's playing status was unknown up until Sunday morning.

"I see something in Frank I've seen from the first time I met him, and that is a guy with a huge heart and (who is) just a warrior out there," Harbaugh told the media after the game. "I know what that word means —'warrior'—in the context of football, and I think it applies to certain guys, and Frank is one."

Justin Smith Forces the Game-Securing Fumble

San Francisco's frantic comeback could have been all for naught if it hadn't been for Justin Smith.

With slightly over two minutes to play, Michael Vick hit Jermy Maclin up the middle, who drove into San Francisco territory. It looked like Philadelphia could at least get close enough to possibility try for a game-winning field goal.

But Justin Smith came up behind Maclin and drove his arm through Maclin's grasp, forcing out the ball. Dashon Goldson immediately dove on it, and San Francisco was able to run out the clock for the amazing comeback victory.