San Francisco 49ers: 6 Best Moments from Jim Harbaugh's Tenure So Far

It's hard to believe how quickly and how drastically Jim Harbaugh has improved the San Francisco 49ers in 2011.

Not only were the Niners coming off eight consecutive seasons of .500 or worse, they were also burdened with the lockout. It was assumed the new regime did not have the time necessary to make immediate changes.

But Harbaugh has successfully silenced the doubters. A 5-1 start has ignited a buzz in San Francisco not seen since the team's Super Bowl heyday.

Here are six great moments from Jim Harbaugh's first season as the Niners' head coach.

Preseason, Alex Smith Named Starter

Former Nevada Wolf Pack QB Colin Kaepernick was drafted in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, leading many to believe he was next in line to start for the 49ers. He struggled in the preseason, throwing five interceptions. Alex Smith was then named the starter, a decision which has payed major dividends.

Harbaugh has molded Smith into the perfect signal caller to complement his smash mouth brand of football. Smith has experienced a career year, with eight touchdown passes to only two interceptions. Harbaugh's faith in the previously maligned QB has been rewarded.

Week 1, Ted Ginn Seals Win

Up 16-0 at halftime, the 49ers struggled to put away the Seattle Seahawks. In fact, the lead was whittled down to 19-17 after Seattle scored with four minutes remaining.

Return ace Ted Ginn Jr. returned the ensuing kickoff 102-yard to pay dirt to make it a two-possession game. Just 59 seconds later, he scored on a  55-yard kickoff return, ensuring Jim Harbaugh the win in his NFL debut.

Week 3, Kendall Hunter Scores Game Winning Touchdown

It was an ugly win, but a win nonetheless.

Coming into Week 3's game at Cincinnati, the 49ers were a mere 4-36 in their last 40 road games against non-division opponents. Down 6-3 in the fourth quarter, the 49ers took the lead when Kendall Hunter scampered for a seven-yard touchdown to take the lead for good.

The only touchdown of the game sealed a 13-8 victory. Harbaugh had exercised the team's road demons.

Week 4, Justin Smith Comes Up Huge

The 49ers had already done the impossible, coming back from a 20-point deficit to take a 24-23 lead. But they could not yet celebrate; in the waning minutes of the game, Michael Vick and Co. were driving to take back the lead.

For a brief instant, as WR Jeremy Maclin was heading into field goal territory, it seemed as if the comeback could be all for naught. Then, a hustling Justin Smith tracked Maclin down and stripped the ball loose. The Niners recovered, and ran the clock out.

Years from now, this might be considered the game that put Harbaugh's 49ers on the map.

Week 5, Carlos Rogers Pick Six

The defensive front seven had been stellar all year, but the secondary had been suspect. That changed in Week 5, exemplified by Carlos Rogers taking a Josh Freeman interception 31 yards to the house.

The swarming defense was matched only by the explosive offense. What resulted was an emphatic 48-3 blowout over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It was the biggest beatdown the team handed out in 24 years, showing just how far the team had come in the Harbaugh era.

Week 6, Alex Smith to Delanie Walker

Despite the 49ers' success, pundits still disregarded their chances to beat the undefeated Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

The game was an entertaining, back-and-forth affair. At the two-minute warning, San Francisco found themselves with a fourth-and-goal upcoming, down 19-15. With the game in the balance, Alex Smith made a gutsy throw to Delanie Walker, who was able to cross the plane for the go-ahead touchdown. The Niners would win 25-19.

Much was made of the postgame antics, but that only disguises the truth; Jim Harbaugh has turned the 49ers into legitimate contender in the NFC conference. Who's got it better than us?