Harbaugh, Schwartz and the first quarter play that may have started it all..

[Upton]

Though neither of the coaches said so in their postgame press conference, the brewing discontent may actually have started much earlier, during a strange first-quarter incident in which Harbaugh tried to challenge a touchdown he wasn't allowed to challenge. The 49ers coach threw the red flag to see if Detroit's Brandon Pettigrew(notes) had maintained possession of the ball in the end zone. (Replays suggested he had.) The problem was that Harbaugh couldn't ask for a review on the play because all touchdowns are automatically reviewed by the booth. When his challenge flag came out, Harbaugh was penalized 15 yards for an illegal challenge.

That delighted Schwartz, who was caught by television cameras saying something like "know the rules" toward the 49ers bench. It was hardly the calm behavior of a man who would later be aghast at what he perceived was bad sportsmanship from Harbaugh.

Schwartz was pretty pleased with himself, stalking down the sidelines and reveling in Harbaugh's penalty. He definitely yells something toward the 49ers bench and possibly to Harbaugh himself.

Much of the talk about the handshake controversy implores people to choose sides: Harbaugh should tone it down. Schwartz is a bad loser. Harbaugh was childish. No, Schwartz was.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Harbaugh-Schwartz-and-the-first-quarter-play-th?urn=nfl-wp9711

Watching the game, I saw Schwartz taunting Harbaugh, you can view it yourself at the link. Now, I don't know if this upset Harbaugh or not, but as the article points out, it sure does make Schwartz look like a hypocrite for complaining about the 49ers head coach's behavior..

[joeybee12]

1. I read this article too...the guy is trying to make Asshole Harbaugh look good...

It happened early in the game...if Harbaguh was reacting to that later, then he looks like an even bigger D than before you pointed this out.

[Upton]

3. Good to see a member of the anti-SF contingent checking in..

are you telling me, despite what you may think about Harbaugh's actions, that you believe Schwartz shares no blame at all for this incident?

[joeybee12]

4. Schwartz did not come running out onto the field acting like the Second Coming...

That's the disgraceful part of this whole thing.

[Upton]

6. You didn't answer the question..

Do you believe Schwartz shares any blame at all for this incident..or do you actually think this is 100% Harbaugh's fault?

[RockaFowler]

2. This still makes Harbaugh look like a jerk

And I've liked Harbaugh since he was a Wolverine, but I think you and the other one are really grasping here. Harbaugh should have acted like he'd been there before

[Upton]

5. Perhaps..but Schwartz overreacted.

Chasing Harbaugh down the field was not only against the "protocol" he cited afterwards, but it made the Lions HC look foolish. Actually, these two have a lot in common...doing great by their teams and loved by their players and fans..

[Awsi Dooger]

7. Harbaugh relishes confrontations like that

Schwartz is an idiot if he didn't realize Harbaugh was certain to trump him. I followed the Harbaugh/Pete Carroll tension for years. Harbaugh made sure to talk early and back it up late. And when he did back it up he reveled in it on the sideline and after the game. Nothing is going to change in the NFL.

Harbaugh takes particular delight in statement road wins. He would not have used the same type of handshake at home but I'm thrilled he got it on record at Detroit. This is a '70s style coach and don't think his players don't realize it. The entire team became tougher, more cocky and more determined as a result of their coach's actions yesterday.

The Dolphins may have made every error for a decade but pursuing Jim Harbaugh was a brilliant move that unfortunately was an extreme geographical long shot. I've detected lingering sour grapes from Dolphin fans on this forum and elsewhere. Get over it.

[trumad]

8. Harbaugh hasnt won shit yet

And has already put a Buddy Ryan target on his chest.

Believe ...he keeps acting like a douche...he'll end up like Ryan.

[Upton]

9. Sour grapes for sure..

your friend Awsi is right. I had forgotten how the Dolphins so brazenly pursued Harbaugh. If I remember correctly the Dolphins owner personally flew out to the west coast to meet with him..

You wouldn't be starting threads and talking shit about Harbaugh if he had taken the Dolphins offer. You'd be praising him. I don't blame you for being upset... Harbaugh does looks to be something special. JHC trumad, are you transparent or what?

[trumad]

10. No douche...

The diff between you and me is---if Harbaugh was a Phin and pulled that stunt I'd be all over him.

You on the other hand--- are notorious for covering your eyes...IE: King Barry, etc.

That's what makes you a douche.

[Upton]

11. The players love Harbaugh....

Ricky Jean Francois said after Sunday's game, "we thrive off of him"..Delanie Walker, when asked about the handshake, added "we like to see our coach be that way, and we’re going to fight for him"..Almost to a man, the players talk about how he's changed the entire atmosphere around the team..he's brought a toughness that you can see manifest itself on the field.

I haven't seen the 49er boards this fired up in a long time..and it's more than just the 5-1 record, it's Harbaugh. I do expect them to come back down to earth some, but for the first time in what seems like ages, most 49er fans are genuinely optimistic about not only this season, but the future...