A night at the museum and the art of the Golden Gate Warriors

First a confessions: I was only able to watch the first half of the Warriors game before leaving to meet friends at the de Young Museum. The Keith Haring exhibit also featured a special Friday night events at the museum. It was amazing.

A good word to describe the play of the 2014 Golden Gate Warriors. Even as they faltered a bit, when shots rimmed out and Charlotte put on a show at home shooting over 50percent, you had a feeling things were going to turn around. It took three and a half quarters, but the winning streak climbs to 8 after a close 106-101 victory in North Carolina. What makes this win so artful is the collaboration of so many. Of course there's the super natural play of Stephen Curry who finished with 26 points.  But he wasn't the star in his hometown arena tonight. That title goes to a big man. No, not Andrew Bogut, although the Aussie center was his imposing self. When shooting guard, Klay Thompson went cold and could only came up with 17 points it was Marreese Speights who stepped in once again with awe inspiring play scoring 16 of his game high 27 points to start the pivotal fourth quarter. Mo stole the show. "He saved us again," Coach Steve Kerr said. "It's like the fourth time he's saved us. He's just having a terrific season." On twitter, his teammates had nothing but praise for Mo.  Curry tweeted: "Just a shot out to @Mospeights16....Buckets!!" Brandon Rush added, "#MoBuckets strikes again."And Bogut also tweeted his praises. "Great win @Charlotte! That boy @Mospeights16!!!#fire. Great way to end my Birthday! " Mo is not alone. Every Warrior is stepping up and having a terrific season, and a great time. Bogut posted a video on instagram.com showing the entire team singing on the plane, laughing, loving life and obviously enjoying the ride.
The beauty of this team is that every player compliments each other and unlike the 49ers who are struggling to find team unity and synchronicity, the Warriors are a sight to behold. They are passing the ball, scoring at will, and most importantly defending. It all equals success. You can see it jumping off the television screen. Even as they surely feel the effects of the long 5 game road trip, the effort is clear  and they are all buying into what first year Coach Kerr is selling. The results are undeniable, off to the best start in team history at 13 and 2. Sure, the critics point out, it's still early, but winning is contagious. Like art at the museum, it's easy to see the talent on display with this Warriors team.

Turkey, family and an unacceptable 49ers game

We travelled to Healdsburg for a wonderful family Thanksgiving at Uncle Steve and Cathy's house. The festivities began with an assortment of appetizers, fabulous Sonoma and Napa Valley wines and catching up with cousins, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and a very proud grandfather.
As we went around the table everyone shared the things they were most thankful for: family, friends, good health, the bounty before us and the fact we were all together. The table adorned with fruits and leaves of the season brimming with turkey and all the fixing, a setting fit for a Norman Rockwell picture.  After the Thanksgiving feast, we went for a quick walk to enjoy the sunny crispy November afternoon and aid in the digestion of the meal.

Once back in the house, the football fans retreated to the family room to watch what was suppose to be a playoff caliber game between the Champion Seattle Seahawks and The San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
My husband is from Seattle and I worked and lived there for many years. Before the game, we heard from numerous family members and friends like Lisa razzing us about how the world champions were going to come into our house and silence the crowd.  It was an ugly game from the start. And this time the Niners didn't get away with three costly turnovers losing 19 to 3.  Colin Kaeprenick threw two interceptions, both to his nemesis, Richard Sherman who immediately  mocked both number 7 and the 49er faithful. Kaepernick completed just 16 of 29 passes for 121 yards. The Seahawks' Russell Wilson lead his team to an early 7-0 lead and never looked back. The difference between the two teams on the field was like watching the table of adults versus the kids' table. Eventhough the Niners defense held Seattle to just one TD and 4 field goals the offense once again was out of synch...a pattern all too familiar to 49ers fans, many of whom left the stadium early.
After the game, CEO Jed York used twitter to voice his dissatisfaction. "This performance wasn't acceptable. I apologize for that," he tweeted.
His players seem to agree. Tight end Vernon Davis added: "It was unacceptable. By all of us" And Kaepernick admitted: "We didn't play well. We didn't perform. We have higher expectations for ourselves."
And the Faithful also have higher expectations which Coach Jim Harbaugh must deliver on. There are just four games left, and at 7-5 there is no room for error if San Francisco hopes to make the playoffs. But just like at Thanksgiving, everyone must contribute.
 "We didn't get it done,"said Harbaugh. "what matters now is what we do, how we respond on the field. We have to win them all."

For love or money, Panda leaves behind a trail of broken hearts

Pablo Sandoval is going to the Boston Red Sox. It was bound to happen. Money is after all an irresistible seductress. I heard the news while walking my dog, Roxy in Washington Square. My good friend and die-hard Giants fan Mary Ann sent me this text: "Panda's going to Boston for 5 years and 100 million dollars. I can't believe it. I'm so bummed." My response was a prolonged, "Nooooooooo." But despite my immediate reaction of sorrow and disbelief. I too knew there was no guarantee that love would be enough to keep Panda a Giant for life. Free agency by definition is all about the money, and Boston played hard ball with San Francisco's beloved third baseman. I listened to the so-called experts spew numbers and statistics proclaiming Sandoval's decline over the years. They justified management's hesitation to signing him during spring training. Of course there is no debating #48's production when it counted most, the playoffs and World Series where he was an MVP in 2012 and had astronomical numbers this October. Panda was undeniably a critical piece in winning the three championship rings in the last five years.
On Facebook, the Gamer Babes page was full of disappointed fan reactions.  For women there is an emotional attachment to all the players they follow. It's a component that men and numbers just can't categorize. More than a hundred female fans on the page posted how they were "teary eyed," "sad," and "I'm in mourning."
Seeing Panda in that Red Sox uniform will be painful for millions of Giants fans who showed him so much affection over the years through thick and thin. Rumors are swirling about why he took the deal, with criticism about his weight being one of them. Kung Fu Panda's post on Twitter tonight can offer a bit of comfort: "To the greatest fans in San Francisco! Leaving the #SFGiants & this city I love is the most difficult decision I have ever made. I have grown up w/you, laughed & cried w/you & you have blessed me w your support, friendship & love. It has been an unforgettable@SFGiants career, a great run &3 World Series championships in 5 yrs w/great teammates, coaches, front office & fans. I will always remember you w love & my heart will always be in #SF." As parents must one day bid their grown children farewell, so too must Giants fans say so long to one of their own who brought them so much joy and success over the past 12 years. But even as we thank him for the memories and wish Pablo Sandoval the best, all bets are off when his Red Sox come to town!

Bingo and the 49ers win a critical game

Life has a funny way of making us remember what matters most. As my friend Mary Ann won at the Salesian Mother's Club Bingo, we all cheered wildly. Finally, our yearly group had a winner. Actually our table of 13 lovely women supporting an amazing charity had two big winners and 4 good neighbors winners.  That doesn't even include the thousands of kids who benefit from the outstanding programs at the Salesian Boys and Girls' Club in North Beach.

 It was a similar story at Levi's Stadium late Sunday afternoon. The San Francisco 49ers pulled out another ugly victory, beating the lowly Washington Redskins 17-13. But how they're getting the W doesn't really matter. The Niners are now tied with Seattle for second place in the Division at 7-4 just two games back of leader Arizona. The next critical game, Thanksgiving at home against the World Champion Seahawks who beat the Cardinals today.
Coach Jim Harbaugh knows his team has to play better than they have in the last three games, even though they've come away with three wins. The three turnovers against Washington and depending on the defense to hold the opposition won't play against top teams like Seattle. and Arizona.
"It was a valiant effort," said Harbaugh who praised the play of receivers Anquan Boldin and Michael  Crabtree. "There were a lot of valiant efforts today. We turned the ball over, some teams hang their heads when that happens. That's not what this team is about. This team is about the team, the team, the team."

And the team did it when it needed it most. Colin Kaepernick led the offense on the season's first fourth quarter touchdown with just 2:59 remaining in the game. Carlos Hyde who earlier fumbled, scored on a 4 yard run to redeem himself and keep the Niners playoff dreams alive. Of course the defense can take much of the credit, again. Aldon Smith showed no rust at all, sacking Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III twice. But he wasn't the only one punishing the embattled quarterback. Griffin was sacked 5 times.
There will be no rest for the Niners and their fans at Levi's Stadium where a bit of magic seems to finally be shinning through in Santa Clara. This Thursday is once again a must win game for San Francisco and mistakes can not be on the menu for the Thanksgiving festivities.

A win and redemption for the Silver and Black

It took 16 games and 368 days but the Oakland Raiders finally have a win. On a rainy night in the Oakland Coliseum, Rookie quarterback Derek Carr delivered the most important pass in his young career, a nine yard touchdown throw to James Jones with just 1:42 left in the game to clinch a 24-20 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The drenched crowd exploded with joy, as if their team just won the Super Bowl, the black hole erupted, the players rushed the field, hugging, dancing, smiling and breathing a huge sigh of relief.

Finally, the winless tag washed away with the rain. For Carr it's redemption. Through the ten heartbreaking losses, he's been preaching positiveness, urging his teammates and fans to believe. And after the game, on national TV, his team gathered around him. Right there in front of everyone, they thanked each other and thanked God. Carr is a spiritual leader on a team not exactly aligned with the church.  After coming through on the field, Carr spoke from the heart. "I'm just so thankful and I praise God for this opportunity," said Carr. "I play for my faith and I play for others and I can't wait to see my teammates' smile." Smiles were easy to spot everywhere you looked.
The Raiders earned the win with a crippling defense, especially in the first half where the Silver and Black held the first place Chiefs to just 3 points. In that same half, Oakland was lead by the outstanding play of Latavius Murray who ran for two touchdowns on four carries totaling 112 yards before leaving the game with a concussion late in the second quarter. Murray would not return, but his contribution was exactly what interim head coach Tony Sparano has been waiting for. "We felt like we needed a big back in there as a change up, " said Sparano. "Latavius is a big back who can break some tackles and we wanted to see what he can do. When you run the ball the way he ran it today, he earns more snaps."
 An old friend of Bay Area football fans, quarterback Alex Smith fought back in the second half when the defense seemed to let up just a bit. Smith orchestrated two quick touchdown drives to tie the score at 17, then  a third drive culminated in a field goal and the first lead in the game for Kansas City. But Carr took control at the end of the game playing more like a veteran than a rookie covering 80 yards in 17 plays. A little rain and divine intervention at just the right time.  

Giants' fans want Panda for Christmas

Everyday the rumor mill stirs wildly with new potential teams vying for the San Francisco Giants' beloved third baseman Pablo Sandoval, affectionately known as Panda. For millions of fans there is no question San Francisco must keep its Panda. He is after all hugely responsible for bringing yet another world championship to the city, the third in the past five years. Aside from his bat and gold glove nominated defense, Pablo represents the Orange and Black with his humor, personality and zest for life.

What he brings to the game and his fans can't be summarized with statistics or formulas. How can anyone explain the reasons millions of fans around the country buy the black and white or orange and black panda hats? I'll offer one, because they want to show their love. It's time for the Giants' front office to pay up. Yes, Sandoval has some weight issues. And yes, he's missed numerous games with wrist and hamstring injuries. Yes, his conditioning is often questioned and he has a propensity for slumps during the season. In the past two years both his hitting and on base percentages are down. However, there is no disputing his production in the post season. When it matters most, Panda is who the Giants and their fans want at home plate because he gets the job done. His talent can't be questioned, neither can his heart. He made it clear on the microphone after the home coming parade that he wants to stay in San Francisco, it's where his heart is. He's earned the right to be compensated for what he's brought to the organization on and off the field. Panda is now 28. He told us he dreams of playing his whole career in a Giants uniform. He wants a six year deal, the Giants were offering less initially and may be closer now with a rumored 5 year, 90 million dollar deal similar to the one they offered Hunter Pence. Boston is just one of the teams courting the Venezuelan and he is taking the bait with another trip back east, but so far no offer. As for Giants fans and my gamer babes friends in the bay area, they are crossing their fingers, all they want for Christmas is Panda.

Winning ugly and the East Coast bias

The one game season for the San Francisco 49ers is still very much alive. In chilly East Rutherford New Jersey, the Niners won an ugly game outlasting the NY Giants 16-10. Two things are clear, the defense is responsible for this victory, again, and Coach Jim Harbaugh's offense is still not clicking on all cylinders. Of course Fox Network was picking the Giants before and during the game even after the 5 interceptions by the home team, reminding viewers they were still in it. The tone of the telecast sounding eerily familiar. Much like the World Series broadcasts, when Fox repeatedly picked anyone but San Francisco to win, showing east coast bias without restraint.

 Luckily the San Francisco Giants made Joe Buck eat crow winning their third World Championship in five years. By the end of today's broadcast, the 49ers showcased their defense and produced just enough offense to improve their record to 6-4 silencing some of the "haters," as Colin Kaepernick stated after last Sunday's win in New Orleans.  There's strong evidence illustrating the networks' lack of respect for west coast teams in pretty much every national telecast. Fortunately, the 49ers dug deep on the road, tapping into their proven track record to make plays when it counted. Sure it would have been nice if Kaepernick's passes in scoring situations led to touchdowns instead of field goals, but the Giants defense also showed it had some teeth. What they couldn't do was stop the Niners completely after their quarterback Eli Manning committed each of those 5 interceptions. The defense forced Manning to rush his passes and made outstanding plays time after time to force the turnovers. Rookie linebacker Chris Borland came up with two of those interceptions and was just one of the many positives of the secondary.
"There's no give-up in our guys," said Borland after the game. "We have guys, veterans, who have been there a lot. When it was going tough, we just pressed on and kept looking forward. Back to back wins on the road, we're all excited." And the faithful are right there with them. My friend Nina was texting me during the game wondering,  "how it was possible that we were still not running away with this game after all the interceptions?" Ugly or not, a win is a win, and the playoffs are still within reach.

Coaching and Courting

Coaching has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. Pick a professional sport and chances are today's coaches are almost as famous as their players. They certainly are commanding substantial paychecks.  But with the money and notoriety come countless challenges. Just ask Jim Harbaugh, Tony Sparano, Steve Kerr and Todd McLellan. These four bay area coaches find themselves courting their players, management and the fans as their seasons progress in the land of social media where nothing is off limits. Having had success would make it easier for Harbaugh and McLellan, but making the playoffs is no longer good enough. Their future depends on winning it all this year.
 I don't know about you, but that kind of pressure does more than add grey hairs. While watching Harbaugh's press conferences it's clear to see his uneasyness and dissatisfaction. Even after last week's win, there is controversy. Questions surround his play calling, continuing reports of player's discontent and his overall ability to lead. Once again, Sunday's game in New Jersey is a "must-win." For Rookie Coaches Tony Sparano and Steve Kerr the bar is a bit lower, but they are still proving they can be succesful. Oakland is desperately seeking a win, and the Warriors seem to be flourishing under Kerr who recognized the power of the home crowd, calling them "Fantastic". They will stay that way as long as he keeps winning. San Jose Sharks Coach McLellan joined the team in 2008 and in his first four seasons recorded the most victories behind the bench, but he still hasn't brought home the Stanley Cup and after last year's collapse in the playoffs, it's win or else. Yes, coaching is not for the faint of heart and bay area fans have been spoiled, we expect nothing but the best. Thanks Bruce Bochy for showing us all how it's done, now let's hope this season's foursome payed attention and follows your lead.

Schooled by the Champs at home

On Veteran's day, the Golden State Warriors  learned a tough lesson in Oakland: They have a long way to go to match the defending NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs. For rookie coach Steve Kerr it was the pupil versus the teacher and veteran Coach Gregg Popovich prevailed with his brilliance. The Spurs beat the Dubs 113-100, silencing the home crowd as the league's oldest team took 23 more shots than the Warriors. Once again the Dubs were plagued by turnovers. They committed 20 compared to just 8 for the Spurs.
After the game, it was obvious the two men respect each other as they shook hands, laughed and smiled.

"Steve has done a great job instituting his system. The turnovers are killing them, " said Popovich. "When you turn the ball over that many times, you loose. But win or loose, I always smile and laugh when the game is over. Our friendship is a lot bigger than any game. Steve is a smart man."
While still frustrated with the turnovers, Kerr praised his team and his opponent.
"We didn't have any turnovers of insanity as I call them," explained Kerr. "I think our guys fought. We did some good things. We lost to a great team, but we are learning. Tonight it was mostly about us running up against a team that just hung a banner. They played their best game. We lost to a great team."
A team that has been together longer than any other in the NBA. Kerr pointed out that when he retired in 2003 Popovich, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were playing together. They still are. "I wish they would just go away, but they're not," joked Kerr. "They are the perfect example of a team that's been together, been through every war and knows how to execute. We've only been together 6 weeks. We fought hard. We hung in there and are making strides to move forward."
 Perhaps it's that positive attitude that is fueling his young squad which is still missing a key player, All Star forward David Lee. While they just suffered their second loss in a row after starting the season 5-0, the Dubs are still shooting at 54%.
Klay Thompson who sprained his hand in Houston and sat out Saturday's game in Phoenix returned to the starting lineup and scored a game high 29 points. Another  bright spot was the rejuvenated play of Harrison Barnes who added 22 points. San Antonio held Stephen Curry to just 16 points and denied him any easy shots. The team's leading scored was 0 for 7 from 3-point range, ending his streak of 75 straight games with at least one three pointer.
As Kerr pointed out they will use this game to learn and continue to improve. And if they do that, anything is possible. Next up, the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday at Oracle Arena.

A Critical win and sloppy losses

It's hard to believe that game 9 could be a "must-win" matchup, but that's how the San Francisco 49ers described today's contest in New Orleans. After a two game skid, and growing controversy surrounding Coach Jim Harbaugh, the Niners showed signs of brilliance early, jumping to a comfortable 14-0 lead.  The Red and Gold scored two rushing touchdowns in the first half, returning to the good old days behind power running back Frank Gore and rookie Carlos Hyde. They carried an 11 point advantage going into the half. But in an all too familiar pattern, San Francisco's offense sputtered in the second half allowing Drew Brees a chance to erase the deficit and hope to keep the Saints' 11 straight winning streak in the Superdome alive going in front 24-21 with 1:52 left.

That's when Colin Kaepernick found Michael Crabtree for a 51 yard play on 4th and 10 that helped the faithful believe and forget all the dropped passes. After a Phil Dawson 45 yard field goal the scored was tied at 24.  With time clicking away, I watched in horror as New Orleans almost won the game with a Hail Mary pass in the end zone. A pass interference penalty negated the play as time expired. Once again it was the Niners defense coming up big and one player redeemed himself. In overtime, Ahmad Brooks who last year committed a costly penalty that allowed the Saints to win, sacked Brees and stripped the ball giving the 49ers possession. Dawson kicked the winning 35 yard field goal to punctuated the 27-24 road win.
"It was paramount for us to come out with a win," said Joe Staley after the game. "You don't like to say must-win, but it was a must -win game. We looked at this game as a playoff game."
The Niners are now 5-4 and hopes of restoring the season are alive and well.
"Great win," Harbaugh Said. "An exciting win. It was a heck of a football game."
Meanwhile across the bay, the Raiders remain win-less after falling to the Broncos 41-17.  Future Hall of Famers Payton Manning put on a clinic tossing 5 touchdowns. Oakland is now 0-9.

Traveling to Phoenix, the last undefeated team in the NBA, our Golden State Warriors suffered their first loss, dropping a heartbreaker to the Suns 107-95. The Dubs were without half their dynamic splash brothers, Klay Thompson was forced to sit out after spraining his right hand last night in Houston. Like the 49ers,  Golden State jumped to an early lead behind the brilliant play of Stephen Curry who scored 22 points in the first half. But things changed quickly at the end of the third quarter. Up by 10 with just 15 seconds to play Curry was called for two quick fouls and turned the ball and the momentum over to the Suns. Costly turnovers have been plaguing the Warriors who lead the league in giveaways with 21.6 per game. Tonight that number climbed to 27.
"It came back to haunt us," explained rookie coach Steve Kerr." You're not going to win in this league giving the ball away. We committed careless turnovers again. We were our own worst enemy and we got what we deserved."
Curry who finished with 28 points and 10 assists to go with 10 turnovers took much of the blame.
"They were just bone head plays," said Curry. "We did play well enough for the first 36 minutes to win the game. Then we made a lot of stupid plays that gave them life instead of putting the nail in the coffin."
Three other Warriors scored in double figures, with Draymond Green connecting for 22 points and Harrison Barnes and Leandro Barbosa adding 12 points each.
The 5-1 Dubs come back to Oakland to host the Spurs Tuesday night.

Warriors defense sparks offense

For the first time in 20 years, the Golden State Warriors have started the season 5-0. And the scariest fact is that they're winning while playing what they admit isn't their best ball. Even as they're lighting up the scoreboard, the Dubs are committing more than 20 turnovers per game. New Coach Steve Kerr said, "I don't know how we're 5-0 the way we just toss the ball around. It's bizarre but we're 5-0 so that's good. We like that part."

Saturday night against the previously undefeated Houston Rockets, Golden State used defense to outlast the home team 98-87. After a shaky and uncharacteristic first half, the Warriors took over in the third quarter with Stephen Curry leading the way. Curry finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds and five assist with 6 of 9 from three point range. If Curry was the scoring spark, Andrew Bogut dominated in the paint with a season high 18 rebounds and four drive crushing blocks that shut down the Houston offense. The Rockets were also hurt by illness. Dwight Howard suffering from the flu was unable to suit up, as were Terrence Jones and Patrick Beverley. All Star James Harden felt the pressure all night scoring just 22 points on 7 of 24 shooting.  If this was an ugly win, Kerr will take it because it's proof that his team is doing what they need to do to win, even without their own superstar, injured starting forward David Lee. Warriors' fans appear thrilled to climb on the winning bandwagon. There's a sense of wonder and hope in the quick start under this fresh leadership.  While Curry, Bogut and Klay Thompson garner much of the headlines, this team is already clicking with chemistry; getting contributions from almost everyone. Aside from Curry, four other Warriors recorded double figures in Houston. Andre Iguodala came off the bench for a critical 15 points, Draymond Green added 14 and Thompson who picked up three quick fouls and had an off shooting night finished with 11. On defense is where Kerr's  team is making its early mark.
"You could see the fatigue in their legs in the second half because our guys were all over the shooters," said Kerr. " Defense was terrific and I'll stop right there."
Curry described the victory as a character win, but perhaps Green summed it up best when he noted it's early, but they're definitely enjoying the ride.  "Winning is always fun," said Green. "Obviously we're not looking at it thinking we're the best thing since sliced bread. It's a long season. We're five games in. But winning is fun. It's a great feeling, so we want to continue to win and continue to do the things necessary to win. I think we have a good enough team to continue to do that. Obviously we don't think were going to go 82-0, but just try to win as many games as we can and continue to get better."  Up next, the Suns in Phoenix Sunday at 5pm, hold on tight, it's bound to be another exciting ride.

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Harbaugh feeling the HEAT

Let's face it, nobody likes to loose. However if you play sports, loosing is inevitable. The key is shifting strategies to bounce back from one loss and prevent the next one. That in essence is what differentiates successful leaders from the rest of the pack. What Jim Harbaugh did his first three seasons with the 49ers proves he has the ability to guide his team to victory. But there's something missing in 2014. Steve Young who knows a few things about winning Super Bowls and was on the sidelines during last Sunday's dismal loss to St. Louis described his former team as: "broken." Not much different than my contention while watching, that something was wrong. Colin Kaepernick just din't look like himself. Of course getting sacked 8 times can throw anyone off their game.

This week we are all looking to Coach Harbaugh for answers. First for why it's happening and then for how he's going to "fix" things. Yet here is where things are getting ugly because we aren't getting anything from the team's point man.  Time feels like it's running out, and we're only half-way through the season at a very unfamiliar 4-4. One of the most honest 49er faithful I know,  told me today he's fed up with Harbaugh's attitude. He suggested Harbaugh talk to Giants Manager Bruce Bochy and emulate his winning ways. Niners fans are noticing there isn't the kind of camaraderie among the red and gold this year as in the past. While some critics dismiss the importance of "team chemistry," I firmly disagree. As I wrote in a blog last month while covering the Giants, I stated that; yes,  talent comes first, but talent alone doesn't win championships. Just ask the Dodgers. So much goes into winning and Harbaugh knows this.  The key is can he fix what's wrong or does he even want to. As much as he loves winning, he hasn't ingratiated himself with ownership and of course the media, and little by little he's loosing the fans and reportedly even some in the locker room. According to unnamed sources players are questioning their coach's antics as much as the rest of us, and when the players aren't drinking the kool-aid or buying into the Harbaugh philosophy 100 percent, winning becomes almost impossible. Of course, everything can change with a win Sunday in New Orleans and consecutive wins in coming weeks, but for now, the flame appears to be aimed straight at Harbaugh.