Jim Harbaugh has the 49ers in control of the NFC West at the midpoint of the season for the second season in a row.
The 49ers are 6-2. They have a two-game lead in the division. If they go 6-2 the second half of the season, they probably will earn a first round Bye. Harbaugh gets credit for putting the 49ers in a good position for the playoffs.
Harbaugh also takes blame for not preparing the 49ers well for the Vikings and the Giants. Alex Smith told Mike Florio Friday morning the 49ers lacked their usual edge for those two games. That’s on Harbaugh.
The 49ers also had bad offensive game plans for those two games – too many passes in the first half. Greg Roman makes the game plans, but Harbaugh signs off on them. He’s responsible.
Harbaugh has done an excellent job, but I am forced to factor in the 49ers two losses.
MIDTERM GRADE: B+.
Depending on how he does in the playoffs, this grade could move up or down.
