Walt Harris is a Stud in San Francisco

Walt Harris was middling at best when he played corner in Washington. I recall many defensive plays last year when Harris gave up the big play. When the Skins let him go last year to free agency I thought, good riddance. So how surprised was I when I was in San Francisco two Sundays ago watching the 49ers and Walt Harris was the hero of the game, with highlight reel tackling and interceptions?

Not nearly as surprised as when I read that Harris was named the NFC defensive player of November.

Harris accounted for 19 tackles, three interceptions and one forced fumble in the 49ers four games in November. Harris had three tackles and one interception against the Vikings. In Detroit he had eight tackles and a forced fumble and his best performance of the month came against an upset win against Seattle when he finished the day with three tackles, two passes defensed, and two interceptions. During those four games the 49ers finished with a 3-1 record, all wins when Harris made some noise.

Harris has a career high six interceptions this season. His previous high was five when he played with Chicago back in 1997. Harris was signed in the offseason to bring veteran leadership to a young defensive backfield. Harris took over Shawntae Spencer's spot after he was moved to the left side due to the departure of Ahmed Plummer.

The last time a 49ers player earned player of the month honors was when Jeff Garcia won it back in November 2001...

Six interceptions. The entire Skins D has only five this season. Harris' stellar performance as a 49er versus his middling-at-best performer as a Skin makes me believe that the Skins' secondary coaching is terrible.