49ers send Lions to their first loss

DETROIT -- Jim Harbaugh charged across the field, lifting his shirt to expose his belly to attempt a chest bump. He extended his right hand to Jim Schwartz for a shake and slapped him on the back with his left hand.

Schwartz didn't like what was done or said -- claiming he heard an expletive -- and went charging after Harbaugh in an emotional scene following a meeting of turnaround teams that matched pregame hype in San Francisco's 25-19 victory over Detroit yesterday.

The NFC might have a nasty new rivalry no one saw coming.

After the 49ers knocked the Lions from the unbeaten ranks on Alex Smith's touchdown pass with 1:51 left, both coaches added some highlights -- or lowlights -- of their own.

Harbaugh took the blame in one breath -- and a shot in the next. "That's totally on me," Harbaugh said. "I shook his hand too hard."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the incident will be reviewed.

Harbaugh, a first-year NFL coach who played at Michigan, had to be separated from Schwartz more than once after Schwartz came running and lunging toward him as both teams were going to the tunnel.

"I went to congratulate coach Harbaugh and got shoved out of the way," Schwartz said. "I didn't expect an obscenity at that point. Obviously, when you win a game like that, you are excited, but there is a protocol that goes with this league."

Players from the 49ers (5-1) and Lions (5-1) gathered and tried to restore order. "Ironically, I was playing peacemaker," Detroit defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch said. "But this is an emotional sport."

Smith's fourth-down, 6-yard pass to Delanie Walker gave San Francisco the go-ahead touchdown with 1:51 left. The play stood after video review didn't show definitely whether Walker's right knee was down before the ball reached the goal line.

David Akers gave San Francisco a six-point lead with 1:02 to go with a 37-yard field goal.

Detroit had a chance to drive for a tying field goal or a go-ahead touchdown but couldn't get a first down against a swarming defense that confused quarterback Matthew Stafford from the start.

"It fires me up a lot," Harbaugh said. "If that offends you or anybody else, then so be it."