Forty-Niner fans seem less enthusiastic since quarterback Alex Smith re-signed. Fans are complaining that he is simply a “game manager,” who can’t take the team on his shoulders and win games.
He may not be one of the great quarterbacks in the NFL such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, but he has the tools to get the job done.
It is clear that Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers believe he can succeed and Smith’s new three-year contract is evidence of Harbaugh’s confidence in him.
Smith’s heart was on display when he threw for 299 yards against a Greg Williams defense that was found guilty by the NFL for running a “Bounty Program.”
Forty-Niner fans were disappointed in his performance against the New York Giants in the NFC championship game, in which he threw for only 196 yards and two touchdowns.
There are extraordinary circumstances that may account for his lackluster performance. Consider the talented Giants’ defense and the lack of impact receivers Smith had to throw to. Wide receiver Joshua Morgan broke his leg early in the year. Braylon Edwards had never truly recovered from his knee injury, and Ted Ginn Jr. sprained his knee against the Saints.
In 2006, his first year as a starter, Smith threw for 2,890 yards under former offensive coordinator Norv Turner. But, a revolving door of coaches, a lack of talented receivers and previous shoulder injuries may have stunted his development.
Now Smith has a chance to show that he can be considered one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL. The addition of a hopefully motivated Randy Moss, and a good receiver in Mario Manningham, should improve Smith’s stats in the upcoming 2012 season. Manningham made a great sideline catch in the Superbowl against the New England Patriots.
Last year, Smith brought his team to within one game from the Superbowl, the furthest the 49ers have gone since they won the Superbowl. He threw for 3,144 yards with only five interceptions. He ranked ninth in the NFL in ESPN’s quarterback rating (90.7). That doesn’t sound like a Number 1 overall bust to me.
