Alex Smith: The comeback?
For someone five months older than Brady Quinn, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith has been through a lot in his career. The No. 1 overall pick of the 2005 draft led perhaps the worst NFL offense of the decade as a rookie; he looked like a rising star while taking every snap in his second season; he was called an injury-prone bust the last two years.Now he's trying on a new role: underdog. By all accounts, it's suiting him well.
Smith, widely expected to backup Shaun Hill to start the season, has made great progress coming off shoulder surgery. He's reportedly outplaying Hill in practice, and coach Mike Singletary has made it clear they won't announce their starter until they see some preseason action.
If standout 49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco is penning articles hinting that Smith could supplant Hill before anyone expected, well, there's clearly something to it.
As San Jose Mercury News columnist Tim Kawakami points out, it shouldn't be a shock that Smith looks so good in practice compared to Hill. Smith has superior physical skills, but that hasn't been his problem as a pro. Smith must also prove to Singletary that he has the leadership skills the intense coach is looking for.
Still, no one truly knew if Smith would be right physically again. He was willing to take a drastic paycut to stay with the 49ers, after all, because he knew one else was going to pay him that money.
The best course for Smith, Maiocco opines, would be to start the regular season on the bench. This would presumably take the pressure off the one-time franchise savior. This still looks like the most likely scenario unless Hill tanks in the preseason.
Singletary is in win-now mode, however, and isn't likely to have a long leash if the 49ers fall under .500. Expect Smith to start plenty of games. After a rollercoaster career thus far, don't be surprised if Smith tries something new once again this year: beating expectations.
The best course for Smith, Maiocco opines, would be to start the regular season on the bench. This would presumably take the pressure off the one-time franchise savior. This still looks like the most likely scenario unless Hill tanks in the preseason.
Singletary is in win-now mode, however, and isn't likely to have a long leash if the 49ers fall under .500. Expect Smith to start plenty of games. After a rollercoaster career thus far, don't be surprised if Smith tries something new once again this year: beating expectations.
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Good Afternoon Gregg:
Alex Smith is a class act, especially in light of today's selfish, me attitude found in so many athletes (i.e., T.O.). I have no doubt that he will be successful in his career, as he was never given a true chance to show his skills. However, I believe in Mike Singletary and believe that he will develop Alex into a decent NFL QB. Shawn Hill was a temporary fix and he realizes that as well. Everyone knows that once Alex learns a system he is tough to beat (i.e., reference Urban Meyer's comments). Also, it sounds as though 49er camp is impressed with Alex's improved throwing.
I wish Alex all the best and I, being a true 49er fan, have yearned for him to succeed!
Go Alex Go 9ers!!!
Go RAMS!
I have always thought once Smith shoulder was fixed and had the right OF Coach he was going to be a great QB, GO 49ers from New Mexico
I just doesn't matter the SEAHAWKS are going to beat them all.......
But I do hope Alex does good this year.
Alex Smith has proven to be a class act, that is true.
But the worst thing that could happen is to start him right away. Let him start the season sitting on the bench. Bring him in later if Hill falters.
Smith is the future. Don't ruin him by going to fast again. He will become a great one.
Alex Smith will do just fine. If the OF line holds up and the running game is up and running. Alex will have an excellent opportunity to show the league what he has.....
welcome back Alex
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I do hate this guy Smith....he is horrible...he played for a terrible overrated college team and he made the 49ers truly bad....I hope his knee is blown out and he goes to retirement and he quits wasting our 49er time...the only people who like this guy are dummies from Utah
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SMITH SHOULD START NOW BECUASE THEY HAVE A RECIEVER IN MICHEAL CRABTREE WHO CAN PROBABLY MAKE ANY QUARTERBACK LOOK LIKE A PROBOWLER.
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