Maybe I Won't Write Him Off Just Yet

This is the year that many folks believe Alex Smith will start to show the promise that made him a first overall pick.. For any doubters watching Monday night’s game against the Broncos, they might now be a little more inclined to jump on board the Niners bandwagon. Although the Broncos handed the 49ers a 17-13 defeat, during Smith’s brief playing time, the third-year quarterback commanded his unit on back-to-back scoring drives while completing 4-of-5 passes for 58 yards. More importantly, he exuded an air of confidence particularly on two of those throws. The first came on the opening drive when Smith fired a perfectly thrown ball to Darrell Jackson who was draped by Pro Bowl corner Champ Bailey.

That drive eventually stalled in the red zone with the 49ers looking to Joe Nedney for a 37-yard field goal to get them on the board, cutting the touchdown lead Denver took on their opening drive to a four-point difference. It was two plays later when Smith fired the ball in between three defenders for a 26-yard strike to Arnaz Battle on an inside post route at the 1-yardline. Even head coach Mike Nolan said he was yelling for Smith to throw it underneath, but his quarterback apparently knew better.

Personally, I was skeptical heading into this season, and even last that Smith would ever look like a Number One Franchise Quarterback. He just didn't have the confidence , poise and results in his first year that would make you think he could fill the shoes of his hall of fame predecessors. However, the improvement last year, and his swagger, if you will, this year have me thinking maybe this year will be a turning point where he puts it all together. Having said all that and feeling cautiously optimistic about the future, it's easy to see poise in a starter when he's facing less than stellar competition. It's one thing to throw strikes against the starting defense of an opponent and look good against the Champ Baileys of the world, which he did. However, its another to be in preseason, mostly facing the future UPS drivers and grocery clerks of the world.

I think that from the neck up, Smith is as good as any qb in the league; Montana before him, Manning now. He has more athletic ability than both of those players as well and the physical toughness of a Brett Favre. However, the major area that will determine whether he can be a champion will be the entangibles. Pocket presence, ability to avoid the rush, calmness under pressure , leadership in the huddle, (left) and the ability to deliver the big needed play will be the areas to improve on. Those, unfortunately can only come with time as every signal caller has had to experience before him, with the notable exception of maybe Ben Rothlisburger in Pittsburgh in 2005.

Smith will get there, but it won't happen overnight. It will be another year, or two and maybe another offensive lineman, or wideout, or two before we see the desired result of his development. In the meantime, it should be fairly entertaining to watch, don't you think?