Alex Smith had the best game of his career last night against the New Orleans Saints. The San Francisco 49ers lost 25-22 on a 37-yard Garrett Hartley field goal that for a second looked like it would miss the uprights as it was partially blocked. Nonetheless, it was a gutty performance by the 49ers who are now 0-2.
Their defense contained the Saints’ offense except when it really mattered: the last drive of the game that setup Hartley’s field goal. Although the 49ers didn’t force any turnovers—which was probably the difference in the game as the 49ers had four—the 49ers’ defense forced 6 punts opposed to the 3 by the Saints’. Patrick Willis led the defense with nine tackles and one sack and was honored with the most satisfying hit of the night against a charging Reggie Bush.
Frank Gore became the 49ers leading rusher of most 100+ yard games aided by an impressive outing by the revamped, band-aided offensive line.
All of that being said, what this game hinged on other than winning, was the performance of Alex Smith. In fact, I would go as far as saying if the 49ers won but Alex Smith didn’t play well, there would be more commotion and head-scratching than there is today, after a loss. Smith’s game wasn’t spectacular; he threw two interceptions against only one touchdown. But his game was calculated, composed, and timely as it could have been.
He had help…he was on Monday Night and at home playing against the Superbowl Champs. All pretty standard motivating factors when stepping up a game. But all of those factors could also turn against a player and a team just as easily, especially with the wind against him for most of the night (the Saints won the toss and chose to kick the ball to open the game so they could choose which end to defend).
Yet Smith kept his focus and led an eight-play, 82-yard drive in the fourth quarter with 2:12 left on the clock that resulted in a Frank Gore running touchdown and followed it with a 2-point conversion to Vernon Davis. During that drive Smith didn’t panic and didn’t overthrow anyone. Every play of that drive stopped the clock (one time it was due to an incomplete pass to Vernon Davis) without using a timeout. Every play but for the incomplete to Vernon Davis resulted in a 1st down. Alex Smith used his legs when nothing was available downfield.
The fourth quarter drive was something Alex Smith needed to live another week, and live he shall. He stepped up, without a problem, as if he was meant to be in that situation…it was weird (because 49er fans are used to it), but it was needed. Before this drive, Smith actually was having a good game, throwing it to 7 different receivers and methodically moving the offense up the field. At least one of his interceptions shouldn’t have happened, a short pass through the middle intended for Michael Crabtree.
So, while the 49ers are 0-2, they were able to get the confidence-inspiring, clutch performance from their quarterback that can hopefully carry over to next week in Kansas City. Each week will be a new measuring stick for Alex Smith (and the team) and he’s going to have to build on this past performance for any of this flattering to matter. But I thought I’d throw it out there since the season is still long. 0-2 isn’t good but it isn’t the end of the world. The 2009 49ers started out 2-0 and that quickly became 3 – 5 by week 9. The point is, the first two games isn’t going to make or break a season.
What do you guys think? Was this Alex Smith’s best game of his career?
It was the best drive of his career, the best group of runs he’s put together in his career, but something feels weird about calling a loss a best game of a QB’s career. But for Smith, it’s kind of fitting.
I thought the INT to Crabtree was a fluke play; Joe Staley was supposed to keep Will Smith from getting his hand up to deflect that ball. On the other hand, the INT that Gore deflected was a terrible pass. Smith saw a blitzer coming but had time, and he put too much air under the ball. It would be nice to see the kinds of passes Smith made last night (the long pass to Vernon Davis, the TD pass to Gore that showed tremendous touch) without the mistakes and ever-present excuses.
Definitely one of his best games. There was a lot of pressure on him to perform last night and he played pretty well. I just dont know if the guy will ever be a consistent 250+ yard passer and thats what they are probably going to need if they want to win. Nice to see him run out of the pocket.
After five years… finally we see the best of Smith, a 1TD 2 INT game with a big lost. For the season 2 games, 1 TD and 4 Ints. This is it..the best game of his young career..oh wait..this is his 6th year. I bet you can pick any backup QB and stubbornly insist on making him the starter, I am pretty sure U can find a lot of better games then this game by Smith with a Lost. This is a huge joke, after 5 years we still talking about Smith’s development…
Hahaha, you’re right, Andy. It is pretty pathetic that we’re talking about this in year 6. It’s not all his fault though. It’s the decision makers that have kept him here who are equally at fault. But the reality is, the team is going to rely on Smith all season. It’s his do or die season. We may be praising the decision makers (and Smith) if all goes well (i.e. playoffs).
I would have liked the Niners to still have gone after McNabb or even Vick (look at Vick!).
That is why Yorks doesnt get it, I dont need to mention JohnYork, but Jed is clueless too, he doesnt take any chances, guys like McNabb will definately put us in the playoff, even Jeff Garcia will get us to the playoff with our defense. It is really fraustrating seeing Jed and Singletary talking about winning and building a foundation when all they do is stupid stuff, Singletary a very respectable leader, coach and hall of famer but he is stupid at game management, and what is more stupid is he hires a stupid offensive coach, there is no creativity in offense. its like dumb and dumber running the team, and we are still hoping, this is a sinking ship already, until we get a game manager in the QB position, Singletary and Raye will not succeed.
“Singletary and Raye will not succeed.”
Andy, you have a habit of making bold predictions like this. It’s two games into the season. Let’s see how this plays out.
Yup..its Sport History Now…in the books, Singletary and Raye officially failed!
Next to go…Smith! Keep in mind the players play the game…the failure of Smith got Raye fired.
Bring back Nate Davis from practice squad?
If the 49ers are smart…I meant the Yorks.
We have a Defense that can be good if we do some minor tweaks, this defense has been together for 3 4 years now. its been a top 10 defense the past year. If we wait for the draft to draft a QB, that will be a 3 year development, by that time, our defense may be old already. My choices would be the following…
#1, trade for Kolb, Vick is the starter in Philly. He is young enough and already has some experience we can build on. Or any other established QBs that are available.
#2 David Carr, see if he can put it all together. He is more talented than Smith and has more potential, just need to put it all together to make it.
#3 Troy Smith…he was groomed to be the starter with the Ravens until he was injuried and Joe Flacco played really well. We can give him another shot at being the starter.
At this point…there isnt one solution that can get it done right away, We need some luck. My hope is a Starting QB can be finally established this year. We can start the next year knowing this is our guy and his name is not Smith.
We just wasted 2 years for this Smith BS….We could have drafted a QB 2 3 years ago and start developing him, I am pretty sure we are further along than what we have now which is starting at 0.