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A first overall selection of the San Francisco 49ers in 2005, Alex Smith quickly fell out of favor in San Francisco.He was pulled in and out of the line-up by then Head Coach, Mike Nolan, and played only nine games. In those games Smith was only able to record one touchdown to 11 interceptions, and the "bust" cries rang out.
He would have his best season as a pro in 2006, but still wound up outside looking in at the playoffs, and only managed 16 touchdowns to 16 interceptions.
His 2007 season was hampered by injury, and he only got to play in seven games. 2008 was no better. Smith lost out his starting spot to JT O'Sullivan in the pre-season, and found himself, once again, on injured reserve and even further into the hole of being called a bust.
Smith and the 49ers restructured his contract in order for him to remain with the team, but Shaun Hill remained the starter entering the 2009 season, but Smith would get his chance in Week seven against Houston.
Hill had gotten the 49ers in a 21-0 hole, and Alex Smith became the starter for the second half. He led them back with three Vernon Davis touchdown receptions, but fell short of winning the game. He did earn back his starting role.
He has shown signs of being that number one pick, and you've got to believe that those signs will continue to make themselves apparent.
He has a legitimate receiving threat in Vernon Davis, with Michael Crabtree showing why he was drafted by them despite being called a bust early on. Smith can, and I believe will, take huge steps forward in 2010.
Not to mention that this will be the first time Smith has been granted the opportunity to work under the same offensive coordinator in back to back years. Something that is very important in the NFL.
Shaun Hill possesses the qualities of a game managing quarterback. The same qualities that scream back-up, and Hill can be a very serviceable one. He just does not play quarterback how a starter should.
This is the make or break year for Alex Smith. He has been given ample time to lead the 49ers as their quarterback, and he is finally working under a familiar face for a second season. If mediocrity strikes (rather than gold) in San Francisco, Alex Smith, and maybe even Mike Singletary, will be making exits.
