Coming off the 49ers impressive 20-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Jim Harbaugh was very complimentary of The Smiths today. No, not the 1980s alternative rock band, but the 49ers trio of stars – quarterback Alex Smith, defensive end Justin Smith and linebacker Aldon Smith.
Quarterback Alex Smith is having his most successful season since he was drafted number one overall in 2005. He was thought to be on his way out of town, and potentially out of the NFL, before Harbaugh arrived. Now, when asked if he envisions Alex Smith as the 49ers long term quarterback, Harbaugh replied, “I do.”
Those are fitting words, as the marriage between the new coach and his much-maligned quarterback has led to a rejuvenation for Alex Smith and a very successful first year for Harbaugh.
Harbaugh also reiterated his assertion that Alex Smith belongs in the Pro Bowl discussion with Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and Saints QB Drew Brees. Smith’s numbers aren’t in the same league, as Brees is on pace to break Dan Marino’s 27-year-old passing yardage record and Rodgers is just 1 points behind Peyton Manning’s passer efficiency record.
But Smith has been quietly efficient this year – passing for 2,752 yards with 16 TDs and just 5 INTs. Smith has only lost two fumbles all year and his lack of turnovers is partly responsible for the 49ers having the best turnover ratio in the league. In regard to protecting the football, Harbaugh said, “He’s been outstanding in that regard.”
“That’s the low-hanging fruit, going to the yardage line and passing-touchdown line,” Harbaugh said. “People who understand football know a lot more goes into being a quarterback than those statistics.”
While Smith may not have the numbers, and the 49ers are more of a run-first, protect-the-football team offensively, that model has worked well for Super Bowl Champions in the past and you can’t argue with the 49ers win-loss record this season.
The Defensive Smiths
The 49ers also have two defenders named Smith that are making huge contributions to San Francisco’s top ranked defense. Defensive end Justin Smith has had an exceptional year, contributing to the 49ers top ranked rushing defense, which hasn’t allowed a rushing TD all year.
“Justin Smith is our most valuable player. He did a lot of great things in that football game. He kicked ass. Basically that’s what he’s done,” Harbaugh said.
“Justin Smith, play after play, he’s kicking ass, for a lack of a better term.” Clearly, Justin Smith is kicking ass.
Finally, rookie linebacker Aldon Smith had 2.5 sacks on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, bringing his season total up to 13, a 49ers rookie record. Harbaugh praised Aldon Smith and commented on how much he liked Smith going all the way back to the draft. There was a lot of surprise when the 49ers took Aldon Smith in the first round, number seven overall, but Smith is in the discussion with Denver’s Von Miller for defensive rookie of the year.
During Monday Night’s broadcast, Steve Young compared Smith with Charles Haley – the great sack-master of the 49ers and Cowboys teams of the 1980s and 1990s. Haley won five Super Bowls with the two teams, and was a five time Pro Bowl selection. 49ers fans would love to see Aldon Smith have that type of career in San Francisco.
