Smith Becomes Instant Hero to 49er Fans

It wasn’t Montana to Clark, nor was it Young to Rice. A new combination will now go down in 49er lore.

Smith to Davis.

When Alex Smith connected with Vernon Davis on the 14-yard touchdown pass that sent San Francisco to this week’s Conference Championship game against the New York Giants, it became an immediate history maker.

You know the story by now. San Francisco’s amazing come from behind win over New Orleans 36-32, has them one game from the Super Bowl. Alex Smith, a guy who fans had been trying to run out of town for the past five years, had the game on his shoulders, and all he did, was take his team 85 yards in the final 1:32 of the game for the winning score.

It was finally the moment, Alex Smith had been trying to achieve.

Much maligned for his subpar play his entire career with San Francisco, Smith had a tough choice to make this year when he found himself out of a contract. His choices were simple.

Market himself as a free agent, or hope new head coach Jim Harbaugh would take him back.

Harbaugh, made it easy for Smith.

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With the lockout near and only one quarterback under contract (David Carr), Harbaugh told Smith he wanted him on the team. He gave Smith the play book and asked him to run team functions during the lockout.

Without a contract, he did just that and “Camp Alex” was born. His pre season team drills got high marks from veterans and coaches. Smith’s personality had won over every coach he had played for. Now, it was time for his ability to win over a few people.

If leading the 49ers to a 13-3 record this season wasn’t enough, he picked the biggest time on the biggest game of the season, to do it.

In his match up against Drew Brees, Smith threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Of course his numbers didn’t compare to Brees’ 462 yards and four touchdowns, but they didn’t need to. He came through when it counted.

Many say the win was vindication for Smith, but it wasn’t. He was never out to prove people wrong. He was simply out to prove himself capable of being a top notch quarterback. And that he did.

He now has a match up with Eli Manning and the winner will be super bowl bound. One thing is for sure. Manning will be the best quarter back on the field.

Or will he?

By Don August
ProFootball-fans.com San Francisco 49ers Correspondent