Alex Smith Is Agitated by Harbaugh's Decision and More NFC West News

For the first time since his benching, quarterback Alex Smith spoke to the media on Thursday. It was clear that disappointment and defeat had taken over Smith's mood. When No. 11 was asked if he regrets telling team officials about his blurred vision, here's what he had to say: “No, I’m not looking back on that."

Even though he is disappointed over being benched, he knows that he needs to start preparing for his next opportunity on the field. That next opportunity could come in relief of Colin Kaepernick if he gets hurt, or next season with a different team.

Smith's salary for next season is only guaranteed if he is on the 49ers' roster April 1. And by the look of things, that won't be happening. He is owed $7.5 million in base salary and another million in bonus money. 

For any player in his position, it would be a tough pill to swallow. When Smith says he hadn't done anything to lose his job, he's got a very valid point:

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“It stings the most because I really feel like there’s something special going on here,” Smith added. “You sacrifice and you invest so much time. Like I said, I really feel like I hadn’t done anything but get a concussion to really to facilitate this. I feel like I was playing good football.”

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Alex Smith on @49ers naming Colin Kaepernick the starting QB: "... I feel like the only thing I did to lose my job was get a concussion."

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 30, 2012"

Regardless, the season must go on and everyone in the locker room knows that. The 49ers are currently 8-2-1 with a stronghold on the No. 2 playoff seed in the NFC. Right now Kaepernick is 2-0 as the starter and will look to improve to 3-0 against the 4-6-1 St. Louis Rams.

Arizona Cardinals

Kent Somers of AZCentral.com takes a look at whether or not the Cardinals can successfully use a no-huddle attack against the Jets.

Shaun M. Church of Bleacher Report breaks down the three keys to a Cardinals Week 13 victory.

San Francisco 49ers

Jnewman482 of FanIQ.com examines what team quarterback Alex Smith will play for next season. 

Ryan Riddle of Bleacher Report says Jim Harbaugh is showing no loyalty to Alex Smith, and rightfully so.

Seattle Seahawks

The Chicago Tribune previews the banged-up Bears and the road weary Seattle Seahawks.

Thomas Holmes of Bleacher Report gives us his three keys that guarantee a Seahawks victory come Sunday.

St. Louis Rams

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports on Robert Quinn, Danny Amendola and Scott Wells. They all missed practice again on Thursday.

Chris Roling of Bleacher Report begs the question, is it officially time to call Sam Bradford a bust?

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