Saints vs 49ers: Why Alex Smith Will Be Forever Revered in San Francisco

Just about seven years ago Alex Smith was the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft and since then he has been labeled a bust—but that has all changed.

Smith may have a career 76.4 quarterback rating, but in 2011 he was a winner and in the 2012 playoffs, he has emerged as a hero in the eyes of San Francisco 49ers fans. 

Saturday's divisional round battle between the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints was one of the most exciting playoff games in recent memory as there was four lead-changes in the final four minutes of play. 

At times it appeared that Drew Brees and the Saints offense was simply too dominant in the final quarter of play, but ultimately Smith was able to outperform one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks.

With four minutes to go, New Orleans held a 24-23 lead but Smith led his 49ers down the field and decided to take care of it on his own as he punched in an incredible 28 yard touchdown to give the 49ers a 29-24 led. 

Immediately after San Francisco scored that touchdown, it appeared that they had left too much time on the clock for the Saints—and they did.

Brees and the Saints exploded right off the bat as Jimmy Graham snagged a jump ball and ran it for a 66 yard touchdown. With the two-point conversion, New Orleans held a 32-29 led. 

In San Francisco's final possession of the game they made the most of it. 

Smith and the 49ers took the field with about a minute and a half left looking to kick a game-tying field goal to send this game to overtime—Smith had other plans. 

Smith connected with tight end Vernon Davis on a 47 yard gain and immediately set San Francisco up in field goal range—but yet again, Smith had other plans. 

With nine seconds left, a hero was born as a once labeled bust emerged as an idol in San Francisco sports as Smith tossed a 14 yard touchdown pass to Davis—it was a beautiful pass that Smith threaded in-between two defenders. 

A one time labeled bust is now a hero. 

Alex Smith completed 24 of his 42 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns while not throwing one interception. Those are certainly not Godly stats, but they were good enough for Alex Smith to be forever revered in San Francisco sports history. 

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