Giants vs. 49ers: Why Alex Smith Deserves Praise for His NFC Championship Play

Alex Smith answered the call to come up big for the 49ers on the biggest stage of his career. 

The end result was a 20-17 loss at the hands of the New York Giants, but Alex Smith is hardly to blame. 

A look inside the numbers tells the tale of a quarterback who did everything he could to help lead his team to victory.

First, there was the 97.6 QB rating, which was far better than Eli Manning’s 82.3. He hit Vernon Davis, his favorite target, twice for big strikes when his team was begging for a big play. His throws were poised and on the money. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a quarterback who outdueled Drew Brees the week before. 

Smith was poised when they needed him, and he was mistake-free which is what they have come to expect from him this year. Perhaps, the hardest part of Smith’s job was being asked to be most effective on third down—an area where the Giants defense has excelled all year.

Smith, and the 49ers themselves, relied heavily on the legs of Frank Gore to carry them offensively. Jim Harbaugh, staunch in his belief, ran to Gore over and over again, though the Giants answered the bell by limiting the San Fran beast to just 74 yards on the ground. 

The only question now is if Alex Smith has done enough to warrant a long-term deal in the Bay Area?

A botched punt return might be the only thing separating the 49ers from a trip to Indy. While Alex Smith didn’t play his best, ultimately, he played his part the way he’s been asked to all season.

That should warrant a longer commitment.