Why Alex Smith's Best Tim Tebow Impression Cost San Francisco 49ers a Title Shot

Alex Smith was solid but not spectacular all season long for the San Francisco 49ers. He wisely held back trying to do too much, allowing the 49ers' running game and defense to win games for the team.

Last Sunday in the NFC Championship Game against the New York Giants, Smith needed to do more, and he simply couldn't.

Under head coach Jim Harbaugh this season, Smith turned his career around by being more patient and protecting the football. The 27-year-old did an excellent job, setting career highs in completion percentage (61.3), yards (3,144) and quarterback rating (90.7). He also threw just five interceptions.

On Sunday Smith just didn't look as comfortable has he had all season. Yes, he was going up against a fierce Giants' pass rush, but something was just off.

He played not to make mistakes instead of playing to win. 

The former No. 1 overall pick completed just 12 of 26 passes for 196 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. In addition to that, he completed passes to just four receivers. He also rushed six times for 42 yards.

At times it appeared Smith was only looking for tight end Vernon Davis, and if he was covered the game plan was to either scramble or just throw the ball away. Davis finished the game with three receptions for 112 yards and two scores, but 73 of those yards came on one long touchdown pass in the first quarter. 

Of his nine completions to players other than Davis, six went to running back Frank Gore and four went to tight end Delanie Walker. Smith only completed one pass to a receiver and it went to Michael Crabtree for just three yards. That shows a lack of confidence going downfield. 

Smith certainly improved this season and looks like a legitimate NFL starting quarterback, but his play on Sunday is concerning, especially when you consider how well he played the previous week against the New Orleans Saints. 

Against the Giants he was tentative, inaccurate and playing not to lose the game or make a mistake. Essentially he looked like Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. 

His performance in the NFC title game should haunt Smith all offseason and hopefully it will be motivation for him to improve.