49ers' Quarterbacks: Let Alex Smith Prove His Worth in the Preseason

While watching SportsCenter this morning, I heard an audio clip from Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, saying that although Shaun Hill was slated to be the starting quarterback coming into this season, Alex Smith looks better than he has ever looked before.

In fact, Maiocco said Smith's performance has been so impressive thus far that he might work his way back into the starting role.

When I heard his comments, I only had one thought.

If the 49ers give Smith the starting job based on how he looked throwing against air, I'm going to be more than a little upset.

It's easy for a quarterback to look good when he isn't facing a pass rush. Smith's job is infinitely simpler when he has ample time to read the defense.

But nothing Smith does in OTAs or mini-camp should earn him the starting quarterback job.

I don't care if he completes all his passes in 7-on-7 drills. It doesn't matter if he consistently throws the ball 80 yards. Singletary and Co. cannot award Smith a starting position until they see how the young man performs under pressure.

Now don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying Hill should be the starting QB regardless of performance. Quite the contrary, actually.

There is a time to truly evaluate who should be a starter and who should be holding the clipboard.

That time is the preseason.

If Hill struggles as the starter in the first few preseason games, while Smith shines against the backups, I have no problem seeing what Smith can do against first-team defenses in the third and fourth preseason games.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Competition breeds success. Hill should not be allowed to rest on his laurels.

At the same time, Hill has earned the right to be the 49ers' starting quarterback, based on the job he did last year and at the end of 2007.

If Smith can prove he's the best man for the job, then by all means give him the job. But Smith won't prove anything to me until he can thrive in an actual game.