San Francisco 49ers' Alex Smith Won't Survive Until Week 1 at This Rate

It only took one drive in the 49ers preseason opener to see that Alex Smith's season was in jeopardy. After getting crushed from his blindside twice, it was a relief to see Smith get off the turf at all.

The 49ers rendered allowed six sacks in the game and forced early throws from Smith and Colin Kaepernick numerous times. A lack of communication and mental errors made for even 49ers veterans like Vernon Davis and Joe Staley allowing sacks.

The 49ers have had 12 measly practices to implement a new offense, but they proved on Friday night that they don't even have a remote grasp over the offense. The 49ers came out with basic play-calling and failed to execute.

To be fair, the Saints dialed up the pressure. They sent extra men upwards of 80 percent of the time, which threw the entire line off. Exotic blitz packages had the 49ers at a complete loss. Even so, they were botching pass-blocking 101.

They were physically outmatched and mentally elsewhere. They still have time to prepare before the opener against the Seahawks, but they won't be heading into the battle with No. 11 at this rate. Smith got rocked. Hard.

It's the preseason, but injuries count the same. Some may argue that Colin Kaepernick may even be the better option. Rest assured, he is not. The preseason opener allowed him to showcase his athleticism, laser-rocket arm and aptness to rookie mistakes. He's going to take time to develop and the 49ers re-signed Smith to allow Kaepernick to develop.

They are going to have to sign a veteran quarterback, that much is evident. Pickings are slim, but the line has proved to be a big enough liability already to invest everything in one quarterback.

If Smith goes down, the 49ers are going to be at an even bigger loss than they already are. It's only preseason, they'll improve, but Smith can't take shots like that over the next three games. His health is in serious jeopardy and throwing Kaepernick in the fire to run for his life isn't the answer either.

The 49ers have to address the issues up front. It's not as though the 49ers have rookie linemen who haven't played together before. It's a new system, but whiffing on blocks and leaving Smith out to dry could cripple this season before it gets even started.

When Smith is writhing on the ground in the preseason, "we haven't mastered the playbook" isn't going to fly as an excuse.

The 49ers have invested three first-round picks in their line and have the highest-drafted tight end in history to boot.They have the talent, they just need to execute. An ill-prepared line got exposed and Smith's season is in jeopardy every time he drops back.