49ers' Alex Smith: How He Stacks Up Against NFL's Elite Quarterbacks

49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh came out and said that Alex Smith is an "elite" quarterback earlier this week. After today's performance, no one can doubt the validity of that bold statement.

Alex Smith has been highly questioned by many in the media and by many fans because he hasn't been asked to do what Aaron Rodgers does. Well, the 49ers made a statement today by featuring Smith as the centerpiece for their offensive production.

Whether it was due to Frank Gore's minor knee injury, or whether it was because offensive coordinator Greg Roman was sick and tired of hearing how his offense was incapable of winning through the air, the burden of producing points lay on the shoulders of Alex Smith.

Smith's stats are fair, but they are far from jaw-dropping. But if you watched the game, then you know that what was on display at Candlestick Park was the beginnings of something special. He is beginning to develop the crucial timing that is of primary importance in running a west coast offense. 

The New York Giants are one of the most feared pass-rushing teams in the league. The 49ers held them to just two sacks, and Alex Smith looked as cool as another cool customer those in the Bay area hold near and dear to their hearts.

Matt Schaub: Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are a legitimate threat to be postseason contenders. Now that Indianapolis has fallen from grace, Matt Schaub and the Texans are settling in comfortably into the throne of the AFC South.

Schaub has been outstanding all year long, and he's been doing it without star receiver, Andre Johnson, for the last six games. His team is on a tear right now, aided by the most exciting running tandem in the league, Arian Foster and Ben Tate.

Once Johnson is fully recovered from his injury, the Houston Texans will be a very dangerous team, especially with Matt Schaub at the helm.

Drew Brees: New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees is one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the NFL. He seems to always have a game-winning drive hidden away in his back pocket for when the Saints need it.

He's been blessed to have a good stable of receivers and tight ends, and he's well on pace to smash Dan Marino's all-time yardage record. Combined with head coach Sean Payton, the duo is a pair that I consider in the same breath with Montana and Walsh. 

The only thing that keeps Brees from being ranked higher on this list is that he has been careless with the ball. His 11 interceptions are too high to say he deserves a higher spot. Elite quarterbacks are winning quarterbacks who don't make mistakes while playing at a high level.

Ben Roethlisberger: Pittsburgh Steelers

Big Ben Roethlisberger already owns two NFL Championship rings. He is one of the deadliest gun-slingers in the game today. With his crop of young receivers and the Steelers magical ability to keep the team stocked at all positions, Roethlisberger may end up with more.

There were some folks in the media who decried the Steelers as "too old" to win this season. At 7-3, the Steelers and Roethlisberger are proving them wrong. 

Interceptions again are the reason for the positioning of my pick. Big Ben will need to sharpen his skills in order to ascend to the higher planes. 

Alex Smith: San Francisco 49ers

I stated my case for Alex Smith extensively at the beginning of this list, but I won't hesitate to laud him here on this page.

Alex Smith is leading a team that is generating just over 26 points a game. Some game manager. He looked sharp today, and he will continue to improve as his knowledge of the west coast offense expands. 

His offensive weapons are noteworthy, as well. With Michael Crabtree and Braylon Edwards on the outside and Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker on the inside, Alex Smith and company will be feared.

Tom Brady: New England Patriots

Tom Brady has been the elite of the elite for a decade. His steady excellence is unparalleled. He is an artist and a surgeon under the guise of a "football player". The man was made for NFL greatness.

After dallying around in the arena of high-flying offensive superpowers for a few years, the New England Patriots and Tom Brady have had to adjust their strategy to fit their new identity.

Last year, the team drafted what I have dubbed the, "two-headed safety slaying monster", in Alex Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. The Pats now feature a two tight end set most of the time, and Brady just keeps on chucking perfect spirals to whoever is open, while lighting up the scoreboard to the delight and good pleasure of head coach Bill Belichick.

Aaron Rodgers: Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers stands on a pinnacle, far above the rest of the mortals who struggle with the game of NFL football. He is on a legendary run. 

I find it hard to say anything that hasn't already been said about the brilliance of Rodgers' play from the beginning of the Packers' playoff run last season until now. 

I will say this. You know you are good when you are 20-for-23 for the day and you are visibly pissed off when you miss a receiver streaking on a slant by a matter of a few inches. 

Aaron Rodgers is the most elite quarterback in the NFL. Period.