Alex Smith, Michael Crabtree and the 49ers Offense Kicking into High Gear

The San Francisco 49ers and Alex Smith have been criticized all year long for being too one-dimensional. The past couple of games tell a different story, however, and Smith and Michael Crabtree are kicking the offense into high gear. 

I went back to look at the tape of the last contest against the Arizona Cardinals, and I was impressed by what I saw. The offense took multiple shots down the field, and a few of them were immediately following a turnover by the Cardinals. This highlights what many fans are beginning to adore about head coach Jim Harbaugh: He loves to go for the jugular whenever possible. 

Although Alex Smith came away from the game frustrated at all the team left on the table, there is much for the coaches and fans to be excited about. 

Here is a chronological account of all the deep passes attempted by Alex Smith:

• 13:04 in the first quarter, third play for the offense, 3rd-and-10, Smith moves up in the pocket and throws a 38-yard strike to Crabtree.
• 5:53 on 1st-and-10 at their own 48-yard line, Smith throws a perfect pass deep to Vernon Davis, who beat Adrian Wilson on the play.
• 3:05 on 1st-and-10 at the Arizona 26-yard line, Smith immediately attempts to capitalize on Arizona's fumble by throwing deep down the right sideline to Vernon Davis. Vernon Davis failed to get his second foot in bounds, however, and the play didn't work.
• Two plays later, at the 2:15 mark and on 3rd-and-9, Alex Smith again throws to the end zone, but Braylon Edwards seems to have run the wrong route, going to the post rather than the seam.
• 10:01 in the second quarter, 1st-and-10 at the Arizona 16, Smith misses Crabtree for a wide open touchdown. Crabtree had his man beat on a beautiful double-move. The throw could have used a bit more touch.
• 3:43 1st-and-10 at the Arizona 39-yard line, Smith overthrows Vernon Davis by about a yard, missing another touchdown opportunity. 
• 4:18 in the third quarter, 3rd-and-2 on the Arizona 18, Smith finally hooks up for a touchdown with Vernon Davis on a beautifully thrown touch/timing combination.
• :25 left in the third quarter, 2nd-and-6 on the Arizona 27, Smith goes for the jugular again after a turnover and tries to hit Michael Crabtree down the sideline. Patrick Peterson was flagged for interference on the play.

So, it seems as though the offense is "opening things up." Fans have been clamoring for this all year long, and now the team is in a position to evolve. Even though Smith missed on a few wide open plays, those plays will click as the offense continues to gel.

Don't forget about the offensive line when considering the success the offense has been having in the passing game. This unit, which was much-maligned for a few weeks to start the season, has come a long way.

I love the obvious chemistry that is developing between Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree. The two haven't always seen things eye to eye, but I think those days are long behind them. Vernon Davis also has begun to become more consistently involved in the passing attack lately. Kyle Williams also showed that he is a capable option in the slot, catching Smith's first touchdown pass against the Cardinals.

The next step in the evolution of the 49ers offense will be to start converting more touchdowns. I expect the 49ers to improve in this area, just as the team has improved in every aspect of the game since opening day.

The Baltimore Ravens will be the best measuring stick the 49ers will face all year. Ed Reed is a shadow that lurks in the back of quarterbacks' minds, and he is the best in the business at creating turnovers for his team, year in and year out.

The final score in the game against Arizona was 23-7, but it could have easily been more like 41-7. The 49ers and Alex Smith will get better and better as the season wears on, and they will be ready to kick it into high gear and play their best come playoff time.