QB Alex Smith: Why He Is Deserving of FedEx Air Player of the Week Award

Sunday against the St. Louis Rams, quarterback Alex Smith completed 74 percent of his passes while throwing for 274 yards and two touchdowns. The impressive performance, perhaps his best ever in a 49ers uniform, earned him both a 142 rating and nomination for FedEx Air Player of the Week.  

That “against the Rams” part may hurt his chances, as Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees, the other nominees, played against far superior opponents (Giants and Lions, respectively). 

In his game, Aaron Rodgers put up very Rodgers-like numbers: 369 yards and four touchdowns, to go along with one interception. 

Drew Brees, meanwhile, did his very best Brees impersonation, piling up 342 yards and three touchdowns. 

Both have already won the award this season, Rodgers a remarkable five times, while Smith came away empty-handed in his earlier nomination. 

This time, however, he has a much better chance of emerging victorious. He put up great numbers without playing an entire game and by throwing it only 23 times, half the amount of Rodgers. There was also that uncharacteristic drop by Vernon Davis that would’ve pushed Alex’s statistics to well over 300 yards and three touchdowns. 

In the past, Smith would be considered a “winner” for just being mentioned in the same sentence as the other two. But with the year he is having, he has proved he belongs. Alex Smith is shredding the “bust” label that has unfairly cloaked him for much of his career. 

Sunday’s performance was just more evidence to add to the constantly-growing collection. 

Vote for him, he has earned it. 

http://www.nfl.com/voting/players-air-and-ground/2011/REG/13