Alex Smith

Re-signs with Niners.

I suppose it was worth flirting with the Peyton Manning idea - because yes, it would have been nice to roll the dice and we would have become the Super Bowl favorites this year - and we have to compete with some tough ass teams in the NFC in the years to come. But a couple of things make me feel better about working it out with Alex Smith.

1) Let's face it - Manning is a huge risk. The guy had 4 neck surgeries and is 36 years old. Are you kidding me? In the NFL these days? I'd be freaked out every time he drops back for a pass. The guy has his ring. I don't get him trying to play again. No one is the same after the knife. And this is the knife to the neck at age 36. But hey, I guess he feels like he has some more in his tank, and Peyton is a unique case because he doesn't take hits. But still...

2) It would be one thing if the Niners got blown out by Green Bay or the Saints, but they were a caught punt return or a Michael Crabtree showing up for the championship game away from going to the Super Bowl. There were about 5 teams in the NFC who could have won the Super Bowl last year if the ball bounced their way. My point: the Niners with Alex Smith weren't and aren't a favorite, but they are a legit contender.

3) We have a few good things going for us next year: re-vamped receiving core, several young players who will only get better - Aldon Smith, Navarro Bowman, Crabtree (in theory), the big guys on the offensive line; and returning our entire defense.

Things I feel bad about-

1) We will not be as lucky next year w/ turnovers. I imagine Smith will throw more INTs and we won't force as many turnovers because teams will expect it.

2) We won't sneak up on anyone next year like we did against the Eagles and some of our other early season opponents

3) Gore is a year older with a year more wear and tear

4) Our defense will suffer some injuries (often everyone points out the Niners didn't have any defensive injuries, but that isn't true, Patrick Willis, our best player was injured for 4 games)

5) Our division is getting better. All the teams will be better than last year. Seattle because they got a new QB, Arizona because Kolb will presumably be less injured and their young defense will get better, and the Rams because they will definitely not have as many injuries.

6) Our schedule is harder

7) People will be gunning for us

But...and this is important...last year, it took us about 5-6 games to realize: jesus, we are a good team and we are going to win. Now, we know - we are two plays away from going to (and probably winning) the Super Bowl. Re-signing Smith is the smarter, safer, route, and I say we have a shot in the next 3 years to win one and we have a good chance to continue to be competitive for the next 5-6 years with Harbaugh and our core of youngish guys - Willis, Smith (Aldon), Davis, Crabtree, Bowman, Hunter, Walker. In the next three will will have Alex, Justin Smith, and Gore but eventually will lose them to age, but those guys are warriors. It would have been cool to sign Peyton and go for 2 Super Bowls these next two years, but maybe it is a smarter bet to play the longer game and go for it in the next 5 years instead. The one major franchise appeal of Peyton would have been the issue with the Steelers having 6 rings and the Niners having 5. It would be nice to be the top organization again.