49ers need Alex Smith to grow into larger quarterback role

After winning five Super Bowls behind the Hall-of-Fame exploits of Joe Montana and Steve Young, the 49ers have set the bar lower for their current starting quarterback.

Alex Smith's job: Just don't louse things up.

The 49ers have visions of reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2002 when they open the season Sunday in Seattle, thanks largely to a fearsome defense and a potent running game.

Smith? He's just along for the ride.

"He's not bad," said former 49ers running back Roger Craig, who won three Super Bowls, all with Montana. Another milquetoast review came from Young: "I think Alex is a competent quarterback," he said on his radio show.

Not bad? Competent? Once upon a time, the expectations were higher for a 49ers quarterback, let alone one guaranteed $24.5 million as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft. Smith entered the league with a big arm, nimble feet, off-the-charts intelligence and the plucky demeanor of a Boy Scout.

But during his first five seasons, Smith has failed the 49ers — and vice versa. Coaching upheaval, a lousy supporting cast and two shoulder operations conspired to keep Smith from showing what he can or can't do.

Until now.

"I think this is the first year we can fairly evaluate Alex," said former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer, Smith's teammate in 2007. "That sounds weird going into his sixth year, but he's been through so much in terms of coaching turnover, personnel turnover, injuries.

"So now it should come together for Alex. He should have a good year. I would even argue the 49ers should win a playoff game. If they don't, then he's going to be criticized very harshly — and I think that's probably fair."

Smith's skeptics can sum up his career in three words: blah, blah, blah. They're tired of excuses for his lackluster play. They're sick of hearing about his coaching instability, his bad offensive line and how his dog ate his homework.

They still ask "what if?" in reference to Aaron Rodgers, the former Cal quarterback passed over by the 49ers — and now a trendy pick to be the league's MVP with the Green Bay Packers.

In a city accustomed to stellar quarterback play, the 49ers are 16-24 in games Smith has started, and he has more interceptions (43) than touchdown passes (37).

But he retains his backers, too.