Comments about ‘Former University of Utah star, now 49er, Alex Smith: From bust to division-winner’

I know it's a long shot, but nothing would be better than adding a Super Bowl victory to this story.
If anyone deserves the ultimate quieting of his critics it's Alex. What a class act.

It's about time.....It's taken him how long to get used to the NFL way of playing?

It's good to see Alex Smith succeed. Even in the NFL where most players have played ball their whole lives, good coaching is at a premium. Don't forget, Harbaugh has also brought a defense to San Fran that they've been lacking for years.

Fine article about a fine player. I admire Alex a great deal and I celebrate his success this year. And, Harbaugh is a great coach.

@Eddie, its obviouse by your comment that you didn't read the article. Any quarterback who had to deal with 7 different coordinators in his 7 seasons and 4 different head coaches would probably have had similar outcomes. I totally agree with the article. Alex Smith was mishandled by the organization. He shouldn't have been thrown in as a rookie, he should have been groomed for at least a couple seasons before he got thrown into the mix, ie Aaron Rodgers. I am not saying that he would have come out and played as well as Rodgers has but there is no question timing makes all the difference. And his character is unquestionable. Any other QB in his situation after a couple seasons would have tossed in the towel. Not Alex. Heck,he even took a huge cut in pay to stick around and continue to be put through the ringer. Bravo to Coach Harbough. He saw what Alex Smith's potential was and rather than questioning his ability all he has done is praise him, built up his self esteem, and most importantly gained his trust. What player doesn't want to perform for a Coach like that. Good luck Alex!

Another Utah love-fest article from Doug Robinson.

I've said it before the season, and I'll say it again, Alex Smith could be the next Jim Plunkett: highly touted QB, bruised and battered by bad protection with bad teams, poorly handled, gets into a new regime and leads his team to two Super Bowl wins.

Good for him

People forget that Steve Young looked horrible in Tampa Bay (poor talent and coaching). It wasn't until he went to San Fran and was surrounded by talent along with consistent coaching that he was finally considered good.

EdGrady - Would you rather an Idaho love-fest article?

Smith had a bunch of bad breaks the first few years with injuries, coaching changes and a poor supporting cast. He hit the lottery with Harbaugh this year, a better offensive line and skill players, a defense that does not allow a bunch of points so he does not have to come from behind and he has stayed healthy. I doubt that he will ever be considered a top 5 NFL qb but, just like at Utah, when surrounded by solid players and with a good coach, he is able to manage the team, minimize mistakes and lead his team to wins. I will be pulling for him to do well and hope he continues to get better.

he reminds me of Trent Dilfer when he was with the Ravens. He doesn't have to be a top 5 QB as long as he plays well. and doesn't make a lot of mistakes. The defense and running game for the 49ers is good enough to take the pressure off him. Alex has always been a smart player and his 1 pick this year shows it. I remember he only threw a few picks in his senior season at Utah. and Ernest T.: I remember the Steve Young, Tampa Bay years. I've been a Bucs fan since they were started. You are right. Young was horrible until someone decided to put him in the right situation.

EdGray: "Another Utah love-fest article from Doug Robinson."

Because heaven knows there aren't enough Pro-BYU columnists writing for the DNews... Actually, I think the only UofU reference in this article was that he cited it as where Alex went to school.

I'm glad Alex is finally getting the respect he deserves. Niners fans blame him for not saving their broken franchise his first season out, yet none of them seem to recognize even half of the factors pointed out in this article. I would have liked to see Smith go to another team long ago, but I have to give him credit for sticking around and proving that he's as good as those of us who followed him college knew he was.

As a long-time Cougar fan, I am happy for Alex. There's no question he's a talented athlete. As the story plainly shows, with all the changes surrounding him with coaches and therefore, different offensive schemes, he's risen above and shown that not only can he learn them, but can succeed. Although I'm not sure he's a "pro-bowl" quarterback, he's certainly shown he's got the moxy and determination to be able to run a offense. I wish him success in the NFL. True, winning the superbowl would be a fairy-tale ending to his season. But truthfully, just by succeeding this year in spite of all he's faced since starting in the NFL, I'd consider him successful. Glad to see a coach put some faith in him and see what we, in Utah, already knew. That he was a talented player and could succeed in the NFL if given the proper chance.

Congratulations Alex.

There have been scores of 49er-turnaround stories this season, but I haven't read one in which each bungle in the circus was catalogued so well. What a disaster!

Alex really didn't play badly in 2006, his second year. The Niners were a dreadful team, but he showed marked development. The medical missteps were grounds for a malpractice suit. (See Bill Walton's relationship with the Blazers, 1978-79). Then, Singletary. Just a nightmare.

Thanks for the great story.

EdGrady | 8:55 a.m. Jan. 11, 2012
Idaho Falls, ID
Another Utah love-fest article from Doug Robinson.
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Or it could be a good article on a nice redemption story. I sure didn't see much about Utah in that article, did you?

Coach Harbaugh and Alex know the wolves are always at the door.

The only thing keeping the wolves at bay are W's.

Instead of trying to tear down Alex, the flies from syracuse, idaho falls or where-ever, should spend time hoping and praying someone like Coach Harbaugh shows up to give John and Max a chance to replicate the success they had at BYU.

To "WHAT NOW?": You are forgetting that Alex Smith is a much better athlete than either John or Max, and he let the Utes to and undefeated season and BCS win while in college. First of all you would have to find a coach that believes in John or Max (not going to happen), and that coach would have to be the best football coach known to man to get those two playing the way Alex has been this season. Now, let's hope A. Smith performs in the playoffs..

Come on now, Muss...are you still mad at John and Max?

Come on guys lets not make this one a Utah vs BYU thing. Alex, John, and Max are long gone. The NFL has great players from both schools.

Congrats to the Bell family. :)