The 49ers will be switching to a new QB, can he make a difference? Niners Nation responds.
QB Alex Smith The big story this week in San Francisco is the return of Alex Smith. After a hideous first half, Shaun Hill was benched last week in favor of Smith, who proceeded to put together one of the best performances of his short career. This week, Smith was named the starter going forward and gets to kick things off against the Colts. The Colts defense features a fearsome pass rush, that, given the 49ers offensive line struggles, could be in Smith’s face all day long. In every league I’m in people were pouncing on Smith on the waiver wire this week. Long term it might be a smart move, given the numerous weapons now at his disposal (the most in his 4+ years with the team). However, this week might not be the best week to roll out your shiny new toy. I do think the 49ers have a puncher’s chance against the Colts, but unless you need a bye-week fill in, I’d hold off for a week to see if Smith is legit.
Fantasy Scouting Report: San Francisco 49ers
RB Frank Gore has struggled mightily this season. He had two great rushes against the Seahawks that make up a majority of his 2009 yards. The re-emergence of Smith, coupled with Crabtree and Morgan’s continued development would seem to indicate maybe the team is turning to the pass. However, OC Jimmy Raye has emphatically stated that they may tweak the offense, but they still consider themselves a run-first team. And this week against the Colts, if the 49ers do want to spring the upset, they will have to control the clock and keep Peyton Manning off the field. I don’t know if Gore will get great numbers, but he will continue to get every chance to get those numbers.
WR Michael Crabtree had a solid first outing finishing with 5 catches for 56 yards. The elevation of Smith to starting QB could benefit Crabtree as much as anybody else. Over the bye week Crabtree was catching a lot of passes from Smith, and prior to his holdout had spent more time working with Smith than with Hill. Crabtree played more snaps last week than anybody else and that trend will likely continue this week. Crabtree will need to show consistency before becoming a must-start, but he has certainly begun well.
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