Peyton Manning in red and gold? It's not as crazy as it sounds. The talk shows have been buzzing for weeks, if not months, saying the longtime Indianapolis Colts star is looking for a new helmet next season. And the… Extra Point:
I am torn on the 49ers QB of 2012. Smith did everything he could this past season to win games. There were come from behind victories, an uncanny ability to protect the football, and at times, the let it rip attitude that makes elite quarterbacks elite. There were also times - like against the Giants - where Smith did not throw to open receivers, or looked inept at delivering the ball. I understand the argument that Harbaugh's offense last year could have worked with nearly any quarterback - I do not buy it though. Smith made some incredible plays with his arm and legs to win games last year. Plays that I'm not sure many other quarterbacks could make. BUT to get to the Super Bowl you need an offense that can produce more than it did against the Giants. So what do you do? Hope Smith improves over an offseason with direct coaching? Open competition to Kaepernick in the hopes that he can at least equal Smith's performance last year? Go out and get one of the best passers of all time who may never be able to play the way he once had again, knowing that he should be able to at least equal Smith's performance last year (less with the qb mobility, more with the better passing). Given the needs to keep the defense together, and a salary cap that is not increasing this season, I'd be surprised if the Niners do anything but 1 and 2. I'm not sure it's the right move at quarterback- heck I'm not sure the team would support a move away from Smith and to Kaepernick either - but its probably the right move for the rest of the team. That being said, if the defense was all under contract, this may be a different discussion.