September 16, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh (left) and quarterback Alex Smith (11) look at their play cards during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Last year I wrote an article on Jim Harbaugh’s thoughts about Alex Smith getting into the Pro Bowl. December of last year Harbaugh said…

“There is no doubt in my mind that [Alex Smith] deserves to go to the Pro Bowl… There are other great players out there in the National Football League. I believe there are three that go to the Pro Bowl, right? Aaron Rogers, Drew Brees, Alex Smith. I think those are the top-3 in the NFC in my humble opinion.”

Only a few weeks later Alex Smith and the 49ers would face Drew Brees and the Saints. Alex would put on an impressive show for a “Game Manager”, throwing for three touchdowns, only one yard shy of 300 and 103 QB rating. Most importantly Alex had led the 49ers to a win against a favored Saints team. However with the loss to the Giants the next week, fans and critics would not get the chance to see Alex Smith vs. Aaron Rogers finally.

During the off season critics would again take their shots at Alex Smith. Several critics and experts would say they would pick San Francisco as a Super Bowl favorite if it weren’t for “Game Manager” Alex Smith. During the preseason the critics maintained their stance.

The impressive win against the Green Bay Packers was also a statement by Jim Harbaugh and Alex Smith. Jim would trust Alex with tough passing situations. Alex responded, his 20 for 26, 211 yard, and 2 touchdown game, showed that he is more than a “Game Manager”. The 49ers win against Green Bay paired with the Lions  shows critics that Alex has a place among the top quarterbacks in the NFC. Though the tough loss to the Vikings will be sure to cause some doubt to remain.

I think that we will see even more of Alex. As the season goes on, he will start using all of his tools more effectively. I am starting the campaign for Alex Smith to gain the recognition he deserves and gain a spot in the Pro Bowl for the 2012-13 season.

With the 49ers receiving corps in bad shape it isn’t hard to speculate on possible additions to the team. Tragically some players are off the table that Jim had try out last time we had an opening. However like hang nail, one name keeps painfully coming up in the background that simply cannot be ignored altogether. Still eagerly waiting by the phone Terrell Owens and his agent Drew Rosenhaus inevitably join the discussion. At the moment I don’t think there is any conversation between the 49ers and T.O. Jim Harbaugh made it clear during an interview on December 28^th when he was asked if there was any “…interest in adding Terrell Owens or looking into that aspect?” Jim replied “…we don’t comment on specific players. We talk about 49ers.”

The question eventually boils down to the heart of the mater, and that is should the 49ers even think about T.O.? Any dedicated fan can remember the bitter ending that was the T.O. tornado back in 2002. Often times he complained about not getting enough opportunities, while never talking about all the dropped passes. Anyone with a TV could probably recall some story where his name would come up in the news. Always a controversial figure demanding attention, for a while it seemed like he would travel the path of Dennis Rodman, it isn’t that hard to imagine T.O. marrying himself.

I think time and injury have tempered the walking car accident. I think he still has an attitude, but his gums are not as prone to flap. Regardless of his history he can run routes, and has improved his hands since he last wore the red and gold. Personally I believe that T.O. is still a physical freak of nature, and he would be worth bringing on, especially when we are looking at making a deep run into the playoffs or even the super bowl. If anything having T.O. lined up as the third receiver would give Alex that easy out pass, to eat at a first down. I believe that the risk vs. reward on T.O. is too great to pass up.

After the win against the Pittsburg Steelers, Jim Harbaugh did not hide what he thinks of Alex Smith. “There is no doubt in my mind that [Alex Smith] deserves to go to the Pro Bowl… There are other great players out there in the National Football League. I believe there are three that go to the Pro Bowl, right? Aaron Rogers, Drew Brees, Alex Smith. I think those are the top-3 in the NFC in my humble opinion.” Harbaugh would clarify that some would measure a Pro Bowl quarterback by huge yardage games, but he likes to measure in wins and losses.

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