Well, the QB controversy that has emerged isn't going to help at all. Typically, these things only serve as a distraction and have a negative impact on the team.
I think what they aren't saying is that Alex Smith is not to full health yet. It takes time for head injuries to heal and the team is likely going to have him be the full time QB for years to come. I would rest Smith another week at least and use our capable backup as that's what they are for. When the time calls for it in the future, retire Smith and go with new guy.
Smith has finally found his efficiency this late in his career and he's a good enough asset for the team though I wish we had had a stronger QB like a Montana or Young. I wouldn't expect most QBs to go at a top level into age 35 like Brady or Manning, but if we get three or four more years more out of Smith and postseason berths, then we are good. I know what it's like to also be in the dog house and in past years there were times when going 9-7 would have been considered a triumph.
After Steve Young went down to injury in 1999, we spent 10 seasons not reaching at least 9-7
1999 1999 NFL NFC West 4th
4 12 0 Bryant Young (CBPOY)
2000 2000 NFL NFC West 4th
6 10 0
2001 2001 NFL NFC West 2nd 12 4 0 Lost Wild Card Playoffs (Packers) 25-15 Garrison Hearst (CBPOY)
2002 2002 NFL NFC West 1st 10 6 0 Won Wild Card Playoffs (Giants) 39-38
Lost Divisional Playoffs (Buccaneers) 31-6
2003 2003 NFL NFC West 3rd
7 9 0
2004 2004 NFL NFC West 4th
2 14 0
2005 2005 NFL NFC West 4th
4 12 0
2006 2006 NFL NFC West 3rd
7 9 0
2007 2007 NFL NFC West 3rd
5 11 0 Patrick Willis (Def.ROY)
2008 2008 NFL NFC West 2nd
7 9 0
2009 2009 NFL NFC West 2nd
8 8 0
2010 2010 NFL NFC West 3rd
6 10 0
2011 2011 NFL NFC West 1st 13 3 0 Won Divisional Playoffs (Saints) 36-32
Lost Conference Championship (Giants) 20-17 (OT) Jim Harbaugh (NFL COY)