San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith had the best game of his eight-year career Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals. Smith was nearly perfect as he completed 18 of 19 passes for 232 yards, three touchdowns and no interception in the 49ers 24-3 dismantling of their division-rival.
49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh was asked in his post-game press conference if Smith’s performance put to rest any confidence issues his quarterback was reportedly having.
“I don’t think there was ever a question there,” Harbaugh said. “I think it’s just a lot of gobble, gobble, turkey. You know? Just gobble, gobble, gobble, turkey from jive-turkey gobblers. I think that paints a pretty good picture. He’s a very confident guy.”
Well, at least it’s clear to someone.
Despite the 49ers 6-2 start to the season, Smith has been far more inconsistent than he was a season ago. Smith has already thrown as many interceptions through eight games (five) as he did all of last year. Combined with second-year backup Colin Kaepernick getting more opportunities there were rumblings that perhaps Kaepernick should supplant Smith as the 49ers’ starter.
Instead, Smith came out Monday night and put together a stellar performance against a pretty strong Arizona defense. If Smith can play anywhere close to the way he did against the Cardinals for the rest of the season, his confidence level is nothing 49ers’ fans will have to be worried about.