They were something like 1 for 14 on third downs.

Alex Smith was 12 for 26.

He was absolutely at fault in that game.

Really? I didnt realize matt cassel had won a playoff game.

Who hurts a team more? The middle of the order hitter who goes 0-5 and leaves eight on base or the pinch hitter who GIDP to end the game.

Smith was terrible on third downs.

If you want to blame Williams you must blame Smith too. They were both terrible
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I also think people tend to ignore how much luck and momentum have to do with NFL games. Hell, the 9ers beat the Giants that same season. If they'd played that series as a best of 5, it's entirely possible that the 9ers win a majority of the time.

Again, I'm fine with criticizing Alex. I just don't understand why it's a given that he's going to fail and that there's no reason to even root for the team anymore.

No, two turnovers cost them. Period. Two special teams turnovers led to 10 points for the Giants.

That had nothing to do with alex smith.

No, their defense giving up a 4th quarter touchdown and Kyle Williams' muffed returns is what cost them.

The Giants defense was sick at that point of the year. The 49ers put up as many points in that championship game as did the New England Patriots two weeks later in a Super Bowl loss.

But no one likes to talk about that aspect.

no dude. you have no damn clue what cassel's fail looks like -- that's why you pull out all the stats and preach gospel from them is because you don't ****ing know the diff in QB'ing between a goddamn baseball pitcher throwing a football and an experienced crafted QB throwing a football.

Now don't go running off making shit up from this post. I am not saying Alex Smith spells success in any shape or form, in fact, I have been posting that the success of Reid is built on a badass bunch manning the OL. I can't even get a fix on this team's success next season until I see what the hell Reid & Dorsey do with Albert and the OL.

So converting 1 third down the whole game didn't hurt them?

05 - 4-12...Game Starts...7 (W-2)
06 - 7-9.......................16 (W-7)
07 - 5-11.......................7 (W-2)
08 - 7-9........................0 (W-0)
09 - 8-8.......................10 (W-5)
10 - 6-10......................10 (W-3)
11 -13-3.......................16 (W-13)

NFL.com/players

How is he much better than his backups?

at best, alex smith would be like a 7 hitter. Middle of the order. YIKES. who wants a singles hitter batting clean up?

Go **** yourself.

Lol. Excuses.

Yes the turnovers hurt them. But if he would have extended some drives on third down maybe those situations wouldn't have happened
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If Kyle Williams hadn't muffed punts (especially the punt in overtime), we might be talking about Alex Smith as a Super Bowl QB.

Even if that had happened, I think Harbaugh would have moved on to Kaepernick because he is an immensely talented dual threat QB.

1-14 in third downs didn't kill momentum?
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