Article:More Important the Patriots game...

.... We have a little quarterback controversey here in Northern California. It's the 1st overall pick versus the Career Clipboard holder. It's 20+ million of guaranteed money vs Veteren Minimum. It's in San Francisco, and I've got my proverbial popcorn ready.

Has the wool been pulled over the 49er fans eyes or what? For 3 years now, we fans have been waiting for Alex Smith to come around. We have been full of excuses: Bad Line, Bad Coaching, Too Young, Used to the Shotgun offense, etc. This young charismatic QB was going to be next Steve Young, he was going to save us from years of doormat status and lead this team back to playoff glory. Akili Smith he may not be, but he's haunted by the most overhyped and overused word and/or term in pro football...

Potential.

Well Alex, you're now running on fumes with your potential. You have a little potential left. Little potential to become a great quarterback. Little potential to make an impact. Little potential to ever become the player you were expected to be. And now? Little potential to start at quarterback next year.

You gotta love Shawn Hill. Breaks his finger, still goes out there, diving head first for a first down. He could have two broken legs and you know he'll still be out there. Hill wasn't handed a starting job with a millions of guaranteed money. He had collectively one snap his entire NFL career. He has a chance, and you know damn well he's going to try and make the best of it. His competitiveness has infected the rest of the team, and they want to play for him! He is questionable for the game this weekend versus the Browns, but I personally believe he will suit up. If he does, go ahead and pencil him in as the fan favorite to start next year. Give smith the clipboard. That's the only way he is going to earn his money.

Alex Smith, quite possibly the worst acquistion for San Francisco since Jim Drunkemiller, seems to be sensitive and fragile. He buckles under media pressure and doesn't like playing hurt. Maybe football isn't the game for him. A game more suitible for Smith might be cards.

As a longtime 49er fan, the glimmer of hope for next year rides on front office management. Do you play the better quarterback, or continue to start Smith trying to salvage dignity and pride?