Signing(s): Alex Smith re-ups with San Francisco (3y/$8M avg. per)

[Clowe Me]

Originally Posted by Pajicz

The only right move for Niners was to have Smith back... it was stupid to even think about Peyton.

No, it wasn't. Smith is good and has a good relationship with Harbaugh and will always do what is best for the team, but a healthy Manning is a hall of famer.

They handled the situation accordingly, without ever severing their realtionship with Smith.

Originally Posted by ixcuincle

Smith played well most of the season last year, but it got little attention as people continued to use the old "Alex Smith stinks" mold. But that Saints game shattered the perception once and for all that Smith was "average" or "mediocre". He's no longer a bust, because of the events of last season.

Tebow didn't play as well as Smith, so that's a poor example.

Exactly. Well put, Ix.

[Pajicz]

Originally Posted by Clowe Me

No, it wasn't. Smith is good and has a good relationship with Harbaugh and will always do what is best for the team, but a healthy Manning is a hall of famer.

They handled the situation accordingly, without ever severing their realtionship with Smith.

But who knows if Peyton is really 100% healthy? And his 2010 season was actually somewhat average, with back-to-back 4 INT games, so I wouldn't be really certain that he's the same guy that he used to be.

[MJB Devils23*]

I think Peyton was a risk worth taking.

[VLoo]

Originally Posted by Pajicz

But who knows if Peyton is really 100% healthy? And his 2010 season was actually somewhat average, with back-to-back 4 INT games, so I wouldn't be really certain that he's the same guy that he used to be.

His stats weren't reflective of it, and it's more than a season ago so it's difficult to remember, but there many times in the 2010 season where Peyton was flat out otherworldly, playing at a level that most just can't get to. He was still Peyton Manning. From a guy who very much dislikes him, it's difficult not to respect his skill. I don't know how the neck will affect him, but a Manning "average" season, still puts him Top 3 in the league every single year. He's just that good.