Let The Debate Begin

For the past three to four seasons, there has been a concern in Green Bay, in that who will lead the Packers when Brett Favre retires? Last night against the Dallas Cowboys in an important game, Aaron Rogers just may have sent a sense of relief to Green Bay fans, and his team.

In Rogers first significant playing time, against a top team and without warning, he was thrust into action and almost lead his team to victory. Granted, Dallas had been preparing all week for Favre, but Rogers performed like a professional and did not let the unavoidable pressure or the Dallas D affect him. In short, last night Rogers made Green Bay and its Cheese Heads happy with the fact that he was still available in the 2005 draft.

Which brings us to our SF 49ers, and their critical number one pick of the same draft, Alex Smith. Leading up to the draft, Mike Nolan and company were going back and forth over Smith and Rogers. The concensus at the time was that although Smith came from a smaller college and had less experience than Rogers, Smith had the greater upside. Thus, Nolan decided to choose Smith and so far has looked foolish, by rewarding him for being the number one pick in the draft.

Fast forward three seasons, and three offensive coordinators later, Smith looks no more ready to assume the role of a quality NFL quarterback than Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Ryan Leaf, Heath Shuler, or our own former star in waiting, Jim Drunkenmiller.

To be fair, Smith has had to deal with three different coordinators, and this year he's had to deal with his first injury. Plus, Smith has had the uncontrollable misfortune of having to play with the very conservative Mike Nolan. Even in the 49ers
first two games this year, which they won, Nolan did not allow Smith to make plays. Or Nolan did not trust Smith to make those plays.

Last year with Norv Turner as coordiantor, Smith did show progression and hope for the future. However, Smith has never shown the competitiveness and consistencey all rolled into, like Rogers displayed last night. Rogers kept Green Bay in the game by moving the chains, looking poised and confident while dueling with Tony Romo and the Dallas offense. If the Green Bay defense had been able to come up with some critical stops last night, Rogers may have won his first NFL game. Smith for the limited promise that he has displayed, has never performed like Rogers did last night. 49er fans have to be thinking, what could have been, even what currently could be?

It has been reported that Smith may not play again this year, which may or may not be the best thing for him at this point? Rogers, depending on the injury to Brett Favre, may not get to play again this year? However, if anyone is to predict the futures of both QBs, based on last nights performance Rogers's future
definitely looks much brighter. Unfortunately, the 49ers and their fans may have to deal with that fact.