San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith got some motivation with team’s interest in Peyton Manning
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, who is, beyond any doubt, going to be their starter in the 2012 National Football League (NFL) season, has said that he got some motivation when the team tried to pursue veteran quarterback Peyton Manning on his
release by the Indianapolis Colts.
It is somewhat an interesting remark given the recent developments regarding 49ers and their interest in Manning have forced many to criticise the team management.
There was no shame in pursuing Manning since he is the only four-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the league. However, the way the 49ers handled the matter and later spoke of it was frowned upon.
49ers ended a long drought to reach the playoffs last year and Smith performed very well to lead the team’s offence.
After the season, Smith was heading towards free agency, but 49ers were optimistic about giving him a new deal.
Things were going pretty smooth until the Colts decided to release Manning. Since Peyton was available in the free agency, Smith’s contract was put on hold, although nothing was said officially on that matter.
Manning eventually ended up joining the Denver Broncos and 49ers later gave a three-year contract to Smith.
Things were again going pretty fine until 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh recently opened doors for criticism by saying that the team was just evaluating Manning and it had no interest in signing him.
Harbaugh’s claim was somewhat shocking as no team in the entire league would say no to the player like Peyton.
Harbaugh maintained that 49ers were only evaluating the player, but not a single entity bought the coach’s claims and everyone opined that Harbaugh just wanted to encourage and motivate Smith as the team was heading towards training camp.
Smith had already said that he was not bothered by the team’s chase in Manning and now he has said that the overall situation has somewhat motivated him.
According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento, Smith said of the whole situation:
"Certainly there are a lot of forms of motivation. I guess that's there a little bit as far as motivation."
Smith has received motivation and it will be his responsibility to translate that energy into his performance to once again lead the team into the playoffs.
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