“There are different ways to win,” according to San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Alex Smith – NFL
Going up against one of the National Football League’s (NFL) strongest offensive sides in the postseason, dominated this time by quarterbacks right from the start, San Francisco 49ers are contemplating different strategies as they prepare to host New Orleans
Saints on Saturday, January 14, 2012, with their quarterback, Alex Smith, saying that there isn't just one way to secure a victory.
49ers' coach, Jim Harbaugh, has worked hard on developing strong plays, which involves a peculiar passing game.
Smith, unlike the other quarterbacks of the league, is not the only one, around whom the team’s offence revolves.
Although he is responsible for catching snaps and throwing passes, Smith is handsomely aided by his receivers and blockers, who make his job relatively easier and make his game-play look less exploding.
The 49ers are planning to carry on with their ‘different’ playing style against the Saints.
"There are a lot of different ways to win in this league", Smith said.
"We're not going to be somebody we're not. We're going to continue to do what we do ... Obviously this is why you play, to get into the postseason and get a ticket to the dance".
The 49ers entered the postseason as a second seeded team after winning 13 games and topping the National Football Conference (NFC) – West division.
Despite that, they are considered underdogs in front of the Saints, who have been in the limelight due to the performance of quarterback, Drew Brees.
Brees is leading the league’s quarterback ranking in terms of passing yards. In the regular season, he completed 468 passes of 657 attempts for 5,476 yards, while throwing 46 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
During the postseason game against Detroit Lions last week, Brees led his team to a victory by completing 33 passes of 43 attempts for 466 yards, while managing three touchdowns and avoiding any interception.
On the other hand, Smith’s run is not as remarkable as Brees’.
Smith completed 273 passes of 445 attempts for 3,144 yards in the regular season, while throwing 17 touchdowns.
The comparatively low numbers do not portray Smith as a weak quarterback. Instead, he has been credited for following the plays the coach calls.
Besides, he has only given away five interceptions and is leading the league’s quarterback ranking in terms of throwing low interceptions.
He was a number one draft pick in 2005 but failed to live up to the expectation and received severe criticism from all corners.
However, first-year coach, Harbaugh, expressed his trust by giving another chance to Smith.
When asked about what are his chances of finishing with more passing yards than Brees on Saturday, Smith brushed aside the importance of his personal record and expressed a desire to win the game.
"I don't care. I'm just interested in outscoring him. He can throw for as many yards as he wants", Smith stated.
With Smith’s eyes on the goal and Harbaugh managing calling the plays, New Orleans Saints might face a surprisingly tough competition by San Francisco 49ers at the Candlestick Park.
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