Throughout his nearly two full seasons in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback has been subject to a range of evaluations, both positive and negative. Initially bestowed with the title of Mr. Irrelevant in 2022, he swiftly demonstrated his indispensability by leading the 49ers to the NFC title game during his rookie season. The narrative took an interesting turn in 2023 when, at one point, he was considered a potential MVP candidate, only to face criticism for a string of lackluster performances in the middle of the season.
In the ongoing season, the quarterback, often referred to as a “game manager,” a term used by figures like former NFL quarterback Cam Newton, has been accused of merely orchestrating the 49ers’ offense without significantly contributing to on-field excellence through his skill set. This label, however, faced vehement opposition from former 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, who proudly claimed to be the unofficial president of the “Game Manager’s Club.” Smith not only rejected the characterization for the current quarterback but emphatically declared that he was not allowed in the aforementioned club.
Smith dismissed these labels as lazy analysis, attributing them to a misunderstanding of the quarterback’s capabilities. Despite the quarterback’s youth and unremarkable physical attributes, Smith argued that he defies these narrative constraints. According to Smith, the quarterback has exhibited a knack for making plays under pressure, eschewing the easy options of throwing the ball away, checking down to a running back, or taking a sack. Moreover, Smith emphasized that the quarterback’s throws have not only showcased his own prowess but have also elevated the performance of the 49ers’ already impressive collection of offensive players. The quarterback, it seems, is more than just a game manager, defying expectations and leaving a mark that transcends the limitations of simplistic labels.
