SF Examiner: 49ers on same page during busy offseason

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

SANTA CLARA -- So the 49ers and Alex Smith will live happily ever after, and please don’t mention that dalliance with Peyton Manning. As far as Randy Moss, the only thing that matters, we’re told, is how Randy acts when he shows up, which presumably he’ll do in time.

Niners general manager Trent Baalke spoke with the media Wednesday about next week’s NFL draft, and because as usual...

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Copyright 2012 SF Newspaper Company

RealClearSports: Peyton's World Becomes 49ers' Worry

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

It all makes sense in a nonsensical sort of way, Peyton Manning deciding to join the Denver Broncos, the only team run by a man who as a quarterback won more Super Bowls than has Manning.

If you get recruited by John Elway, you have an offer you almost can't refuse, and Manning didn't refuse it. Tough luck, Mr. Tebow.

At last the Peyton saga has reached its conclusion...

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© RealClearSports 2012

Newsday (N.Y.): Season of redemption for 49ers QB Smith

By Art Spander
Special to Newsday

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- He wasn't supposed to be here, one game from the Super Bowl, not after the criticism, the boos and time on injured reserve.

Then again, as the first player picked in the 2005 NFL draft, a quarterback chosen to lead the San Francisco 49ers, Alex Smith was supposed to be here, facing the Giants on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park.

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Copyright © 2012 Newsday. All rights reserved.

SF Examiner: In Smith, the Bay has a new miracle worker

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

Think he managed that one well enough? You want to compare Alex Smith to Joe Montana or Steve Young? Well compare away. Alex is the new miracle worker by the Bay.

What he managed to do on Saturday at the ’Stick was turn logic and inevitability upside down.

This was one for the ages, and for the Niners. This one was redemption for Alex Smith...

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2012 SF Newspaper Company

Newsday (N.Y.): Smith, Davis lead 49ers to thrilling upset of Saints

By Art Spander
Special to Newsday

SAN FRANCISCO -- The other quarterback was the magic man. Drew Brees did what he could, but Alex Smith did what nobody thought he could -- become a winner.

Smith, maligned in his previous six seasons after being taken as the overall No. 1 pick in the 2005 NFL draft, threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Vernon Davis with nine seconds remaining to give the San Francisco 49ers a 36-32 NFC divisional playoff win over the New Orleans Saints Saturday.

Read the full story here.

Copyright © 2012 Newsday. All rights reserved.