Troy Smith has his chance.
He was never happy in Baltimore because he didn’t have a legitimate shot to start at quarterback. In San Francisco, the 49ers look likely to see what he can do.
As Silva pointed out on his game one-liners, it sounds like San Francisco coach Mike Singletary wants to roll with Smith to see what he can do after the team’s bye. Even if Alex Smith is healthy.
“We’re going to continue to go forward with Troy Smith right now,” Singletary said via Comcast Bay Area. “We’re going into the bye week, and as far as Alex Smith is concerned, it’s a week-to-week deal. I’ll wait and talk to our doctors, trainers, whatever. But we’ll make those decisions as we need to.”
Considering Alex Smith’s shoulder injury, the question may be academic. He may not be ready to return for a few weeks.
Troy Smith was stymied at halftime, with only 37 yards passing. But the 49ers exploded in the fourth quarter for 21 points, including this miraculous play Brian Dawkins will see in his nightmares.
Beating the Broncos was a nice story for the Heisman Trophy winner, especially considering he hadn’t practiced with San Francisco’s first team before last week. Whether it’s a one-week blip on the radar or the start of something more lasting is up to Smith.
He’s got the opportunity he was waiting for.