As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for.
Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith surely wanted a crack at the team that gave up on him after a concussion interrupted one of the best seasons of his eight-year career. But Smith’s old team got a crack at Smith, multiple times.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com explains that the 49ers hit Smith several times on Friday night at Arrowhead Stadium. From three sacks to multiple other hits, including a helmet-to-helmet pop that drew a flag, a knockdown from cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, and a hit from safety Eric Reid as Smith was throwing the ball.
The 49ers claim they had no special incentive to make physical contact with Smith.
“You just see a quarterback,” linebacker Parys Haralson said. “It’s just a game. You’re out there playing, and everybody wants to compete and win.”
Smith wanted to win, too. The assault from the defense didn’t help.
“Not very efficient in the passing game,” Smith said after completing seven of 16 passes for 62 yards, including some drops. “I left a lot out there. I think I didn’t handle the pressure as well, and just some finer details here and there.”
Smith’s old boss, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, took the high road.
“I wish him great success and health and we’ll be following him,” Harbaugh said of Smith. “I thought he looked sharp, looked in control and had good command on his throws. It was an impressive night for him.”
Next year, Harbaugh’s team will get another chance to hassle Smith under circumstances that count. Unless of course they both get to the Super Bowl this year.
