Back It Up

A late hit after Steve Smith crossed the goal line led to a scuffle.

Even after Alex Smith led the 49ers to a comeback victory over the Eagles, not everyone was sold on his performance. At least one detractor predicted he would follow it up with a 3 INT game the next week. Instead Alex turned in the most proficient performance by an NFL quarterback this season, posting a rating of 127.2 and a total QBR of 98.2. Granted he only threw for 170 yards, but that was because San Francisco got out to an early lead. Alex opened the game 6-of-7 and finished 11-of-19 with 3 TDs and no turnovers. He has been a stud in back-to-back weeks and has earned back-to-back ProUte of the Week awards. Alex has earned two awards in each of the past three seasons, but this is the first time he has won it back-to-back.

Honorable mention goes to Steve Smith for his three catches, 79 yards, and a TD, and to the O-Line: Caleb Schlauderaff (first start with the Jets), Jordan Gross (162 yards rushing, 1 sack, 58% conversion on third down), and Zane Beadles (162 yards rushing, 0 sacks). Chris Kemoeatu did not play in one of the better performances by Pittsburgh's o-line (174 yards rushing, 1 sack, 58% 3rd down conversions).