Troy Smith: Has San Francisco Truly Seen the End of the Alex Smith Era?

The San Francisco 49ers made a bold move three weeks ago by announcing in the week leading up to their game in London against the Denver Broncos that former third-string quarterback Troy Smith would start.

With erstwhile starter Alex Smith sidelined with a separated left (non-throwing) shoulder and backup David Carr coming off a truly dismal relief performance in which he lofted an easy interception and nearly threw two more despite rarely being given the chance to throw the ball, the move seemed more an outgrowth of necessity than a decisive push for change.

Troy Smith would soon show signs it could be both.

Begin Slideshow