The second Alex Smith era will begin Sunday the same the way the first Alex Smith era did back in 2005 -- with the 49ers as heavy underdogs against an undefeated Indianapolis Colts team.
The last time around that time Alex Smith debuted as a 49ers starter didn't go so well. Smith threw four interceptions, was sacked five times, and managed a measly 8.5 quarterback rating in a 28-3 loss to these very same Colts. Smith's luck was so awful that day that the radio receiver in his helmet wouldn't even work.
The Colts are undefeated this time too, waiting for the 49ers with a 6-0 record. Indy hasn't lost a regular season game in an entire calendar year. Their last regular season loss was all the way back on October 27, 2008, against the Titans.
Speaking of a while ago, Smith hasn't started a game for the 49ers since Week 10 of the 2007 season.
But did you see any rust on him when he was out there throwing for three touchdowns and a 118.0 quarterback rating this Sunday against the Texans?
Joe Kukura is a freelance writer who's really digging the "Welcome Back Alex Smith" Halloween graphic they cooked up over at the blog Golden State of Mind.
