For 49ers' struggling Smith, questions pile up

0 Comments | USA TODAY, November, 2007 | by Jarrett Bell

It was the type of play capable of making a bold statement.

Alex Smith sprinted out of the pocket on the San Francisco 49ers' first snap at Seattle on Monday night, while Darrell Jackson raced past the cornerback along the sideline.

Yet the deep throw that Smith launched was late and short, and Jackson was unable to get more than a hand on the football.

Some statement.

It was more of an omen that Smith -- the quarterback chosen No.1 overall in the 2005 NFL draft -- and the 49ers offense were in for another long and unproductive game.

"No one said this would be easy," Smith said after the 49ers were not only shut out 24-0 but also were held below 200 yards passing for the 22nd consecutive game -- the longest streak in the NFL...