49ers Coach Harbaugh Says Alex Smith is an "Elite Quarterback"

While some San Francisco fans were hoping the 49ers would get rid of former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith after last season, first year head coach Jim Harbaugh says that 27-year-old is one of the elite quarterbacks in the game, CBS Sports reports.

“I think people that know football and understand the game appreciate Alex Smith as a very talented quarterback,” he said according to CBS. “He’s every bit the elite quarterback as there is playing in the game right now.”

Through eight games this season Smith has completed 64.1 percent of his passes while throwing for 10 touchdowns and giving up just two interceptions. His consistency has helped him produce a career high 97.3 quarterback rating and has been a key reason the 49ers sit at 7-1 this season. Last year Smith posted an 82.1 quarterback rating and completed just 59.6 percent of his passes.