Newsday (N.Y.): Jets should keep in mind: Niners QB Alex Smith is a survivor

By Art Spander
Special to Newsday

The man has taken a beating, physically and mentally. Since the beginning of last season, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith has been sacked 54 times, the most in the NFL. Since the beginning of his career -- he was the first player picked in the 2005 draft -- he's been booed, criticized and briefly set free.

"But he's got a lot of fight in him," said Alex Boone, who as right guard has the responsibility of protecting Smith. "I love that about him."

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Copyright © 2012 Newsday. All rights reserved.

RealClearSports: Jets' Losses End Sweet Smell Of Success

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

John Madden, who coached a Super Bowl winner before becoming an announcer, had a favorite phrase about team sports, to wit: "Winning is a great deodorant.'' As we are learning this week from a team that lost, the New York Jets.

Beneath the surface, there is always tension, division, sometimes open rebellion, the figurative smell.

Players can't get along with coaches. Players often can't get along with each other. Backups...

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© RealClearSports 2012