What Some Teams Won't Do For A First Down!

In an effort to try and get his defense off the field by some means other than halftime and the final gun, Coach Mike Nolan has promoted Alex Smith to the starting quarterback position.

Smith will make his first NFL start on Sunday against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts at Candlestick Park. The former Utah star played in two of the 49ers' first four games, mopping up in losses to Philadelphia and Arizona.

"I feel that Alex gives us the best chance to win, and I believe he's ready," San Francisco coach Mike Nolan said. "Tim has handled everything very well, but at this time in the process, I believe it's time to get Alex in the game. At 1-3, we didn't draft Alex to just sit him on the bench. At 1-3, I believe we need to begin to utilize him."

You can feel for Nolan and the 49ers. Their defense has spent more time on the field then President Bush has been spending in New Orleans the last few weeks.

"He's been well-prepared every week," Nolan said. "That's one of the things that's impressed me. I've watched that, and he's prepared from that standpoint. If he gets hit hard or makes a mistake, it's not very often that he comes back and does the same thing."

The good thing for Smith is that nobody expects the 49ers to have a chance with their totally-depleted secondary against Peyton Manning - so if Smith manages to get some first downs and one TD it will be a welcome improvement over the offense under Tim Rattay.