Stick a fork in the 49ers. They're (mercifully) done.

[Auggie]

2. Perhaps. Rodgers could be thanking Mike Nolan too ...

for passing on him. Rodgers had the luxury of learning from Brett Favre while Smith was given the starting job on lousy team.

I thought Smith was nothing more than average. He was the product of spread offense in college and seemed uncomfortable throwing from the pocket. His throws also lacked a certain touch to make them easier to catch. Maybe it was coaching. When Harbaugh arrived he got better. But so did the team around him.

49ers didn't have a GM in 2005. Head coach Nolan selected Smith with the first pick and guard David Bass second. Both turned out to be under performers. He found gold in Frank Gore at #3 but the rest of the draft was lame.

So we could be looking at a 6-10 record, maybe worse. I think Nick Mullins is toast too. With 10 days to prepare I predict Beathard will get the start against New Orleans.