49ers notes: QB handles communication breakdown

INDIANAPOLIS – In his second game against Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, Alex Smith had to act like, well, Peyton Manning. The communication system between the sideline and Smith's helmet broke down twice during Sunday's 18-14 loss to Indianapolis, forcing Smith to call the plays on his own. Coach Mike Singletary said Smith handled the job with aplomb. "All I know is that right now Alex looks very calm," Singletary said. "The game is not fast. The game has slowed down quite a bit. His mechanics are a lot better, and I think he has a better command of the offense. … He's only going to get better." Smith and the offense struggled at times. He threw one interception – the ball glanced off Michael Crabtree's hand – in the first quarter and had three consecutive three-and-out series to open the second quarter. But near the end of the quarter, Smith looked like he did against Houston last weekend. He drove the offe...