BREAKING NEWS: Alex Smith to start for 49ers next Sunday

Head coach Mike Singletary has announced quarterback Alex Smith as the team's new starting quarterback. Singletary said the move was made with the feeling that Smith "fit the bill" for what the 49ers want to do from now on.

"I want to make a decision based upon the one who gives us the best chance to win," said Singletary. The head coach said that in the beginning of the season, Shaun Hill was the quarterback that gave the team the best chance. But as the situation changed, Smith now becomes the better option for the team.

Smith now will get the opportunity to start his first NFL game since November 12, 2007. He will have a tough task with his first start of the season facing off against the Indianapolis. Smith's first career start was against the Colts in October 2005 which he had a 9-23 passing game for 74 yards and four interceptions.

This is the second straight year in which a backup quarterback has taken the starting job in mid-season. Last year the change put the team on the right track. There is a hope that that same thing will happen this year.