Facebook friend Branden wants to know what evidence exists showing Alex Smith has a better chance for success than Matt Leinart. "Smith couldn't beat out Shaun Hill to start last season. Leinart watched a potential Hall of Famer take his spot and perform as a top 10 quarterback. This doesn't even take into account the weapons Leinart has. Seems if Smith gets the benefit of the doubt, then so should Leinart."

Mike Sando: The fact that Smith played OK over a 10-game stretch last season is really what separates the two. Leinart hasn't played as much and he seemed shaky, at least to me, in relief roles last season. That is not a lot to go on. We should not judge these guys once and for all. Smith simply has a head start because he has played more. Leinart can earn the benefit of the doubt by playing more and playing better.

It's important and difficult to avoid getting too caught up in offseason storylines. Two storylines this offseason pose risks as we try to analyze situations. It's easy to think Smith will become a good player now that he's had a second year with the same offensive coordinator. It's easy to write off the Cardinals because Kurt Warner retired. Those are legitimate storylines, but they do not tell the entire story.

Smith still hasn't proven he's a good starting quarterback. The 49ers agree and that is why they did not push to extend his contract this offseason. We also need to see how the Cardinals compensate for the change at quarterback. They will play more to Leinart's strengths and that could work out better than expected.