5 Reasons Alex Smith Is More Important Than Frank Gore to 49ers in 2011

The San Francisco 49ers have much work to do this season to have a shot at making their first return to the playoffs since 2003. One of the main questions is at the quarterback position. Should the Niners stick with mainstay Alex Smith, or should they go with newly drafted rookie Colin Kaepernick?

I don't think I'm going out on a limb to say Alex Smith will most likely start.

However, some people may be surprised to hear that Smith will be more important to the success of the Niners than their main offensive weapon, running back Frank Gore.

Here are five reasons why Smith will prove himself to be more valuable to the Niners' success than Gore in 2011.