Alex Smith is not a better QB. He can’t scramble, he has no arm. Smith’s only strength is that he’s very accurate, so long as the throw is less than 15 yards, problem is over 15 yards he just can’t do. Smith is at best a game manager, Colin can win games, unfortunately he’s also got the streakiness that lets him lose games too, but that can be trained out of him. This was his first full season as a starter, and his second conference finals, there’s skills there.
Smith won only one less game in the regular season but for the season passed for more yards and had a better completion percentage. And doesn't make nearly as many stupid mistakes.