Alex Smith: Smart And Accurate Or Captain Checkdown?

Play #2 – Under Center – 2 WRs, 2 TEs, JC in backfield

Situation – 2nd and 4

Results – Play action pass to Fasano for 11 yards and a first down

The photo above shows the LB on the 30 yard line having bit on the play action fake to Charles.  This is the defender assigned to cover Fasano.  With his momentum stopped Fasano is breaking free and Smith hits him for an 11 yard gain.  There are seven Saints around the line of scrimmage.  This means Smith needed to get the ball out quick before someone got to him.  There is a CB in front of Baldwin at the bottom of the screen and a safety playing center field out of view.  Fasano is the smart throw here.