49ers’ QB Alex Smith is in charge

By Daniel Brown

San Jose Mercury News

SANTA CLARA, Calif.

In a career first, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith got mad on the field last week. He was irritated by a fast play clock from the refs and slow calls from the sideline.

As time ticked away, Smith got ticked off. He yelled and gestured and implored coaches to get him the information faster.

He’s usually a mild-mannered quarterback.

Who was that hacked man?

“I think you could see it was really frustrating for me. I was really upset about it,” Smith said of the 49ers’ 28-24 victory over the Raiders.

As Smith prepares to enter his sixth NFL season, the 49ers point to instances such as this as examples that their quarterback is all grown up. The old Smith — that is, the young one — was uncharacteristically meek for someone paid to bark out signals and command the huddle.

On Tuesday, as the 49ers prepared for Thursday’s exhibition finale against the San Diego Chargers, Smith said he finally feels comfortable enough to take charge.

“When I was young and kind of thrown out there, I felt like I still had to earn it,” Smith said. “Even though I was the starting quarterback, I still felt like I had to earn my place.

“There’s no hesitation for me now. I’ve gone through a lot. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for and I’m going to take advantage of it.”

Teammates said they’ve noticed the change. It’s not uncommon for Smith to summon the skill players together for a meeting of the minds.

“He’s most definitely a lot more vocal,” receiver Josh Morgan said.

“Alex, he’s stepping up like a man,” running back Frank Gore said.

Starting strong safety Michael Lewis and the 49ers have worked out a new deal, according to ESPN.com. The website reports that Lewis, 30, will make $1.7 million this year with another $400,000 in bonus money. Left unsaid is that the reduced deal enhances Lewis’ chances of making the roster as the 49ers groom upstarts Reggie Smith and Taylor Mays.