SANTA CLARA -- Quarterback Alex Smith had his play call for a crucial third-and-3 play with 2:18 remaining against the New Orleans Saints.Smith began to give the call to his 11 teammates in the huddle . . . and that's when tight end Justin Peelle noticed there was one extra 49ers player listening to Smith in the huddle. Peelle gave Bruce Miller a shove to get him off the field.But it was too late. The 49ers were called for 12 men in the huddle to change it from third-and-3 to third-and-8.
After the 49ers called a timeout, Smith said the play call was "totally different." He would not reveal what the 49ers were prepared to call on third-and-3, but everyone knows that Smith took off around left end for 28 yards and a touchdown on a quarterback keeper on third-and-8.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman "suggested" that call, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. But it was quarterbacks coach Geep Chryst who made all the calls on the next drive, during the final two-minute drill."And Geep called the Vernon Davis touchdown and that whole two-minute drive there at the end," Harbaugh said. "That was coming from Geep."This is the first time that Harbaugh has pinpointed to someone other than Roman calling offensive plays. And it also might provide a clue to those who wondering which assistant would be next in line for offensive coordinator."We all work together, pretty much suffice it to say," Harbaugh said. "Press box (Roman), field, me, Geep, (receivers coach) Johnnie Morton, everybody in the offense is connected."Harbaugh continues to be the coach on the sideline who relays the play calls via radio transmitter to Smith.
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