Why Smith was woofing at Saints

SANTA CLARA -- Let's get this Thursday before Championship Sunday rolling with a trip to the 49ers Mailbag:After celebrating with his teammates in the end zone (following that touchdown throw to Vernon Davis) quarterback Alex Smith seemed to turn and start barking at someone on the Saints. Do you know who he was barking at, why, and the gist of what he was saying? (Patrick B. Sharp)
Despite what the 49ers might have said publicly, there was a lot of animosity because of how the Saints approached that first exhibition game.
The 49ers were installing a new offense, and their offensive line was coming together and just learning the new protection schemes. Many with the 49ers thought the Saints' decision to blitz on just about every down on Aug. 12 at the noisy Superdome was classless -- and dangerous. Smith could've been injured badly in that game.The 49ers absolutely loved the fact that the Saints went all-out to flex their muscle in a meaningless game -- perhaps feeling as if there was no chance the teams would meet again. The 49ers truly got the last laugh, and that's what Smith was expressing.
Said Smith, "There was kind of talking going on throughout the entire game, not much by me. Obviously, just a lot of emotion (with) the last touchdown there to Vernon. Yeah, just a lot going on. I couldnt remember what was actually coming out of my mouth, but obviously I was pretty jacked."Does Alex Smith seem happy in this offense? Regardless of his abilities, it doesn't seem like a system that will ever get him pro bowlelite status recognition. (Jameson Metcalf)
He is absolutely thrilled.Jim Harbaugh, Greg Roman and Geep Chryst have put him in positions to succeed for the first time in Smith's career. What's not to like about that?RELATED: Alex Smith 2011-2012 game logs
Through all of the travails of his first six NFL seasons, Smith was a model teammate and citizen. The fact that the 49ers have gone 14-3 and advanced to the NFC Championship Game on Sunday against the New York Giants means more to him than any bloated stat sheet.How big of a boost would it be to see Delanie Walker back on the field this Sunday -- both for the game itself and morale for the team? (Michael Tavares)
Walker was the 49ers' leading receiver against the Giants on Nov. 13. He caught six passes for 69 yards. But, oddly, he then went six games without a reception before sustaining the fractured jaw on Christmas Eve.RELATED: Delanie Walker 2011 game logs
I fully expect him to be in uniform on Sunday. I'm not sure how much of a factor he can be on offense, but he can at least provide the Giants with matchup problem. Justin Peelle, who filled in as the No. 2 tight end, is more of a blocker. When Walker is on the field with Davis, the Giants have to account for him.And, yes, I think, Walker's return will mean a lot to his teammates. He is a very popular guy in the locker room. Not that the 49ers need any additional motivation, but I see nothing but a positive vibe coming from his expected return.From your 49ers & Giants Practice Report is there anyone on there that you think will not play? (Omar Zepeda)
I'd be surprised if wide receiver Ted Ginn is available for the game. I didn't think Ginn would come back from his right knee injury when he went out before halftime against the Saints.Ginn returned to action in the third quarter, played four snaps, and had to leave for good.Center Jonathan Goodwin (left calf) and safety Dashon Goldson (right ankle) both left Saturday's game but returned to action and finished the game. Neither practiced Wednesday, but I believe both will be available for Sunday's game.