Feb 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton does an interview after coaching in the direct TV celebrity beach bowl at Victory Field. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

A couple of day days ago, when talking to a group of reporters, Smith said”

I could absolutely care less on yards per game. I think that is a totally overblown stat because if you’re losing games in the second half, guess what, you’re like the Carolina Panthers and you’re going no-huddle the entire second half. Yeah, Cam Newton threw for a lot of 300-yard games. That’s great. You’re not winning, though

This initial comment sparked controversy on ever Sports outlet, and lead to many experts thinking about if he is right or wrong.

Then came Jon Beason to Cam’s rescue saying:

Alex smith, don’t hate on Cam (because) your stats would’ve gotten u cut if Peyton decided to come 2 San Fran. Truth b told. That’s after a 13-3 yr.

If only these teams would play in 2012, because it’s shaping up to the point that Patrick Willis chimed in, saying:

Wins are Wins I stand with My Qb Alex Smith and all my teammates. I can’t wait for the season.

I’m going to have to agree with Beason on this one. The 49er’s defense and run game are the reason for the 13-3 season. San Fran was willing to throw Smith to the side while they were in the Manning sweepstakes. The minute they lost that contest, they realized that no one was available and fell back to Smith.

Mind you, they let Smith visit other teams. What this comes down to is the fact that stats do matter. If you are a coach for an NFL team, you want a player throwing for 4,000 yards and running for 700 yards, over a QB throwing for 3000 yards. To be honest, slamming Cam for the Panthers’ inability to close a game is completely wrong. The blame could be placed on the Defense and the guys at ESPN agree.

Ultimately, Alex Smith proved he knows he can’t be a great QB. I don’t care who you are, but as a QB you want to throw for more yards every year. Stats are not overblown, they show the true talent behind a QB’s arm.

So Smith, keep talking. Cam Newton will lead this team to a Super Bowl, and you’ll be remembered as a second rate QB, and a failure of a #1 pick.

Two years ago, Beason broke what was a nine-year old record of 158 tackles set in 1998 by former linebacker Michael Barrows, who is also a product of the University of Miami.

In his rookie season (2007), he finished second behind San Francisco’s Patrick Willis in tackles for a rookie with 140.

Beason also finished the 2009 season with three sacks, seven passes defensed, three interceptions for 46 yards, and a forced fumble.

 Beason was not a Pro Bowl selection this year.