Off-season is a time for self-improvement, and player development. The art of backpedaling is a skill honed by cornerbacks over years of practice, but Cam Newton gave San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith a chance to try his hand at running away. In talking to the media during a conference call yesterday Smith re-iterated his assertion that passing yards don't equate to wins, but with one noticable change in his tune:

"obviously I got carried away there" by citing Newton's Panthers as an example

It's a far cry from actually apologizing for bringing Cam's name into a discussion it didn't belong in, but at least it's acknowledgement that Smith got a little too hot under the collar when he brought the Panthers' rookie into the conversation. Obviously he's human, and by all accounts was starting to get painted into a corner as the 49ers played 'wait and see' with Smith as they bided their time to hear on a decision from FA Peyton Manning, but alas they're stuck with mediocrity for another season at the QB position.

In the grand scheme of things it's doubtful Cam cares, though it will be fascinating to see if Smith made it onto Newton's famous bulletin board of negative comments. I'll wait with bated breathe when the Panthers play the 49ers next, though chances are by that time Smith won't be with San Francisco.