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Daily Madden: Is Alex Smith A Pro-Bowler?

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Alex Smith, the sixth-rated quarterback in the conference, should be one of the three NFC Pro Bowl QBs.

John Madden told the KCBS morning crew that he doesn't think Smith is the third best in the conference, "but I think there's still a pretty good chance that Alex Smith can go play in the Pro Bowl."

Madden said one of the NFC quarterbacks will be going to the Super Bowl instead, and there's a good chance that others will be banged-up or injured.

"I don't see him winning a vote as one of the top three quarterbacks, but I could see him playing in the Pro Bowl this year" as a back-up selection.

Madden agreed that a team's success should be a consideration in addition to individual stats.

"That should be a big part of it," the former coach said. "To be considered in that group you have to have some pretty good wins, and then you go from there."

The NFL has announced that a certified athletic trainer will be in the press box at all games to monitor concussions. Madden said it's a good idea.

"It's just another set of eyes... They'll be able to see (a potential concussion) because they'll not only have a view of it, but they'll have a TV monitor there so they'll see the replays and the slow motion."

The decision follows the concussion to Browns quarterback Colt McCoy, who wasn't tested after a big hit and was sent back into the game against the Steelers. (7:30)

Listen to the John Madden segment live weekday mornings at 8:15 on KCBS All News 740 AM/106.9 FM.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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