Alex Smith, Super Bowl QBs headline USA TODAY Sports' 21st All-Joe team

Nate Davis, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

Alex Smith seemed headed to his first Pro Bowl three months ago. That was before a concussion derailed his season and, in all likelihood, put his NFL career on a different track.

Though Smith has sacrificed quite a bit lately, USA TODAY Sports' 21st annual All-Joe team is the beneficiary, claiming the San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback as its captain.

Smith, the top pick of the 2005 draft, had not accomplished much in the league until new coach and former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh joined the team in 2011. A rejuvenated Smith nearly led the Niners to Super Bowl XLVI — they lost in overtime of the 2011 NFC Championship Game through no fault of his — then began 2012 by winning six of his first eight starts before suffering a head injury against the St. Louis Rams on Nov. 11. In the six quarters before he was sidelined (and ultimately replaced by younger, more athletic Colin Kaepernick), Smith completed 25 of 27 passes (92.6%) for 304 yards and four TDs, earning NFC offensive player of the week honors after his final full game.

Though Smith admitted losing the starting reins was "bittersweet" — especially after he followed the league's concussion protocol, something other players have sidestepped — he refused to bring bile into the San Francisco locker room.

"It's not easy, a tough pill to swallow," Smith told USA TODAY Sports. "But at the same time, this is a team game, and selflessness is a part of it."

He's also quick to reference the story of his star turn at the University of Utah. Smith took over for starter Brett Elliott, who broke his wrist early in the 2003 season then ended up transferring once it became apparent Smith was too good to sit.

Smith will probably transfer, too, with the 49ers likely trade or release him in the coming weeks. His accuracy and intelligence would qualify him as an upgrade for many teams.

Yet he also seems to understand Kaepernick brought a new dimension to the Niners, who returned to the Super Bowl for the first time in 18 years with him at the controls.

Kaepernick and Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens join Smith on the All-Joe QB depth chart, providing us rare star power at the position. Super Bowl XLVII was the first to feature two teams that didn't have one quarterback between them who'd been named to at least one Pro Bowl, an honor that disqualifies players from All-Joe consideration. Smith and Flacco were also teammates on the 2009 Joe roster; Smith returned last year, too.

With the Super Bowl hardware in hand, an expanding offensive arsenal and the recognition that will come with a new contract that could pay him $20 million annually, an all-star vacation to Oahu seems increasingly inevitable for Flacco, whose teammates always had faith after watching him win a record six playoff games on the road in just five years.

"He's taken a lot of criticism over his career, for whatever reason," said Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta after the Super Bowl. "But we've always believed in him. We've known the kind of player that he is. He's showed up on the biggest stage and performed."

So did Kaepernick, who seems destined for a leading role on that stage for years to come given the spring in his legs and the whip in his arm.

"Nobody hates quarterbacks more than me, but I've got the utmost respect for Colin Kaepernick," said Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs after surviving a Kaepernick-led comeback in the Super Bowl's second half.

"The kid can play."

Smith knows that, too, which is why he seems to hold no grudge against his replacement or his coach even as it's become apparent he'll never play in a Super Bowl for the team that drafted him to do just that nearly eight years ago.

"Here, everything gets put out on the table," Smith says of the organization. "As a player, you really appreciate that."

He's also been touched by widespread support from the players.

"To get the praise from your teammates, it's the ultimate in team sports," Smith says. "That's why you play."

About the team: The All-Joe team was created in 1992 by longtime USA TODAY Sports NFL writer Larry Weisman as a tribute to Joe Phillips, a 14-year defensive lineman who did yeoman's work for the Kansas City Chiefs that season. His effort in the trenches didn't lead to much glory … unless you point to the 29 combined sacks of Derrick Thomas and Neil Smith, Kansas City's fifth-ranked defense or the team's wild-card run. USA TODAY Sports has honored the unsung Joes ever since and compiles them in a 53-man roster that has at least one representative from every NFL team. Only players who have never been named to the Pro Bowl are eligible.

OFFENSE

Quarterback — Joe Flacco (Ravens): Elite? Yep. And by no means an ordinary Joe. Colin Kaepernick (49ers): We're guessing this transcendent talent won't be Joe-eligible again. Alex Smith (49ers): Here's hoping he plays in a Super Bowl, or at least a Pro Bowl, for somebody next season.

Running back — Alfred Morris (Redskins): He quickly morphed from unknown sixth rounder to one of the most prolific rookies of all time after rushing for a team record 1,613 yards and trailing only Adrian Peterson for the league crown. Moreover, he keeps it very All-Joe by driving a 1991 Mazda. Trent Richardson (Browns): He didn't have Morris' rookie numbers, but Richardson also wasn't playing alongside Robert Griffin III. But he did shoulder Cleveland's offensive burden even while coping with knee, rib and ankle injuries that rendered him well short of 100% all season. Richardson still managed 12 TDs and nearly 1,000 yards while becoming a pleasant surprise in the passing game (51 catches). Stevan Ridley (Patriots): After a quiet rookie year, he exploded for the most rushing yards by a New England runner (1,263) since Corey Dillon finished with 1,635 in 2004. If Ridley ever becomes a factor as a receiver, look out.

Fullback — James Casey (Texans): Versatility personified. He's played quite a bit of tight end for Houston but settled in last season as the lead blocker for Arian Foster, who churned out 1,424 yards. Casey once played seven positions in one game while attending Rice and could probably spell Texans quarterback Matt Schaub in a pinch. After all, Casey spent three years pitching in the Chicago White Sox farm system.

Wide receiver — Dez Bryant (Cowboys): Long perceived as a prima donna, Bryant proved he's got some Joe in him. He snared 10 of his 12 TD catches in the second half of the season, four of them after he continued to play with a broken left index finger. His surge and toughness nearly helped Dallas capture the NFC East title. Randall Cobb (Packers): Injuries thrust the NFL sophomore into the No. 1 receiver role for Green Bay's pass-heavy offense. Cobb (team-high 80 catches for 954 yards) was ready and maintained his duties as a game-breaking returner and even rushed for 132 yards. His array of abilities is probably going to cost Greg Jennings a roster spot. Marques Colston (Saints): Six 1,000-yard receiving seasons and 58 TD grabs, but he's never been to a Pro Bowl. Seriously? But that will happen when you're a wideout who merely works hard and says nothing. Colston is one of those players we'd like to see graduate beyond All-Joe recognition. Michael Crabtree (49ers): Another guy who's been saddled with a diva reputation, he finally carried San Francisco's aerial attack by quickly earning Kaepernick's trust. Crabtree also showed a lot of toughness, willingly going over the middle, as he turned potential into production. James Jones (Packers): Guess who led the NFL in touchdown catches? This guy (14), who had trouble catching a cold on some days earlier in his career. Like Cobb, Jones' opportunities should only grow after Jennings' expected free agent departure. Lance Moore (Saints): He seems to have finally swatted the injury bug. Great. He just turned in his first 1,000-yard season. Impressive. Of his 65 catches, 55 produced first downs. All-Joe.

Tight end — Dwayne Allen (Colts): Here's one Indianapolis newcomer you might not have heard much about even though his 45 receptions for 521 yards led all rookie tight ends. However Allen's crushing run blocks earned him a lot more playing time than teammate and fellow frosh tight end Coby Fleener, who entered the league with far more fanfare. Greg Olsen (Panthers): He's finally flourishing with a team willing to utilize his athleticism. Olsen's career-best 69 grabs and 843 yards are trumped by his ability to play through the anxiety of watching his newborn son spend the first month of his life in a Charlotte hospital with a congenital heart defect.

Tackle — Sam Baker (Falcons): Atlanta used a pair of 2008 first-round picks on Matt Ryan and Baker, who was supposed to protect the quarterback. But chronic back injuries and ineffectiveness frequently landed the left tackle on the bench in 2011 before he rebounded nicely last season, which also happened to be Ryan's best. Anthony Davis (49ers): He and teammate Joe Staley are the best run-blocking tackle tandem in the league, but only Staley's been to Hawaii. Time to reward Davis for his deserving dirty work. Eugene Monroe (Jaguars): He's probably Jacksonville's steadiest, most reliable player. That alone warrants some rare recognition. Andre Smith (Bengals): He may never be elite, but Smith has quietly developed into one of the league's better all-around blockers. Eric Winston (Chiefs): You have to feel for a guy who ended up in Kansas City because the Texans could no longer afford his salary and cut him loose. But Winston continued delivering an "A" game on the field and in the locker room, most notably when he vocally defended injured teammate Matt Cassel even if the rant later proved a bit misguided.

Guard — Kory Lichtensteiger (Redskins): He tore the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee in 2011, but, like Peterson, was back in top form in 2012 … in a lineman sort of way. Lichtensteiger didn't miss a game for Washington's top-ranked running game. Evan Mathis (Eagles): He missed three snaps in 2012. Every other starter on Philadelphia's line missed all or part of the season. His availability aside, Mathis is simply one of the NFL's top guards. Robert Turner (Rams): He came to St. Louis presumably because he was familiar with new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's playbook. Turner ended up being the Rams' best lineman — he'd never been a regular starter in his first five seasons with the Jets — first filling in for injured center Scott Wells before moving to guard once the team realized Turner was too valuable to put on the bench.

Center — John Sullivan (Vikings): He took over as the line's leader following Steve Hutchinson's departure and is a major reason Peterson went on to have the best season of his career. Pro Football Focus ranked Sullivan as the 2012 season's No. 1 snapper. Ryan Wendell (Patriots): Basically an unknown outside of New England, he became Tom Brady's third starting center since 2010. Wendell, whose league-high 1,249 snaps alone make him Joe-worthy, was one reason Ridley and the run game really took off while being a constant on the league's most prolific offense.

DEFENSE

Line — Calais Campbell (Cardinals): He's not quite J.J. Watt, but Campbell is the rare 3-4 defensive end who can wreck a game. He's averaged seven sacks over the past four seasons, and his 6-8 frame plays havoc with passers and kickers. Chris Clemons (Seahawks): High-effort player has at least 11 sacks in each of his three seasons in Seattle and doesn't come off the field. Hopefully he's back on it soon after tearing up a knee in postseason. Nick Fairley (Lions): He began 2012 by embarrassing Detroit off the field but ended it by doing the Lions proud on it. If Fairley follows sidekick Ndamukong Suh's lead and cuts down on the penalties, this will be a truly dominant duo. Israel Idonije (Bears): Hails from Nigeria, played collegiately in Canada and is the true unsung hero of Chicago's defense. His 7.5 sacks don't tell the tale of his total skill set, which includes a penchant for blocking kicks. Charles Johnson (Panthers): His game (33 sacks since 2010; seven strips in 2012 ranked second in NFL) is basically as good as Julius Peppers' was in Carolina even if his name recognition is lagging behind. Corey Liuget (Chargers): He needed a year to adjust to San Diego's 3-4, but the light has come on. Five of his seven sacks came in the last six weeks, and only Watt batted down more balls among linemen. Chris Long (Rams): Another relentless one who dominates most right tackles in the passing game; Long will be in the Pro Bowl if he improves against the run. Muhammad Wilkerson (Jets): An unbelievable run stopper and improving pass rusher, his 69 tackles were tops among NFL linemen who didn't win defensive MVP (Watt).

Outside linebacker — Vontaze Burfict (Bengals): Once projected as a potential top-10 pick, Burfict's baggage was so heavy a year ago that he wasn't drafted. But the All-Joe team rewards hard work — Burfict has a lot more ahead of him — and this rookie free agent dug deep enough to claim a starting job on Cincinnati's underrated defense and could be installed as the middle linebacker in 2013. Bravo. Lavonte David (Buccaneers): Just maybe the guy to finally take up Derrick Brooks' mantle in Tampa. David's 20 tackles for a loss nearly set a rookie record. Thomas Davis (Panthers): When you come back from three ACL tears in the same knee to play 15 games and make 105 tackles, we'll consider re-naming this the All-Tom team. Wesley Woodyard (Broncos): You won't find many NFL linebackers who are 6 feet tall and 229 pounds. Other than Woodyard, you won't find anyone in the last five seasons who managed to make 100 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions in one season.

Inside linebacker — Luke Kuechly (Panthers): Defensive rookie of the year led league in tackles (164) while finding a home in the middle after starting on the weak side. His game resembles a young Ray Lewis even if his demeanor does not. James Laurinaitis (Rams): Another sideline-to-sideline guy who topped NFL in solo tackles (117) and didn't miss a play. His dad is also an All-Joe: Joe "Animal" Laurinaitis of wrestling fame. Lawrence Timmons (Steelers): Inside backers in 3-4 defenses don't usually make a ton of splash plays, but Timmons sure did for Pittsburgh's top-ranked defense. He became the first Steeler in a decade to pace the team in tackles (134 according to team records), sacks (6) and interceptions (3). Bobby Wagner (Seahawks): One of the many members of Seattle's impressive 2012 draft class, he nearly took the tackle crown (140) and defensive rookie honors from Kuechly.

Cornerback — Casey Hayward (Packers): He led all rookies with six picks. But this is eye-popping: According to Pro Football Focus, quarterbacks' 31.1 passer rating against Hayward was the lowest against any corner in the league. Michael Huff (Raiders): Was he great in coverage? No. But he gets a tip of the cap for his team-first attitude, shifting from safety to corner (a position he hadn't played since college) after Oakland was ravaged by injuries. Keenan Lewis (Steelers): He was the best defensive back on the league's best pass defense. He broke up an AFC-leading 23 passes, and quarterbacks only competed 53% of their passes against Lewis. Jason McCourty (Titans): He's emerged as the best corner on his team and in his family now that twin brother Devin (a former Pro Bowler) of the Patriots has moved to safety. Few corners are more willing to get their hands dirty than Jason McCourty, whose 92 tackles paced the position among AFC players. Richard Sherman (Seahawks): It's rare when the All-Joe team lands a first-team all-pro; Sherman's (successful) battle to overturn a drug suspension probably kept him away from Hawaii but not this roster. His combination of size (6-3, 195 pounds) and in-your-face attitude (just ask Tom Brady) make him one of the league's toughest competitors. And he more than backed up the swagger with a league-high 24 pass break-ups to go along with eight interceptions and three forced fumbles.

Safety — Stevie Brown (Giants): Journeyman emerged as the third safety the Giants covet on their defense and started 11 games along the way. For good measure, Brown swiped eight passes, one off the league lead, but his 307 interception return yards were second to none. Reshad Jones (Dolphins): The former fifth rounder is that rare safety who excels against the run (94 tackles, 3 strips) and pass (4 INTs). Bernard Pollard (Ravens): Well before Ray Lewis' last ride, Pollard had settled in as Baltimore's new enforcer.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Returner — Leodis McKelvin (Bills): His 18.7-yard average on punt returns was the second-best since the 1970 merger, and he brought two back for TDs; he also averaged 28.3 yards on kickoffs.

Kicker — Justin Tucker (Ravens): Impressive rookie connected on 91% of his field-goal tries (30-for-33) and didn't miss inside 40 yards. Among those with at least 40 kickoffs, no one whose home field didn't have a dome drove it better than Tucker (67.5-yard average).

Punter — Dave Zastudil (Cardinals): Dropped 46 punts inside opponents' 20-yard line, a new NFL record. Despite the horrid field position Arizona often had, Zastudil didn't merely bomb away and instead maintained an excellent net (41.4 yards) while forcing a league-high 36 fair catches. And he did a lot of work, his 112 punts 21 more than anyone else last season.

Ace — Bryan Braman (Texans): Playing as if his flowing hair was on fire, he blocked two punts, both returned for Houston TDs (one by Braman himself) and was a demon in coverage, making a team-high 16 special-teams tackles.

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