San Francisco 49ers fans know who head coach Jim Harbaugh is at this point. His no-nonsense attitude extends all the way from the field to the press conference table. He expects the most from his whole team, and he plays to win every game.

They also know he has serious respect for quarterback Alex Smith.

According to CSNBayArea’s Matt Maiocco Wednesday, the news of legendary hurler Peyton Manning’s release from the Indianapolis Colts organization didn’t shake Harbaugh’s confidence that Smith is his man moving forward, with Harbaugh describing Smith as “our guy.”

But passing on a game-changer like Manning seems like a big risk to take for the Niners, who were just 1-13 on third down conversion attempts in their NFC Championship game loss to the New York Giants in January.

Sure, Smith had what appeared to be a break-out season in 2011. His 5 interceptions were the fewest among starting quarterbacks, even beating out eventual MVP Aaron Rodgers. This surely speaks to his improved decision-making skills.

But The 49ers ranked 30th in the league in red zone conversions, and kicker David Akers’ single-season field goal record says more about Smith’s lack of ability in the clutch than it does about Akers’ golden left foot.

There’s no way Smith will keep his interception total that low for a second consecutive year as the league’s defenses learn more about Harbaugh’s game plan. Simply put, relying on Smith to lead the Niners to the promised land in 2012 is more than a gamble, it’s downright foolish.

Manning, on the other hand, could be a real weapon in San Francisco.

He’s never had the kind of ground support he would have in running back Frank Gore, nor has he had a defense of the same caliber as Patrick Willis and company. He just has never needed anyone else to make plays. He’s that good.

Despite all the talk of San Francisco needing help at wide receiver, Manning could easily make due with the combo of Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan and Vernon Davis. Doubts regarding Crabtree’s explosiveness, as expressed by former Niners great Jerry Rice Tuesday, would be largely quieted by Manning’s added accuracy and vision.

As additional motivation, various reports today said Seattle and Arizona are both expected to be in on the Manning sweepstakes. Needless to say, were he to sign in either city, the Niners would have serious competition for the NFC West title. If you think Smith is shaky now, wait until he has to battle back against Manning and Larry Fitzgerald in Glendale.

Doubts about Manning’s health remain, as he’s coming off his fourth neck surgery in a very short period of time. But the reward outweighs the risk. If the 49ers are serious about putting a captain behind the wheel of their offense, they should pull the trigger on Manning.

Alex Grotewohl can be reached at [email protected].