NFL History: 25 greatest quarterback-tight end duos of all time

The 23rd greatest quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history: Alex Smith & Vernon Davis

The picture shows Alex Smith and Vernon Davis late in their careers together in Washington, but make no mistake, the magical days of this duo was in the San Francisco 49ers uniforms.

In 2005, Smith was drafted first overall by the 49ers and a year later  in the 2006 draft, San Francisco selected Davis sixth overall. From that point on, the two became running buddies. In seven seasons together, six in San Francisco and one in Washington, the duo produced 254 catches, 3,298 yards and 31 touchdowns in 74 games.

The peak moment of this partnership came in 2011 when they led San Francisco to its first playoff appearance in nearly a decade. The 13-3 49ers added another memorable moment in franchise history when Smith connected with Davis for a game-winning touchdown over the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round. The moment was affectionately named “The Catch III”, alluding Joe Montana to Dwight Clark and Steve Young to Terrell Owens game winning touchdown connections.

They lost in the NFC Championship to the New York Giants, but they created a moment that will be remembered forever in the 49ers lore.