[-King-]

God the leash is short. Getting instructed to take sacks..

Since the start of the 2011 season, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith has thrown the fewest interceptions in the NFL (5) and taken the most sacks (51).

In the minds of the 49ers’ coaching staff, those numbers explain why Smith ranks second among NFL quarterbacks in wins (15) during that span.

Today, offensive coordinator Greg Roman echoed what Smith said Wednesday – there are worse things than sacks. And the worst alternative is a turnover, which is to be avoided at all costs.

It’s clear Smith has been instructed to err on the side of caution when he’s under pressure, which helps explain all those sacks … and Smith’s streak of 216 straight regular-season passes without an interception.

Roman referred to statistics that detail how sacks will typically kill drives, but don’t have a strong correlation to wins and losses. Turnovers on the other hand …

“One thing you’ve got to consider is what’s your ultimate goal?’ Roman said. “If you’re ultimate goal is to keep you stats low in sacks, then he needs to get rid of the ball. Our ultimate goal is to win games … You don’t lose games because you get sacked, generally. You lose games by turning the ball over and not scoring enough points.”

Said Smith: “I think there is some give and take with not just forcing balls and getting rid of a ball. And a sack’s not the end of the world. Sometimes the best thing is to protect it in the pocket and take a sack.”

Smith said he’s tried to emulate Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who routinely tries to make plays with his feet when pressured rather than throwing downfield. Rodgers’ numbers are startlingly similar to Smith’s in two categories. Since the start of the 2011 season, Rodgers ranks second in the NFL in interceptions (8) and has taken 44 sacks, the four-most in the league.

“The guy I’ve watched a lot of film on, you watch Aaron play, a guy that takes a lot of sacks, but he also makes a lot plays with his feet, keeps plays alive,” Smith said. “There is some give and take there I think.”

** Of course, taking sacks in an effort to avoid turnovers is also an excellent way to get the starting quarterback injured.

Smith has made 21 straight starts, the second-longest streak of his career, despite taking 60 sacks in those games. He also has lost just three fumbles during that span.

Roman said the 49ers’ quarterbacks are instructed on how to take a sack. At least, those sacks they can see coming.

“I think that gets covered, in terms of how to handle the ball and how to protect yourself as best you can,” Roman said. “… We really emphasize ball security at every position.”

blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/09/20/attention-alex-when-in-doubt-take-a-sack/