According to the San Francisco Chronicle, J.T. O’Sullivan appears to have the edge over Alex Smith in the battle for the 49ers’ starting quarterback job.

J.T. O’Sullivan, who has taken more than double the first-team snaps than Shaun Hill and Alex Smith since his elevation into team drills on July 30, completed 10-of-18 with two picks. However, one of them resulted when Arnaz Battle slipped and safety Mark Roman easily picked him off. He was also dogged by a pair of drops, one by tight end Vernon Davis and another by fullback Zak Keasey. Smith ended the first session by tossing an interception on a shovel pass to rookie defensive end Louis Holmes while completing 8-of-13.

Given that O’Sullivan played for Martz in Detroit, this isn’t entirely surprising. O’Sullivan already knows the system and therefore has Martz’ trust. But still, this has to be blow to Smith – a former first overall pick that is steamrolling towards bustville.

Maybe Aaron Rodgers will have the last laugh after all. Imagine if he produces a solid season in Green Bay after years after bidding time behind Brett Favre. And then Smith gets benched in San Fran after years of having the opportunity to start.