49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree shows off his wingspan as he scores his second touchdown of the night, a 9-yarder from Alex Smith in the second quarter. Photo: Ralph Freso, Getty Images / SF  49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree shows off his wingspan as he...  Ted Ginn, who had 90 return yards Monday night, eludes the Cardinals' Sam Acho. Photo: Andy DeLisle, SFC / SF  Ted Ginn, who had 90 return yards Monday night, eludes the...  Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) is hurried by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) Photo: Paul Connors, Associated Press / SF  Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) is hurried by San...  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Randy Moss #84 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammate Kyle Williams #10 after his touchdown catch against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter of an NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) Photo: Ralph Freso, Getty Images / SF  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Randy Moss #84 of the San Francisco...  Jeremy Piamonte of San Jose, CA hangs out while tailgating before the San Francisco 49ers Arizona Cardinals game at at University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday October 29th, 2012.By ANDY DELISLE/SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE Photo: Andy DeLisle, SFC / SF  Jeremy Piamonte of San Jose, CA hangs out while tailgating before...  J.P. Medina of San Jose, CA and friends toast a 49ers win while tailgating before the San Francisco 49ers Arizona Cardinals game at at University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday October 29th, 2012.By ANDY DELISLE/SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE Photo: Andy DeLisle, SFC / SF  J.P. Medina of San Jose, CA and friends toast a 49ers win while...  Cardinals' cornerback William Gay tackles 49ers running back Frank Gore in the 1st half at University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday October 29th, 2012.By ANDY DELISLE/SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE Photo: Andy DeLisle, SFC / SF  Cardinals' cornerback William Gay tackles 49ers running back Frank...  49ers quarterback Alex Smith drops back for a pass in the 1st half at University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday October 29th, 2012.By ANDY DELISLE/SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE Photo: Andy DeLisle, SFC / SF  49ers quarterback Alex Smith drops back for a pass in the 1st half...  Carinals' safety Kerry Rhodes moves to tackle 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree in the 1st half at University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday October 29th, 2012.By ANDY DELISLE/SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE Photo: Andy DeLisle, SFC / SF  Carinals' safety Kerry Rhodes moves to tackle 49ers receiver...  Carinals' cornerback Patrick Peterson tackles 49ers receiver Mario Manningham in the 1st half at University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday October 29th, 2012.By ANDY DELISLE/SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE Photo: Andy DeLisle, SFC / SF  Carinals' cornerback Patrick Peterson tackles 49ers receiver Mario...  49ers safety Donte Whitner (left) and cornerback Chris Culliver bring down Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd. Photo: Andy DeLisle/WONDERFUL MACHINE, SFC / SF  49ers safety Donte Whitner (left) and cornerback Chris Culliver...  49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh argues with a ref after a flag is thrown against his team at University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday October 29th, 2012. San Francisco defeated Arizona 24-3.By ANDY DELISLE/SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE Photo: Andy DeLisle, SFC / SF  49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh argues with a ref after a flag is...  49ers defenders stop Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald from getting in the end zone on the Cardinals final drive at University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday October 29th, 2012. San Francisco defeated Arizona 24-3.By ANDY DELISLE/SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE Photo: Andy DeLisle/WONDERFUL MACHINE, SFC / SF  49ers defenders stop Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald from...  San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) pulls in a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) Photo: Paul Connors, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) pulls in a...  San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, center, huddles up with his teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Photo: Matt York, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, center, huddles up with...  San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) is tripped up by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) Photo: Paul Connors, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) is tripped up...  San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Paris Lenon during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) Photo: Paul Connors, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by...  Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) tackles San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Photo: Matt York, Associated Press / SF  Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) tackles San...  San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) is tripped up against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) Photo: Paul Connors, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) is tripped up...  San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith drinks during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Photo: Ross D. Franklin, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith drinks during the first...  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown in front of Daryl Washington #58 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) Photo: Norm Hall, Getty Images / SF  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Michael Crabtree #15 of the San...  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Delanie Walker $46 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch in front of a diving Kerry Rhodes #25 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) Photo: Norm Hall, Getty Images / SF  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Delanie Walker $46 of the San Francisco...  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts to break a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) Photo: Norm Hall, Getty Images / SF  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco...  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback John Skelton #19 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by Ahmad Brooks #55 and Justin Smith #94 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of an NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) Photo: Ralph Freso, Getty Images / SF  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback John Skelton #19 of the...  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Chris Culliver #29 of the San Francisco 49ers knocks down a pass intended for Michael Floyd #15 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. 49rs won 24-3. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) Photo: Norm Hall, Getty Images / SF  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Chris Culliver #29 of the San Francisco...  Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) looks to pass under pressure from San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) Photo: Paul Connors, Associated Press / SF  Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) looks to pass under...  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals is stopped short of the endzone by Perrish Cox #20 and Dashon Goldson #38 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of an NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) Photo: Ralph Freso, Getty Images / SF  GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the...  San Francisco 49ers' Michael Crabtree (15) breaks away from Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson (21) after making a catch during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz.(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Photo: Ross D. Franklin, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers' Michael Crabtree (15) breaks away from Arizona...  San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss acknowledges the crowd during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals , Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) Photo: Paul Connors, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss acknowledges the crowd...  San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) Photo: Paul Connors, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver breaks up a pass...  San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) breaks the tackle of Arizona Cardinals cornerback William Gay (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) Photo: Paul Connors, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) breaks the...  San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) salutes the fans after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Photo: Matt York, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) salutes the...  Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Clark Haggans (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) Photo: Paul Connors, Associated Press / SF  Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) is sacked by San...  San Francisco 49ers' Chris Culliver, bottom right, intercepts a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) as 49ers' Tarell Brown, far left, Carlos Rogers (22), Donte Whitner (31), Perrish Cox (20), Dashon Goldson, far right, and Cardinals' Andre Roberts (12) all look on during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Photo: Ross D. Franklin, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers' Chris Culliver, bottom right, intercepts a...  San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) is hurried by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors) Photo: Paul Connors, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) is hurried by...  San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) celebrates his sack of Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton with Parys Haralson during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Photo: Matt York, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) celebrates...  San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sidelines agaist the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Photo: Ross D. Franklin, Associated Press / SF  San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the...  Smith would have entered the NFL history books with one more completed pass. Photo: Norm Hall, Getty Images / SF  Smith would have entered the NFL history books with one more...
In a 24-3 prime-time dismantling of the Cardinals, Smith answered pregame questions about a supposedly fragile psyche by looking exceedingly confident while completing 18 of 19 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns.  Smith's completion percentage (94.7) was the best in NFL history with a minimum of 15 attempts, but the league record book requires 20.  Smith also had a career-best 157.1 rating (158.3 is perfect) and tossed two 3rd-and-goal touchdowns to Michael Crabtree to give the 49ers a 17-0 halftime lead.  Smith's performance came on the heels of a Sports Illustrated story that theorized he'd lost his confidence, partly because of back-to-back lackluster performances in which he posted a combined 55.5 rating and tossed four interceptions.  Smith, after all, is 19-5 as a starter since 2011, authored one of the greatest playoff comebacks in franchise history in January and entered Monday's game with a top-10 passer rating.  Before kickoff, at the team hotel, left tackle Joe Staley said he heard a member of the Arizona secondary say on ESPN that the Cardinals wanted to make Smith beat them.  Late in the second quarter, Crabtree caught his 9-yard touchdown at the 7-yard line, gave Peterson a shimmy that dropped the corner to the ground and ran untouched into the end zone.  Can Smith, whose 97.3 rating ranks seventh in the NFL and is higher than those of Super Bowl winners Drew Brees and Eli Manning, ever silence the skeptics?