Justin Smith on Eli Manning: “He’s definitely one of the top three, four quarterbacks.”

SANTA CLARA — Here’s what Justin Smith said about Eli Manning Friday afternoon.

Q: How good is Eli Manning?

JUSTIN SMITH: He’s a good quarterback. A lot of people don’t give him the respect he deserves. I think he’s definitely one of the top three, four quarterbacks in the league. It’s going to be a tough game. He’s going to do what he comes here to do, and that’s move the ball, move the chains and try to score some points.

Q: He’s not overly athletic but he’s only been sacked four times this year. What is it about him that allows him to avoid sacks?

JUSTIN SMITH: He’s getting rid of the ball. Quarterbacks keep doing a better and better job of getting rid of the ball, knowing where to step up in the pocket. He’s definitely one of the best at doing that.