"Tarvaris Jackson needed a change of scenery before his attempted renaissance.

Alex Smith's new beginning didn't even require him to pack a suitcase.

The Seahawks and 49ers play each other at 1 p.m. Sunday in the regular season opener for both teams. That much we know. What remains a mystery is what each of these teams will look like this season, since last year's games certainly can't be used as much of a barometer. Not with a new quarterback and new offensive coordinator in Seattle. And not with a brand new coaching staff in San Francisco.

But what we do know? Jackson and Smith, the respective quarterbacks of each team, are entering seasons that could be career-defining. Each has been given a chance before. Each has been an easy target for disgruntled fans. Each feels the need to prove themselves worthy of being a starting quarterback in the NFL."