The Prodigal Son Returns...

by Fooch on Mar 27, 2008 10:45 PM PDT in News Comment 6 comments

Apparently Alex Smith is joining the ranks of Punxsutawney Phil in disappearing for most of the winter and airing himself when the weather warms up out here in the Bay Area. After having shoulder surgery in December, Smith disappeared from the face of the earth in the midst of rehabbing the shoulder. After a tumultuous offseason, maybe it was a good thing that he did his thing away from the spotlight. However, after a busy first few months of the offseason, Smith took part in a conference call today to update reporters on his health and the 49ers general quarterback situation.

Matt Barrows' thoughts

Matt Maiocco's thoughts

ESPN story

On the upcoming QB competition (MB): Smith, of course, will be trying to hold off Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan for the starting job in 2008. He said he welcomed the competition and should be able to do everything that Hill and O'Sullivan do as they begin to learn the offense over the next few weeks. He said he already has begun working with quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner and offensive coordinator Mike Martz on the new offense.

On his issues with Nolan (MM): "I think we're both looking forward to putting last year behind us," Smith said. "I've talked to him several times and we're both excited about it. I know I definitely am. Because I know that's not a reflection on either of us. We're both better than that, and I think we're looking forward to erasing that and proving to people, not only in this building but everywhere, that we're definitely going to move on . . . We talked, and we continue to talk about it and understand what happened last year and we're moving on," Smith said. "We both understand each other. There were things I look back at and wish I could have over again. (The) thing to do is to learn from it and not let it happen again and letting coach Nolan know that he can expect different from last year."

On the new offense (ESPN): Martz already has begun installing his high-octane offense for the team that had the NFL's worst attack in two of the last three seasons. Smith is excited about the possibilities, particularly with new receivers Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson to bolster the league's least impressive receiving corps.

Smith: "You just look at the track record [Martz] has had with all his quarterbacks and the way they've played, the numbers they've put up and where they've taken their games," Smith said. "I feel like that's a level I haven't even been at in the NFL, in terms of reaching my potential. ... It's definitely different, but I guess that's the one thing I've grown accustomed to is the change. That's kind of normal in the NFL, and you get used to it real quick."

In countering the issue of QBs being exposed in Martz's offense, Smith said he actually played in a similar offense at Utah. My knowledge of offensive styles is not huge but I'm curious how similar the Urban Meyer spread offense is to the Mike Martz passing attack. Anybody have any insight on this?

The one thing to take away from this is that Alex Smith is certainly saying all the right things as we approach the new season. He and Nolan HAVE to be on the same page if he is going to have success this year. I was going to say if the 49ers are going to have success, but we know that they have shown success under Shaun Hill. This is a big year for Alex Smith and he seems to recognize this and be taking the steps necessary to make some kind of leap forward. Of course talk and practice are just that and nothing more. Judgment will need to be reserved for the playing field.

While I will have predictions prior to the start of the season, I can honestly say I have no idea what to expect from the quarterback position at this point. Hill showed some real ability late last season; J.T. O'Sullivan has experience in the Martz offense; And Alex Smith seems to be taking the bull by the horns in learning the offense and moving past a nightmare 2007 season. The upside to that is that anything is possible for any of these guys in 2008. The downside? Anything is possible for any of these guys in 2008.

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Martz Offense

I know as 49ers fans we're going to be optimistic about the moves of OUR team, but I honestly do believe the offense will improve this year. If we look at the past of Alex Smith's career, his rookie season we had Mike McCarthy, who didn't have THAT much experience as an offensive coordinator and didn't have any help. His second season Alex had an accomplished OC in Norv Turner and some targets to throw at, Antonio Bryant (like him or hate him he was a decent target) and if I remember we did have Eric Johnson, Arnaz Battle, and Gore. So Alex had some success with decent players and a proven OC. Last year a rookie OC, who I don't want to rag on, I think some of us would dream of being an OC, and being a rookie one is not easy. A lack of a viable receiver really hurt us. Well this year looks much rosier. Again we have an accomplished OC in Martz (like him or hate him he took two Rams squads to the SB, one as an OC the other as a HC). In addition, Bruce provides, if nothing else, a veteran on a non-veteran offense...which is like instilling a past his prime Jerry Rice on offense. And Bruce still is a GOOD player, it's not like he drops balls like Djack did. Bryant Johnson provides a big body and deceptive speed to start taking defender more toward the perimeter of the field allowing Davis to free up in the middle. The offense truly can only move up from here. If we move to 16th in passing and 16th in rushing in 08 I truly believe we'll win the West. Our defense has definitely arrived and will be in contention with the best this year. So Alex although still needs to prove himself this year, I think the future is bright for him and the offense. My only hope for him is an injury free 2008. Shaun Hill is good, but Smith has those extra intangible that will make him great. He graduated from Utah in 3 years, so he's smart (which means he's the only other QB other than Peyton Manning that could endure 4 OC's and 4 offenses in 4 years. Unlike a JaMarcus Russell, who I bet is incompetent and by now WOULD BE A BUST). My prediction for 2008 is the 49ers finish 10-6 and will win the NFC West. Passing offense rank will be in the 12-18 range in the league.

by imd4t9 on Mar 28, 2008 12:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

McCarthy

It's my understanding that McCarthy is a well regarded coach and coordinator. He's especially coveted in the field of QB development, which is partially why (I think) Green Bay liked him as their new head coach. He's done fairly well in Green Bay building a well-rounded team, so I don't think it's fair to write him off as an incapable teacher. He calls all of the offensive plays in Green Bay, if I'm not mistaken, also.

by sfgfan on Mar 28, 2008 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Smith

It's good to hear that the kid is healing. I remember hearing that he could be out as long as sometime going into next season.

by jfainsf49 on Mar 28, 2008 12:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

THE YEAR OF THE "QB"

I echo the sentiments and positive vibe (Wow! that expression really dated me, Oh Well) of 'imd4t9' on all-things upcoming for the Niner offense.

The only little nagging question chewing on the edges of my mind will be how readily Alex can/will "read & re act" based on the teachings I saw Martz exhibit at the Bowl game. I recall thinking as I watched Shaun Hill light it up how extremely quick he was with his release - it was a "see target - hit target right now" kinda thing. And unfortunately that was Dilfer's biggest flaw - his 'take all day to throw' hang up. And I don't recall Alex as having much of a 'quick trigger'either (hopefully most of his read/re-act tendencies were due to a very shaky offense and no ingrained confidence in it). And I don't know enough about QB play to conclude if a quick release is teachable or even coachable. If it is not - I will be concerned for Alex's job with the Niners this season. However, fear not me and everybody else, - we do have Hill and O'Sullivan.

This is going to be a season that renews our pride, I really do believe that.

by 9ernutt on Mar 29, 2008 10:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Playing styles

The difference in playing style between Dilfer/Smith and Hill may have been strongly influenced by the positions they were in. Let's ignore Dilfer for this argument, though, as that's the way he's always played.

Alex Smith is the "franchise" quarterback. He's the guy that is expected to be the leader and also the guy the team expects to make the least mistakes. How does "do not make any mistakes" translate to the field? Over-processing of reads, which eventually leads to holding the ball for too long. Before Smith was hurt, he had a fairly decent clip, statistically. It was nothing to write home about, but there was one glaring positive in it all: he didn't make any huge mistakes.

Switching gears to Shaun Hill now, the situation was completely different. Hill was the third string quarterback on a bad team. Outside of being out of a job, he really had nothing to lose. On top of that, the 49ers' season was already lost. There was no expectations set on his shoulders, so he was able to have a more "relaxed" approach to the game. He came in and played fast because he didn't have to worry about not making mistakes. He made quick reads and was able to show more "confidence" in them because a mistake wouldn't necessarily hurt him either.

If this is the case, how can Alex be fixed? I'm not quarterback guru. Nor am I a psychologist. I'd imagine that the key to Smith's success will indeed be Martz. Whereas before Alex was being told to make sure he made the right reads, Martz' system may employ more quick and definite actions. Martz could even go as far as telling Smith to force a ball on a quick slant and trust that Bruce or Johnson/Battle/Hill will get there.

Confidence isn't always just a frame of mind. It can be built up slowly by a bunch of small things. Martz is really good at giving his quarterback's those small things and eventually opening the gates for bigger things.

by sfgfan on Mar 31, 2008 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing to lose?

I'd argue Smith has nothing to lose. He's been handed a huge contract and the role of starting QB for reasons unbeknownst to me as I am a mere simpleton. It's becoming apparent that no matter how poorly he plays he's still the Niners "franchise" QB and in that regard he has nothing to lose. Bottom line for me is this, I'll accept the fact that Alex Smith is the starting QB for '08 if O'Sullivan or Hill don't perform significantly better in the preseason as long as everybody will stop making up excuses for him he sucks again. None of this "4 OC in 4 years" or any of "he's still so young" garbage. It's going to be his 4th year and it's time he plays like a 4th year QB.

Here's to hoping Albert Hanyesworth stomps on Alex Smith's head.

by methodrampage on Apr 3, 2008 12:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs