Dear Mike (Nolan and Martz): Reopen the QB Competition!

I’m sure people are tired of me pushing for him, but, come on, he can manage an offense and doesn’t turn the damn ball over.

Also, a point I forgot to mention…

You’re in the red zone, it’s first down, you have a chance to score, plenty of time on the clock. Frank Gore has been running well – why would you not give the ball to him? Especially since the last time you were here, your QB threw a pick.

It appears Martz wants to make JTO his guy, the next Kurt Warner. And this ego is hurting the Niners, unfortunately. That’s why JTO threw two picks in the red zone, instead of Gore running it in for two TDs. If JTO makes those passes, it increases JTO’s stats and helps Martz’ head coaching resume. Cynical? Yes, but I can’t think of a better explanation.

 Let’s be a bit reasonable, this is JTO’s 4th start as an NFL QB. I completely agree that turning the ball over three-four times in a game is ridiculous and you can’t be expected to win a game when that happens, however, this isn’t all JTO’s fault.

1. We are so lucky that he isn’t injured yet with all of the hits he is taking in the backfield. He is getting completely wrecked. I winced almost every time he dropped back yesterday because I was scared for his freakin’ life. The OL needs to step up in our next few games and needs to help him out. I know he holds the ball a while longer, but just give it time and he will have his reads down pat

2. I also agree that Frank isn’t getting the ball enough. Martz definitely should have used him down in the redzone yesterday in both situations.

When these two areas of the offense are adjusted, JTO will then have more time, less pass rushing, and we will see him work like he did against the Seahawks and the Lions.

What do you think?

Yeah, let’s send the message to the QBs that after one bad game, they’re going to get yanked. JTO has played very well thus far minus a couple of bad mistakes yesterday, and far beyond anyone’s expectations. He can throw the ball downfield with some zip and accuracy, is able to get out of the pocket and avoid some sacks, and actually takes command of the offense. That is more than can be said for any 49ers QB since Garcia. Let’s at least get halfway through the season before any decisions are made.

I do think whatever happens, the #1 priority this offseason needs to be drafting a QB, if one is not acquired via free agency. Let the rookie sit on the bench and learn for a year or two like he should, and then hopefully we can get to the point where we have the proverbial “QB of the future”.

That is all.

He had this on Microsoft Word saved on his computer just waiting for a bad JTO game.
It was written back in August.

One bad game and everyone goes crazy

We forget who is calling the plays… there were plenty of times that Martz was forcing the ball in the air… why not try that shuffle pass to Gore for a score rather than 2 points. There were times that it was apparent the saints was blitzing and a screen pass or rushing play was never called. Let’s not jump on JTO, maybe his inexperience might be to blame for not recognizing and changing the play but Martz is at fault for not recognizing the saints defensive packages on certain down and especially on the interceptions plays for a run play to be called.

The Martz offense is prone to giving up sacks. We all know that, we’ve all seen that, the numbers are there to prove it. So let’s not pretend that we’re not going to give up 4-5 sacks a game no matter what. We have to accept that. Here’s the problem – this offense is based on timing and the ball is meant to come out quickly. It’s not designed (from what I can tell) to have the QB making 2-3 reads and waiting to find an open guy. It depends a lot on the receivers running a crisp route and getting open very quickly, even if for a small window.

It looks to me like JTO drops back, sees his first read is covered, looks to the second read, and then gets sacked. He needs to be able to consistently get the ball out as soon as he finishes his drop, and make the throw to the first read. If he can’t do that he’s going to get pressured.

What I can’t tell is how much this is the fault of the system and how much it’s the fault of the O-Line. I think it’s both. Clearly they could be doing a better job protecting JTO, but they’re also put at a little bit of a disadvantage playing in this system. My ultimate point is that maybe the problem also lies in the receivers – they need to get open better.

JT was the 4th rated passer going into Sunday’s game. He also ranks 7th in passing yards. He’s looked better than perrenial pro-bowlers Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer and Matt Hasselbeck thus far. JTO has the Niners at 2-2 which is no worse than where’d Hill have us.

The team is rebuilding. 2-2 is a pleasant surprise, and the team has looked pretty good. During the preseason, we would have expected to have lost to New Orleans. Let’s not overreact.

Also, it’s clear that Shaun Hill was number 3, and a long way from being number 2. With Smith out, this is JTO’s team for the season, barring injury.