Alex Smith and the 49ers QB1 position
by Fooch on Jun 14, 2009 7:00 AM PDT
in News
82 comments
Although we still have two days of OTAs left (tomorrow and Tuesday), we've reached a point where I think we can ask the following question: What would it take in the next 2+ months for Alex Smith to be the starting QB week 1 of the regular season? Maiocco had an article about this issue a couple days back and I thought why not roll out our own discussion on a nice Sunday in June. The easy answer is him performing well in the preseason and Shaun Hill struggling on the playing field. Hill is always described as a game-time performer who struggles in practice while Smith performs well in practice and struggles during games.
So, let's pretend that Hill performs perfectly fine. Maybe not superstar performance, but he doesn't shoot himself in the foot. Would Alex Smith be able to surpass that sufficiently to become the starter week 1? I would have to guess no. I think we have to consider Shaun Hill the incumbent starter. Mike Singletary wouldn't name him the 2009 starter at season's end, but Hill was the starter at season's end, so that would likely weigh in his favor. If that's the case, one would imagine tie goes to him...yes?
The big problem in all this centers on Smith's past injuries. What exactly does he bring to the table at this point? He looks solid in practice, but he hasn't played in a regular season game since Week 10 of the 2007 season. He hasn't looked good in a game since probably 2006. It's just not a simple decision to make. Or maybe it is because of what I've mentioned above? Maiocco had an interesting comment about it:
So what does Smith have to do to win the job? He not only has to outplay Hill in practice, he has to outplay him by a considerable margin. And, even then, it might not be enough for Singletary to go with him over Hill.
Smith has to prove to Singletary that Hill is not the only quarterback on the team with those same hard-to-define qualities.
As he mentioned earlier in the post, those hard-to-define qualities are leadership, quiet confidence and an edge to him. The problem with those characteristics is you simply can't measure them. I'd like to think Singletary would know them when he saw them, but even still, it's still preseason. Any confidence in preseason action would be somewhat inflated by weaker competition.
Whatever does happen, that first preseason game (August 14 vs. Denver) will give us some insight into where things stack up. Who will be starting, who will see more playing time, etc, etc, etc. Just one more reason to be especially intrigued by preseason games.
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i think alex will win the QB battle
first let me say im a smith and hill supporter, i like them both.
alex’s best year came under norv turner and everyone was excited that he finally turned a corner. well raye runs almost the same system as turner. this gives alex a huge boost in the QB race and confidence because he doesnt have to learn the system(first time in his nfl career he doesnt have to learn a new system).
i look for alex to not only win but to have a good season too.
ok, all you alex haters can have your HAHA’s now
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
by remembering9ergods on Jun 14, 2009 7:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
ok, all you alex haters can have your HAHA’s now
This pre-defensive posture has always been a weird one to me. Rhetorically, it’s deflective. It sort of indicates a lack of confidence in your own words when you have to cut down your opposition before anybody has even vaguely opposed you.
Anytime I see somebody do something like this, it makes me want to go back through their post and find the part that they’re scared somebody else is going to mention. I won’t do it, though. I just wanted to point out that that argumentative tactic is weaksauce.
I’m fairly optimistic about Alex Smith. I like Swan Hill quite a bit, too. I just think that if you’re confident in your opinion, then the content of your comment should defend itself. And if you do have to defend it, it should be because it’s actually under attack. Never because it might end up being.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 14, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
perhaps he just recognizes that this thread is ripe for becoming a flame war
Morgan breaks through in 2009!
by grantmp on Jun 14, 2009 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
as for the HAHA's, here's a start:
Dateline: Santa Clara, September 9, 2009
Over the summer, the Niners Quarterback competition has been intense and the relationship between Alex Smith and Shaun Hill has quietly gotten nasty. Although both Hill and Smith deny any rift publicly, your faithful reporter has discovered the smoking gun for the underlying emnity that has been brewing since the day Mike Singletary refused to publicly name either quarterback for 2009. In what each intended as a gesture of friendship—a gesture intended precisely to put these rumors to bed, each quarterback let the other order his entree when they went out for the all team meal on the eve of the 1st game of the season; Shaun Hill ordered Alex Smith a pork shoulder roast, a clear reference to the injury which gave Hill his start. For his part, Alex Smith ordered his former-groomsman-turned-enemy plain spaghetti. I guess he’s not impressed with Hill’s arm strength.
Morgan breaks through in 2009!
by grantmp on Jun 14, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
(joke fail)
Morgan breaks through in 2009!
by grantmp on Jun 14, 2009 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I dig.
And I think “Spaghetti” and/or “Noodles” would make a great new nickname for Swan Hill.
My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.
by shlecko on Jun 14, 2009 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha. I like that.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 14, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not bad.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jun 14, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not worried at all about my post
however, im used to getting the posts from alex bashers from the 9ers board. it seems like 90% of the posters are bashers.
i have faith in alex
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
by remembering9ergods on Jun 14, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
90% is a little high. I mean, I love Alex, and I am in no way a “basher” but I do have my opinions about him as other people do (to me thats just normal discussion). I think that he will lose out to Shawn “Swan” Hill this year personally, and I think that after he’s in an offense for more than one year he will be a force to be reckoned with.
So in my opinion Alex is not going to win this years competition, but when it comes to next year, given that Jimmey will still be running things, I think he will, he’s got the tools, he just hasnt had the the chance to use it in conjunction with his smarts.
by Poundtherock on Jun 14, 2009 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bashers?
I know you’re probably used to the atrocious “board” over at Yahoo! or 49ers.com, but I don’t think there are very many “Alex Smith Bashers” here. There are definitely people who don’t like him as a player, but can you really blame them? Smith, even before his injuries, had shown to be not much more than an “average” QB, and even then it wasn’t always there (meaning he was often below-average, too).
I’m probably one of the biggest Alex Smith supporters around here, but I can totally understand why people are tired of waiting for him. As I mentioned, he hasn’t shown a whole lot other than a few flashes here and there. Also, there is a QB who has had “success” with pretty much the same team that Smith had. There are small sample size issues there, but you can’t fault fans for wanting Shaun Hilll to start.
With that said, I would love for Smith to be the starter opening day. That would mean he showed Singletary that he can lead the team, physically and mentally.
by sfgfan on Jun 15, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IAWTC
Long term, the development of Alex Smith (or even Nate Davis) into a legit starting QB would be the best thing for the team. I hold out hope for Smith to be that guy—and so I think, like sfgfan, it’d be best if Smith was the opening day starter in 2009 under the condition that he demonstrates the ability to become that guy. It has got to be a clear win in the QB competition for Smith to be the Day 1 starter.
I wonder, though, how long a leash he would have if he did come in and struggle. There are enough Niner fans who are so DONE with Alex Smith that the moment a receiver dropped a pass they would be clamoring for Hill. So for that reason I wouldn’t be opposed to Hill being the starter until he starts to struggle. On the one hand, this would give Smith more time to get settled into the offense. On the other, it would mean that Smith would have to develop his chemistry with the receivers if and when he would become the guy.
Morgan breaks through in 2009!
by grantmp on Jun 15, 2009 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the one hand, this would give Smith more time to get settled into the offense.
While I would be happy if Smith showed he was head-over-heels better than Hill in the preseason, I don’t see anything wrong with it if he loses the competition this year. The great thing for Smith this year is that he doesn’t have as big a financial burden to live up to (if you believe in that stuff). Also, he may be sitting out a year, but at least this year he’s healthy, so he’ll still get reps, which in turn, will help keep him sharp. He will also not only be able to learn “by the book,” but he’ll probably get chances to immediately put what he just “learned” to the test on the practice field.
I know the image I’m painting is all like a rolling hill of grass and pretty flowers, but I think Alex Smith is in a very good situation for himself right now. He’s kind of where Hill has been the past couple of years in SF: a low pressure spot where he’ll get a shot if the starter falters or gets hurt. I’m a firm believer of Hill’s “success” being (at least partially) attributed to the fact he had VERY little to lose when he came in to play. He got to play with no consequences, basically.
Again, I’m not bashing Hill, so I hope no one interprets it as that. I think that Hill’s previous “success” has earned him enough to be considered the “incumbent” for the starting QB spot. I’m perfectly fine with seeing what he can do with a whole offseason as a projected starter and having his teammates’ confidence from the start.
by sfgfan on Jun 15, 2009 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's Hill's job to lose based on his decision making.
The things that Hill brings to the playing field that Smith lacks are a quick release and superior decision making. And that’s assuming Smith has recovered from his accuracy problems, which may be overly optimistic. But it’s clear to me from what I saw last year that Hill is much better at making decisions about when and where to put the ball than Smith ever was, and I suspect Sing sees that also. So my bet would be Hill starts the season behind center and keeps the job until he’s injured or starts making frequent, serious mistakes.
But it would sure be nice to know that Smith can step in and run the offense if and when needed without a decline in performance. What Smith has going for him is his ability to make all the throws required by an NFL QB. Hill? Not so much, especially deep.
by MontanaPass on Jun 14, 2009 10:14 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Starting Over
Smith needs to readjust to real time speed. Hill has proven he’s the leader and should start. If Smith starts and he bombs out, He’s done as a Niner and maybe his career. The wrong choice could end two mens careers.
by LASVEGASNINER on Jun 14, 2009 10:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
All Aboard the Nate Davis Express!
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 14, 2009 10:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Not seriously, though.
To tell the truth, I think that Sing’s (short) history of picking starters has had very little to do with intangibles and everything to do with performance. At every turn, he’s put the superior performer on the field. Manny Lawson. Shaun Hill. Continuing to play Vernon Davis despite his continued lack of head (seriously, say what you want about VD’s mouth, but he made exactly the same mental and ego-driven mistakes AFTER his benching as he did before… even down to penalties after the play). He almost takes it too far sometimes, even, like when he was considering benching Swan Hill because he performed poorly during the first half of ONE game.
He talks big, and that’s a blessing and curse, but when it comes down to it I think (think), based on an admittedly small sample, that he knows you need the players who can play on the field, regardless.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 14, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
you had me at nate davis!
vote nate davis as holder of the 49ers future
message has been approved by the davis party and nate davis himself
by big beaner on Jun 14, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this.
People can talk all they want about Singletary looking into a guy’s eyes and seeing “that fire”. People can ramble on all they want about decision-making and leadership qualities.
Fact is this: if the offense struggles under Hill, Smith will get his shot. If Hill himself struggles, Smith will get his shot. Likewise, if Smith doesn’t make the best opportunity when/if it comes, he’ll get yanked just as quickly.
My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.
by shlecko on Jun 14, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
love davis
just dont think he can step in and do well this season. i believe davis is the future QB of this team though, likely 2-3 years from now.
having 3 capable qb’s is a problem i welcome
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
by remembering9ergods on Jun 14, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not?
Nobody thought J.T. O’Sullivan was more than a training camp tryout last offseason, and look how that turned out…
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jun 14, 2009 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody thought J.T. O’Sullivan was more than a training camp tryout last offseason
Nobody except the one person that mattered in that decision-making process: Martz.
by sfgfan on Jun 15, 2009 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
and look how that turned out
he was well on pace to break the record for most fumbles in a season, maybe even most turnovers too.
so glad he’s gone
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
by remembering9ergods on Jun 15, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope everybody saw where I said, “not seriously, though.”
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 14, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What does Alex Smith have to do?
He has to confide in his teammates.
Mike Martz couldn’t have explained it any better.
He doesn’t have enough confidence in his receivers or in his O-line so he cuts corners.
Pretty simple.
by chikmagnet_565 on Jun 14, 2009 11:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the observation that Martz made...
was that Smith hadn’t had enough confidence in his receivers. Past tense.
Without question, the receiving group has improved significantly since Smith last started an NFL game.
My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.
by shlecko on Jun 14, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
All the time Martz was in SF
Smith had a broken shoulder. Anyway, maybe the players didn’t have confidence in Martz.
by Bob On The Coast on Jun 14, 2009 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That makes no sense...
That has nothing to do with Smith being a good QB.
We’re talking about Smith’s confidence in his teammates…not his coaches.
by chikmagnet_565 on Jun 14, 2009 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point is
that maybe Martz’s keen observational skills might have noticed that his offense hasn’t won very many games over the last half-decade and might have needed to change to shorter drops. But he didn’t notice and didn’t change. Or Martz’s genius might have called a time out before changing personnel down at the Cards’ two and a half yard line, or that the team was on the two and a half yard line.
I guess I was just saying that I don’t value Martz’s observations.
by Bob On The Coast on Jun 15, 2009 6:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Observation
And action, are two different things. I’m pretty sure Martz realizes longer drops equal longer sacks. Longer drops also equal the possibility of longer plays. Martz’ offense, like it or not, is a high-flying offense. It doesn’t get that way by compromising and doing shorter drops.
I’m not defending Martz, per se. I’m just saying you couldn’t really expect a lot more than that when it comes to him.
As for his opinions on QBs, Martz has turned relative nobodies into relative success stories. While some (i.e. Warner) have went on to have success after him, many of his pupils have failed to live up to past success without Martz. I think the guy is a genius and understands how to develop (or get the most of) QBs. He is also stubborn as a horse, so you can’t really expect him to change his ways if something isn’t working.
by sfgfan on Jun 15, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong Verb!
“didn’t have” not “doesn’t have.” Different receivers and perhaps a “different” Alex Smith.
by CorneliusJ on Jun 14, 2009 11:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I could have read down before making my post.
But I could also blame reply button fail. Coin flip?
My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.
by shlecko on Jun 14, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah
I was still half-asleep when I wrote that.
You still got the idea though.
by chikmagnet_565 on Jun 14, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it likelier ...
… that the starting QB for the Niners in the 2010 season will come from … (a) the 2010 draft … (b) free agency either in this off-season (not that likely) or next off-season, when the Niners have two first-round picks to play with … © the 2010 draft, where the Niners have two first-round picks to use …. (d) the existing roster, ie Smith has a breakout year, Hill proves all his doubters wrong, or Davis somehow comes to the fore (I’m excluding Damon Heard from option (d) …
by LondonNiner on Jun 14, 2009 11:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
didnt realize you could copyright the 2010 draft
good get-rich-quick scheme though, from all the royalties.
i’m thinking of copyrighting Superbowl XLIV, that should bring in some serious dough.
I take full responsibility for my irresponsibility.
by these3words on Jun 14, 2009 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely ...
… that’s mine now. You already owe me a dollar, these3words, just for mentioning it in your reply …
by LondonNiner on Jun 15, 2009 6:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be a #1 QB or not
In the analysis the Fooch put forth he indicated that perhaps one of the issues Smith has faced in the past that got in the way of a solid number one performance is his injuries.
I think that there is another variable that needs to be considered. The reason Smith has been injured. I attribute his injuries to the terrible performance by the offensive line the last two years ( early part of last year)
Smith has performed well in some game situations were he had 1) as solid offensive line that allows him to focus and execute the play.2) a running game that takes the pressure off the passing game by making first downs in short yardage situations and preventing the 3 and out scenarios we have seen so much of in the past 3) a defense that can stop the opposition from scoring and allowing our offense to play a measured controlled game (not needing to make 2 or 3 scores to get back into the game thus forcing the passing game and allowing the opposition defense to bring the rush on every down)
My point here is that if Smith is able to win a starting position he will have a much improved O-line in front of him, a more robust running game to move the ball, and an improved defense to prevent scores, and perhaps create more turnovers. So in theory there should be no reason why his game day performance should not match his practice performance. If after all of these improvements he still can’t perform than there are no excuses and he should go away.
by WC-Ninerhead on Jun 14, 2009 12:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe that handle should be WC Winerhead (in regards to the AS comments)
Alex was sacked 35 times in 2006 and put up an incredible 16td and 16 int season. WOW let’s get him in there in week 1. Frankly Hill should be the starter and we shouldn’t have to wait until preseason for him to be named. He has the cool element he has a 2 to 1 td ratio and more weapons. Now I understand Scot Mc doesn’t want his number 1 pick to be a bust, but let’s not get Rex Grossman here. Hill is a winner the closest QB to Garcia since his departure. I just think that Smith will need to be more comfortable in the system and should be brought along as a rookie. Give Hill the nod and see how we do. If we are not above .500 at the bye week in week 6, pull Hill and go with Smith if Smith looks better, I just think starting Smith would be premature in the decision making. 35 sacks in a season isn’t bad and his best games from that year were his highest sack totals (per game)
M. S. #50
by rlott#42 on Jun 14, 2009 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hill will be the starter
I aggree that Hill should be the starter as he has gotten the W’s for us. If you look closesly at my point I am saying that I see a lot of improvements on both sides of the ball and If by any stretch of the imagination Smith should get the nod to be our starter then he will have as good a chance to prove him self than at any time since he was drafted. And if he can’t get the job done then cut him and count it as a learning experance for Mc. I don’t realy care who starts as long as they help us get a W and the W here is winnng, not WHINNING. If that unds like whinning then so be. it.
GO NINERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
by WC-Ninerhead on Jun 14, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that there is another variable that needs to be considered. The reason Smith has been injured. I attribute his injuries to the terrible performance by the offensive line the last two years ( early part of last year)
According to this part of the post is what I was referring too. Smith playe in Gore’s best year on the ground and posted 16 picks. That keeps the defense in bad position when you turn over the ball. He had his share of fumbles as well. Hill should be the choice so Smith can observe his game management. Now if Hill’s hand is comepltely healthy and we’re not at least 3 and 2 by the bye week I think that shold be enough time for Smith to more familiar with the offense
M. S. #50
by rlott#42 on Jun 14, 2009 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that didn't come out right
M. S. #50
by rlott#42 on Jun 14, 2009 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jun 14, 2009 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
After she told you that what did you do??
M. S. #50
by rlott#42 on Jun 15, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't highlight your quote there
M. S. #50
by rlott#42 on Jun 15, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
I don’t think Shaun Hill is great by any means, but when your #1 overall pick’s best season was a pathetic 16 TD, 16 INT debacle, you have to move on. Especially when that was considered a great step forward for Smith. Hill has at least showed the ability to competently manage games, if not look like the next Carson Palmer.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jun 14, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Smith
That’s a bit misleading. That 16/16 season was only his second year in the league and showed him taking a step forward after a weak rookie season. We’ll never know what would have happened if he’d stayed healthy, but to say his second season was a pathetic debacle is pretty weak.
by Fooch on Jun 14, 2009 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A 1:1 TD INT ratio is bad.
I’ve defended Smith elsewhere, but really, there isn’t any reason to not cut bait with him now with the emergence of a low-cost alternative like Hill, or even potentially Nate Davis. It’s no one’s fault but Smith’s for those terrible numbers his rookie season. His career numbers would get a backup QB fired, and certainly doesn’t mark the makings of a franchise cornerstone at QB. I thought I made that clear when I said how that season was considered an improvement.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jun 14, 2009 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don’t cut bait on a young, low-cost, talented reclamation project when your incumbent starter is a guy who has only made 10 starts (that is a small sample, and one that leaves plenty of room for question) and has obvious holes in his game, and when cutting bait puts your options B and C as a fifth round draft pick and Damon Huard.
There is every single reason in the world not to cut bait on Alex Smith right now. God forbid, if Hill doesn’t work out, he’s the only thing between us and a flaming pile of poo right now.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 14, 2009 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You explained yourself very well.
I apologize for my failure in communication. What I meant by ‘cutting bait’ was firmly demoting him. I’d be against cutting him too on age factor alone. It’s startling how young Smith is.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jun 14, 2009 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hills 10 starts were his first, so compare them to Alex's.
If you’re gonna say that he was young and inexperienced he probably still is. Hill had very little playing time and plenty of time on the bench. Hill’s first games were good for a guy that never played. His evaluation should be on the first 5 weeks, personally we should be 3-2 at worst, and at that time. you look at Smith if he’s significantly better. If there is momentum coming from last season, it’s also with guys on D and I having confidence in their QB. We’ll have better 1st and 4th quarters with Hill.
M. S. #50
by rlott#42 on Jun 15, 2009 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hill didnt play but he’s been on team learning, practicing, etc alot longer than smith which has helped him i think.
im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!
by remembering9ergods on Jun 16, 2009 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's all about Hill baby
Mr 60 percent like what two 49er QB’s. After the helmetless lunge for the first that whole team is ready to ride and die WITH him. Frankly if there is a momentum carryover from last year, Hill would be the ideal leader of the O.
M. S. #50
by rlott#42 on Jun 14, 2009 12:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see Hill win the QB battle
But I also like Smith, mostly as a person, but some as a player. I think Hill has earned it and is the safe bet at the position, which, right now is what we need.
The part where I know Alex haters will laugh is next: I’m not sold on giving up on Alex as a competent QB for the future. I do think that now all these expectations aren’t on him any more, playing under a system that is familiar and therefore easier to grasp, hopefully past just this season, might mean he becomes a decent NFL QB.
I have to say, I’m intrigued by Nate Davis…unlike 2 months ago, I’m no longer feeling like we necessarily need to draft a QB next April
by foosball4949 on Jun 14, 2009 5:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It's not out of the question.
Smith is still very young.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jun 14, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Personally
I like both quarterbacks. I’d love to see either one of them succeed with the other ready to step in in case of injury. I certainly don’t hate Smith but right now, considering how well he handled things last year, I’d vote for Hill to start the season.
by Bob On The Coast on Jun 14, 2009 5:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
the REAL issue here
is how are we supposed to measure anyone against Denver’s defense?
Shaun Hill will look like Joe Montana against them, and Alex Smith will actually look competent.
I take full responsibility for my irresponsibility.
by these3words on Jun 14, 2009 6:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
We play 4 teams in the pre-season.
Plus a play-date with the Raiders.
The QB competition likely isn’t going to be decided by the first pre-season game.
by chikmagnet_565 on Jun 14, 2009 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Smith will be the starter
we drafted him at num. 1… this year he shows us why!
by duhble on Jun 14, 2009 6:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Because there was no clear-cut #1 talent and there was a laughably weak QB class when the 49ers were in position to draft a QB?
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jun 14, 2009 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
extremely laughable, he would have been there at round 2 pick 1
M. S. #50
by rlott#42 on Jun 15, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've said it before...
… somewhere around here, but I remember reading in more than one place that one of the other top five teams probably would have taken Smith had the 49ers passed on him. Smith had enough physical talent to where he was a first round pick and more than definitely would have been taken before Rodgers in any event.
by sfgfan on Jun 17, 2009 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That #1 pick that draft...
wasn’t good enough to bargain with either.
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Jun 15, 2009 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And if he doesn't show up??
Not saying he won’t but asking the question " is he THE REAL DEAL….?"
by WC-Ninerhead on Jun 14, 2009 7:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Love Hill & hate Smith???
Has anyone else noticed that most of those who praise Hill and hate Smith sound a lot like Raider fans. Not saying that they actually are Raider fans, just that they sound like them: the same kind of expressions, the same over confidence, the same know-it-all-attitude, the same conceit. They are absolutely certain that they are right and anyone who disagrees with them is a fool, not just other fans, but the Head Coach, GM, … anyone.
by CorneliusJ on Jun 14, 2009 9:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Brilliant deduction, Professor Layton.
Shall we move on to finding the solution to global warming, as well?
I don’t understand how the same ‘attitude’ can’t be applied to Smith fans, or fans of any other player on any team for that matter.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jun 14, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Global warming?
Every puzzle has an answer.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Jun 14, 2009 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Global Warming
Can be solved by utilizing applied behavioral conditioning techniques to the general public which will allow a reduction in emissions on a global scale through improved recycling, reduced waste, and general environmental friendly behavior. During that time, Shaun Hill fans will be similarly coerced into believing that Alex Smith is a viable option at quarterback, and that the winner of the QB competition will be the best man for the job.
Don’t mind me, I’ve been drinking.
Also, for a Seahawks fan you have an awful lot to say about the 49ers.
by Cruithear on Jun 14, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They're a fun team to follow.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jun 14, 2009 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't Gavin Newsom
want solar panels for the stadium at the shipyard?
by Bob On The Coast on Jun 15, 2009 6:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What effect will the new WR's have?
I am left wondering what effect having Crabtree, Morgan and Bruce all in the lineup during training camp.
Might the full assemblage of the offense show immediate favor to a certain QB, perhaps Smith?
During a review on Smith and Hill someone had mentioned that Hill is better getting the ball deep when he gets it out early (because he cannot throw as far). Smith obviously could stand to wait a few more seconds.
It is starting to sound like we will be running a lot of three receiver sets, and perhaps more shotguns. Now, add in play action passing and we have 3 elements of the passing game that predict more lengthy developing deep passes. Also, a split receiver set with the shotgun has to favor Smith.
All of this may or may not add up to a noticeable difference. My take however is that we will see Smith complete a significantly higher number of deep passes in TC. That is, once the vets start covering MRob out of the backfield. This leads me to another prediction. Hill will go into the season as the starter, not so bold but here’s the qualifier; If Hill fails to consistently get the ball down field after 7 step drops and play actions ( 40 to 50 yard passes) Smith will soon get his chance.
In Raye’s Offense it is crucial to stretch the D. Hill may be able to accomplish this early with cleaver decision making, check downs and short routes, but defenses will begin to sniff that out and his arm will be tested.
by goatfather on Jun 15, 2009 8:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah
The Derek Anderson corollary is in effect here; the book on Hill won’t take too long to write. And since the whole point of a passing game in a run-heavy offense is to keep the safeties out of the box, I’m not sure how great Hill will be, long-term.
Morgan breaks through in 2009!
by grantmp on Jun 15, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Saw Smith the other day
Looks much broader in the shoulders and has a noticeably different demeanor. Nice to confirm this myself after hearing about it.
by goatfather on Jun 17, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Smith throwin up a gang sign
with his left hand?
by passionforPERPS on Jun 15, 2009 11:03 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
the quartbacks
Anyone here think the niners should draft qb Dan LeFevour from western michigan in the 2nd or 3rd rd in next years draft.
by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Jun 17, 2009 3:21 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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