On Alex Smith and the future

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Oct 12, 2011 2:39 PM PDT

First off, since I'm pretty new here, let me introduce myself. I am a 17 year old high school senior who's been a Niners/Giants/Sharks/Dubs fan since I was young (I have two Croix de Candlestick pins, both from the same game - I was 4 years old, so I received 2, especially after my parents told the person handing them out that I had been the one who had begged to stay - sadly, I don't remember this). I joined McCovey Chronicles around early June - maybe a week after that game - and decided to join the other SB Nation blogs as well. I haven't had much time to be around, with both school restarting, college apps, and busy Sundays, but my Sundays are now clear so I'll be able to spend some more time on this blog.

Anyway, I wanted to talk about one of the most maligned QBs in 49ers history - Alex Smith.

Going into this season, I was determined that the future quarterback for the Niners was not on the roster. While I was happy that Harbaugh had brought back Smith - I was determined that if CK7 was to succeed, he'd need at least one year as the backup - I didn't see Smith as anything more than a one year stopgap who would be playing his final season in SF as the 49ers rebuilt. I expected him to lead us to maybe 4 wins, and was hoping that he might do even worse so that we'd have a shot at a real QB (namely, Andrew Luck).

Well, I was right about the 4 wins part - I was just missing the time frame. Smith's play has been a revelation this season, and he's been one of the best QBs in the league. His game against Tampa Bay was nothing short of a masterpiece, despite him only throwing 19 passes in only 3 quarters of action, and the Niners are out of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes but instead have a good shot to make the playoffs in large part due to his play. While he's not quite playing like the #1 draft pick we hoped we were getting back in 2005, he is playing with confidence, making good throws, and most importantly, playing mistake free football.

So what caused this dramatic turnaround? Jim Harbaugh certainly deserves some credit. Having an old QB as a coach is definitely beneficial to someone who, for the most part, has had defensive-minded coaches his whole career. As well, Harbaugh's scheme is well designed for Smith, as it has him throwing on the move quite a bit, a strength of his. The improved offensive line helps - it's been awful for his entire tenure as a Niner, but is finally beginning to come around and allowed 0 sacks last week. And, of course, we need to take sample size into account - any quarterback can look like an MVP for 5 weeks before the SSS clock strikes midnight, and the football turns back into a pumpkin.

I am extremely tempted to get up on my stat nerd podium, declare that the past 5 weeks have all been a sample size-induced mirage, and say that Smith is going to start sucking it up again soon. And I definitely do expect a little bit of regression for him as the season goes on. But actually, there could be an argument made that he could, in fact, get better, and this season, too.

Everything I know about anything says that Smith - and, for that matter, the Niners - should have started slow and gotten better as time went on during this season. He's working in a new scheme that he's never been a part of, going back to his spread-offense days at Utah, with a new coach, and he didn't even have a full offseason to learn the new system. It was supposed to be that he made mistakes early and settled in by the end of the season, if anything.

In addition, it's not as if his receivers have been great. We are all aware of the greatness of Vernon Davis, and Delanie Walker is good as well, but his best option at WR hasn't even played this season, and should be back in just a few weeks. With Edwards back in the offense, the Niners might be able to stretch the field even more and get Smith more options. Really, all signs point to him improving rather than regressing. At worst, I think he will continue to be a competent game manager, not turning the ball over and never losing us the game, and it is possible to advance deep into the postseason with that kind of QB - just ask the 2000 Ravens (though our defense isn't at that level yet, it has the potential to be eventually).

With that being said, it's time for the 49ers to ask themselves a question that would have sounded absurd this past offseason - is Alex Smith the answer? Assuming he keeps playing at this level, his price tag should increase at the end of this season, and while the Niners have some cap space, they might want to give Colin Kaepernick the starting job by next year. While we haven't seen much from CK7, what we have seen is positive, and he might be ready to take the reins by next year. Still, I wouldn't be against bringing back Smith, especially if he continues to play like he did against Tampa Bay. This could be his chance to rejuvenate his legacy in San Francisco. We expect our QBs to win us Super Bowls, like Joe Montana and Steve Young, and while I can't see this Niners team winning the Super Bowl over teams like the Packers and the Patriots, I think this team has the potential to be Super Bowl winners sometime in the near future, and I think that Alex Smith could be the quarterback that takes us there.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.

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Comments

Nice name for a 17 year old kid ...!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!

by Edggy on Oct 12, 2011 4:16 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Made it up in less than 2 seconds

I'm just a simple Giants fan trying to make my way in the universe.

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Oct 12, 2011 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Nice , Mom and Dad should be proud ...!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!

by Edggy on Oct 12, 2011 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions

They know I'm a good kid

They also don’t know about this name

I'm just a simple Giants fan trying to make my way in the universe.

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Oct 12, 2011 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Have you every drank a beer before?

"We just feel more certain assurance of success when all that's written is written against us. When honey words of praise are flowered upon us that we begin to feel exposed before our enemies." - Jim Harbaugh

by SanFranciscoKnights on Oct 12, 2011 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Few times

I'm just a simple Giants fan trying to make my way in the universe.

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Oct 12, 2011 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Personally, I like the bong and hard liquor.

by 49erfannm on Oct 12, 2011 9:54 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

Nice Post

I think it is a fairly interesting Question if Alex Smith can be our starting QB for the next years, if he keeps improving like he did in the previous weeks. So I believe he can be it at least for the next 2-3 years and then we still can Kaepernick let start. I know the comparison sucks, but Rodgers also sat for more than just one season before he became the starting QB. So let’s wait how the season develops and then we can judge on Alex’s future.

by Campustobi on Oct 12, 2011 4:40 PM PDT reply actions

Agreed

That said, Alex Smith is no Brett Farve. Obviously, there’s no need to make a decision on this front yet, I just wanted to get some discussion going.

I'm just a simple Giants fan trying to make my way in the universe.

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Oct 12, 2011 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Always believed....

I have always felt that Alex Smith had every tool needed to be a good NFL QB besides solid coaching. He had 1 year of good coaching under Norv Turner. Now he has solid coaching for the 1st time since then and look at how he’s playing. Number 3 in the NFL in passer rating. Sure his yardage isn’t high but then again, Newton and Vick have been throwing for 300 and 400 yards per game with a combined win total of 2 games this year. Take that for what it’s worth.

"Bar None!" - William Floyd

by maveric_87 on Oct 12, 2011 4:49 PM PDT reply actions

Dude, that was a GREAT post! Congrats!

You are a terrific young writer. Keep it up!

CK7’s just a 2nd round pick. No need to rush him, no need to play him next year, don’t have to play him ever. Not saying he can’t play, there’s just NO NEED based on the MONEY INVESTED.

49ers in a very good position to be patient. They don’t need to extend Alex until late in the year at the earliest.

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 5:05 PM PDT reply actions

correction

terrific ~~young~~ writer

This comment is meant as more general and not specifically to you. Age does add some context to a person’s knowledge of a situation, but nothing drives me crazier on this site than people who hold their age over younger people as somehow making them a better fan. We’ve had issues with that in the past. Age affects context but it does not make a person a better fan.

Again, not saying you’re implying that, but your mention of young just made me want to say it. That’s all.

Follow @NinersNation

by David Fucillo on Oct 12, 2011 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions

lol... give me a break.

He said he was seventeen.

Am I MORE impressed w/his post because of that? You bet your a$$.

And I think you’re ABSOLUTELY implying I was holding my age over him. If that’s your opinion, David, fine. Just come clean w/it.

People competing on the net to be a better “fan”?

:-D

This is a videogame. Nothing more. If it is something more, well, that’s just sad…

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions

I never took it as an insult

Don’t worry about it

I'm just a simple Giants fan trying to make my way in the universe.

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Oct 12, 2011 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Don't interrupt young man! Grown-ups are talking!!

;-)

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions

LMAO.............. Nice piece bongmeister

"You have to reinvent yourself each year, ... What helped us was that there was some turnover each year." Bill Walsh...

by AzNiner on Oct 13, 2011 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions

no...

You’re new to the site and have missed some of the other exchanges. As I said in the comment there have been people who come out and actually stated that younger fans that have only been around since the Super Bowl days basically aren’t on their level. I was not implying you were holding his age over him in spite of what you might think. I’m clear in my opinions. I always come clean with them. I was simply your age reference to make a separate point. Maybe it shouldn’t have been a reply to you, but the point still exists for others.

Follow @NinersNation

by David Fucillo on Oct 12, 2011 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions

"I’m clear in my opinions."

According to who?

:-)

Doesn’t matter… We disagree. It’s a blog. NBD.

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions

we had a person on here

that ended every post with “you young punks don’t know what you are talking about because I’m older than you”. He slammed a couple articles that took a lot of time and work disregarded it because they were not older than 50. It really has nothing to do with you, just a simple word in your response that caught Fooch’s attention. I appreciate that you gave our writer kudos on a job well. It inspires them to do more and develop their writing. A pat on the back is always a good thing

by mcwagner on Oct 13, 2011 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions

STFU!

You young punks don’t know what you are talking about because I’m older than you.

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 13, 2011 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions

:-P

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 13, 2011 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions

Experience goes a long way.

But in regards to fandom, I agree …to an extent.

For instance, a fan that was born in 1992 may have zero experience in watching a winning team and that could skew the view. A fan who has lived out the bad years (let’s say born in 1946) before the glory years has seen things from both perspectives and may have a better handle on the team and their history (which will curve that particular fans perspective as well).

A fan is a fan… and by fan I mean fanatic. I think there are plenty of impostor fans to go around as well. But age does play a part in not only perspective, but it can effect someones writing and views more than you’re letting on there.

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by Drew Kerr on Oct 13, 2011 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Research for a writer is also a good idea... particularly for younger writers.

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by Drew Kerr on Oct 13, 2011 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks for the compliment!

As for your comment, I agree that there’s no need to rush CK7. I think what I’d do if I were the Niners’ brass (assuming we see about the same level of play from both Smith and CK7 through the rest of the season) is try to extend Smith for 1 or 2 more years, and see where we’re at next year. It’s never a bad thing to have two very good QBs on the roster, and both Smith and CK7 can be very good QBs (and if you’d told me preseason that I would be typing that sentence I’d have recommended that you turn yourself in for counseling). Sitting and learning for a few years worked out really well for Aaron Rodgers, after all.

I'm just a simple Giants fan trying to make my way in the universe.

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Oct 12, 2011 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions

The problem w/extending Smith for 1 or 2 years...

The problem w/that, I think, is…

HE’S PLAYING TOO WELL.

Never thought I’d be typing that either… ;-D. If Alex continues to play like he is now, there’s NO WAY HE’LL AGREE to a deal of less than 3 years, imo. I think he’ll be looking for a 4-5 year deal.

If he backslides and doesn’t finish strong, we won’t bring him back and the point will be moot.

It’s gonna be fun to watch and see what happens.

And let me just say again, I am VERY impressed w/your ability as a writer and w/your knowledge of football. It is all the more impressive – IMO ONLY (I guess…) — because of your age. I look forward to reading more of your posts and comments.

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't think Smith is going to be able to get 4 or 5 years

even if he finishes the season well. Teams don’t want to make that kind of guarantee to someone who hasn’t proven himself over multiple years. For example, take Ryan Vogelsong of the Giants. He wasn’t good at all in his first 10 years in baseball, but suddenly came out of nowhere to have a very nice season with the Giants. While this situation is a bit different because a. Smith is a #1 draft pick, so he’s someone who was, at some point, regarded highly and b. Vogelsong is older than Smith, Vogelsong isn’t going to be getting a 5 year contract anytime soon even though baseball contracts are longer than football contracts. It’s a similar type of situation, especially if Smith regresses a bit (unless the Niners get to or win the super bowl, in which case all bets are off) – teams don’t want to give that guarantee to a relatively unproven commodity.

That is, smart teams. After all, the Cardinals just gave up a 2nd Round pick and a good young player for Kevin effing Kolb, so there’s that.

I'm just a simple Giants fan trying to make my way in the universe.

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Oct 12, 2011 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Good points...

…but Alex’s only, what, 27? 28? Bad injury notwithstanding, guy’s potentially got another decade in the league.

If he has the very good year we all hope he has, I see someone giving him at least 3 years and $20 million. And if we get the Division and a maybe take a game in the playoffs, 4 or 5 years is gonna be offered somewhere.

Pretty big “if’s” though… I’m simply hoping he’s able to string a 3rd straight solid start together v Detroit.

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions

27

Alex and I are the same age, I’m older by a month. We both got injured the same time, got married the same time, had a child the same time. The only real difference between us is the size of our bank accounts and I have less stress.

by mcwagner on Oct 13, 2011 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Correct.

Alex was about the same age as Anthony Davis when he came into the league.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 13, 2011 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions

Is your wife as hot as Alex's??

"You have to reinvent yourself each year, ... What helped us was that there was some turnover each year." Bill Walsh...

by AzNiner on Oct 13, 2011 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions

<3

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 13, 2011 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Are you as 'Dreamy' as Alex? He's pretty dreamy, ya know... <3

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 13, 2011 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions

no

here’s the back of my head though in the comments
http://www.ninersnation.com/2011/9/17/2430862/the-rivalry-that-was-once-the-rivalry-of-all-rivalries-but-is-now

by mcwagner on Oct 13, 2011 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions

Nice!

Enjoy… She’ll be in Jr. High before you know it!

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 13, 2011 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions

yes

They actually looked very similar when she was blonde. I prefer my wife’s looks though. I don’t what Mrs. Smith looks like since she gave birth. Being a former cheerleader makes me believe she rebounded just fine.

by mcwagner on Oct 13, 2011 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions

good call on sticking with the wife in this one...

by Takeo33 on Oct 13, 2011 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions

How does being a former cheerleader help you tell how she rebounded?

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 13, 2011 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Game managers

At worst, I think he will continue to be a competent game manager, not turning the ball over and never losing us the game, and it is possible to advance deep into the postseason with that kind of QB

I think we’re reaching a point where we need to define “game manager” a bit better. I don’t think it needs to imply anything bad, but for some Smith is playing solid game management football, while others think he’s better than that. I think part of the issue with some of the battles over Smith are often misconstrued opinions about the definition of a game manager.

I think game manager is an excellent way to describe Smith, but I also think he is a great game manager in part because he can dial it up a bit more than say Trent Dilfer who was also described as a game manager when he was QB of the Ravens. I think they both can be described as “game management” quarterbacks but the term is really much more broad than some might think. Just my thought on it.

Follow @NinersNation

by David Fucillo on Oct 12, 2011 7:52 PM PDT reply actions

To me

A game manager is a quarterback who rarely takes over a game but will very rarely lose your team the game. The perfect example is Shaun Hill a few years ago – he was always at that level where he was not great but just good enough to win games. The perfect non-example is Tony Romo – whatever game he’s in, he’s going to have a huge impact in, whether he wins his team the game (Week 2) or loses his team the game (Week 1). What I’m trying to say here is that I think that Shaun Hill the worst case scenario for Smith – he’s been much better than that in the past 2 weeks (and in particular in the last 6 quarters). It remains to be seen whether that’s the future Smith will have or whether he’ll exceed that future and become a quarterback who can take over games and steal wins for his team.

I'm just a simple Giants fan trying to make my way in the universe.

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Oct 12, 2011 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions

All quarterbacks = game managers. Period.

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by Drew Kerr on Oct 13, 2011 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Different quarterbacks play at different levels which is why the term “game manager” is about as generic and cliche as it gets.

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by Drew Kerr on Oct 13, 2011 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions

agree

unless they call you a gunslinger which means you are too risky but sometimes it pays off.

by mcwagner on Oct 13, 2011 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Still pretty cliche IMO.

I believe each quarterback should be case by case… and those types of terms are the avenue to lazy journalism, writing, and reporting.

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by Drew Kerr on Oct 13, 2011 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Well said.

…and it’s just…

How well does each individual manage the game?

But the common usage still makes one think of Dilfer. At least that’s my experience w/the term.

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 13, 2011 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Dilfer...

He’s labeled that because of a lazy journalist (or two, or three) that didn’t feel like thinking outside the box.

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by Drew Kerr on Oct 13, 2011 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions

...and it's stuck for a decade and...

…a whole bunch of people started to implement an actual “keep it close” to “win at the end” philosophy. Like I’ve said, that’s different than Parcells, or Jimmy Johnson, etc. That’s not conservative football, it’s scared football.

The irony to me — and I really like the guy as an analyst — is Billick. Guy went to the Ravens as an OFFENSIVE GURU (Denny Green’s OC in Minnesota). IMO he was a overrated as a HC, despite good seasons and a Super Bowl win.

I think he did a good job of running the show (as learned from working here for Bill Walsh, then for Denny), but he FAILED as the HC/OC w/the Ravens. He was pretty darn HARSH when it came to letting Dilfer go (win a Super Bowl then…“buh-bye”), and then he TALKED A WHOLE BUNCH A’ JUNK about how the Ravens would really dominate w/Grbac at the controls.

As though DILFER HAD HELD HIS OFFENSE BACK.

I think Denny Green was responsible for the success Billick got credit for in Minnesota. Off the top of my head, Tony Banks failed, Grbac failed, Boller failed, McNair failed, T.Smith sorta failed (not much of look), might be missing some other guys as well. I can’t recall a Raven QB who ever really had success other than Dilfer.

And Marvin Lewis got a HC job, Mike Nolan, eventually Mike Singletary, etc. And all ~~-in part -~~ because of some lazy journalism…

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 13, 2011 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions

dammitt...

[looking at the strikethrough… drinks…]

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 13, 2011 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions

I hate the 'Game Manager' tag/formula... It doesn't work.

Dilfer should of gotten more credit for what he did w/the Ravens that year. The job he was asked to do wasn’t easy.

After the Ravens and Dilfer, bunch of DC’s got HC jobs (Lewis and Nolan among them) and many sought to recreate the Raven formula: knock the snot out of people on Defense, don’t choke it away on offense. But the Ravens D wasn’t easy to recreate, and the ‘Game Manager’ style… Well, always keeping yourself in the game by not taking chances, that also ALLOWS YOUR OPPONENT to hang around as well.

Perfect example… The Kerry Collins led Titans went 13-3 a few years back w/that style of play. One and done in the playoffs. They let a Ravens team hang around and win a close game. That style/mentality: makes me sick…

PLAYING NOT TO LOSE is far different than what Harbaugh does. Or what Bill Parcells used to do. Or Jimmy Johnson. Or Dan Reeves. Or even Marty Schottenheimer. Simms, Aikman, Elway (before Shanny), Marty’s many QB’s (including Joe for a couple of years). They weren’t Game Managers.

Simms and Aikman I remember in particular as a 49ers fan, those guys could be SCARY GOOD despite underwhelming stats. When called upon to light you up, they could. Who remembers 17-0 on MNF in ’86 (?) v the Giants? The Bavarro drag half the team down the field game. Simms lit us up in the 2nd half and the 49ers lost 21-17. And the NFC title game in ’95? Aikman was the best QB on the field that day. Threw for 365 (something like that) and nearly brought the Cowboys back from down 21-3.

Those teams played calculated, smash mouth, run the ball downhill, ball control football. But they were trying to take you out… Maybe it would be 24-7 and not 38-17, but they weren’t trying to “keep it close” in order to “win it at the end”. Alex might not statistically light the world on fire each week within Harbaugh’s system, but the 49ers aren’t simply trying to “hang around” and “win at the end” anymore. They’re trying to impose their will, and pummel you into not really wanting to play anymore. Like a boxer who just keeps working the body round after round after round after round…

In fact, not only does the ‘Game Manager’ philosophy not really work, but I think it makes playing QB FAR HARDER… No margin for error. Having one down (typically 3rd down) to work with. It feels like you’re always having to hit the perfect throw on a 3rd and 8. Always having to be perfect v the blitz in an obvious throwing down. It’s a helluva lot easier, imo, to throw on 1st down, to be able to throw a bad ball and know you’ve got another chance or two to convert.

Being asked to be a successful ‘Game Manager’ is like asking a ballplayer to hit .280 while always starting each at bat w/a 1-2 count.

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 9:05 PM PDT reply actions

but again....

It all comes down to definitions. People are locked into certain definitions of what is meant to be a “game manager.” I know people won’t necessarily buy this, but in reality, Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning are great at managing the game. Maybe I’m taking the term too literally, but I don’t think it has to infer that a player does just enough.

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by David Fucillo on Oct 12, 2011 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Completely agree...

Completely…

I’d hazard a guess though, that the ‘Game Manager’ tag most frequently gets the average fan to think of Trent Dilfer. The “keep it close/win it at the end” mentality. That’s why I hate it so much.

That’s not a very good formula for winning. It’s VERY DIFFERENT from Ball Control/Smash Mouth Football offense. Different even from conservative offensive approaches. And I also think ~~- from a small degree of personal experience -~~ it’s the MOST DIFFICULT way to try and play and have success as a QB. Like playing a football where you always have to start on 2nd & 9…

But as far as MANAGING A GAME? Oh, without a doubt. Brady, Brees, Manning, Rodgers. They are the BEST. You are 100% right and I’d say that MANAGING THE GAME is one of, if not THE, most important part of being a QB.

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Really getting tired of my un-intentional strikethroughs...

I do it frequently enough that it could turn into a drinking game…

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions

[internal monologue]

[typing]

…degree of personal experience…"

[looking at the screen]

Wait a minute… No! That’s a lie!! I can’t!!!

[types strikethrough]

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Conservative v Trying-Not-To-Lose ('Game Manager')

Without much detail at all…

To me conservative = things such as:

—which type of pass play you choose as you mix run and pass on 1st downs.

—running/passing the ball on 2nd and short to pick up the 1st down instead of trying to push the ball downfield.

—taking the underneath throw on 3rd down even if it’s short of the marker. Maybe you get it w/YAC, maybe you don’t. You avoid throw down the field if it’s not there.

Trying-Not-to-Lose = things like:

—making a concerted effort to NOT throw it more than 25 times a game.

—running the ball on 1st Down the MAJORITY of the time (80% or more of the top of my head…)

—running the ball on 2nd Down and short the MAJORITY of the time.

—throwing 90-series or from 7 & 8 man protections on a large % of 3rd downs.
A philosophy of avoiding the INT 1st, avoiding the Sack 2nd, picking up the 1st Down 3rd.

—Simply being satisfied w/being in a close game in the 4th Q

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions

html

I’ve seen the html issues with folks before but I still never quite get what’s what with them.

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by David Fucillo on Oct 12, 2011 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh WE're a special breed... ;-)

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Dilfer

I agree Dilfer is the first guy that comes to everybody’s mind. All of this might be worthy of a front page post. I’ll make sure and link to this, but I’d like to open up this game manager discussion a bit more.

Follow @NinersNation

by David Fucillo on Oct 12, 2011 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Do it... Love nothing more than threads about QB'ing!

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Man you just made me youtube the '86 MNF game...

and relive the nightmare. Curse you! LOL

by RevRoy on Oct 13, 2011 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions

'86? I was right about that? :-)

So how many guys did Bavarro take for a ride on that play? 14…? 17…? That was ridiculous. Bavarro was a helluva player…

You’re right, man. That game was a nightmare. And as I recall, even though it was 17-0 at half, something just DIDN’T FEEL RIGHT about that night. Simms just laying there in wait. I remember being worried that a Giants comeback was going to happen…and then it HAPPENED. :- /

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 13, 2011 1:39 AM PDT up reply actions

This.

Play to WIN. No – better yet – play without mercy to utterly destroy/dominate your opponent.

I’ve read some criticism of Harbaugh being a jerk by “running up scores.” Hell yes he should do that. One never knows when the tide will turn and your opponent, by some twist of fate, ends up back in the game.

Playing to NOT LOSE is a crappy strategy and should be used only by teams with no other option.

by StereoPete on Oct 13, 2011 8:13 AM PDT up reply actions

+1

Nolan, Singletary, many others, etc. When I hear people talking about “keeping it close” and “winning at the end” I literally want to BREAK THINGS and SET THINGS ON FIRE!!!

(okay, not really, but that sounded cooler than, “I think it’s silly”…).

You can be CONSERVATIVE and still “play without mercy to utterly destroy/dominate your opponent.” Well said.

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 13, 2011 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions

Confience

by 49erfannm on Oct 12, 2011 9:55 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

Gah I could throw my phone… I had some good words then it messes me up like this. I give up, I get my laptop tomorrow.

by 49erfannm on Oct 12, 2011 9:56 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

Good article young man.

Smith is doing alot better this this season thanks to the brilliance of Jim Harbaugh’s simplified offense.Safe throws, short passes , get the ball to our playmakers, let them make the plays. Not to take any thing from Smith’s performances but, what has he done that any other average NFL QB can’t do? He has the benefit of a tremendous run game, a Pro bowl TE and good recievers. This has been my point for years. Any decent QB would thrive with the weapons we have on offense. Smith under Harbaugh now looks like a average QB. Imagine if we already had an average QB for Harbaugh to mentor the sky would be the limit. Dont get me wrong Smith is playing good. But lets not settle for good or be scared to be GREAT. Hopefully Harbaugh found that in CK7.

by DontReSignAlexSmith on Oct 12, 2011 10:55 PM PDT reply actions

lol

…“young man”.

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 11:49 PM PDT up reply actions

You don't understand playing QB

That is amply clear. The line has more to do with being a competent QB than TEs, RBs or WRs

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 13, 2011 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Sure I understand that @ ItBurnz

Line wasnt the problem. Im not saying we had the best line but it certainly wasnt the worst. We had a great rushing attack with our so called “terrible line.” That “terrible line” even helped Gore lead the league in rushing one year. Two other QB’s started with that terrible line and produced winning records. The guy under achieved for years and we blamed every one under the sun but him. Now with ANOTHER OFF. COORDINATOR which used to be his main excuse for lack of success. Sorry You guys main excuse.

by DontReSignAlexSmith on Oct 14, 2011 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Agree w/quite a few of your points but...

Alex Smith has SICK tools. He just does. The first pick in the draft thing? Not an accident… He’s a poor man’s Aaron Rodgers. Instead of being GREAT at everything, Alex is (POTENTIALLY!) good at everything. He’s not proven he can be consistent yet, but there’s nothing he can’t do well.

When Alex plays like he did Sunday, he plays BETTER than average QBs because he’s BETTER PHYSICALLY. He does things that they can’t do. The throw that went incomplete to Delanie in the endzone while he scrambled to the left is an example… Orton doesn’t make that play. Henne doesn’t make that play. Dalton doesn’t make that play. Heck, Matt Ryan doesn’t make that play. The list of QB’s that can’t do what Alex can does is long…

The ONLY REASON Alex Smith is still a 49er is that Harbaugh recognized his TALENT. Alex IS THE AVERAGE QB that Harbaugh’s trying to mentor. Not CK7…

For what it’s worth, if Alex doesn’t pan out, I predict Harbaugh will go find his QB in the Draft (a 1st Rounder) or FA. To me, CK7 is a LONG-TERM project who won’t do more than spot start (because of an injury to the starter) until AT LEAST his 3rd year in the league.

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 11:48 PM PDT reply actions

Should be linked to Don'tReSignAlexSmith's post...

I’m hopeless…

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 12, 2011 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Why would you want to talk about Alex?

We really should be talking about AleX.

"Our opponents are nameless and faceless" - Jim Harbaugh
Twitter

by Blowfish on Oct 13, 2011 7:32 AM PDT reply actions

Excellent article! Rec

Thanks for putting this together. You captured a lot of what I’ve been thinking lately and just haven’t had time to write it.

Now watch out for the Alex Haters (Trolls)… they’re numerous around these parts…though, ironically, they’ve been pretty quiet lately. Wonder why… hmmmmmmmm

by StereoPete on Oct 13, 2011 8:21 AM PDT reply actions

I'm not a Smith supporter but

I have to admit that Smithis playing his Heart out. The last two weeks have been outstanding .I was waiting for Harbaugh to see how he would Handle Smith and he done an excellent job with what he has. But I also think Harbaugh could have done it with any other QB. Not that I’m dissing Smith. Harbaughan is a Off. minded and a very good QB manager.He took Smith and made him a good QB, but what choice did he have ? He had no one else .But I’ll give it up for Smith. But I’m still not a Smith Fan!

by LASVEGASNINER on Oct 13, 2011 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions

O " boy " ...!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!

by Edggy on Oct 13, 2011 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions

So the 'O " boy " ...!!' thing... You got that trademarked?

I’m new here, let me know if I’m readin’ it wrong…

Are you :

[rolling your eyes]

[shaking your head]

as you say ‘O " boy "…!!’ as well? Do you actually have anything to add to the discussion? Or, are you the guy that would watch Alex Smith TAKE A DUMP on your living room floor and say, “I didn’t do good job letting him know where the head is and, heck, it smells like lilacs anyway.”

Not liking Alex Smith in the past, and then LIKING HIM NOW, that doesn’t make a person a bandwagon fan in anyway.

And this is a ridiculous argument anyway. He’s STILL not proven… The HOF induction ain’t exactly in the bag after two good starts in a row.

If he leads the 49ers to the playoffs and beyond, gets a LTD, etc. I’ll be THRILLED for Alex. So will many other critics.

But what will you do when the idiotic “HATER/APLOGIST” debates end? My God, life as you know it will be over…

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 13, 2011 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 14, 2011 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Like say...at Stanford? Andrew Luck anyone? Hellooooo?

I have many leather-bound books.

by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 14, 2011 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Since I was young.....

….jealous sigh…Nice post …..lets hope Kaepernick has more cushion than Smith had. Give him time to develope. Lets hope that Smith stay relevant long enough for that to happen!

by Only In Fairfax on Oct 13, 2011 10:31 AM PDT reply actions