Player Breakdown: 49ers Quarterback Scott Tolzien
by Dylan DeSimone on Sep 4, 2011 12:00 PM PDT
in 49ers Roster
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After the San Diego Chargers placed undrafted rookie quarterback Scott Tolzien on waivers, the 49ers were quick to claim him. This past Thursday, San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh had a firsthand look at what Tolzien could do as a pro.
In Thursday's matchup between San Francisco and San Diego, Tolzien was 4 for 5, with 61 yards by halftime. He has revealed himself to be a pure pocket passer who can deliver the ball under pressure. The 49ers pass rush that night was on their game, constantly putting hits on Tolzien and even registering multiple sacks.
Regardless of the heat, Tolzien was showing that he could make all the throws. He was making screen passes, quick routes and showed his uncanny ability to already make accurate deep throws. Not only was he connecting with the receiver in stride, but the ball location couldn't have been better if Phillip Rivers threw it himself.
Tolzien leads his receivers well, most impressively in the plays stretching the field. He was running San Diego's pass heavy offense extremely well, making Seyi Ajirotutu look like Vincent Jackson. He has a lot of positive qualities already for a rookie that wasn't even drafted.
His best attributes are his ability to deliever the ball under pressure, make accurate deep throws and the fact that he is a pure pocket passer. He has a long way to go if he is to become anything in the NFL, but for now, he is an improvement over Josh McCown or McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
This preseason, he finished 25 for 40, 302 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. The reason San Francisco claimed him is because he looks to be more pro ready than Colin Kaepernick and Tolzien is a low risk, high reward situation. Kaepernick has way more upside than Tolzien, but the 49ers are proving that they are going to create competition.
By adding Tolzien, San Francisco is showing that they are trying to get better at every position. Tolzien shouldn't push Alex Smith for any starting time, but if he stays on the roster, he could prove to be a reliable backup for now while Harbaugh grooms Kaepernick for the future.
I just hope the Wisconsin product knows he can't wear #16 anymore.
Follow me on Twitter: @DeSimone80
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Sorry guys… I got a but carried away. I’ve seen that quote in almost every blog and comment I’ve read this week.
by Leoniner on Sep 4, 2011 12:14 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
no reason to be sorry
I’ve been claiming he’s our future since he was cut http://www.ninersnation.com/2011/9/3/2403332/san-francisco-49ers-53-man-roster-nfl-roster-cuts#76403475
4th string players we pick up off the waiver wire are always our future, 4th string players we cut always were our future
Number 16
Why can’t Scott Tolzien wear number 16?
steve, if you keep that up and I'm going to start suggesting
Tolzien pick up the number 8
should have read all the responses before posting
would have been a witty response the first time, the third time, not so much
YOU FOR REAL
Davidb, I hope your kidding or just a new 49er fan……………JOE “BIG-SKY” MONTANA ENOUGH SAID….
BOB 'BEETLE' BEILHARZ
Why would Tolzien be a serviceable back-up to Smith while Kaepernick learns his trade, when Kaep went second round and Tolzien was undrafted? I don’t get that part. I get Tolzien signing as third string but you’re not suggesting he’s immediately ahead of Kaep on the depth chart, surely?
Kaepernick is the Plan
They are going to be careful with Kaepernicks development. They didn’t invest a second round pick in Tolzien, therefor, he is expendable. I am not suggesting that Tolzien is ahead of Kaepernick
Follow me on Twitter: @DeSimone80
by Dylan DeSimone on Sep 4, 2011 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Interesting. So while you’re not saying he’s ahead of Kaep, you do think it’s possible they use him to protect Kaep. I get it. Interesting theory. I wasn’t getting at you before, btw. I didn’t really understand the point but now I do. It still seems a little nuts to me, if that is indeed what they are planning, but I get the theory as you’ve explained it.
No Problem
Im a CK7 supporter, great things take time
Follow me on Twitter: @DeSimone80
by Dylan DeSimone on Sep 4, 2011 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I do think he could legitimately pass CK on the depth chart, if only for this season
CK is not NFL ready. His athleticism and physical stature mask the fact that he has some serious issues. He still has a baseball player’s wind-up, which telegraphs his throws. He also has the common rookie trait of locking in on a primary receiver, making it even easier for DBs to solve him. Add to that his footwork habits, created after years in the “pistol” system at Nevada, and you have a guy with truly outstanding physical talents, but equally truly problematic mechanics. I’m not a coach so I don’t know who’s right about what can or can’t be coached – I have to assume they figured they could improve these things and will. And it’s true his ball, once released, gets there so fast that is somewhat mitigates that he allows DBs to get a jump on his passes. But put it all together and I don’t believe he anywhere near ready to start, now or likely this season. Tolzein doesn’t have CK’s theoretical upside, but having watched him play in college, he’s a mature QB who seems better prepared to manage a game than CK at this point.
Tolzien is better than Kaepernick
I’m not sure why he wasn’t drafted, but I think within a year or two some NFL GMs are going to be kicking themselves. Tolzien is our future!!
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
tolzien is even better than nate davis
except for the whole arm strength thing
Our scrubs are so good
That doing well against them immediately makes you starting material.
As to why our 1st string plays so poorly when our scrubs are such a good test — well I haven’t quite figured that one out.
Harbaugh Knows What He is Doing
He was down on the field and saw the throws. Moreover, he has forgotten more about playing QB in the NFL than anyone here on this board knows.
I said it before and I’ll say it again: I like Tolzien alot! Picking up Tolzien is an awesome move!
In fact, I think this is such a great move that it’s difficult for me to believe that Baalke had anything to do with it.
My bad.
I like Tolzien Alot!
Even though I’ve only seen him play against our 3rd string secondary!
I hope we find a way to let him play our defense when he plays for us!
have you seen our oline play?
if they have an off game we’d be lucky to make it out of the game with any of the 3 qbs still standing
Unless the Niners carry 4 QBs this season, this moves makes absolutely sense to me..
…in the context of protecting Kaep’s development by using a alternate backup to Smith. If Tolzien is put into the game ahead of Kaep if Smith gets hurt, it cannot do much good to Kaep’s confidence or for the Niners to execute their game plan. I don’t think Tolzien can be expected to learn a playbook during regular season faster than a vet.
I cannot put it better than Mike Tanier : "Several rookie quarterbacks who were expected to compete for starting jobs, including Jacksonville’s Blaine Gabbert and Minnesota’s Christian Ponder, may be headed for the third string. This sort of thing happens when you have only 37 days to go from "Nice to meet you, Coach, where do I get my parking placard?" to "Trips right counter motion drag slant, on three." "
Laurent Robinson
former starting WR for the Rams, made Tolzien’s night a lot more easier since he was going up against the 3rd team secondary.
Back on board. Now time to trade Mays for Clausen
Geez... for a split second, I thought that was picture of Ryan Leaf up there
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by Dylan DeSimone on Sep 4, 2011 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions
you can tell 5lbs on a guy that's over 6ft?
I think my wife just hired a hit man to kill you and wipe out anyone with that acute sense of weight perception
lol
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Sep 4, 2011 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
“x-ray” vision
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Sep 4, 2011 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
who was cut?
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
this guy was also cut by the panthers lol
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/9307
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
aka taylor mays of the 09 draft
or should we be calling Mays E.B. II?
probably not
Kristick, Colin Jones, guys like that seem more likely.
by David Fucillo on Sep 4, 2011 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions
nope
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Sep 4, 2011 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
went here
heard they even gave him some free laptops
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omaha_Nighthawks
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Sep 4, 2011 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions
ahh
I thought they just loaned him the laptops
and then it’s actually his friend that is “holding” them . . . he ran off when I tried to ask him about it.
i like his release really quick
looks like he can make most of the throws…
colin just looks like he needs atleast a year or two but i’m sorry if this kid progresses faster i wanna win don’t care where we drafted who.
According to Tolzien' s agent: 9ers tried to sign him as a UFA
but he chose San-Diego instead (from the Chron’s sfgate.com site). If that’s the case, then Tolzien was their preference for the #3 slot and they only signed McCown after Tolzien accepted the Chargers’ offer. I don’t want to read too much into this, as it’s somewhat academic who the #3 QB is, but I think it’s a good thing that they ended up with their first choice. He has a better chance of getting on the field in SF than at SD, anyway.
Waaaiitt.. so is he on the Niners team or chargers ?
"Winning means being unafraid to lose." – Fran Tarkenton
He looked solid
I’m reserving judgment until I get a bigger sample… but hopeful for a long term #2
Gimme 1 round!
People were concerned about...
His arm strength and how much he benefitted from a run-heavy offense at Wisconsin. Everything I heard about him though was he was a leader with a drive to succeed. Seemed like a Tom Brady type to me. Someone who would find a way to succeed despite his critics.
Shaun Hill type to me
which is still a great pickup for the 49ers. Would love to see him develop into a solid backup that’ll push anyone but a star for the starting spot
Ok anyone see anyone off the cut wire worth adding?
Brandon Tate was interesting but he got picked up by the Bengals. I’d like to see us pick up Lousaka Polite and get rid of Norris once and for all.
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Sep 4, 2011 2:08 PM PDT reply actions
I think it's more important than a typical signing of a #3 QB
because our #2 is an untested rookie with a long, steep learning curve. So while normally it would be a lot of chatter over a relatively unimportant matter, I kind of feel in the ‘niners’ case this signing is actually worth the discussion it’s getting. It’s pretty likely ASmith misses part of a game or games… who will replace him? Unless CK makes huge strides, playing him could be disastrous, to the team, and for his psyche. I believe in Hardballs, so I believe in time CK is going to be great (not really, but my belief in Harbaugh trumps my own “I don’t get it” vibe…). But when you throw a rookie out there who isn’t ready, I think you make that learning curve even longer and steeper. So If Tolzien is more ready to be a game manager early on than CK, better to throw him out there than the guy whose psyche you need to protect. And who knows… maybe Tolzien will be even more than that.
GREAT ARTICLE
Super write up and I think TZ-12 is the real deal and will be our FUTURE and lead us back to the days that when you wake up on game day you knew we were going to win…..12 is the number he should take cause saying TZ-12 sounds just right…
BOB 'BEETLE' BEILHARZ
...except it's already been retired for John Brodie.
Yes, I know Trent Dilfer wore 12 a few years back, but that was with Brodie’s permission – Trent is a close friend of the Brodie family, and he was trying to stir up some consideration of Brodie for the Hall of Fame, as well as awareness for stroke victims (Brodie suffered a stroke back in 2000).
Right now, Tolzien’s options are 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 13, 14 and 18 (2 – Akers, 4 – Lee, 7 – Kaepernick, 8 – Young [ret], 10 – K. Williams, 11 – Alex Smith, 12 – Brodie [ret], 15 – Crabtree, 16 – Montana [ret], 17 – Edwards, 19 – Ginn). 13 was worn by Joe Hastings, who is on the PS, but as Tolzien is now on the 53-man, I’d think he would have dibs. Plus, there are more traditional WR numbers available (81, 83, 88, 89) for Hastings if he gets called up.
For what it’s worth, No. 13 has some good mojo – both Steve Bono and Shaun Hill wore it – while No. 14 has at least one HOFer…Y.A. Tittle, he of “Million Dollar Backfield” fame.
Hope he takes 13.
Then all three of our QBs will have prime numbers. Obviously 3 or 5 would work as well.
"Blackmail is such an ugly word. I prefer "extortion." The "X" makes it sound cool." - Bender Bending Rodriguez
Eleanor Rigby - "Greatest Song" or "The Greatest Song"?
Kaepernick is some kind of Montana/Young/Roosevelt hybrid, and will absolutely ruin the NFL experience for the other 31 teams and their few fans.
Speaking of getting bettter at every position and the San Diego roster cuts ...
Why have the Niners not put in a waiver claim on WR Seji Ajirotutu (6’ 3", 211#, very good rookie year last year)? Either as another (6th) receiver or as a substantial upgrade, replacing Ted Ginn as the fifth receiver. Then they would have a great reason for cutting Moran Norris … thus improving two positions.
by 49erFanSince1950 on Sep 4, 2011 2:43 PM PDT reply actions
New kid on the block
After watching his performance in the last pre-season game, I was stunned that SD cut him. Those guys are gonna regret that move! I think we got a real gem. He might not be the long-term solution as a starting QB, but do you guys remember how many games Matt Cavanaugh and Steve Bouno won for the Niners? They weren’t considered top-flight QBs, either, but they performed magnificently in the West Coast offense.
he was expendable
Phillip rivers is only 29 I believe. He’s gonna be good for a long time still
by Krauser II on Sep 4, 2011 6:20 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
TOLZIEN
Tolzien was the QB in the draft that I liked so much coming out of WISC BADGER’S COUNTRY. I wanted the Niner’s to get him as I think he was a cool customer under center in college and remember this, he had a comp. % of almost 73%, 72.9 threw 194 of 266 for only 2459 for 16 TD’S with 6 pic’s. The big thing is not to take his low yardage to heart to much due to they ran so much with great success and if the needed arised for “TOLL-BOOTH” TOLZIEN to get more yardage then he could have done that. I like there plan to bring Kappy along slowly until he’s ready and have TZ-12, (sounds like a bio weapon) and I think his new number if it’s not retired under John Brodie. TZ-12 would be cool to call him in the game by the booth rats…Be around if needed.
BOB 'BEETLE' BEILHARZ
dumb pick up. He might be talented but whats the point in bringing in another rookie. Its not the only reason but the main reason he got picked up was because of his ties to Geep Chryst, his brother coached this dude at Wisconsin. So instead of bringing in an actual veteran this is who we brought in.
I like Tolzien, but agree with the odd choice of having two rookies backing up ASmith
curious who which vet others here on the board think the ‘niners should’ve brought in?
I feel a good season coming
I am so tired of being disappointed; with not only losing… but also with bad decisions and poor play as well. We are on the brink my fellow fans! Be optimistic….FAITHFUL.
by silverflame49 on Sep 4, 2011 8:18 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Kap is the future and...
has a bigger upside over Tolzien BUT right now Tolzien has at least 2 years experience in a pro style wco in college,so he is way ahead of Kap (and Alex for that matter).
Next year there will be a real qb competition in camp,unlike the last 7 camps when Alex was haned the job without proving anything. I expect Kap to be the Franchise QB and Tolzien to be his backup. But I am sure Tolzien has different plans :) .Either way,Alex is a one year patch and we had better hope he plays over his head if we want to do well in 2011. Starting next year Alex will be gone and the real JH era will begin.
Was at the game Sat.
With Charger fans. We were all impressed with TZ. I said I had been hoping that the N would pick him in the draft. Thrilled!
I know nothing about him but what I saw on Thursday...
and I liked it. All I have to say, is I am glad that we have some prospects backing up AS this year. I hope things click with Alex and we have a winning team this year. We have tons of talent on our team. I have felt for a few years we are just missing a good leader. Yes, there have been other weak areas, but there have been lots of SB teams with weaknesses. Your team doesn’t have to be perfect to be a championship team. So, although there is always a chance Alex will turn that corner… after all, this is like his 3rd last chance to prove himself, I am doubtful.
So, I am glad there are some bright young stars for the position behind him. If Alex proves himself a back-up QB after this season, he can back-up someone else. We can bring in a vet from free agency to mentor our young bucks, maybe step in if they are too far from ready. I don’t want Kaep to think, “oh, I will start within a few years, I can take my time to learn.” I want him thinking, “I need to be the best I can be or TZ or that old dude will land me as a career back-up.” Something Alex has rarely had to worry about.
Tolzien
Tolzien was a great pick up for us, appears to have been in the right system. He threw 266 passes and only had 6 picks! We’re not used to that. I’m assuming that he is only signed for the league minimum and only for one year….
I remember when Ryan Leaf was a rookie and he was impressive against Niners
in that PreSeason game against San Diego . I like what I saw in TZ , lets just hope San Diego made another major QB error….
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