I am sorry Alex...

by 9ersfan4vr on Jan 19, 2012 8:46 PM PST

From the first day you were drafted at #1, I barked at you not being worthy in coming from a Urban Meyer offense at Utah that would never translate into a successful professional football. My screams only got louder once you started and the coaching wheel spinned around with changes. "Put in Hill..put in O'Sullivan...put in anybody but this wasted #1 pick" were the all too common shouts at the bar and every other place during games. As everyone watched on national TV when Coach Singletary embarrassed you on the sideline, we all shouted for David Carr. Another poor pass and we shouted for David Carr even louder. Now I look back at such a moment and wonder how you got through it.

Then came this supposed new start with a coach bringing incredible potential. He is from Stanford so the immediate thought is whether he can ultimately by some miracle deliver Luck. But surprisingly enough Coach says he believes in you and drafts Kaepernick in the 2nd round to someday possibly take over because his raw talent wont be ready for some time. So it was without hesitation the thought of turning things around with the new coach seemed unlikley because we were staying with #11 at QB.

As the season went on and the wins accumulated, the feeling still prevailed that no matter how many wins we get it just wouldn't matter because our QB is not ELITE and only ELITE QBs nowadays take their team to the Super Bowl. Sure there was Trent Dilfer as the game manager, but even that seemed unlikely. As I watched every game this year with others, whether in a Dwight Clark, Jerry Rice, Patrick Willis, Tom Rathman or even Jeff Garcia jersey...the response after the game was always that I sure wish we had a great QB because the rest of the Niner team is unlike any other one I've seen since I was in grade school back in the early 80's.

Then came this past weekend versus the Saints. Granted a somewhat sluggish 1st half for the offense and once again. the feeling was why the D always needs to carry the O even in the most crucial of times and games. Fast forward to that last 4 minutes. The first time down I had no confidence, but as we got closer and closer all the feelings I had harbored since 2005 started to suddenly dissipate. Then came the bootleg and ultimately the Catch III. Sure in that moment of jubilation all was forgotten. But it wasn't till the next couple days did I sit back and realize the type of heart our Niner QB keeps deep inside.

How many people in whatever they do could be beat down so hard by people so close (fans) and still stick it out by showing such guts like that . It is now that I realize how unfairly you were treated and that what we had in our QB was someone with heart that just needed some support and the right coach. While I am ashamed to say that several years ago I would have greeted you unkindly upon seeing you walk down the street. I am able to now see my error filled ways and If I were to see you now in the street, I would say to the kids around that this particular player on the Niners is one with tremendous heart that deserves praise from us fans.

Whether we win or lose on Sunday, and of course all hope in the world we win, I am am proud to say Alex that you are our QB. While you might not put up Brees or Rogers stats, there is something to say about a QB with the ability to persevere and gut it out in the most toughest of situations. The way you stuck it out when everybody torn you down and then you had the guts to put it all on the line to deliver the fans something they haven't seen in seems like forever...you my friend are a keeper. So forget all the other QBs in the league right now, because Alex this fan wants you to stay and will be screaming loud in support of you Sunday and for every and all future games as Niner QB. Glad that toast made at your house - "To Moving On" - really meant moving this Niner team in the positive direction starting this year!!!

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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I'm sure you're speaking for countless Niner fans, and saying what I'm sure they've been thinking

On the flip side, I’ve always been an Alex Smith supporter, and really felt like he was just on the receiving end of a lot of crap that was outside of his control and never really had much of a chance after Norv took off for San Diego. It’s been a lonely road, as I’m the only one of my group of Niner fan friends who was constantly defending this guy…I just had this feeling that somewhere inside

I’m not telling anyone “I told you so” though. I’m just happy for him that he’s finally got a coaching staff who was able to develop him properly, and that we have a quarterback that we can rely on and be proud of, and be optimistic about leading this team into the future no matter what happens this coming Sunday.

"We're not into answering questions"
Follow @LooseCannon79

by LooseCannon79 on Jan 19, 2012 10:00 PM PST reply actions

Oops...somehow the last sentence of that first paragraph didn't make it...

*I just had this feeling that somewhere inside Alex was a quarterback who could win in this league

"We're not into answering questions"
Follow @LooseCannon79

by LooseCannon79 on Jan 19, 2012 10:02 PM PST up reply actions

Let's hope the old Alex does not come back and prove you right!!!

he also still has a long way to go.

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jan 19, 2012 11:06 PM PST reply actions

??????????????

It appears that you are still hoping that Alex fails.

by HighFive on Jan 19, 2012 11:25 PM PST up reply actions

Don't listen to him, he's being foolish

It’s not like Alex can unlearn everything he’s learned in the past 5 years….He’s going to be at least this good for the rest of his career. I wouldn’t be surprised if he were to turn into a 300+ passing yard per game quarterback next year.

"When they pull the chains off, I’ll come back just as strong as when I left, if not better" - 52

by Pat Willie on Jan 19, 2012 11:43 PM PST up reply actions

he could turn into 300+ yard a game qb next year and he could go backwards next year. every qb has good years and bad years. he will be in the same system next year with most of the offense side players coming back so he has that going for him where in the past he has not.; and he will have a whole off season to work with Harbaugh one on one wear last year he did not. The last point may be the biggest factor for him going into next season.

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jan 19, 2012 11:50 PM PST up reply actions

He hasn't regressed from season to season once in his career, except due to injury, Harbaugh or no.

He’s always steadily improved, and it’s unlikely that he’s hit his ceiling with the supporting cast he has. I think it’s a fair assessment that he won’t go backwards next year.

by Rhombus on Jan 19, 2012 11:57 PM PST up reply actions

If the defense is not as good as this year that will put more pressure on alex to make more plays; which will open him up to more mistakes. One of the things Alex has done this year is to throw the ball away more and take more sacks to avoid mistakes he has made in the past because it has not been needly mostly because the defense has been so good. Alex yards per game went down this year and this is also only the second season out of seven where he played all 16 games. Even brady, both mannings, brees, rodgers, and rivers have good and bad years. alex has many positive factors that he should be able to in fact improve further next year but nothing is promised.

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jan 20, 2012 12:13 AM PST up reply actions

his yards per game has gone down because he attempts per game has gone down

which is probably a combination of the lack of offseason and offense implementation, Harbaugh likes to be balanced, and we’ve had the lead in many games…but if you actually look closer, his yards per attempt and completion percentage has actually gone up

by sanfranfanmdk on Jan 20, 2012 7:44 PM PST up reply actions

how so?

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jan 19, 2012 11:43 PM PST up reply actions

He's only this good

Because the offseason and regular season had to take place simultaneously- he, along with VD and YungCrab, had to learn the offense “on the job”. It is no coincidence their last game was their best game.

When they all get a full and real offseason, not to mention a conference (and league) championship under their belts, watch out! We’ll have a staunch D and a relentless O, and this won’t be the last time we’ll be cheering for “Alexis” deep into the new year.

49er 'til I die! (if they don't kill me first)

by LA49er on Jan 20, 2012 11:48 AM PST up reply actions

I don't know about a long way

but he still has room for improvement and that’s the best part of it. He is already a good qb, but has the drive, the backbone, the potential to be great. Think about how far he has come in this season without an offseason. He’s not done getting better. I’m excited to watch his growth.

by Red&Gold on Jan 21, 2012 10:28 AM PST up reply actions

Guess will see how much your apology will stand when he has a bad game , as ( ALL ) Qb's do at one point

… I have never more been more embarrassed as a a Niner fan when i heard …

… We Want Carr , We Want Carr , We Want Carr , We Want Carr , We Want Carr …

… I know no one that has been banging the AleX Smith drum more then me & stems from the knowledge of the game & circumstances in which this Team has put him inn , which is that he was never been put in a place to succeed , whether it be the coaches or the players around him , I guess time will tell how much of a fair weathered fan you are … As for me , I can’t wait to see how good this TEAM will be in years Two & Three moving forward …!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ..( .AleX ) was asked , what do you think about all the game manager talk ... AleX i guess i just managed myself a VIctory ... Extend the Man ...!!

by Edggy on Jan 20, 2012 5:34 AM PST reply actions

glad I wasn't there for that

Really…Carr…really? I’m still baffled that anyone could think Carr on his best day > Alex on his worst.

by mrg80 on Jan 20, 2012 5:35 AM PST up reply actions

IMO , most Niner fans are Ignorant as a whole , not ignorant people , just in the aspect of understanding the game and putting unrealistic goals from years past and hanging onto the glory years ...!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ..( .AleX ) was asked , what do you think about all the game manager talk ... AleX i guess i just managed myself a VIctory ... Extend the Man ...!!

by Edggy on Jan 20, 2012 5:44 AM PST up reply actions

That and the fact that the most popular guy in town

Is usually the backup QB for a struggling team!

by Da Bum on Jan 20, 2012 12:11 PM PST up reply actions

Yes, but it’s the memory of those glory years that keeps the hopes and expectations alive. Can you imagine being a Brown’s fan?

by Red&Gold on Jan 21, 2012 10:34 AM PST up reply actions

Good Post

I was afraid that the coaching carosel had ruined him. Alex’s inner strength is amazing, but it couldn’t have been done without Harbaugh building him back up.

by mrg80 on Jan 20, 2012 5:35 AM PST reply actions

The fact that Harbuagh recognized it immediately

says volume’s about his touch with the players. Alex had been beaten up badly so many times. Harbaugh made sure Alex had what Singletary promised last year and never delivered… the complete support of the team in an effort to win games.

by Da Bum on Jan 20, 2012 12:12 PM PST up reply actions

Any other qb would have broken.

by Red&Gold on Jan 21, 2012 10:36 AM PST up reply actions

Nice to see this.

I’m on the other spectrum. I was one of the guys that stuck through with Smith despite the struggles (but unlike many blind loyalists, I was using logic and deductive reasoning even if many doubters disagreed). But honestly, I’m just really glad this has happened for everyone. I could feel mean spirited and righteous by shouting out “I told you so” and “You don’t deserve to root for him anymore.” But that stuff is nonsense. We all see things differently and it always comes from the same source of energy: Love for our 49ers.

I’m glad we can now stop being so divided and instead unite with our 49ers and our quarterback. Win or lose this Sunday, I am thrilled with this season. A 6th Lombardi Trophy would just make me go bonkers. And honestly, in three weeks I really think Alex Smith will be telling the world “I’m going to DIsneyland!”

Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Run" and "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Jim Harbaugh and Alex Smith are our future!
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.

by Effage on Jan 20, 2012 11:40 AM PST reply actions 1 recs

I was in the same small group as you, as per my earlier comment...

You’re absolutely right – there’s no NEED for “I told you so” type attitudes. Fact of the matter is, Alex has finally been put in a position to succeed by a coaching staff who understands the type of player he is. End of story.

And I think they go to DisneyWORLD these days…haha :)

"We're not into answering questions"
Follow @LooseCannon79

by LooseCannon79 on Jan 20, 2012 1:28 PM PST up reply actions

Exactly.

Hey man, we’re in California. You gotta represent DisneyLAND. ;)

Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Run" and "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Jim Harbaugh and Alex Smith are our future!
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.

by Effage on Jan 21, 2012 12:31 PM PST up reply actions

rec'd

by Chaotic9erFan on Jan 21, 2012 10:12 AM PST up reply actions

With Josh Morgan back next year, Kyle Williams coming on, another year in the same system for once I don’t see Smith doing anything but getting better.

by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Jan 20, 2012 1:28 PM PST reply actions

Plus Nate Byham back next year as well.

by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Jan 20, 2012 1:29 PM PST reply actions

I won't say sorry

because I never thought he sucked. I my feelings are the exact same. With a good coaching staff he can be a hero. He has done that with a good coaching staff. I hope he continues the same success the rest of his career. Hard to hate a good looking and well mannered gentleman. Go Niners!

Californa is world PVP at it's finest.

by Sammallory on Jan 20, 2012 2:11 PM PST reply actions

in the saints game remember on 3 and 8 and it was the play before Alex Smith ran it in for the touchdown, well the person behind me shouted “Alex Smith pretend your not Alex Smith” then he ran it in.

Damon Sullivan

by #1DashonGoldsonfan on Jan 21, 2012 9:30 AM PST reply actions

I'll say Sorry here

I was an Alex supporter until about midway last season. I was like “I’ve given you lots of chances, especially with the coaching situations you’ve been in, but you’ve disappointed me one too many times.” I wanted Alex to succeed, but felt he couldn’t do it with the 49ers.

That perception changed for me during the Lions game. I thought the Eagles game was a fluke, but the Lions game proved it wasn’t. That guy is tougher on his worse day than most are on their best.

Alex Smith, I am sorry. I was wrong, most of the fan base was wrong. Thank you for sticking it out, and thank you for being a 49er!

who's got it better than Honey Badger? Honey Badger don't give a ....

by ak4niner on Jan 21, 2012 10:52 AM PST reply actions

How nice of you ...

… “I’ve given you lots of chances, especially with the coaching situations you’ve been in, but you’ve disappointed me one too many times.”

Thank goodness for people who actually under stand the game & aren’t swayed from all the smoke and mirrors …!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ..( .AleX ) was asked , what do you think about all the game manager talk ... AleX i guess i just managed myself a VIctory ... Extend the Man ...!!

by Edggy on Jan 21, 2012 1:55 PM PST up reply actions

Heh, the only time Niner fans will ever have to chant "WE WANT CARR"

is when Eli Manning sucks so much and makes the NFC championship boring, so the NY Giants bring out their secret weapon….

by makola on Jan 21, 2012 10:54 AM PST reply actions

How nice of you ...

…

"I’ve given you lots of chances, especially with the coaching situations you’ve been in, but you’ve disappointed me one too many times."

Thank goodness for people who actually under stand the game & aren’t swayed from all the smoke and mirrors …!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ..( .AleX ) was asked , what do you think about all the game manager talk ... AleX i guess i just managed myself a VIctory ... Extend the Man ...!!

by Edggy on Jan 21, 2012 1:53 PM PST reply actions

Reply fail ...!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ..( .AleX ) was asked , what do you think about all the game manager talk ... AleX i guess i just managed myself a VIctory ... Extend the Man ...!!

by Edggy on Jan 21, 2012 1:54 PM PST up reply actions

I just looked back

and in the last 24 games Alex has 30 TD’s and 7 INT’s.

7 of those were before Harbs got here.

I do not think that Alex is going to regress.

Can you imagine a little kid just standing there and getting picked on. They get rocks thrown at them. Spit on them. Alex’s just one of those guys, he’s been there. I just wish him all the best. I want to see him successful. I just want to see all good things happen to that guy. Because he is a warrior.-VD

by 16to80fan on Jan 21, 2012 8:09 PM PST reply actions