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Golden Nuggets: Apparently Some Find Jim Harbaugh Boring

Good morning, everybody. When I do my perusal of the Internet for 49ers content, be it for posts, the times I do the Nuggets, or even just for my own personal edification, there are a mix of writers I like to read and others that I don't like to read. Sometimes, even though I dislike a given writer's style, I still force myself to read it just because it can be a challenge that keeps me on my toes.

I had a chance to read over Lowell Cohn's latest article for the Press Democrat. His latest article is about how he finds Jim Harbaugh boring and sometimes rude. He does try to make it out like a compliment of Harbaugh's style, but it comes across as a bit too whiny for my taste. I don't know if it's a schtick or what, but Lowell continues to do his thing. My main contention actually comes when he talks about how coaches think they are involved in life or death situations. While I would agree they are not involved in world-altering work, these do happen to be their jobs and for them it is a sort of "life or death" situation. When it comes to an individual's profession, I'm not sure it's a fair judgment.

Harbaugh warns players that the bye isn't a vacation; Greg Roman to Penn State? (Sam Lam)

49ers keeping the foot on the pedal during their first round playoff bye (Sam Lam)

Star-divide

49ers enter NFL record book (Maiocco)

Harbaugh to Alex Smith: We want you here next season (Maiocco)

Roman on list of Penn State candidates (Maiocco)

49ers' opponent for this week? It's the 49ers (Maiocco)

Walker's status to be assessed Wednesday (Barrows)

49ers plan to bring back QB Alex Smith for 2012 (Barrows)

49ers OC Greg Roman finalist for Penn State job (Barrows)

Monday’s Locker Room Talk: Jan. 2 (49ers.com)

Joe Staley on 95.7 The Game (49ers.com)

49ers plan to bring back QB Alex Smith for 2012 (Press Democrat)

Jim Harbaugh to Alex Smith – Come on back now, you hear!? (SFGate.com)

Harbaugh says 49ers plan to bring back QB Smith for 2012 (NFL.com)

Agent: Niners OC Roman makes final cut for Penn State job (NFL.com)

What's the verdict now on Alex Smith? (Scout.com)

QBR ranks: Smith, Skelton step up (Sando)

Yesterday on Niners Nation

Golden Nuggets: No Complaints Here, Good Win For 49ers | Ninjames
2012 NFL Playoff Schedule: Draft Planning Begins...Wait, What?! | Fooch
49ers Injury Report: Bye Week Comes At Perfect Time | Fooch
David Akers-Michael Crabtree Fake FG Touchdown: The New Young-To-Rice? | Fooch
Looking Back and Moving Foward: Happy New Year NN! | Fooch
Happy Hour With Harbaugh: 49ers Playoff Edition | Fooch
Penn State Head Coach Search: 49ers OC Greg Roman Considered A Finalist | Fooch
Jets, Dolphins Go Out In Awesome, Amusing Ways | Fooch
2012 Fiesta Bowl Open Thread | Fooch

Being a Sheep

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Oh great

Another season of Alex. I like the guy, he’s got balls, he’s average and does what he’s asked.

But that’s whats going to happen, and sadly enough we are going to turn into Ravens West. Elite defense shackled to a pathetic offense. Like Jimmy Like John.

Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That's how often it happens.

by Ougadas on Jan 3, 2012 3:14 AM PST reply actions  

I seem to remember

the Ravens winning the Super Bowl with a “sub-par QB”… then when they tried to “upgrade” it didn’t quite go as well as hoped.

For my part, I would welcome becoming “Ravens West” if it means winning another SB and being relevant for most of the next decade.

by musamonster on Jan 3, 2012 3:51 AM PST up reply actions  

No thanks

I’d rather see good offensive football. Playing defense like the 2000 Ravens did is now illegal.

Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That's how often it happens.

by Ougadas on Jan 3, 2012 4:29 AM PST up reply actions  

If Alex improves half as much next year

as he did this year we’ll see good offensive football. Sounds like you’re thinking that he’s done growing. I’m eager to see what he can do with the same offensive coordinator for the first time in his career.

He’s also been working with a less than elite receiving corp and needs to have at least one hole filled in the O Line. The FO will fix this in the off season.

"It's impossible to hide the fire inside" - Bob Seger

by Jaxson876 on Jan 3, 2012 5:43 AM PST up reply actions  

Still growing?

I really can’t see where he has room to grow. He’s been in the league long enough. I think this is the best we are going to see from him. I love what he has done this year compared to prior years but let’s face it, it’s still Alex Smith.

This will be his 2nd time with the same OC. I know it’s easy to forget about Jimmy Raye though.

I'm in love with a man. A man called Harbaugh. Does that make me gay? Am I gay for Harbaugh? You betcha!

by Haggardninja on Jan 3, 2012 8:01 AM PST via mobile up reply actions  

you do realize...

The the WCO isn’t even close to being fully installed and we have yet to see a lot of what this offense, lead by AS, has to offer?

What Jim is doing is very smart. He’s worked on fundamentals – good decision making and ball security and building on that. When the rest of the offense is installed and all the plays are available we should see a much more potent offense.

by ColoradoNiner on Jan 3, 2012 8:08 AM PST up reply actions   1 recs

It could go either way.

Smith has not proven to be a consistently good QB and it is not known how he will handle increased responsibilities. I don’t agree with many people that the team should open up the offense a lot more as I think the turnovers will spike. The offense could improve next year but I don’t think it will be as different as some people want or expect.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 8:12 AM PST up reply actions  

Jim said he's putting in the WCO

We have yet to see anything close to what a WCO really is…

by ColoradoNiner on Jan 3, 2012 8:12 AM PST up reply actions  

But we have seen a similar offense to what was run at Stanford.

Only he had a top tier QB in Luck to sling the ball a bit more. In my opinion, what we have seen is what they will run with some variations. They might pass more next year but, like I said, I don’t think it will be completely different from what they are running now.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 8:20 AM PST up reply actions  

The running game is much easier to install than the passing game.

I do expect we will see much of the same/similar running offense, but expect to see much more diversity and complexity with the passing offense.

Stanford is a useful basis, but to say what he did at a college will be what he does at the pro level is unrealistic. There is a big gap between college and the pros.

by ColoradoNiner on Jan 3, 2012 8:22 AM PST up reply actions  

I know there is a gap.

And I hope there is improvement. My general point is that he won’t be running an offense that will put up the type of numbers that the top tier QBs in the league will and its not yet known how Smith will handle more responsibility. He has done well by being cautious, but it remains to be seen if he can step up while being more aggresive in the passing game. I’m not saying it can’t be done, just that we don’t know.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 8:28 AM PST up reply actions  

I wish I had a crystal ball to see the future with the same level of certainty you have.

Not sure where you get that from or what you base it off of.

I do not expect our offense to be an “air it out” offense, which is fine with me. We were never that offense during our glory years.

If you bring up stats, you didn’t see those games. Much of that yardage was yards after the catch as Jerry was second to none in gaining big yards on short passing plays.

by ColoradoNiner on Jan 3, 2012 8:32 AM PST up reply actions  

I don't have a crystal ball.

Its just my opinion. From what I’ve seen from Harbaugh so far, he likes to play it conservative. But I just don’t think the Niners are going to run a true WCO or pass the ball all that much more than they currently are unless they get behind in games.

I guess we will just have to wait and see.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 8:44 AM PST up reply actions  

I'd rather see winning football.

The team just won 13 games with him at the helm, and he contributed with his fair share of late game plays. I think that no matter who is the QB, Harbaugh will stick with a run-first style so you won’t see anyone put up Rodgers-like numbers.

And if you don’t want Alex back next year, who would you like to see? Its not like the team will be in a position to get anyone besides Flynn without giving up a ton. And I don’t know if he will do as well in a new system without the personnel the Packers have. Alex may not be the perfect QB, but I don’t see many other legitimate options.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 5:45 AM PST up reply actions  

You Cant Argue With 13-3

But I still agree with you. Its just not satisfying as a fan watching a crappy offense.

Agent Dunham....Walternate testified that in his universe, AleX Smith is a pro-bowl QB for the Saints, and broke Trent Dilfer's season record of 6000 yards passing. Walter....Thats nice, more LSD please.

by scrappydog on Jan 3, 2012 7:20 AM PST up reply actions  

As long as the team wins, I could care less.

Especially after the terrible years the Niners have had lately. I would gladly take 13-3 and a first round buy in exchange for watching a mediocre offense. But I also love watching defensive battles so I don’t mind this at all. It can be stressful, though.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 7:27 AM PST up reply actions  

It's satisfying if they win.

extrabaggs
"Just your typical Giants scoring rally: A faceburger on the basepaths, two errors from the second baseman and a bases-loaded balk."

by Badly Browned on Jan 3, 2012 7:42 AM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Actually you can argue with 13-3

When it’s been our #1 defense and #1 special teams that are carrying the team and our offense is just trying their hardest not to lose the game for us.

Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That's how often it happens.

by Ougadas on Jan 3, 2012 1:39 PM PST up reply actions  

That's like saying

you can argue with 15-1, when it’s been your #1 offense carrying the team and the defense trying their hardest not to lose the game for us.

by musamonster on Jan 3, 2012 1:56 PM PST up reply actions  

But that's the whole point

THIS IS AN OFFENSE DRIVEN LEAGUE.

It has been since the rules changes in the 70’s, it got more so with the rules changes in the 90’s, it got insanely unbalanced when Polian started whining after NE roughed up the Indy WR in the AFC Championship early last decade and pushed more contact fouls through the competition committee and now you can’t even decleat a guy coming over the middle until he’s caught the ball and made a “football move”, whatever the hell that is.

If your offense sucks, you must have one of the best defense and special teams units in the league carrying it.

If your offense is top 5, you can pick guys off the street to play defense and get close to 14-2. The Patriots do.

Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That's how often it happens.

by Ougadas on Jan 3, 2012 2:48 PM PST up reply actions  

If your defense is top 5...

You don’t need a top 5 offense. Just a top 11 offense.

Don’t buy the line on “Offense Driven League”.. its flashy, it gets all the attention, it makes for great ratings and sells tickets. But time and time again we see big offenses knocked off.. or maybe held up just enough for the other team’s “mediocre offense” to come and steal the show. And though the rules have changed, and offenses are putting up stupid numbers, they still get beat by great defenses.

Just remember the quote from Brady before Super Bowl XLII.. "We’re only going to score 17 points?!"

Yes, great offenses win championships… but not all the time.

by musamonster on Jan 3, 2012 3:17 PM PST up reply actions  

Deny fact if you want

Ratings and tickets drive rules changes, and it’s only going to get worse.

And I really wish we had a Top 11 offense. I’m sure you’re going to trot out points scored as proof that we’re a Top 11 offense — and then I’ll come back and ask you how many of those points were touchdowns scored by the offense and not field goals kicked after our defense gave us prime field position and our offense couldn’t get a single first down with it so it was Akers for 3 again.

Let me remind you that there is a reason why he broke the scoring record this year.

Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That's how often it happens.

by Ougadas on Jan 3, 2012 3:31 PM PST up reply actions  

Points scored

is the only thing that counts. You don’t get any credit for yards at the end of the game. If the defense gave us a turnover, and we turned it into 3 points, that’s fine by me. That’s points on the board. That’s points that the offense didn’t waste by turning the ball back over.

Akers breaking the scoring record may be credited to the offense not finishing in the red zone, but it is also a credit to the team (the offense and the defense) getting him there in the first place.

As much as our offense feeds off of turnovers by the defense, the defense also feeds off of our offense not putting them in a bad position.

I don’t deny facts. I deny hype.

by musamonster on Jan 3, 2012 3:43 PM PST up reply actions  

I don't know why I try

We are scoring points but that is credit to our defense. On days when our defense is off and doesn’t produce as many turnovers and gives up a big play or two that wrecks field position our offense mysteriously has trouble putting points on the board.

Now we’re in the playoffs. Every unit has to pull it’s own weight. Expecting our defense to carry us through the playoffs is stupid. It’s not going to happen.

Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That's how often it happens.

by Ougadas on Jan 4, 2012 12:10 AM PST up reply actions  

Other teams have the same problem

There are no “perfect teams” in the playoffs this year. Some have great offenses, but horrid defenses. Those teams have to rely on their offenses to carry them through, because their defenses can’t be expected to.

Any team that can put up points on us can also have points be put up on them. Our offense is not so bad that it can’t score on teams, teams with bad defenses.

But there are no such thing as magic offenses that can automatically beat any defense. Defense wins championship. Offense wins championship. Everybody brings what they have to the table, and what we have is pretty good.

And please, stop with the underhanded insults.

by musamonster on Jan 4, 2012 12:29 AM PST up reply actions  

Its not just defense though.

Our special teams is one of the top ranked units in the league. Not to mention that the way our offense plays, I think its perfectly reasonable to think that they can still score against the Saints and Packers. The games against the Giants and Lions should should that against good offenses the team can hang around. The only team the Niners had a real big problem with is the Ravens, and they won’t play a defense like that in the NFC playoffs.

But thats the beauty, we will see in a couple weeks. If I had to bet, I’d go with the Niners at home against a Saints offense that is clearly worse outside of domes and against S.F. when facing the 1 loss Packers. But I think both games will be close and could go either way.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 4, 2012 7:58 AM PST up reply actions  

"You play... to win the game!"

I don’t care how they do it. When they start losing, then we can make a change.

by musamonster on Jan 3, 2012 12:44 PM PST up reply actions  

if Kaepernick can beat him out

then Kaepernick will beat him out

I have no worries that Harbaugh is partial to Alex or something, he just knows that the best chance of winning was Alex this season and may very well be Alex next season.

I do agree though, I don’t think Alex will ever be better than he is right now. He’s just too risk averse.

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 3, 2012 5:30 AM PST up reply actions  

I agree with this.

I can’t see them giving the type of money it will take to an unknown commodity like Flynn or even Manning if he is free unless they are absolutely sure it will pan out. If Kaep can continue to develop he obviously has a higher upside than Smith. But young QBs have their ups and downs, so if he does get the job the team might take a slight step back at first. All in all I just don’t see a better option than Smith at this point, at least for next year.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 5:49 AM PST up reply actions  

maybe you know what Alex's upside is

but I sure don’t. He’s only 27 which is still young for a starting QB, he hasn’t had any coaching continuity and has never had a top tier wide receiver. We all saw a big improvement from last year to this, does that mean he’s now at his upside? I don’t think Harbaugh thinks so.

"It's impossible to hide the fire inside" - Bob Seger

by Jaxson876 on Jan 3, 2012 5:54 AM PST up reply actions  

Well I'm not an NFL scout.

But Kaep has a stronger arm and I believe would be able to make “all the throws”, as they say. From what I can see, Alex can’t and that isn’t something which can be changed too much. As with all things with this team, though, I’ll trust Harbaugh’s judgment on the QB situation.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 6:26 AM PST up reply actions  

From what I've seen , AleX has made all the throws ...

… just like every other Qb in the league you hit some and miss some …!!

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 3, 2012 6:59 AM PST up reply actions  

you're generalizing hits/misses

like no one goes 16-0 or 0-16 so anything in between is the same!

Alex is inaccurate down field

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 3, 2012 7:38 AM PST up reply actions  

+1

Rarely in the same zip code downfield. Then again, 49ers have no WR downfield threat. Ginn is fast, but rarely seperates. Crabtree slow. VD occasionally because of mis-matches. I was really hoping Braylon would work out, they need a healthy guy like him to push downfield and in the end zone.

Agent Dunham....Walternate testified that in his universe, AleX Smith is a pro-bowl QB for the Saints, and broke Trent Dilfer's season record of 6000 yards passing. Walter....Thats nice, more LSD please.

by scrappydog on Jan 3, 2012 8:01 AM PST up reply actions  

It would be interesting to see how Smith did with a good downfield threat.

I don’t think he would ever be all that great, but having someone to occasionally take the top off a defense would help. With players like Torrie Smith in Baltimore and Victor Cruz on the Giants, it is apparent that you can find these guys if you look hard enough.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 8:09 AM PST up reply actions  

Absolutely wrong, and a gross exageration.

He has had issues deep along the sidelines, but some of that may be by deisng in that the team has erred towards avoid turnovers meaning he will err towards putting the ball just out of bounds.

I have noticed that shifting a bit over the last several games and the passes being catchable (although sometime still a bit tough).

by ColoradoNiner on Jan 3, 2012 8:11 AM PST up reply actions  

oh I don't think he is as innaccurate as many of the up the sideline passes he has thrown

I think we actually discussed this a few weeks ago.

But in general, even beyond that, he’s just not as accurate down field as the accurate passers in the league.

It’s hard to say whether his accuracy would go up or down if he had more opportunities on a per-game basis. His sample size per-game is often very small and generally on obvious passing downs.

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 3, 2012 8:15 AM PST up reply actions  

That was definately not absolutely wrong.

He didn’t say Smith was a horrible downfield passer, just that he is inaccurate. As well as Alex has done this year, there have been quite a few misses down the field which reinforce that idea. The better QBs in the league don’t miss those throws whether he is being cautious or not.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 8:15 AM PST up reply actions  

He's said as much regarding the overthrows on the sidelines

They’re throw aways. Also, how many deep balls right on target has Vernon dropped? Play calling regarding the deep stuff has obviously been conservative but who can argue with the results.

I’m unsure where Alex’s upside is although I don’t believe that he’s reached it. I don’t think anybody knows for sure but I do know that he improved a ton from last year to this year. I’m looking forward to seeing how much more he can improve with coaching continuity, personnel improvements and a complete training camp.

"It's impossible to hide the fire inside" - Bob Seger

by Jaxson876 on Jan 3, 2012 8:20 AM PST up reply actions  

Spot on
Alex is inaccurate down field

And this is a problem in Harbaugh’s offense because it relies on the occasional long strike downfield to keep defenses from cheating against the run and short passes.

by Bigmouth on Jan 3, 2012 8:39 AM PST up reply actions  

Thank You!!!

Actual insight! Yeah he misses a few especially early on but has progressed as well. I see no Ceiling.

by gininer1981 on Jan 3, 2012 1:11 PM PST up reply actions  

So you don't want a QB with a stronger arm just because it hasn't worked out for the Raiders.

This doesn’t make any sense. I’m not saying CK will be a better QB than Smith, but having a stronger arm gives him more route options. There are plenty of big armed QBs who have been successful in the right situation.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 8:18 AM PST up reply actions  

A strong arm in and of itself is a meaningless data point is what I am saying.

So whe it is mentioned as THE primary trait that is presumed to make one QB better than another I call that out.

by ColoradoNiner on Jan 3, 2012 8:20 AM PST up reply actions  

You are right that a strong arm does not make a good QB.

But everything else being equal, having a stronger arm is better. Hence, if CK can match Smith’s accuracy and other traits then he has more upside with a stronger arm. The problem is he is an unknown at this point and its anyone’s guess as to how he will progress and if he will get an opportunity.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 8:25 AM PST up reply actions  

And this is the truth:
The problem is he is an unknown at this point and its anyone’s guess

How many backups QB’s have we had over the past 6 years who people exclaimed were the QBOTF!?

It is the “grass is greener on the other side” syndrome, and I just don’t get it when we are actually winning!

by ColoradoNiner on Jan 3, 2012 8:30 AM PST up reply actions  

If you look at my other arguments I have said I think Smith remains the QB next year.

Alex has done very well this year and hopefully continues to do so. But if Harbaugh believes the Niners can improve at the QB position then he has to do it. Personally, I’m perfectly happy with Smith as the QB of the Niners for the forseeable future.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 8:34 AM PST up reply actions  

Just for clarification...

I like Kaep as well and think he could do very well, but I expect it to be two more years before we find out and if Smith continues to develop and improve I will be in no hurry to swap him out for Kaep.

I like what Alex has accomplished, but over the years I have come to understand the QB is just another member of the team and doing whatever it takes to win is paramount over any loyalty to a single player.

by ColoradoNiner on Jan 3, 2012 8:40 AM PST up reply actions  

These are my feelings as well.

I think the team should stick with Alex next year at a minimum as he has earned it, but we don’t know if he can get all that much better. It will be interesting to see if the offense remains limited next year or if they start passing more.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 8:48 AM PST up reply actions  

Age has very little to do with it

It’s about time in the league and starts. Alex is in his 7th season and he has started 66 games. You basically know a QB at that point. Alex might be able to get a little better or worse stats ( lots of drops this year, the WRs have been bad, the line is average on good days ), but he as a player is basically maxed. And he didn’t max this year by some Harbaugh bump, he maxed probably 2 years ago.

Harbaugh has massaged his usage just enough to squeeze out an efficient season from him, but Alex played this way without Harbaugh last year.

He played well enough this year to go 13-3, get a bye, and have a shot at a super bowl. It’s unlikely that the division will continue to be as bad as it is, that they’ll have such an insane turnover ratio, that a team will fumble away a game.. etc

They could play just as well next year as this year and go 9-7 and miss the playoffs. I think that’s the worry. Always have to look up and beyond, and it’s hard to do that without looking beyond Alex.

I think Harbaugh’s favorite thing about Alex is that he knows what he’s going to get. It’s not an A, it’s not a D. It’s gonna be right in that B- range. Harbaugh like’s constants, not variables.

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 3, 2012 6:38 AM PST up reply actions  

The last paragraph is exactly why I see Alex as the QB next year.

He is what he is. Barring Peyton Manning being available for a decent price and completely healthy, I don’t think Harbaugh is going to want to make a change after this year’s success. If anything he will likely try and bring in another weapon at receiver to see if he can’t help out more.

I tend to disagree about the division, though. It is unlikely the Rams will dramatically improve next year due to a lack of talent. I could see either the Seahawks or Cardinals taking a step forward, but without adding a QB I could also see either one take a step back. That said, things change quickly in the NFL so you never know.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 7:13 AM PST up reply actions  

It's hard to see any of the 3 teams as worse

The Rams were absolutely terrible and had a ton of injuries.

I could see the Seahawks being bad if they suffered a injury at QB.

In general though I expect the division to have at least as many wins next year and that will come with the 49ers having less wins, even if they still win the division.

And yes, Alex should be on the roster and the TC starter. It should be a competition with Kaepernick. At that point, may the best QB win.

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 3, 2012 7:34 AM PST up reply actions  

I do think expecting them to win 13 again would be alot to ask.

Teams rise up and fall off all the time and its impossible to predict injuries and such. But I think the same is true about Seattle and Arizona. I have a strong feeling that one of those teams is going to do what the Niners did in seasons past (win games late this year to gain momentum, have unrealistic expectations and end up with 5-7 wins). The Rams are an unknown without a coach and whatnot, so it will be interesting to see if they can put Bradford in a better position to succeed.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 7:43 AM PST up reply actions  

Really and you know this how ... please do tell ...

… Kaep obviously has a higher upside than Smith…!!

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 3, 2012 6:52 AM PST up reply actions  

Maybe obviously wasn't the right word.

But Kaep has a stronger arm and more potential at this point, in my opinion. Alex has had a very good season and I think he should remain at QB next year, but I don’t think he will ever be dramatically better than he is this year. There was a reason they drafted CK even with Smith in place. That doesn’t mean he will ever start in SF, but the coaching staff obviously saw something in him.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 7:17 AM PST up reply actions  

Actually when they drafted Kaep , Carr was the only one on the Roster ...

… i’m not trying to bust your balls , but if you look around the league , the best and most exsplosive Offenses have been together for numerous years …
Brees in his Sixth
Rodgers ( Seventh on team ) Fourth as starter
Brady 9th or 10th
Mannings 7 and beyond … etc etc etc …!!

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 3, 2012 7:28 AM PST up reply actions  

Its true that Carr was the only one on the roster.

But Harbaugh had a handshake agreement with Alex. I agree with you about consistency on offense, however we have also seen QBs regress a bit when more is put on their shoulders despite being in the same system (think Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan and Josh Freeman). Smith has been around for a while and expecting him to be much better than he already is would be overly optimistic.

Now is it possible for him to put up better numbers by staying in the same system? Yes. Would I bet on that happening? No way.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 7:36 AM PST up reply actions  

Saints were awesome immediately after Brees' arrival

The logic that they’re good because they’re together is less useful than the point that good players are rewarded and thus stay together longer.

Kaepernick has a higher potential than Smith right now because we know less about Kaepernick.. a lot less. We already know Smith’s potential. Is Kaepernick better than Smith right now? no. Will he ever be? maybe not. Is his potential higher right now? yes absolutely.

The fan base should be less divided now than ever. Alex is playing ok and we finally have a coach that we can trust to decide what to do with the QB position. If he says Smith is better than Kaep next year I’ll have no arguments with him, if he says Kaep is better I’d have none then either.

I have to imagine most fans feel this way. If we don’t trust Harbaugh right now, how could we ever trust a coach?

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 3, 2012 7:37 AM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Exactly how I feel.

Some people will never like Alex, while others will love the tools Kaep has. Either way I think Harbaugh knows a lot more than any of us and he has earned the faith of the fans with what he has done with this team.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 7:46 AM PST up reply actions  

Well , thats the difference between the fan base and me ...

I keep it real and my thoughts run parallel to said Coach …!!

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 3, 2012 7:48 AM PST up reply actions  

How do you know Smith's potential?

Sounds like you’re assuming that he can’t continue to improve and we saw the best he had this year. He just played virtually every down of a complete season with a total of 5 INT’s. Would you have thought that before the season started?

"It's impossible to hide the fire inside" - Bob Seger

by Jaxson876 on Jan 3, 2012 8:29 AM PST up reply actions  

I'm basing it off of the hundreds of QBs that have played in the NFL

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 3, 2012 8:47 AM PST up reply actions  

No they're not

people just focus on the wrong times far more often. most of the best players in the NFL were taken in the 1st round, the average career is much longer when drafted earlier, there are more pro bowlers and hall of famers earlier..

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 3, 2012 9:55 AM PST up reply actions  

So him getting better in 2011 was just a one year thing?

I’m guessing that you think he was better this year than last. If that’s true then how do you know he can’t improve more?

You don’t think that coaching continuity, personnel upgrades and a training camp will help him get better?

"It's impossible to hide the fire inside" - Bob Seger

by Jaxson876 on Jan 3, 2012 10:34 AM PST up reply actions  

He didn't get better in 2011, he was better in 2010 and 2009

The offense as a whole performed no better than the back half of last season or the back half of 2009.

I absolutely think Alex can maintain this for 5-6 more years. That’s not a huge ask. around 18 tds, around 10 ints around 3000 yards.

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 3, 2012 11:15 AM PST up reply actions  

2011 49ers

The defense and special teams were better.

by bignerd on Jan 3, 2012 11:52 AM PST up reply actions  

Again with the stronger arm...

Based on that, Bill Walsh should have traded some guy named Joe we had who mostly dinked and dunked his way to several Super Bowl MVP’s…

by ColoradoNiner on Jan 3, 2012 8:14 AM PST up reply actions  

But I'm not comparing CK to Montana.

I’m comparing his upside to a QB who has been good but not great for the Niners. Please tell me one person who honestly thinks having a strong arm is not a good thing. As I said, I have no idea if he will be better than Alex in the long run. But he has more tools to work with should he continue on under the tutelage of Harbaugh and Chryst.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 8:23 AM PST up reply actions  

But you *are* saying a stronger arm makes him better...

because:

But Kaep has a stronger arm and I believe would be able to make "all the throws",

So based on that, if true, then the opposite must also be true and therefore you would rather have someone like Kaep than someone like Joe Montana. You really can’t have it both ways…

by ColoradoNiner on Jan 3, 2012 8:28 AM PST up reply actions   1 recs

bingo

"It's impossible to hide the fire inside" - Bob Seger

by Jaxson876 on Jan 3, 2012 8:35 AM PST up reply actions  

Yes you can.

Every situation and QB is different so it isn’t an either/or scenario. Having a stronger arms allows him to make all the throws, but that doesn’t take into account poise and precision, or any number of other qualities which make up a good QB. My point is a stronger arm gives Kaep the opportunity to make more throws, not that it automatically makes him a better QB.

Obviously I would be thrilled to have Montana as the QB, but right now he is not on the roster. I’m looking at what I believe Alex’s upside is compared to CK’s if he develops as everyone hopes.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 8:41 AM PST up reply actions  

There's a whole lot more to the game than having a strong arm ... See Kyle Boller , Jamarcus Russel ... etc etc etc ...!!

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 3, 2012 10:16 AM PST up reply actions  

That is basically what I just said.

But having a strong arm doesn’t hurt.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 10:23 AM PST up reply actions  

Ok , once again we tend to beat this to no end ...

… I’m a big AleX supporter and believe he will continue to excel in years to come under Harbaugh and will become the one to leads us to the promise land …!!

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 3, 2012 10:28 AM PST up reply actions  

I hope you are right.

And thats what I am rooting for. My point is more if the offense doesn’t continue to progress, then there might have to eventually be a change.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 3, 2012 10:32 AM PST up reply actions  

Come on...

…stop putting words in his mouth. A strong arm is an attribute, but Jeff George wasn’t better than Joe Montana.

by Bigmouth on Jan 3, 2012 8:41 AM PST up reply actions  

I think Lowell was actually in front of a mirror

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 3, 2012 5:28 AM PST reply actions  

Was he the one who asked the dumb question

about the Rams wanting to lose the game for draft position? Harbaugh called the question “ridiculous” and it was. It hard to hear anybody but JH on those after the game video’s.

"It's impossible to hide the fire inside" - Bob Seger

by Jaxson876 on Jan 3, 2012 5:49 AM PST up reply actions  

He's always the one to ask the dumb questions , you can see it in Harbaughs face , everytime one of the Cohns open their mouth ...!!

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 3, 2012 6:55 AM PST up reply actions  

He always asks the dumb questions.

extrabaggs
"Just your typical Giants scoring rally: A faceburger on the basepaths, two errors from the second baseman and a bases-loaded balk."

by Badly Browned on Jan 3, 2012 7:07 AM PST up reply actions  

Lowell

Has obviously never seen a Bill Belichick press conference.

when will the Kenny Thomas Reign of Terror end?!!??

by diehardkingsfan5 on Jan 3, 2012 8:29 AM PST via mobile reply actions  

I'm sure we all miss

Singletary’s infamous “Gotta look at the tape”

I like Harbaugh’s press conferences. For God sake’s, Jim is a Captain Coach, not the media’s puppet.

I can understand why some people are ticked off, but I can also see how Harbaugh see’s dumb questions. It’s like the media wants to find out if Jim and John are conspirators and there’s a big story to be had in his family circle.

It’s not enough to have the magic of a great season, I suppose.

"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they’re bigger than everybody else, and that’s what makes them the biggest guys on the field." ~ John Madden

by 49erfannm on Jan 3, 2012 9:53 AM PST reply actions  

It isn’t their great season. They’re just keyboard jockeys with pigskin envy.

"One game at a time. Let's just keep it rolling." Justin Smith

by riderless on Jan 3, 2012 10:31 AM PST up reply actions  

This is only slightly unfair to Lowell.

On the very rarest of occasions, he finds the personal strength to look deep inside himself, whittle off a shred of human decency, and offer up something both insightful and constructive.

by TortureOpp on Jan 3, 2012 5:28 PM PST up reply actions  

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