Glad to hear we get the #1 broadcasting team. Boselli and Pitts were bad! Great point Matt on mentioning Hill's smarts on staying inbounds and taking the sack on that 3rd down play, the announcers didn't even mention it at all. It was a huge play allowing the clock to drain down to 2:00, and, having the clock start up without stopping beginning with the Bills possesion. Also, it is getting annoying hearing the announcers harp on Martz and how he needs to run the ball more, get Gore his touches. Martz ran the ball a lot early and by the 3rd, we were becoming very ineffective. Martz then went to a drive that was all passes and we moved right down the field. After every play, they'd keep saying how we weren't running the ball. So annoying !

Spending FA money on Cassell would be a mistake. He's a mobile QB, but that's about it. With the exception of beating the Jets in week 2, other wins have come against weak teams and he hasn't played well against the teams equal to the Pats level (except the 2nd Jets meeting). How about a trade for McNabb, and drafting a QB to learn for a couple of years will suffice.

Hill is an OK starter, he is a game manager type, could take us to the playoffs, but not the type to win the Super Bowl for us. The defense or just an overpowering run scheme would have to be involved for any chance. We absolutely need an improved pass rush! We must fine by any means an improved OLB if we stay in the 3-4 that can present pressure consistently. The opposing QB's have had all day. A nose tackle and ball hawking safety would also be good additions, along with a quick, scat back, change of pace back. This team is better then their record indicates in my opinion.

I'm fine with Hill at QB. I like the long methodical drives he puts together. Plus, this offense is not as much about the QB as it is Gore.

Good to hear about CBS doing this one. I like their crews a lot more than Fox's.

Can't STAND Jim Nantz!!! Randy Cross would be better. Anyway, I doubt Cassell will leave New England and why would the 49ers get rid of Hill at this point???? If he had started the season I think the 49ers would probably be sitting at least at 6-6 right now and still well alive in the NFC West. Hill can flat out play and he is playing behind an offensive line that isn't very good at pass protection and he is still making plays. FORGET "Average" QB McNabb, he is a LOSER, always has been, he can't win in Philly, he can't win here! Draft TWO QB's in the draft, dump JTO and SMITH, and go into the next season will Hill as the #1 and a combination of say Stafford and Nate Davis or Stafford and Zac Robinson and go from there. Singletary has to be the coach for 2009 at this point I would think??? He has been impressive, I would like to see what he can do in a full season, especially if he can get a hold of Norv Turner as OC.

I think Cassel did show his true colors in the Steelers game. I don't think he's worthy of being a starter at this point if a team is looking to get to the super bowl. But what if a team signed him to a 3 year deal then drafted a QB after Cassel's first year. You give the rookie 1 year to learn and grow in the system, then in the final year of Cassel's contract you make a decision on who is better and go with that player.

This gives you a servicable QB for at least 3 years, and allows you to take a chance on a QB while hedging your bets with Cassel. The rookie gets the benefit of 1-2 years to learn the offense. Sure, you go in knowing Cassel will be gone once his contract is up. But you also go in with the luxury of having a servicable QB for 2-3 years including a shot at another QB without the kind of risk we took with Alex Smith.

On top of that, the team can focus on OL and DL in the first year, building up two of our biggest problem areas through the draft.

I don't know any other possible solutions in the long term. Drafting a rookie in this environment is not going to do much good unless we get lucky. Any QB who needs to be developed as an NFL QB will fail if the QB goes with the 49ers. I'm sorry, it's just that we have a poor OL and low-mid quality WRs. Plus the stigma of losing is hard for a rookie to take on his shoulders.

I'm not saying Cassel is the best choice for right now, but maybe he's the best choice for the future of the 49ers.

Add one more name to the Mix - Matt Hasselbeck. Another rumor from the Pacific North West is that Seattle will let Hasselbeck go at the end of the year to begin the rebuilding. Knowing that our GM came from GB and Seattle with a certain QB named Matt Hasselbeck on both rosters and knowing that our GM always refers to Seattle as a team with a “good stable situation at the QB position”. I ask you all this - Would you rather Matt Hasselbeck or Shaun Hill start game one in 2009 while we groom a new young gun?

I'd prefer Shaun Hill over Cassell because we know that you can put him in charge of a dysfunctional offense and he'll pull it together and make it functional, regardless of whether it is overly predictable offense run by a novice (Hostler) or a highly complicated Mad Scientist offense, regardless of good weather or bad, and regardless of who lines up at WR or RB. I don't know if Cassells can do that.

At this point, with as much as we know about Hill, I would be upset if we spent FA money on a QB. A mid-round draft pick would be ideal. Focus on the lines this offseason. If Shaun Hill is starting Week 1 next year that is just fine by me, and at this point is what I would like to see.

A few things I failed to mention in the last post. My opinion is that Cassel is definitely better than Shaun Hill. If anyone watches anything more than just the highlights of Patriots games they'd see there is a major difference. Cassel has a knack for knowing when to run, something that took McNabb a long time to figure out, and something that once he did figure out he became a much better QB. Steve Young had this as well.

What Cassel doesn't have is the read/react abilities of a top notch QB. This is why I consider him servicable for 3 years.

I don't really see how anyone would say shaun Hill is a better QB. He has awful mechanics, and his throws will often times sail. In the Buffalo game he lead one scoring drive, and the other time we scored was because we recovered a fumble at mid field. I don't see the long drives people are saying Shaun Hill produces. against Dallas Hill played downright awful. There's a difference between getting beat by a good team and playing bad against a good team. His only decent plays were in garbage time.

Look at the INT when we still had the game in reach. He threw to the corner of the endzone, the ball sailed and was nowhere near the target. The game was over at that point and it was his fault for throwing that ball.

Also, back to my 3 yr plan with Cassel, I doubt it would put a significant cap hit on our team. 3 years is 3 years, and by the time we draft a QB (2010) the rookie wage scale will be in place to protect our cap even further.

The 49ers made a huge mistake by taking Alex Smith so high in the draft. If the 49ers could have been patient, they most likely would be in a better position now than they are today. I really hope they don't try to draft a QB in the first round again.

As long as we are bringing up rumors, what about the one from Philly. Thats right not only is McNabb on the hot seat so is Reid. How about Holmgrin as Football Ops President, Singletary HC, and Reid OC! Throw a little Hasselbeck or Hill in there and that just could be the continuity we need to be successful!

I'd rather go into next year with Hill as the guy unless he shows he can't handle it in the nexy 4 games, which I think is unlikely.

We have so many other holes and issues, it makes no sense to draft a QB this year unless we get a good deal (Davis in round 2, or Harrell in round 3 or 4). Stafford sets my bust alarm off big time. He is NOT that accurate! I'd just as soon have Alex back as our backup as sink a ton of money in a limited guy like that. Same with FAs... unless the deal is too good to turn down, I'd stand pat this year.

Get the Offensive and Defensive lines sorted out, and look for youth and speed at CB and FS. Leave the "QB of the Future" for 2010, along with the #1 WR. Build strength in the trenches first.

I think you have to go with Hill. Hill also proved last year that hes a keeper and this year as well. He might not look good on paper but he gets the job done. Cassel i believe is overrated because he has a good supporting cast around him on Offense. I think you have to look at it as what would Hill look like if hes the starting QB with the Patriots and how Cassel would look if he was starting QB for the 9ers. I would think Hill would do a better job on either team than Cassel, eventhough i think Cassel started a few more games than Hill, but Hill started with 2 different OC's and a plagued offense. Also Cassel will have too much demand in the FA market and wont be worth it for the 9ers or taking the chance based off 1 season like the Browns did with Anderson.

I think Shaun Hill is doing fine as the Niner's present QB. I don't think he is the long term answer and I don't think he is Super Bowl caliber (i.e. capable of putting the team on his back and leading them to the Super Bowl). I don't think Jake Delhomme, Trent Dilfer, Kerry Collins or David Woodley are Super Bowl caliber in that same sense either but each ended up there as "game managers." The following is undeniably true: Shaun continues to improve, has the best record of any 49ers QB since Jeff Garcia and just may continue to surprise all of us. My view is Shaun is fine for the length of his contract as the Niners will not be a serious SB contender during that time. And, the Niners should use that time to acquire and groom the future team leading QB. My personal wish is that Tampa Bay would put Josh Johnson on waivers and the 49ers acquire and look at him for the job. Johsnon is a leader and winner who needs time to develop (just what Hill's remaining 2 years after this year offers) but I think could be very special. And, if Tasmpa Bay exposes Johnson to waivers he wouldn't cost a draft choice or a lot of money.

I've seen Cassell play a few games and I don't think the 9ers would be any better off with Cassell as qb next year. Someone will overpay to get him and he won't pan out. I question his accuracy and decision making. Hasselback is hurt too much to spend any money on him. I wouldn't mind drafting the future qb and letting him learn under Hill for a year or 2.

Matt, I thought that play where Hill decided to take the sack instead of throwing it away and stopping the clock was outstanding. Hill is a gamer. Under severe duress he made an outstanding decision. We haven't had a qb show that kind of composure in a very long time.

As stated on here, we need help in the trenches. A stud NT or an OT in the first round is a must. We take a QB in the third or fourth and restructure AS' contract, if he wants. Hill should start for 09 unless he stinks up the joint in the next four games.
For our draft, I'd like to see NT, OT, DE/OLB, QB... in that order.

comparing the stats, the 39 sacks really jump out at me because the patriots for the longest time have done such an outstanding job protecting tom brady that I have to assume that cassel is pulling a JTO out over there, which is frigtening considering how much better his receiving core is compared to what we have currently in SF. What I like about Hill is that he can make plays when everything goes to hell in a handbasket. What I don't like about hill is that he seems to fumble snaps alot and his deep balls really float, more hang time than a punt. I think for what we have cassel will just get killed like JTO in the backfield.

I'm not sold on Hill as a potential SB QB, but before I make up my mind, I want to see what he does in the next four games. A big upset win and/or some signs of "greatness" and I would be duly impressed. If he is just "good ordinary", well then let's keep looking. In any case, draft some young QBs. But I have FINALLY concluded (after 42 years of being a fan), that it really doesn't matter much what your draft position is. There are great QBs available from the top of the draft (Matt Ryan) to past the end of the draft (outside of Indy, what team wouldn't want Tony Romo?). You've just gotta have someone in the organization who knows what to look for.

First of all the Pats were tailing off last year, so even with Brady they wouldn't have been 16-0 this year. If you recall they squeeked out a few wins toward the end of the season off some questionable calls. Cassell may have as many starts as Hill, but he is younger. And if you look beyond his last start, he's been very solid the past 4 games.

He could very well be a Ben Roethlisberger or Eli Manning. A "Good enough" QB. But he's not Tom brady and he's not Peyton Manning. I.e. he won't substantially change your team by his mere presence. In that regard he's not somebody I'd seek in FA.

Matt I also wanted to question your call that the win against buffalo was a "quality" win. They're a team with a 1-5 record their past 6 games who switched to their backup QB mid-game. Their kicker also missed two short field goals.....one of which necessitated going for it on 4th instead of kicking a fourth field goal that would have given Buffalo a 12 -10 lead in total. For all intents and purposes all we did was beat the Rams again.

Here's all the major stuff I believe will happen this offseason (which I also would like to have happen)

1) Alex restructures for similar money that Shaun Hill was given (Maybe performance incentives to get more)

2) We draft OL and DL in the first few rounds

3) Draft a deep round QB with the tangibles, maybe from a lessor known school. 5th-7th rounds, i guess.

4) Main coaches stay the same, Singletary as HC, Martz as OC, and Manusky as DC, assistants may change.

I too would like to see an offseason where the coaching staff stays "intact" now that NoWin is gone and it seems like the 49ers may have hit on something good in Singletary. However, if Norv Turner becomes available I think he may fit the 49ers and what Singletary wants to do better than Martz. I think the running game would be better. The 49ers need to draft a #2 running back fairly early to spell Gore. Foster isn't the answer, I'm surprised they haven't made Thomas Clayton active yet for some action.

While we are talking about 2009...
List of Guys who shouldn't be brought back...
T. Banta-Cain
A. Battle
D. Foster
W. Harris
K. Lewis
J. Martin
O'Sullivan
M. Roman
B. Sims
J. Ulbrich
J. Jennings
J. Moore
A. Smith (unless contract re-negotiation)
A. Franklin
Z. Keasey
S. Ryan
J. Bender

Missing anyone???? Albert Haynesworth would look GREAT in the Middle of the 49ers D no matter the cost!

Here we go again Mr. Maiocco, drinking that kool-aid. I thought JTO was the best QB we have had since Jeff Garcia. YOU DIDN'T THINK I WAS GOING TO FORGET THAT DID YOU?......ok let me answer your question "So how is Shaun Hill looking to you now? " - OK, nothing special, nothing bad...JUST OK, which means he his a solid back-up, nothing more, nothing less. "Who's the better QB: Hill or Cassel? " - If you switch both QB, Put Cassel on the niners and Hill on the pats - that will give you your answer - c’mon you know its Hill, Cassel won't last two games playing for the niners.......and I just want to commend you on how you are trying to imply A. Smith will not be the starting QB next yr. I think it is pathetic how you are trying to stay on the line....."The prevailing thought is that the 49ers' starting quarterback in 2009 is not currently on the team" = Who is this prevailing thought?....the fans?, the owner?, the coaches?, A. Smith himself......where are your facts supporting this prevailing thought.....I mean I can argue the prevailing thought is A. Smith will be the starting QB next yr because A. Smith is under a contract which can't be easily removed by just cutting him, also the GM has stated there is a chance he will be on the team, and you haven’t heard anything from A. Smith to think he won't restructure is contract if it came down to that. I mean looking at it from A. Smith point of view if he restructures his contract he would get more than just signing a minimum with another team especially after a shoulder injury. And your prevailing thought also mis-informed you about what if A. Smith stays it will be the first time he has had the same OC in 2 yrs, why would he want to go somewhere else, get paid the minimum and a new OC.........that is just another prevailing thought!!!

Why would you get rid of two of our special team aces in Lewis and Ulbrich? I'm not sure I would dump those two and I would keep Walt but move him to the #3 corner spot. He is a better #2 or #3 DB then half the league has at #1. He has had a few bad games here and there, but he has also been great at times. Also - TJ and Chad are both Cali guys. I could see one of them on this team next year with Morgan and Hill to round out our top 3 receivers. I think we take the best pass rusher in the draft with our #1 pick.

Hill plays very scared. Look at his TD pass late in the game against Dallas. The guy had ample time to throw, like 5 seconds and he was hopping around in there like a scared little bunny rabbit. Give me a break.

Matt, ask this same question after a week where the 49ers don't play well and you'll see an entirely different response. It's amazing how short sighted some of our fans can be.

Finalyst I agree with a lot of what you say. I think Hill is a great #2. I'd feel great having him replace my starter due to injury mid game. He'd keep us close and give us a chance to win. He does seem to be fidgety, often takes the dump off, doesn't throw a strong ball downfield, very wobbly. I couldn't imagine him winning a playoff game mid January, on the road, in bad weather, or even a windy candlestick.

Here's what I want to happen.

Re-sign Hill, make him the starter next year. I like Alex Smith, but I think he got trapped in a bad situation and needs to run like hell, find a backup role somewhere with some consistency to finally learn the game. Then draft any QB in the Big 12. Bradford, McCoy, Harrell, even Todd Reesing. Any of them will do.

Then, this is important, commit to starting Hill. Stick with him for a couple years. Resist the temptation to bench him for the young guy. Don't repeat the Alex Smith mistakes, model his development after what the Packers did with Aaron Rodgers.

As for the coach, give Singletary another year. He's shown solid progress and there aren't any available coaches who the 49ers could realistically hire who seem like better options.

If Singletary makes the playoffs, give him a long-term deal. If not? Holmgren said he wanted to take a year off, and he's a Bay Area guy, the team has a good shot at him. Either way you've got a good coach.

A QB who brings in a 4-2 record for a Nolan team (the Niners *are* still a Nolan team, slowly becoming a Singletary team) should have a golden statue that rotates to follow the arc of the sun, as it moves through the sky, built in his honor in the town square.

Hill has the 5th best passer rating in the NFL after 6 career starts. He has sat the bench and learned the game. He is a good game manager. The 49ers need so much help at safety, WR, Nose tackle and OL that I can't believe any fan would make upgrading (read, spending available team cap funds) the QB position the highest priority. If we were one player away I would get it. I would welcome Sean Hill back next year and try to land a good safety or a quality WR to work with Hill. I agree with Danny. Draft a QB and give him a playbook and a clip board. Let him learn for at least a year. Then see what you've got.

His passer rating reflects his very conservative approach. He knows his limitations and stays within them. Definitely a positive. He's not in my opinion a highly skilled playmaker. I can recall many great plays and passes that JTO made in his brief stint. Beautiful passes deep down the field. He is far superior as a skilled passer. His downfall is his turnovers and not staying within himself, feeling the pressure, everything thats been discussed already. Hill is good at what he does, what I'm saying is that I just don't think that's enough for our long term option.

This is the best comment ever.

Anyway, in response to PatW, I'd rather have a QB who plays an unspectacular game but doesn't make a lot of mistakes than a guy who might make a great play or might fumble six times. Especially on a ground-game-and-defense team, which is what the Niners are supposed to be.

Danny I totally agree. I was just comparing the 2 QB's we seen this year. JTO was able to do some spectacular things with really the same crew we've had, along with the addition of Bruce. My point was that Hill simply does not have those skills. Hill will not ever be able to make those throws. At some point in a championship run, any team will need their QB to make some big time throws. If JTO hadn't been such a turnover machine, he'd have been pretty darn good. I'm hoping we can find a QB with a similar upside to JTO without the turnovers. The Ravens super bowl was some what of an anomoly to me and I don't want to hope for part 2 as my only chance at a super bowl.

Who was that other 49er quarterback that was always labeled as not being able to throw a deep ball... I'm not saying that any comparison is remotely warranted, but the Hill's range extends at least 40yds as was evidenced by a really nice pass dropped into Vernon Davis last week (it wasn't Hill's problem that Davis pushed off to get seperation) or by several throws vs both the rams or cowboys. I'm not sure your range needs to be much more than 40yds to keep safeties honest. I also think that people sell Hill short on upside. As he says, he's raising the bar every week.

Not nominating him to the bay area sports hall of fame or anything, but I think we have much more pressing problems to address.

Actually I'd rather have Alex Smith

We better address the S position early as well. We need a stud OT NT or S with our first pick.

Why does it have to be Hill or Cassell? What if neither is the right answer to get to the next level? Here are Super Bowl (I'm not interested in anything else) QBs over the years: Unitas, Namath, Starr, Dawson, Griese, Montana, Stauback, Bradshaw, Brady, Kelly, Elway... Hill fit in that category? Come on. I don't know about Cassell -- he seems to have more natural ability but little experience. But why limit the discussion to two guys. Here's a better question Matt: "Can Hill take you to the Super Bowl?" I love the guy. Love his moxie. Love his smarts. But the answer is no. Anyone disagree with that? Really?

Matt Cassell = Scott Mitchell.

Alex Smith = Ryan Leaf, Heath Schuler, Pat Sullivan, Tim Couch, Jim Druckenmiller, David Carr, Akili Smith, Rex Grossman, etc., etc., etc.

First and Foremost the Niners need to get an Identity... To me that started a little bit with Jed York being the Representative of the Organisation when they sacked Nolan... The Front Office has to be reevaluated: What do some gus that get paid for what job???

Then the Niners need an Identity on both sides of the ball: Bring back the WCO where it belongs and let the Defense play ONE System and (hopefully) that's the 4-3...

Then Scott has to get the HC according to this: I'd say we should get an offensive minded HC (Mularkey, Mariucci, Shanahan, Holmgren): I'd pick Mularkey or Mariucci; keep Sing as the DC/Assist. HC... or if Sing can present an OC that runs the WCO and that doesn't leave after one Season he can stay as the HC...

Then I'd say we should get Jeff Garcia back to Candlestick... he's a great QB in a WCO and would bring the clearly needed experience... then you can keep Hill and restructure Alex's contract...

For the Draft we need a starting RT (Oher) in the first round... A DE (Pass Rusher in the 2nd)... then think about the positions LB and CB and whats there... in round four you might consider a QB...

T. Banta-Cain > I Agree
A. Battle > Battle is a nice Slot Receiver and can also return Punts he should be back...
D. Foster > He somehow isn't used to help Gore... It's always that Gore run's until he's not effective anymore and then Foster comes in... I loved to see more Balance; FA addition in that spot might be Fred Taylor
W. Harris > He plays solid... bring him to battle it all out against Spencer/Smith/Brown...
K. Lewis > solid Special Teams player
J. Martin > get him out of SF
O'Sullivan > ''
M. Roman > He should battle the Spot with Reggie Smith...
B. Sims > release
J. Ulbrich > good special teamer
J. Jennings > restructure his contract... for the first half of the season opener he might stay healthy - If he is healthy he's a good T still ad Oher to put pressure on him...
J. Moore > never got a Chance but not suitable for a 4-3
A. Smith contract re-negotiation
A. Franklin
Z. Keasey
S. Ryan
J. Bender

"NY Bretts," nice one!

I vote NOOO on Matt Cassel. Matt, I've been towing this ban-wagon for a minute now, and I'm glad to see you're showing S-DOT-Hill some love! Look at what he's doing with a powerhouse squad; average. Shaun Hill's been in TWO vastly different offensive systems in two seasons, and has had some success. Let him build continuity, I bet he'll show some great things. S. Hill in '09.

My name is Stampede and I approve this blog post.

I completely agree with those comparisons. Cassell may not be as bad as Mitchell but it will be close.

Hey Matt, a little off topic here, but I have noticed the last few times I was able to catch Football Night in America and MNF highlights at halftime, there were no Niner highlights.....I thought when they lost maybe it was out of mercy, but there were no highlights on either show of the Niners/Bills game........know anything about why that may be? I'm guessing they don't have time to show everything, but no Niners...?

hmm well there weren't any spectacular plays from the niners-bills game unless you want to see pulled field goals and coverage sacks...

A lot of times I don't get a chance to see those highlight shows. But do you think Mike Singletary will use this as motivation, just as Bill Walsh used it to get his team fired up when Howard Cosell didn't show highlights of that victory over the Cowboys in 1981? --Matt M.

It's been said that Cassel wants Matt Schaub money, which coincidentally would probably be in the ballpark as what Haynesworth wants.

I'd rather gamble that the most dominant D-lineman in the NFL continues to be dominant after getting a huge contract than gamble that Cassel isn't a flash in the pan QB who benefits from the best coaching in the league and one of the best WR corps in the league.

Hill's signed for next year anyway. I rather re-sign Smith and draft a young QB in the 2-4th round. But we need a stud d lineman and another O tackle. But if we have a chance to get a great receiver, take him.

Patriot players are a product of their system which is why all the Patriots that leave NE are never any good for their new teams. Look at all of them . TBC is another example.

Hill plays better than Cassel and Hill is signed for next year. Draft a QB (not in round 1) and go with Hill see what you got in the rookie.

How about another left field option?
Hypothetically, Tom Brady or Donavan McNabb are offered for picks?
Would you take a chance on a vet for a couple of years and, perhaps Draft another young QB?

I kept getting really annoyed with Ron Pitts and that other guy who claim they know football but obviously don't. They kept talking about running the ball and getting Gore the ball, when the 49ers threw to someone not Gore they would complain they aren't running the ball for Gore, when the did give it to Gore they praised the Niners for doing that. It was obvious to me that they wanted the Bills the win the game, and so were trying to hope the 49ers would run the ball all game and never pass the ball and not get the yards or the scores.

Brett is more of a slide guy, he needs to be collapsed on.
If he breaks contain, he kills us.
Parys shows the ability to come off the edge, Justin has to work the middle stunts.
Keep in mind, the Jets are very strong inside, they can be had off the edges.
Keys for an upset, very similar to what we did in Buffalo. Take away Cotchery, limit Jones.
Keller is trouble. Manny and Patrick beware.
If we play a better game of keep away and control the clock and keep this low scoring, we win.
Singletary has shown them a formula for success.
Martz should also have more dump offs for this matchup.
Denver destroyed them on the edges.
Win or Lose, we've shown signs of life on both sides of the ball.
Vernon and Frank underneath and down the seams.
WRs will earn their looks.
Protect Shaun.
Not an easy opportunity, but the Jets are traveling, we have an edge at home I think.

I've been drinking the Shaun Hill kool-aid since last year. I think he should be the niners Q.B. for a long time. He has shown me with both a pathetic supporting cast and one of the most disfunctional orginizations in football history, that he is more then a good emergency get out of jail free card. I remember the niners used to have a Q.B. who had a "weak arm" and would only get 5-10 yards at a time.(which is "Just as wearing on a defense, if not more so" that particular qb once said) I think he is exactly what this team needs, and I believe he IS a playoff caliber qb. Give him a whole season, and I believe people will see what I see. By the way, other then the "weak arm" does anyone have any reson(based on Sunday performances) why Hill is not the qb of the next SEVERAL seasons?

Question Matt, was there a change of font format?
Seems like everything has gotten less comfortable on the eyes here?

No,no,no! You guys are really reaching...
JED YORK, please listen...
CLEAN HOUSE!!! SIGN HOLMGREN AT ALL COSTS!! HC OR GM, DOESN'T MATTER. MAKE HIM HAPPY! MOOCH CAN COME BACK AS HC, OR ANY OTHER WEST COAST/BILL WALSH OFFENSE HC. THAT IS THE FORMULA/BLUEPRINT TO 49ER SUCCESS! LET SING TRY TO FIND A HC JOB ELSEWHERE, IF NOT HE CAN BE OUR DC! MANUSKI, BYE-BYE! IF NOT SING AT DC, SIGN MARV LEWIS OR ANY OTHER OF THE HC'S ON THE FIRING LINE TO BE DC...SHAUN HILL = BACK UP, DON'T GET IT TWISTED! SIGN JEFF GARCIA OR OTHER VETERAN WCO QB. DRAFT/FA FOR BIG NEEDS AT OL/DL, AND YOUNG QB TO DEVELOP. MAYBE SANTA'S LISTENING...

I just had to say this - Say what you want about V.Davis tactics, the guys character can never be compared to the other knuckle heads in the nfl like plaxico, owens, shockey etc....

Great idea. Blow everything up and start over. I agree with an earlier blogger that we would be 6 - 6 right now if we had started the year with Singletary and Hill and would be in the playoff picture. Why would you blow that up. And bringing in Jeff Garcia? Take a look at the statistics on NFL.com and tell me that you really want Garcia? In a much shorter time, Hill has been far more prolific than Garcia, and for a team that has many needs, will consume much less of your cap room.

I don't want to sit through another rebuilding project. Stay the course and let's compete next year.

To follow up on my earlier posts on Hill... He missed 3 potential touchdowns in the Dallas game. That is not acceptable from a starting QB. The one to Vernon was a sure touchdown, he drastically underthrew, Vernon ran a great route and no safety over the top, incomplete. The end zone interception, the WR ran a good route and created great seperation in the end zone, easy TD with a well timed pass. Hill throws grossly late and the DB easily catches up and picks it off. The wheel route to Gore was a great play design, matched up 1 on 1 against Ware going down the sideline, the pass is drastically underthrown, thrown too early, and Gore has no chance and Ware easily knocks it down, incomplete. That is 2 missed TD's and 1 missed big play. Those are the plays that must be made to compete and win against good opponents. Martz must have been sick watching as he draws up great plays that the QB can't execute.

I'm as BIG of Jeff Garcia fan as anyone and it was a HUGE mistake to let him go following 2003, but he is not the answer for the 49ers at this point in his career, Hill is doing just fine. Everyone who thinks Hill can't take the 49ers to the Super Bowl, WHO CARES AT THIS POINT, he can win the NFC WEST and that is where things need to start then slide your YOUNG QB into a GOOD situation with a GOOD PLAYOFF TEAM around him.

PatW,
I was at the Dallas game and the pass to Davis came right at me and was RIGHT ON THE MONEY! If he led him any longer Davis wouldn't have caught the pass, watch the replay again.

WR is one of the teams strengths at this point. Hill, Morgan, Johnson, Bruce, and Zeigler on the Practice Squad is pretty good. Battle is the odd man out, he is what he is, and doesn't have much of an upside at this point. Same could be said for Keith Lewis and Ulbrich. These guys should all be gone because they need guys that can give more at those positions as backups and not just solid special team guys.

I agree 100%. Hill can get it done and help build this team. I think he can provide solid stability at QB for several years. Maybe not ten, but we don't need ten. I'm thinking 3-5 seasons. Plus for the next two seasons, he is a bargain. I'll say it again, He has given me no reason to think he can't get it done. He threw some mistakes against Dallas, but every QB has bad days here and there. Drew Brees was picked three times on Sunday. He is an outstanding QB. We can get a young guy anywhere in the draft to learn. Heck even A Smith is younger then me! He can hold the clipboard for several years if he's willing to take a pay cut.

Let's not forget we are 4-8 and those four wins came against teams whose record is 10-38! We have yet to beat a team with a good defense or a good offense. Buffalo is in a collapse having lost 5 out of the last 6.

I don't know how good we are or how good Hill is. I just know they play hard for Coach and am relieved that Nolan isn't the coach anymore.

JV, I think we are talking about different plays. I'm talking about the shorter play to Vernon. Vernon slanted out and then made a quick cut and slanted back in toward the middle of the field. It was only maybe a 15 yard pass. There was no safety to be found and a sad LB steps behind Vernon, a sure TD if he is hit in stride. The pass arrived at Vernon's feet. No need to rewatch, I recall vividly.

I say stick with Hill for the next few years of his contract and draft the qb of the future giving him time to develop. We are still a lot of pieces away from a championship caliber team so keep building with the draft (not sold on current GM getting that done) & adding in a few FA's to plug immediate needs. We should be in a good position for the next draft, not in the top 5 which you overpay for but in an area with some quality players available for a cap friendly contracts.

I want to see Alex Smith in 09, or get a QB like McNabb.