The 49ers went after Kurt Warner and did not get him. Now, with Smith, Shaun Hill and Damon Huard on the roster, there are legitimate questions. The biggest question facing coach Mike Singletary is: Can he award the starting job to anyone other than Hill.
At this stage, Hill is the people's choice. He earned that with a 7-3 record on a team that went 5-17 in games Hill did not start the past two seasons.
But there are some (perhaps, many) in the 49ers' organization who believe Shaun Hill has a ceiling on how well he can perform as an NFL starting quarterback. After all, Hill is seen as a player who lacks the great physical tools. Many believe his lack of a big-league arm will prevent him from having success as a full-time starting quarterback.
Meanwhile, Smith - assuming he is able to bounce back strong from his two seasons of shoulder problems - has all those physical gifts. There is a reason he was chosen with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. There is a reason that if the 49ers did not take him with the top choice in 2005, he was not going to tumble out of the top-three picks in the draft.
Still, I find it difficult to believe Smith will be the starting quarterback from Day 1. The moment he is named the starter, the temperature will crank up on Smith. People will question why Hill's accomplishments were overlooked. The first time Smith misses an open receiver or the 49ers lose a home game, the discontent will get louder and it will become even more difficult for him to succeed.
We still don't know if Smith can cut it. At the end of the 2006 season, he seemed to be on the path to becoming a pretty decent NFL quarterback. But in the past two seasons, he has been able to throw passes in just three games without wincing in pain.
We don't' know any more about Smith today than we knew at the end of 2006. Since that time, his injuries problems have prevented him from proving whether he can or cannot play an effective form of quarterback in the NFL.
The best way to handle Smith is to ease him back in. Hill should be the starter from Day 1. Generally, the most popular player on a team is the backup quarterback. At some point, Smith will probably get an opportunity to prove himself in that backup role. When that chance comes, he will be afforded a longer leash.
If Smith never gets that chance, it means Hill was the correct decision all along.
* * *
Matt is it true that Smith has bulked up to 225ish since last year?
Right, hopefully everything falls in place from Day 1 and we let Shaun Hill be the starter, he deserves it.
We will have a good backup in Alex Smith, because I am sure, when that opportunity comes up, he will be hungry to show what he has.
But as of today, Hill should be the starter. I am more worried right now about the WRs.
Matt, who in your opinion is our #1 WR? Ăšnless Bruce comes back, we don't have one IMO.
Matt- Impeccable logic. I'd say "hard to argue with that logic" but there seems to be no end to the arguements around Alex Smith.
Two key points:
[a] 2006 was all about Antonio Bryant. A big chunk of Smith's passing yards and success were due to Bryant's play.
[b] Go to Youtube and view Alex Smith in college and high school. Nothing special at all in either time. College was all about Urban Meyer trickeration. High school was all about Reggie Smith. Take a look at any long passes Smith completed in college or high school. They were weak and had the same characteristics of his Niner body of work.
Face it, this is a dead-end road that we've already been down. It leads to the same place as before. It's like you've driven Lincoln Way all the way to Ocean Beach and want to drive it again and again to make sure it still ends at Ocean Beach. Trust me, Lincoln Way hasn't changed, it still ends at Ocean Beach.
Folks, the Niners are very poorly managed and it will be many years before we even sniff a Super Bowl.
Question: is it true that Smith has bulked up to 225ish since last year?
My response: Yes, that is what the 49ers have told me. --Matt M.
Does that mean no QB in draft at all,Matt?
Question: who in your opinion is our #1 WR?
My response: Josh Morgan turned a lot of heads last season. If he had not gotten that staph infection and lost a lot of weight, he might have been given an opportunity to be the No. 1 last season. I think Morgan should be given that chance, whether Isaac Bruce returns or not. It's would be time to start to phase him out and see what Morgan and Brandon Jones can do. --Matt M.
Question: Does that mean no QB in draft at all,Matt?
My response: Not at all. The 49ers would love to draft a quarterback, but I seriously doubt they want to take one with the No. 10 overall pick. --Matt M.
Matt -
Any indication that Coach Sing would consider Pat White in the draft? I believe he will be the best QB (by far) from this draft. He could be inserted periodically for trick plays this year while he sits behind Hill/Smith.
-Ender
I'm going out on a limb here and, will suggest that the front office has written enough large checks payable to the QB position.
I'd agree, Pick 10 should go OL/DL.
Sanchez has some interesting measurables, but 16 starts isn't worthy of Top 10 money IMO.
But then again, it isn't my money is it?
Smart Cap management might suggest that OTs are typically a smarter investment in the grand scheme of things.
I see a lot of potential on Morgan also, as well as Jason Hill on the slot (together with Brandon Jones for depth).
What scares me a little is how many starts Morgan has in the league to be our #1.
Like you say, if it wasn't for that staph infection, we could be talking about more than 10 starts last season, but he just does not have them yet.
FA is not over, you think we could have a chance at Marvin Harrison? Why you think Harrison is getting no attention from any team? Way too expensive?
Matt I remeber reading Central Washigton QB Reilly was coming in for a private work out. Is that still true?
I think they will definetly draft a QB in the later rounds.
John Parker Wilson/Chase Daniel look like good options to me, considering the depth for QBs in the draft.
I have the feeling #10 will go on OT considering the attention we have put so far during FA on OTs.
Or maybe a Top WR on #10 if available? I insist, other than Josh Morgan with so little experience, we don't have a Top split end.
Until I see A Smith out on the field leading men to victory on a weekly basis I will not have confidence that he has what it takes inside to get it done. Hill has what it takes inside albeit not the physicality to throw the out or downfield. Neither of these 2 men are the answer. We will draft a QB at some point in the draft and I pray he is blessed with both attributes.
Hey Matt - it's very disturbing, although not surprising at all, to hear about the organization's view of the importance of physical tools for a QB. If there's one lesson NFL personnel folks should have learned in the last 20 years, it's that the QB position is one where physical tools contribute only a small percentage to the success at the position.
Of the top 10-rated passers in the NFL last year, I'd say only 3 have what NFL personnel folks would call above average "physical tools". When you consider the fact that it is so much harder for the QBs without those "tools" to ever get a chance (it took years and luck for Warner, Brady, Cassel, Garcia, Hill and many others to even get a shot in the NFL), it defies explanation why McCloughan and his brethren are so obsessed with tools.
When it comes to the QB position, it's all about results.
I would entertain Reilly and JP Wilson strictly on what I saw from the Combines.
As the QB position goes, Cassell has just been paid very well for backing up Brady.
If the league really is about copy cats, the smart moves are to identify the fringe guys and develop them.
Hitting big on a top QB is about timing in the Draft.
Alex and Aaron.
Aaron adn Alex.
Flip the coin, they both appear average now.
IMO, the guys that have the tools can be developed.
Alex needs to mature and needs to learn from Shaun about having the stones to tough it out.
One very important quality I see in Sing is his ability to foster the TEAM approach.
One thing most of the guys seem to appreciate is Mikes' tell it like it is approach.
Hi Matt, Good having you back. What has Alex done to get negative feedback? Until his hit by Bernard he was doing fine. Anyone who has had a shoulder injury knows the last thing you do is lift weights. Nolan's attitude has much to do with this backlash against Alex. I think Alex has toughened up with the experience, and he has shown character. He'll get his chance and then we can estimate if he's capable or not.
Matt do you think the 49ers will look at Orlando Pace for the tackle position they so desperately need?
Ender -let's hope so...Mike Reilly is a very talented kid ...here is a mid round QB FIND to be excited about! The other guy I keep harping about is Greg Micheli QB from Mount Union who will be an UDFA apparently -the only other guy I've seen who has spoke about him locally is on 49erWebzone forum -OnTheClock is his tag...I'm not a NFL scout but I do recognize talent as much as the next guy and Micheli has IT (with a capital T!).
The only way Alex Smith gets to play in a game is if Shaun gets hurt. Other then that training camp fpr Alex should be beating out Huard for the backup spot. I like the idea of drafting Wilson from Alabama, however if the 2 Smiths,Monroe, Arakpo, Raji, Crabtree, Stafford, Curry, Jenkins and I may have missed one or two other elites are gone I may pick Sanchez. We need an elite player with this pick. It needs to be best player not by position need.Sanchez has smooth footwork something Alex has never had.He has the potential to be a franchise QB.
OOPs Ender- that was actually the famous Mr Yummy who I was addressing!
I think John Parker Wilson would be a nice pickup in the 4th or 5th round. A guy who can sit for a couple of years and learn. Played in the SEC and in a pro style offense. Not a gimick offense.
Matt,
Now that Orlando Pace has been released, do you see this as a realistic stop-gap solution for a pre-draft signing? With so many top-10 teams looking for a tackle, do we cross our fingers hoping that one of them signs Pace and that they pass on an OT in the draft, or do we opt to sign Pace for a few years and hope to draft another tackle in the future?
IMO Pace is a more talented and slightly more durable version of Jennings. What would help to deter me is that he's older and now analysts have questions about his desire to play. Maybe another team drafting in the top 10 beats us to the punch and overpays for his services, leaving another one of the top 4 OTs to drop to us. If so, I hope we make the right choice. It's always nice to see first round choices pan out. Something that didn't happen often during the Donahue era.
"Alex has done nothing in 4 years" LOL is all I have to say to the haters. He had one season as the starter with a bad team and still did really well at the young age of 22. When you compare Alex's career W-L to Shaun's you're comparing apples to oranges. Seriously, that isn't even close to being a fair comparison. So many variables...Smith was a rookie and no experience with a HORRIBLE team and weak coaching staff. Smith isn't even 25 yet. He has plenty of time to resurrect his career, and for the first time, he has the people around him to make it happen. 2005 was a joke, it wouldn't have mattered if we had Smith or John Elway, we still would have had a losing record. 2006 (Smith's first full season as a rookie) he played very well considering the weak talent he had around him. '07 and '08 were wasted due to Nolan's incompetence as a head coach and the injuries that followed as a result of Nolan throwing Smith under the bus. Anyone who labels him a "bust" is clueless, and all the clueless haters like YUMMY will be eating their words in the future. Yes yummy, you hate Smith, we get it. We got it the first 73 times you said it, yet you feel the need to keep repeating yourself with your psychic views of the future and your God-like football expertise. LOL what a joke. Nobody cares about your ridiculously ignorant views, because everyone on here can tell that you truly don't have the slightest clue about football. Honestly you aren't even worth mentioning, but I'm bored at the moment and felt like calling you out. I could go on and on explaining the depth and logistics and variables involved in the game of football and just how clueless you are, and pick apart every one of your statements you've made, but it's not worth my time. I'm starting to think you're an ex-girlfriend of Alex who got dumped for a much hotter chick, thus explaining your constant hate. Just get over him, you're obviously too fat and ugly. Oh, and remember the request I made that you go off yourself? Better get workin on that :)
Granted the Draft is 6 weeks away and plenty of things can change, but we stand a very good shot to have a quality OT waiting at 10.
The fun occurs if we don't have a slam dunk guy there and someone is willing to cough up some picks to move up.
Scot hasn't shown any skills in that dept yet, so we'll see how it plays out, but let's hope they go with a LINEMAN over a QB at 10?
Pace would interest me if they planned on passing up the OT early.
I've sort of accepted our lukewarm approach to FA at that position as a possible tip to our intentions at Pick 10.
Still time, things could change, Jonas is still on the roster too?
The plot thickens with the courtship of Kurt and restructuring of Alex. Trade ammo?
Wow, Too Sweet, you show lots of smarts in that email. Poor logic, bad grammar and insults. You are a bit irrational in your defense of Alex. Are you perhaps his brother/friend/wife/mother? I hope you are one of those, otherwise, you are just derranged.
Alex restructured - Deal with It.
Erik has it exactly right. Decision making and pocket awareness are WAY more important than arm strength. Maybe Shaun doesn't have a Druckenmiller cannon but what's important is the wins, baby. If Shaun had Alex's arm or Alex had Shaun's unmeasurables, you might have a perfect quarterback.
I still have hopes for Alex and feel that he never had a realistic chance, given the porous offensive line and bad receivers. But I'm with Matt that Shaun gives the team their best chance and has earned the start without some bogus competition. If Shaun falters, then Alex gets a shot, and best of luck. If Shaun doesn't falter, that means the 49ers are back!
Ender,
Since you would like people to go to youtube and view Alex Smith videos, I suggest you do the same and watch the 2006 video of Alex Smith highlights. The interesting thing about this particular video... not a single highlight is of a pass to Antonio Bryant. Bryant was a SIGNIFICANT part of the success the team had in 2006. But to say that Smith only made throws because of him is simply untrue.
Goodell steps up to the podium... "Ehem... with the 10th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select... Adam Lambert."
Boomer nearly falls back in his chair with raised eyebrows.. "Whoa!". Michael Irvin has that same look on this face when the Titans passed on Reggie Bush.
But Mel Kiper quickly jumps in to opine... "I'm tellin' ya, dis kid can play and has all d'intangibles... size, heart, determination, and da versatility and range to take it to tha next level in dis league."
The niners should sign Jeff Garcia and allow him to compete for the starting job. Any chance on that? That to me gives the 49ers a shot at finding a good QB.
Rather than Top-10 Teams, I meant to say teams drafting in the Top 10. Just a slight difference there.
If the Top 4 OTs are off the board at 10?
With the 10th Pick in 2009 NFL Draft, the SF 49ers have traded the Pick to the NE Patriots.
In return the 49ers receive Picks 23 & 34.
Then we grab 3 players on Day 1.
Maybe we throw in Battle/Jonas?
Never trade with the Pats, Belly cheat will take advantage of McCloughin.
Orlando Pace was released, does he have enough left to make a RT for 2 years?
Maiocco, let's call a spade a spade. In the limited opportunities he's been afforded, Alex Smith has been unable to prove himself worth the #1 pick in the NFL draft. He has been hampered by injuries, changes in offensive coordinators, and atrocious line play--are these insurmountable obstacles? Possibly, none of us can say. We can say with certainty that JTO beat him out for the starting QB job. How many times are we going to inflate the difficulty of the obstacles he's faced, though? Everybody has obstacles, everybody has problems, every player in the NFL has beaten nearly impossible odds in simply reaching this level of play. At what point is it appropriate to move on??
Best of luck to the young man; let's just not cut him any breaks we wouldn't cut any other player at any other position who has failed to prove their competence as an NFL player. Also, WHY IS HE STAYING IN SAN FRANCISCO? If he had any confidence in his abilities whatsoever, he would get out of the town where he was a number one draft pick (the expectations for which will never die), and begin the difficult process of remaking himself as an NFL player. Here's a question for you that might put some perspective on the issua: If you had to choose between Rex Grossman and Alex Smith, who would it be? Which one is the bust?
I'm angling for anyone with extra ammo to deal on Day 1 Jon -
Detroit/Philly/Pats have them.
Pats picks line up very well for the value, so I threw it in here.
If Scot wants to make a splash, 3 picks on Day 1 would be a nice way to do it.
Let Belicheat move up, he'll P-Off the rest of the AFC East.
I want an OT there, but if they go?
Poor logic? Care to explain? Please, tell me how my logic is flawed. Bad grammar? I've seen a lot worse. Insults? It's the internet, if anyone gets butthurt about something that was said to them on the internet, they shouldn't be posting. Dude shouldn't take it serious. I mean I don't actually want him to end himself. I'm really not a huge fan of Smith or anything, but I'll come to his defense when he's being unfairly portrayed as something he's not. You agree with me or you don't, I really don't care. I can't help it if I'm too real for ya. Haters will be haters.....
Excellent article Matt.
I'm not sure where physical tools end and mental takes over but my take is that not all the physical comparisons favor Smith over Hill.
In my opinion Hill makes decisions faster, has a faster release and an accurate short & medium throw. He keeps a clear head and is not panicked whatever the situation and has that never say die attitude. More important is that Hill is a football player through and through. His teammates instinctively recognise that which is why he's vastly more popular leader than Smith will ever be. In a foxhole, Hill would be the one we'd all pick to share.
So I say start Hill and stick with him for the season. No shifting & shuffling every weekend. He's earned the starting job so just give it to him now and be done with it. Cancel the QB competition and all the BS that will go with it. Don't repeat the mistakes of last TC.
JTO also beat out Hill for the starting job.
Between Nolan and his pecking order and Martz's open competition that seemed to exclude Shaun, I'm happy to have Sing and, a more conservative approach leading into this Springs' Camp period.
For all the expectations, and time wasted trying to get this franchise turned around, this offseason has seemed much more prudent in it's approach to streamlining the efforts to get everyone on the same page.
Perhaps Old School can be new again?
I can only hope the guys remain upbeat and, that our Draft nets a group of 'Help Now' guys that constantly seemed to elude Nolans' grasp.
Let's hope we find the NT and guys that are suited to run block on offense as well as LBs that fit the 3-4.
I don't agree, Matt. I think that the pressure is on the franchise to give Alex every opportunity to win the starting job. Hill is a backup who did a commendable job filling in, but Alec is the chosen one and will be given the starters job unless something out of the blue happens. Maybe, like Hill throwing a pass longer than 10 yards.
Coach Singletary has Hill as the starter going into camp and Alex will have a chance to compete- period! Whoever looks best will assume control at that point. Coach is not shy about making changes when results fall short -let's see who gets it done! Marc -NJ49er I think both of us were interested in trade scenarios last year and once again I'm in concert with you-if we don't get one of the top four OT's (I think we will by the by!)-trade moves could benefit.The NT situation is interesting Raji will most like likely be gone -Brace maybe with the extra pick idea in the 2nd otherwise no -possibly Chris Baker in middle rounds-people are intimating Soap will be sent to the middle again. Looking at next years crop of NT's and it looks much more promising! Buzz
Frank, explain why the pressure is on the 9ers to give the job to Alex? He just restructured his contract so he's making backup money now. If the 9ers think he can be a good qb, they would be smart to do as Matt says and ease him into the role. As soon as Hill has another game like he played in St Louis last year Smith can be the cavalry and rush in to save the day thus boosting his confidence and getting the fans off his back.
The problem with Hill is that he's like a lot of scrappy QBs like Garcia and Flutie in that they show a lot of moxie, they're fun to watch, and easy to like but at the end of the day good defenses expose their shortcomings.
Hill is good enough to take you to the playoffs but not good enough to really take you anywhere after that unless backed by a great defense.
The organization knows this which is why they are looking to upgrade Hill and hope Smith pans out or they find someone in the draft to groom.
You guys make me smile. I think Maiocco has something here, and I certainly believe there is good logic to it. It has really nothing to do with if Alex is good or not, but everything to do with how he is perceived.
>
Sports fandom is about "what have you done for me lately" and the latest thing Alex did was play badly due to injury against Seattle on national TV. This is, what I believe, what all the critics want to go back to.
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I'm perfectly content to sit back and wait for Shaun Hill to look human again without Mike Martz. We'll be back to two close games in '07 against the Bungles and Tampa's second-string defense. I think you'll see Alex look better in preseason, and then there will be a genuine controversy.
>
Should be fun.
Let's give him a new start. But next let's improve the O Line for the sake of both Hill & Smith. The O Line is the heart and soul of an offense and McNolan never built a good one and until I see us not leading the league in giving up sacks it really doesn't make a lot of difference who is the QB. PS six straight losing seasons is the reality.
We all know that Smith has the physical tools to be a very good QB but his issues have always been inside his head, in my opinion. He struggles to find the open receivers and often throws behind them. Is this something that can be fixed? Do you think it had anything to do with his injured shoulder? As for Hill and his lack of "a big league arm", couldn't he also "bulk up" and then become a bigger downfield threat. By the way Matt, we hope to see you again this coming year at one of the 49er Goal Rushers fan club meetings in Stockton.
Speaking of hot air, Yummy's posts yesterday got me to thinking and this morning I hauled out the calculator and determined that I've probably popped off somewhere between 200 and 300 thousand farts so far in my lifetime. Wow. No wonder global warming is such a threat.
"At this stage, Hill is the people's choice" - Did i miss a VOTE - where did they vote about this?.......this is what i call tabloid news....the REAL/original MM would never write such a thing......is there some kind of proof he his the people's choice?.....show me the VOTES
"But there are some (perhaps, many) in the 49ers' organization who believe Shaun Hill has a ceiling on how well he can perform as an NFL starting quarterback" - Let me help you out MM - its not perhaps or many . IT IS ALL THE NFL ORGANISATIONS WHO BELIEVES THIS!!!!!
"We still don't know if Smith can cut it. At the end of the 2006 season, he seemed to be on the path to becoming a pretty decent NFL quarterback. But in the past two seasons, he has been able to throw passes in just three games without wincing in pain" - YOU don't know - WE THE FANS KNOW - IN THOSE THREE GAMES WASN"T HE 2-1..........MM is starting to sound like HANNITY OF FOXNEWS - WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE DON"T KNOW......OF COURSE WE KNOW........YOU CAN"T TELL US WHAT WE DON"T KNOW ...MM
"We still don't know if Smith can cut it. At the end of the 2006 season, he seemed to be on the path to becoming a pretty decent NFL quarterback. But in the past two seasons, he has been able to throw passes in just three games without wincing in pain" - YOU don't know - WE THE FANS KNOW - IN THOSE THREE GAMES WASN"T HE 2-1..........MM is starting to sound like HANNITY OF FOXNEWS - WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE DON"T KNOW......OF COURSE WE KNOW........YOU CAN"T TELL US WHAT WE DON"T KNOW ...MM
oneniner, I would say that this piece by Matt is probably the most centrist and realistic view I've heard yet. I have a feeling Smith might earn his job back before an in-game catastrophe, but don't you think calling MM the equivalent of Sean Hannity is dubious? I think it's fair to say that more fans than not want to see Hill return. I can't speak for certain, but as you yourself said, you can't tell us what we don't know -- and this is clearly something no one does. But the feeling I've gotten from niner fans is that Hill gives us the chance to win. But MM also pointed to his limitations. I think if you are really being honest, you would have to admit that Hill is coming into this season looking like the starter, and it's going to be Smith's job to win it back -- as MM has said.
oneniner should be banned.
"Still, I find it difficult to believe Smith will be the starting quarterback from Day 1. " - MM - you also found it difficult A.Smith would restructure his contract,- you also didn't think the team was going to try to bring him back..... it seems everytime you find it difficult for A.Smith, he prevails without any difficulty........
i didn't say "MM the equivalent of Sean Hannity" - i said he sounds like Hannity - you know - the guy that tells us what we should think based on his opinions.......i am just saying "almost" all his opinions about what A.Smith will do has been WRONG....i am just an observer...
i have been on this site longer than most of you - i know a centrist and realistic read by MM when i see one.
He's definitely ruining this site.
Hey,
How about this for a concept......
Why don't we just wait & see what unfolds in TC before opening our pie-holes as if any of us REALLY KNOWS what's going to happen? As the Great Jim Mora would say to the clueless Saints media (similar to some 49er fans) one day..."You think you know, but you don't...and you NEVER will" I myself am rooting for Alex but will hold judgement until I see the finish product on the field during Pre-Season. How's that for logic?
yea he his . - by giving his opinion.....we should deny anyone with a different opinion to speak their mind - or just call him unpatriotic for having a different opinion ....yea he definitely his ruining the site that was built specially for you.....yea he his a socialist because that what people like him sound like....we just hang him....yea hang him...
Matt, Do you think the 49ers will consider signing Orlando Pace to play the RT position? I know he has had some injuries so that might allow the team to sign him at a smaller rate. If they dont go after a tackle that tips their hand when it comes to the draft.
For the record though, I usually think Barrows is better on the Smith issue. No offense. Oneniner has a point that usually MM's speculation runs negative on the Smith issue.
But still, oneniner, no fair attacking the host.
I ran into Colmes at Ralphs, he was bagging groceries. Seriously though today is Andres' pro day. Assuming he does well, I don't expect him to last till 10. Is Oher really worthy of this pick? I tend to not think so. It may come down to Raji or Sanchez or get lucky and trade down. Either way this pick will be the most important pick of McCluess' career.
oneniner----what about the state of the franchise adress? all the jersey's in the background? as i remember it they hung shaun hills jersey as opposed to smith's? personally i would rather smith start IF he proves that has the confidence that hill display's. the fact hill has a better winning percentage kinda makes him the fans choice because the fans want to win.
now i have only been posting on this site since deenis erickson was the coach, and i have to say matt has done a great job of getting news to the faithful. do i agreee with everthing he says.....no. but i am not ready to start taking shots at matt.
do us all a favor and sign up on twittter. that way you can spew fourth your alex smith man-crush viewpoints there. its one thing to debate the direction the team is going, play calling, or free agent/draft pickups. but dont go insulting the guy who keeps alot of people up to date on the niners.
So your argument is that you are entitled to be rude because of freedom of speech?
Come try it at my house and pick your teeth up on the way out...
Dude, It's Matt's blog. Show some respect or hit the road.
As for Socialist, naw, you sound more like Rush... a windbag who whines about it when people don't buy his every word.
Shaun Hill outplayed Smith in 2007 with the same teammates. You can act like a fool all you want, but until Alex proves otherwise, our starting QB is Hill.
Smith's career reminds me of Tim Couch's...two system qb's coming out of college who went #1 overall. Both guys struggled with the speed of the pro game and took a lot of sacks. Both guys struggled with shoulder injuries. Couch was out of the league by the time he was 27...Smith's current contract will be up when he's 27. A lot of similarities.
Oneniner you are invited to the party but if you insult the host -you simply are being rude!In most houses you would be shown the door -fortunately Matt has been very tolerate with your diatribes and insults.One thing is abundantly clear however duration and frequecy of opinion does not denote wisdom!
Smith *could* still pan out... but it won't be easy. He is a young guy without a real good feel for the game. He needs a good QB coach to bring him along slowly and build his confidence. He needs to learn how to read defenses better and how to make decisions on the field at NFL speed. The Nowin Experience was a disaster for him. He should of sat for at least two years, learning an offense before he was put in. Now he needs to unlearn a lot of bad habits and indecision. I wish him all the luck in the world, would love to see him succeed, but its a longshot.
i know you guys can't wait to defend MM.....relax - i am not attacking MM - I have never said anything personal against MM - if you pay attention to my comments i only give a counter argument or questions his reads. Can someone please find something i said that would be a personal attack against MM. As a loyal reader and the number one niner fan i do MM a better service of critiquing his reads than just drooling over his words.......also note i have given MM kudos when deserved.....
most of you num-nuts don't even read what he writes......can someone repeat the insult or how i was being rude?.....my focus has and always been about the reads......i am not one of you needle heads that follow without question....if you all LOVE MM so much why not defend his words against my counter argument.....i would think that is the sensible thing to do.....cmon - i specifically copied his quotes to dispute them.....use your brain and do the same by writing opinions to defend those same quotes......
oneniner i asked you about the jersey's on display at the state of the franchise? where was smith's jersey?
i would consider calling matts post "tabloid news" somewhat insulting.
i would say putting your response in caps is like screaming in someone's eyes also rude.
and if you wanna debate facts lets go with each qbs win/loss ratio?
Unfortunately, oneniner can't differentiate between opinion and reporting. I'd break down everything he wrote, but it would be an exercise in futility.
Aside from all of the facts you stated, Matt, I'd like to add one thing. Smith hasn't been in a game situation in well over a year... as you said, almost two years without pain. It's going to take him quite some time to get back into game shape and relearn the speed of the game / defense. There's almost no way he'd be prepared to handle all of this on opening day, no matter how much preseason work he puts in.
►‹((({ •Z ~J''''''''''
Matt,
I wouldn't have a problem with your scenario, with Smith getting his shot if Hill is injured or unable to produce wins. Hill's success thus far does give him an edge.
However, Singletary strikes me as the kind of coach who will always follow his instincts. I do think Alex will get a chance to prove himself in TC. If his play is clearly better than Shaun's, he will likely start.
Have they announced when compensatory picks will be awarded? I'm guessing Monday, March 30.
I'm ROOTING for you Alex Smith. You seem like a really great person and have SUPERSTAR characteristics off the field, you just got to show it on the field.
ok ...lets talk facts - "the jersey's on display at the state of the franchise? where was smith's jersey?" - first of all you can't take that seriously since the coach already said we don't have a STARTER at a QB position right now, and that Hill was going to compete and also right after that K.Warner was going to be signed so the importance of Hill's jersey was of really no importance at all.....and A.Smith jersey couldn't be there because the state of the franchise would turn to the state of A.Smith's contract - Why in the hell would the org wanna shift the focus to that?.....common sense - ok next one - calling matts post "tabloid news" -...when a person makes speculations on a subject and passes it on as news without concrete proof as in (Hill is the people's choice) ..even if the speculation ends up being true but still without concrete PROOF when making the speculation - it is just the same as tabloid news........ok maybe to you CAPS means rude but to someone like me its just trying to highlight a text in a bunch of words.....now if all i wrote was in CAPS then that is rude.....
ok..(head scratcher) - "Unfortunately, oneniner can't differentiate between opinion and reporting." - - so which are you saying MM is doing ?...givin his opinion or reporting - when he says "At this stage, Hill is the people's choice" - please tell me?....cuz if it was MM's opinion - which i respect - i have every reason to disagree with it.......if it was MM's reporting - which i die for - I need the facts to back it up - that was why i asked about the VOTES that made this a report......any more?
you guys love me.....:)
I read this blog on a daily basis and the truth oneniner is that you're turning people away. Make your point but quit with all the drama
Great article Matt!!!
Put me in the category of starting Shaun Hill. I've been rooting for Alex Smith since Day One but I just don't know anymore. Shaun's come from behind wins against St. Louis and Washington showed me and most of the Faithfull true grit, determination, calmness and a desire to see it through.
And do people not remember that Shaun in his first start last year... if not for a botched call by Martz would have beat AZ, in their house on MNF?!?
Hill earned to be the starter as much as Sing earned the HC job. Until he blows it he should be given the keys.
oneniner, i believe hills jersey was on display at the state of the franchise. bringing up contract talks is irrelevant because smith was still under contract.
and i have yet to hear you debate the winloss ratio because we all know that in the nfl the only thing is winning.
now if you came out and said "hill is not my choice". thats one thing, but bringing up votes? this isn't a democracy, it's football. your input means absoutly nothing to the franchise.
again i think smith "could" be a very good qb given the right circumstances{knowledge of the system and confidence in his recievers and coachs} but as of right now hill has the numbers and most importantly the wins.
What many people here fail to realize is that this is Oneniner's blog and Matt only hosts it. All opinions that conflict with Oneniner should be stricken from the record. The sooner we all realize his diatribes are the last and final word on any subject we will be better off. Blogs are like bodies and we all know that every body needs one of these orifices.
Oneniner -I'm convinced your capacity to discern what is or isn't rude is somehow diminished (here is a hint- calling people "numnuts or needle heads"qualifies)!I don't know what your socialist nonsense is about but it somehow must be connected to some notion of freedom speech -here is a hint about civil behavior and growing up-because you can do/say something doesn't mean you should!As far as you being the #1 49er fan -I'll qoute you "where is my vote?".
The only thing worth commenting on at this point is that Hill's jersey was up there BECAUSE HE PLAYED IN 2008.
That is very simple
"so which are you saying MM is doing ?...givin his opinion or reporting - when he says "At this stage, Hill is the people's choice" - please tell me?"
He's reporting based on the opinions of others... look at the opinions of the MAJORITY of those on this blog. I'm sure Matt hears from plenty of other fans who aren't on this blog, as well. Just because he isn't your choice doesn't mean the majority agree with you. This is why he stated "the peoples' choice" and not "my choice." He's always been straightforward about what was speculation, what he's been told, and what he's sensed from the org and fans. I don't know why you think he'd change now.
PS - I don't care who the starter is, but even I can see by those who post here that your opinion is in the minority.
Also, as I posted previously, Smith will be behind the curve, so to speak, because he's been out of game action for so long.
i think the criticism of shaun hill is ridiculous. so, i decided to do a little comparative research between hill's first 10 games and joe montana's first 10 games.
Shaun Hill (7-3) - 2193 yds - 16 TD - 9 INT
Joe Montana (3-7) - 2212 yds - 16 TD - 11 INT
one of the main knocks on Montana coming out of college was his lack of arm strength. now i am not saying that hill is the next montana but the idea that hill should be thrown to the wolves is a bit ridiculous. give the man a chance and maybe, just maybe, he can produce a fraction of joe did.
that is the difference in mentality - you are ok and will like to settle for a fraction of what joe did..........which is another wasted season.....i say believe in A.Smith because he his the BEST QB we have on our roster right now.....I just can't see how anyone would go against a kid who in his second year in the NFL played and took all the snaps the whole yr, resulting in Gore been a pro-bowler and giving the whole org high hopes of actually going somewhere......you expect me to believe a career backup (hill) would be or is better than A.Smith?.....i mean why are you so blind......the same feeling for Hill is similar to what you guys had for JTO.....notice how all those who wanted JTO are very quiet this days?.........
"i say believe in A.Smith because he his the BEST QB we have on our roster right now..."
This is solely your opinion and not based on any factual evidence at all. I'm not saying Smith is or isn't the best QB on the team, but there's nothing to back up your statement.
Well if you want facts - Its obvious Huard or whatever his name is, is not the best - with the money invested, contract lenght and age..etc....so we might as well cross him out....so hill and A.Smith.....
so lets start from the top.....
A.Smith had a better high school career than hill, A.Smith had the better collegiate record or career compared to Hill, ....He has more NFL starting experience than hill, ......he has thrown more passes and has gain more yards passin and running than hill,....... he has played in more games than hill, .....he has the more physical tools in terms of nfl body than hill,...... He has gone thru what anyone will say is serious adversity or challenge on a football team than hill,...... his evaluation in the eyes of any nfl scout is better than hill's......he also has a huge upside in terms of possibility of making it to the pro-bowl than hill......Gore did and has a better chance of reaching the probowl with A.Smith as QB compared to hill at qb........thats enough for now....dispute them
Oneniner - all your reasoning is pointless if you don't win games. Maybe Smith will succeed in the end and it'll be an amazing story that a majority of Niner fans would love to see. But so would Shaun Hill's story. A journeyman backup who was never given a shot because of his practice habits and lack of NFL required physical tools that finally got his shot and succeeded to only have to prove again and again that he was a winner.
I personally think they're both stand-up guys and look forward to seeing the outcome.
My prediction is Shaun Hill has a come out year and takes us to post season
Anyone think we'll pursue Pace? I don't think so because I think they have their eye on getting a OT in the draft.
I'm going to ignore your first few points, as this isn't HS or college, so the stats don't really matter. If they did, there would never be a bust in the NFL.
Do I think Smith is more physically gifted? Of course, I doubt anyone would deny that. He has the attributes and 'look' that would appeal to talent evaluators... but looks don't win games.
Does Smith have the higher ceiling? Sure, one could assume that based on the physical traits. But those traits often don't translate to becoming a good / great QB.
All of the stats you posted are a result of more games played. I'll argue the flip side of that one, though. Looking at the stats alone, Smith trails hill in the following career categories:
- QB rating
- completion percentage
- YPG
- YPA
- TD:INT ratio
and the biggie - W:L ratio
Objectively speaking, according to the stats, Hill is actually the superior QB. I, too, hope that Smith succeeds... he seems like a good guy and I'd love to finally have another great QB lead the team. But regardless how much love you show him, it's still just your opinion. The facts don't back that up.
:)...objectively speaking - are you serious.....how can you be objective when basing your argument on a ratio.....the key thing here is number of games played...of course the ratio would favor the guy with the least number of games played.....:) - dude you crack me up.....objectively speaking..lol...you are a clown.......you just agreed with all my facts...you didn't dispute one of them....lol....so because of only the ratios Hill is the superior QB . listen to yourself..:)......lol....so let me get this right - all those things i mentioned were accurate but because of an inbalance ratio Hill is superior....LMAO
maybe it's a good thing that Sing is the only one that counts when evaluating talent!
Well, it's clear that facts are going to continue to elude you. Ratios don't change over time... that's why they're a more accurate comparator (given a certain number of minimum games). Averages and ratios are a better indicator of performance than totals in EVERY aspect of life, not just football. If you can't see that... well... nothing is going to help you. Sorry for being such a 'clown'.
BTW - those stats were just to show you that your stats were worthless, too. Coaches, systems, receiving corps, line play, etc. have just as much of an impact, so even ratios can't be taken as the 'whole story'.
Competition is good. I don't have a big problem with Smith rejoining the team. It saves the team millions of dollars and buys us another two years to see if Smith has anything - or was a bust with the #1 pick. I have my doubts, but we'll see.
I wish Smith played quarterback as good as he talks. He sounds like he's glad to be back and ready for competition.
Despite his talk, I am not sure he's noticed an important fact: Hill has easily outperformed Smith. I'd take Hill of '08 over the Smith at his best, which was '06.
Can you base an argument on ratio's(?)- the gentleman just did and you insulted him also! The real insult is your pontification is based largely on the a priori assumption that because you think you know the truth it is the truth .Here is a stat for you- S.Hill is the only 49er QB since Steve Young to post more wins than loses in games he started!( This is not a knock on Alex Smith- I'm on record here as saying he's had bad breaks that have hampered him and his development)There is no factual evidence to suggest that Frank Gore has a better chance of going to the Pro Bowl with Alex Smith than with Shaun Hill! It is pure conjecture to presume as of this moment that A.Smith has a better chance of going to the Pro Bowl than Hill -too many variables- and simple prototypes of what a QB should look like don't always determine results in a player- and results (as in wins) are what we are looking for no? As for Shaun Hill being the peoples choice -no votes were taken last year but with S Hill winning games last year even if Alex became healthy I doubt if the the stands would have rung with chorus' of "Alex Alex Alex" and yes this is conjecture but one good one deserves another!
http://49ers.com/blog49/ . this is the real A.Smith. - Heee iiiss Baaaaccckkk!!!!!
Huh??