"This is the team that brought me out and gave me my first chance, and I really felt like I had a lot to prove here to myself, the organization to my teammates, to the fans," Smith said just moments ago in a conference call. "And to really become the player I set out to become when I first came out of college. I'm grateful they gave me the opportunity to stay here and be a part of this."
And that's why he has decided to accept a pay cut and a new two-year contract to return to the 49ers this season. It also helps that he'll be playing this season for coach Mike Singletary.
Smith and former coach Mike Nolan publicly feuded in 2007 after Smith sustained a shoulder injury. Their relationship was never repaired.
When asked if he would have returned if Nolan had remained as coach, Smith said, "The coaching change happened, so luckily I didn't have to go down that road. Right now, with Coach Singletary here, the decision was easy. I wanted to stay and I wanted to be a part of this, and luckily they wanted me back."
Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft, said he has been assured the opportunity to compete with his groomsman Shaun Hill for the starting job. Last summer, things were mighty tense around the 49ers' facility with Smith, Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan competing for the job. O'Sullivan was the only one of the three quarterbacks who knew Mike Martz's offensive system. But he was not always willing to share information, said one source close to Smith.
Hill has a 7-3 record in 10 career starts over the past two seasons. Smith is 11-19 as a starter.
I asked Smith if he felt Hill has done enough to earn the starting job.
"All I do know is I'm going to get the chance to compete, and I'm excited about that," Smith said. "Shaun has played well. We're really good friends. I think he's done a great job since he stepped in. That is obvious.
"I'm glad it's against Shaun. He's a great guy. I can't think of a better guy to compete against. I'm excited about that - excited it's going to be, with me and him, it's all going to be on the table. We don't have to worry about anything behind closed doors because we are so close."
Smith returned recently from his honeymoon. He was married to former Raiders cheerleader Elizabeth Barry on Feb. 21 in
He will take part in the team's minicamp next week. He said he has not spoken to the training staff about his schedule, but he expects to be able to take part without any limitations. Smith has been throwing since shortly after the end of the season. Smith spent last season on injured reserve after sustained a small fracture in his throwing shoulder at the end of training camp.
Smith sustained separated right shoulder in the fourth game of the 2007 season. He tried to return for three games later in the year before opting for season-ending surgery.
Several weeks ago, new 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye faxed Smith the fundamentals section of the playbook that deals with terminology and all the team's shifts and motions. Smith said there is some carryover from the systems the 49ers have utilized the past three seasons. The terminology in Raye's system most closely resembles Norv Turner's offense of 2006. Smith said.
* * *
UPDATE (1:30 p.m.): The 49ers announced the official signings of defensive end Demetric Evans and return specialist Allen Rossum.
* * *
Matt,
Can you say what affect this will have on this years salary cap and next years as well? I'm curious as to how much MORE money they will save with this move.
Ok,it's offical the nightmare has started. Alex start the 49ers will lose again. Why you reporters ask soft ball questions is beyond me. You should of ask Scott,why he thinks a bust for 4 years will get any better and why not draft a rookie QB. That can actually improve this team. Then sticking with what doesn't work.
Yummy.
Your opinion of Alex Smith is noted.
Move on.
This should make for a very sweet training camp. I think we have two quality QB's now. I hope this competition brings out the best in both players. I'm glad I don't have to make the decision on who to start. Matt, do you know how the starter is picked in these QB competitions? Coach said that Shaun Hill's in game performence will be factored in. Do you think they will be able to determine who starts by the first pre season game or will they need those games to make a choice?
I am pleased with this. I have always been an Alex Smith fan and he has had a raw deal with the injuries, the change in OC's and how he was treated by Nolan.
A fresh start is always good and you know he is hungry. As for all of you naysayers and whiners saying that the 49ers will lose and it is only March can I politely suggest you shut the hell up and see how the draft and training camp play out.
Whether it's Hill or Smith starting, we're already a better tean than this time last year and I am excited for next season! Go 9ers, forever red and gold!
just a fan I think Singletary wants that determined before TC begins, or at least before preseason game 1
want a game by game analysis of how shaun hill has performed?
http://insidesf49ers.blogspot.com/
I believe Singletary has said he doesn't want this competition to linger and the sooner a starter is named, the better.
AMEN. We are better then this time last year. I'm ready for the niners to make a move.
I recall Sing saying that as well. Hopefully it doesn't linger on. I would just like to get an idea of how a starter is determined, especially in this case where this is really evenly matched. Both players are capable, and like I said before, I'm glad it isn't up to me to pick who. Right now....dead even in my eyes.
Well I know Singletary will be considering the intangibles as well. We know Smith is a better practice QB, but that Hill is an established leader that has gotten it done on the field where it counts. My money is on Hill.
Either way, I support Singletary's decision and I support my team :)
I'm just glad JTO's out of the picture. Hopefully Smith and Hill battle to the bitter end and have a hell of a training camp. Make Singletary's choice hard... and draft Nate Davis, PLEASE!!!!
I still believe that Smith can be a solid QB in the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE (channeling my inner Jaws there). When he had a good OC with a few reps under his belt, he looked good. NOBODY complained about Smith when he was finishing up his '06 season. Complaints began when Hostler started running the offense. In addition to the OC that was in a little over his head, we saw the beginnings of the uninspiring leadership of coach Nolan. Oh, and Rocky Bernard being allowed to go Superfly Snuka on his shoulder didn't help much either. It was a perfect storm of crap in '07, and I don't think ANY QB could've overcome that. This season, he'll start as the backup, learn the offense, get his shoulder back, and if we need him, hopefully he'll come in and show us what he can do when healthy and with an inspired team behind him.
He'll start. He'll blow away everyone with his immediate knowledge of the system and the fact that he can throw a deep out and Hill cannot, and they will start him.
Or they won't. :D
hey Matt- i know its a little off topic but what do you know about CB Karl Paymah. reports have him making a visit this week
So it looks like we're going to be fielding the 2007 team...
GIO?? where you been man? Smith takes niners to the playoffs this year!!! Oh, snap
Gio, come on. Darrell "Stonehands" Jackson is nowhere in sight, nor is Larry "open gate" Allen.
Jason T. THANK YOU
Question: what do you know about CB Karl Paymah?
My response: Paymah is scheduled to visit the 49ers on Wednesday. Paymah (6-0, 195) is a four-year vet from Washington State. He played 16 games, including two starts at left cornerback in place of injured Champ Bailey. Paymah had one interception and broke up five passes. --Matt M.
I can't wait until 2010 when Alex TAKES APART Mike Nolan's Defense!
Good for Alex, this is his last chance and I believe he's hungry to prove himself. So long as we take care of our problems at right tackle he should be ok. The rest is on Scot and Sing to protect whoever the starting quarterback will be.
David Baas > Larry Allen 2007.
Gents, things are falling into place better than they have in a very long time. The whole Nolan thing smelt funny. This looks like the year the 9ers start leaving cleat marks on peoples chests. This could be a very fun year to be a 9er fan....Despites the voodoo of Takeo Spikes team record of never making it to the playoffs.
I still fully support Alex Smith. And now this guy has a chip on his shoulder and a lot to prove. I believe in him.
No. He had a chip IN his shoulder! Ha ha, I'm just joking.
Matt,
It was nice to meet you quicly running through the concourse at the WCC Tourney. I hope St. Mary's gets an at-large bid but I worry that it won't matter if Patty Mills is not significantly better. His hand is clearly not right yet. Perhaps that means he'll return for his junior year.
Re the 49ers, I know they have talked about extending some of their own but I haven't heard any signings other than Alex. Do you know if they are close to extending the contracts of Willis, Staley, Vernon Davie, Baas or any others.
Well that's true though....
Yummy,
Being a 49er faithful means you have faith in our team. It's not 49er overcritical.
Alex Smith is a class kid, who may still turn into a quality NFL QB, but I would have advised him to go elsewhere because of the incompetent and dysfunctional pile of crap that the Yorks have turned the 49ers into.
Question: Do you know if they are close to extending the contracts of Willis, Staley, Vernon Davis, Baas or any others?
My response: Drew, it was nice meeting you, too. Thanks for saying hi.
No word yet on extension for any of their own guys. --Matt M.
I think it can benefit us this way. We can see how far Hill and Smith can take us this year. Don't worry about drafting a QB this year. Just work with Hill and Smith, see where that leads us. If we fail, we can focus on a QB in the 2010 draft where the QB crop will be considerably better and more worth the contract they'd be given. I'd be willing to forgo Sanchez to work on getting someone in 2010 that stands a good chance at being better. If we succeed, then the QB crop in 2010 won't matter and we can focus on other things.
I hear from doubters of us having a lackluster season in 2009 and to be honest, if we do, it could be the best thing for us. For we didn't go hog wild in an offseason that hasn't been worth going hog wild for.
However, I sense a better year. I sense some players that we currently have stepping up. That we didn't pick up any big names, but we could very well create some.
Question: Do you know if they are close to extending the contracts of Willis, Staley, Vernon Davis, Baas or any others?
My response: Drew, it was nice meeting you, too. Thanks for saying him.
No word yet on extension for any of their own guys. --Matt M.
Remember this. Alex Smith won't be as bad as JTO. IF Smith ended up the starter, AND failed, Singletary will pull him sooner than JTO got pulled, and Alex won't lose as badly as JTO, and Hill could come in and we'll still win the division IMO.
didn't yummy the dummy say JTO was going to the pro-bowl.....
i say we sign Pace to a 2yr contract...NOW!!!!!
I'm glad Smith is back in the fold. Now we can finally find out whether he's another Druckenmiller or just been a Tampa Bay Steve Young til now . With Mike( I know nothing about offense)Nolan gone the question should be answered this year barring injury. His haters seem to forget that now he'll have more talent surounding him, a QB coach who knows something about developing a QB and no large contract to influence the competition. So if he does beat out Hill that makes the team better. If not then the Niners can move on.
Matt, if the season started today who do you think would be our #1 WR? If you care to speculate further, include your guess for #2 and 3.
I had a feeling that there were some back-door politics goin on with JTO being named the starter; the whole S. Hill has a shoulder injury (when he confirmed himself that his shoulder is fine). JTO was garbage as the starter.
Gio... Isaac Bruce is #1. The rest is up for grabs.
oneniner,your full of bs! I never said such thing about J Turnover! And those excited. I hope your excited when the team fails to make the playoffs again. As for the guy claiming I"m not a faithful 49er fan,because I don't go around kissing the bust butt. You should be ashamed of yourself. I support the team. Not a player. If you want to support a bust go ahead,but don't you dare tell me I have to as well.
Does that mean it is all up for grabs if Bruce retires?
Matt, what are the chances the Niners go after Pace in FA now that he has been released. He could have a couple good years left (Im thinking a Larry Allen type situation)and give us time to get someone through the draft or next year in free agency.
With Smith's reduced contract, we should all be happy to have him on the team. He is still young and might one day surprise us all.
Smith haters can rest...
Yummy, nobody is asking you to kiss Alex's butt. All people are asking is that you be reasonable and get off your over-the-top emotional jag about him. As you say, he's just a player. Why the insane hatred? Because we sign him, we'll miss the playoffs? What kind of silly logic is that?
yummy da dummy is jealous cuz A.Smith looks way better than him......
Skeebers,because we keep a bust and might start him that's why? i want a wining season like the next guy,but if Smith starts that wont happen. His tack record proves losing. Hill,may not be a franchise QB,but he's a winner. So what if he not great in pratice. Neither was Garcia and look how he turned out. The 49ers were better off cuting Smith and drafting a rookie QB in the draft to learn under Hill. Then to go in the season with status quo.
yummy the dummy why do u always focus on the butt, is that an area you r comfortable getting ur knowledge from....yummy the dummy aka yummy butt
yummy da dummy is just mad gay marriage is illegal.......dude dont mess with me...buttyummy
yea ..how did garcia turn out?.....hill is a winner?.- talk about kissing a yummy butt...
I agree completely.
i can't stand logic like this. Smith is not a bust! He had a good 2nd season and then after starting 2-1 he got injured 2 seasons in a row. this was a great move by mcloughlin and i'm just glad the real cancer Nolan is gone. none of our young players could grow under nolan. Smith could be a top 10 qb. this is great news. Go Alex!
Hi Matt, Anything to report regarding Eric Green?
Hey Matt, Do you think there's any interest from the 49ers in picking up Orlando Pace? He was just released by the Rams today?
What is all this praise of Alex Smith based on, the guy has been historically pathetic in every facet of football. Yummy you make good points that every well respected football analyst nationally agrees with you on... It's only a handfull of local Alex Smith jock sniffers that hope like the little girls they are that "someday alex will be good yaaaay". Yummy you and I have a million reasons and facts that show this guy sucks but Indiana Hick and Onewhiner cannot point to one reason he is good.. They aren't judging with their eyes they are going on blind alex faith... I will bet anybody on here 10 grand alex isn't ever even a decent qb, there are high school qbs that can do things that he struggles with like throw an accurate screen pass, an accurate out pattern ANYTHING. Funny Onewhiner calls Yummy gay and talks about how alex smith looks good, so onewhiner and indiana when it comes to alex are you top or bottom. You guys know zip about football, tim to watch alex trip over his own two feet again! Lets make it 8 years without a playoff, McCloughan is doing a great job, alex smith will be great and by the way the sky is not blue.
The basic problem in the NFL is that these guys are drafted high, the weight of expectations is HUGE and quite honestly, in most cases, these guys aren't ready to start right away. Guys like Smith and Leinart and Vince Young (among many, many others) are rushed into action and just aren't ready for it, for the most part.
Matt Leinart started in his 5th game of his rookie season. The Cardinals CONSTANTLY kept trying to start and play Leinart over Warner. Finally, they came to their senses, started Warner in 2008 and they went to the SB.
Kerry Collins did a great job replacing VY.
What do these senior citizens have that those young guns don't? Knowledge (reading defenses) and experience.
Those things are HUGE.
Now I get it, Yummy. Singletary and McC are so stupid that they don't know Alex is a bust because they didn't consult with some guy named Yummy who is smarter than both of them and so they will make Smith the starter and keep him as the starter while they lose games until we finish 4-12 and they both get fired. Wow. You're a genius. I never could have figured that out.
It seems like there are two major extremes on Smith, but the truth is probably somewhere in the middle. I think it's valid to say that he hasn't yet proved himself a bust, given his injuries and Nolan issues the last couple of years. I also think it's fair to say that he's gotten paid way more than he should for what he's been able to produce -- but I don't think it's a travesty that we have re-signed him. It seems to me we are taking a reasonable risk. We're paying him less money for two years to prove himself. If he doesn't, we aren't out all that much, and we can move on. If he does prove himself, great. I don't think this will preclude the 49ers from making the playoffs -- I mean, Smith isn't even coming back as the starter. He'll have to earn his spot. Give the kid a chance with a solid receiving corps, good defense, and a decent line and let's see what happens (assuming he can wrestle the starting job away from Hill). But until he or Hill even sets foot on the field, all this prognosticating about the 2009 season being already over doesn't mean a thing.
Matt:
Sorry if I'm asking again but is there any indication SF may pursue a OT if FA, notably Mark Tauscher from GB. He had knee surgery but is expected to make a full recovery and the Minn is said to be pursuing him.
To all the Smith haters :
What are you so afraid of other than possibly eating a little crow? If Smith were to become the starter , do you really think Singletary will keep starting him if he doesn't get the job done? It won't take him very long to make changes to improve the team at any position?
This is a team that didn't do much to develop the younger players under Nolan. My guess is it's going to be a lot better with Singletary.
Mark the Tape...Smith will be our starter next year
ReggieMcGrew,totatly agree. The sad fact if he starts and sucks again. Like we both know he will. These same Alex Smith lovers will once again put the blame on coaching instead of were it belongs on Smith. They will never admit he's a bust.
Alex Smith is a 49er. If you don't hope he makes good, you can't be much of a 49er fan.
Amen.
Yummy... GET it OUT of your head dude....nobody here has expressed their love for the guy, including myself! You can't label him a bust yet!! If he comes in camp healthy, and with a full grasp of the offense and he still blows? Then yes, he will be a BUST....F keep the faith, man and take your username over to myspace or something... Reggie McGrew?? wasn't he a bust? somebody refresh my memory with that guy, please.
The real questions is......what does MATT think??? Matt?
ronnie lott,I can and will. He been in the league 4 years and done nothing. He's a bust! Also stop telling me to keep the faith! This isn't about faith. This is about what's right for the 49ers and if Smith starts it's another losing season period. I don't want that. What part of that don't you get!
I mentioned last year that A.Smith would be back even if he had to take a substantial pay cut. I know of no other way to describe A.Smith' 49er career then that of the 'perfect storm' senario. To his credit, he has never complained about his injuries, OC changes, the 'ill-will' coming from his former head coach, oh, and the lack of talent around him. The last good receiver A.Smith had was Antonio Bryant and they were posting respectable numbers until Bryant got his 'pink-slip.' I have a sense that coach "Sing" came to bat for A.Smith because if anyone deserves a chance to prove himself, it's A.Smith. I would love to see A.Smith become a great NFL QB, but for now, i'm just happy that he's getting another chance.
This says it all!
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?sportIndex=nfl&pollId=68544
The rest of the world sees. What a few Alex Smith lovers can't seem to face a bust!
first time I told you to keep the faith....your negativity is kind of ridiculous! Niners haven't had a QB in a decade, but they haven't had a lot of things...a WR, a FREAKN PASS RUSH, a head coach, a owner who cares, and I can go on-and-on.. So, if you think our losing seasons have been because of Alex Smith, then you're trippin. Let's talk after 8 games this season so myself and the rest of us can feed you some crow.. Whoo hoo Alex Smith remains a niner!!! Go SMITH and the Niners... and SMITH again
and I don't love Alex Smith... He's done nothing to make me love him... I love the Niners and I remain optemistic.
yummy
When all of SportsNation agrees on something, 95% of the time they are all wrong. And when SportsNation agrees with you? I know I'm right.
Gilroy AL seems to me that YOU are the one afraid.
that's pretty crazy...However, most of those people thought so before he was even drafted... I wanted Braylon Edwards with that pick, but they chose Alex. All we can do is HOPE he pulls his head out this season.. Go Niners baby!!
Indiana Jim, that was classic
Indiana Jim,thier only wrong because you don't like the result. You can't see past your Smith jock strap.
Re-signing was the right move for everyone. It would have been dumb (even for McCloughan and Singletary) to not keep a guy with his upside when he stayed for a price other teams would have paid. We're not the only people who know Smith stepped into a suicide mission for QBs. Other teams would look at what he has dealt with and gladly given him a shot.
I'm pulling for him, and I hope he does well. Hill has done a great job, but I don't think you get to a Super Bowl with his game, and with a young team you have to be thinking of everyone getting better together. Alex Smith (still) has great potential. Hill is who he is. What you see is what you get---an excellent backup.
Smith is a class act. From what I've read about him, I really like the kid.
Now onto football... Another offseason, another qb competition. Matt should start a betting pool. Guess the opening day quarterback and win a chicken dinner. Double or nothing if you had Huard since he's the longshot. I guess I'll put $20 on Huard for the win.
Matt, why do you bother going on community access radio in Stockton with a kid who has no future? KNBR covers all of northern California and you can go on KNBR anytime you want.
First of all those who talk about faith and say your not being a fan if you critizize the team it's the opposite, if you were a niner fan complaining in the 20 years the niners were the greatest dynasty in sports then I might tend to agree but when you have a front office that makes bad move after bad move, and they have been bad moves see not making the playoffs in 6 years.. If you are cool with your team not winning and making bad moves and just saying gooo niners yaaaay you are not a fan your a little girl with big hopes.. Alex Smith is absolutely a bust if he isn't bust nobody is, people on here call Tim Couch a bust but Couch had much better numbers than Smith lol you people are morons.
Fuggeddaboutit Houston.
You're going to owe me a steak dinner in your home town when Mark Sanchez becomes the next Broadway Sanchez. Again, pick the place soon because I like to book my flights early on Southwest.
Thanks to McGM's dysfunctional, yet torrid love affair with Smith, you won't see Sanchez get the opportunity at the Stick.
Reminds me of Al Davis's draft day comment about Anthony Munoz when he came out of SC back in 1980... "who needs that big burrito anyway."
The rest folks is history.
"Hill has a 7-3 record in 10 career starts over the past two seasons. Smith is 11-19 as a starter."
What competition? Please Alex shouldn't be competing as starting waterboy much less starting qb.
Yummy Alex Smith can stink it up for the next 5 years and people on here will come up with excuses, his shoulder injury is the exact same one in 07 that Eli Manning had but the only difference is Eli missed half a game and took his team to a superbowl title and Alex and his minions used it as an excuse for his garbage play... Oooops he sucked every game before that too. Those who say he had a good year in 06, check the stats and stop smoking crack.
This place will do. But let me consult my Zagat's guide and get back with you.
Why not go after Culter? He's a pro bowl QB and certainly better then Smith. I would offer Denver the 10 pick and Smith for him.
yummy, dude, get a life. read JoshInSB's comment and relax
Matt, do you have any insight on if the 49ers, are going to go after a right tackle now that free agency has slowed down? I ask because they are pursuing corners where the team is deep, and the team is not deep at all at tackle please help???? Also what are your thoughts about the 49ers going after torry holt if he is cut?
Why does Mc Dummy keep thinking that retread wide receivers will cut it here?Get a clue dummy if they were #3's somewhere else and now their our #1 we have problems.But once again we sign Brandon Jones!Uh another year of waiting on Alice's "potential" Ive seen this movie before and it sucked and so did the sequel so please can we draft some playmakers Mc Dummy?Maybee a #1 receiver or a young QB?Every year we keep hope and they just mess it up.Our front office has no clue and Barney rubble might as well be runnung our draft board..Kentwan frickin Balmer are you kidding me?!!!!!!Good luck Alex hope in practice you learn instincts,accuracy,mobility and leadership cause youve had none of that the last 4 years....Yes half a** receivers and a coward quarterback=another lowsy season...So what are we going to talk about after our season ends in week 4 again?
because this isn't Madden Football. You can't just get whoever you want.
Alex "happy feet" Smith.....ugh
I'm totally on the Sanchez bandwagon. IMO he's the anti-Alex Smith. Played in a Pro Style Offense, has ALL the intangibles esp. LEADERSHIP/CONFIDENCE, good release/accuracy & has started only 1 year in college (lols). Just probably too high risk/reward for the Niners at 10 with still too many damn holes to fill. We need close to can't miss impact players (hopefully starters) with those first 2 picks. Heck, throw the 3rd in there too. Sanchez just has "it".
Hey I saw this while watching the travel channel. You might want to check this place out. I'll be trying before I leave MD....
LINK: http://www.peterluger.com/index2.cfm
Tha Grinch:
Dude im not even saying everything you said is inaccurate, cuz there are some good points in there, but have some faith bro if your a 49er fan. I agree losing sucks, but we still have guys liek Morgan n Hill that could pan out then jones becomes our #3 which isnt so bad. Is that gonna happen... i guess it cld but lets have some faith n see.
As far as QB i feel bad. I dont know how you dont give Hill a guy who is 7-3 as a starter, i wanna say his QB rating was above 80, and he dives for first downs with no helmet. Nothing against smith but give this guy a chance!! there are teams that have won it all with game managers!
Alex just saved some money to further improve the roster.
He effectively conceded that his time is limited unless he grows a pair and takes control.
I give him enough credit to realize he's on the edge, looking into a very dark canyon of mediocrity if he doesn't produce 'IT' sometime before camps concludes this Summer.
Nolan called him out, Rocky taught him what happens when you hold too long, and Martz for all his fairness, should have taught him life in the NFL isn't fair.
Look at the bottom line, it's a Win / Win for Cap Happiness.
Clock is ticking on his relevance in the NFL now. Win the job, get paid again.
Well put Shane-o
It sucks that we have to get a RT at number 10. its obviously an important position but i would love to get a beast of a pass rusher at 10. idk a enuff bout college ball to say who we shld get like that but it just seems like thats what are lacking to make Hill a winner. if we can become a top D then the offense cold come round maybe this thing starts turning around. But to be Top 10 we need a pass rush! it helps the secondary, n creates TOs! or maybe Harlson pans out? any thoughts?
Sanchez showed what exactly in 16 games on arguably the best stacked college roster in the PAC10?
Here's a shot this April to do what probably should have been done in '05 - Draft an OT.
I think many of us would agree, Alex is no Peyton.
If Nolan made the pick or Scot made the pick, we wrote the checks.
In the business world, we just repaired some bad investments.
It still comes down to competition in the NFL.
He either fights to win or watches from the sidelines again.
This time it doesn't hit the cap as hard.
IMO Smith better look like a legitamite PRO BOWLER to win this job from Hill this off season. I mean every pass better be so on the money its sick. cuz we all know as 49er fans hill is not a practice player but he is gritty which i love n he finds ways to win... n i like winning!! i wld love to see us have a young QB with a rocket arm that makes all the throws as well but i wanna win more and im really getting behind Shaun Hill
On the DL it's a tough call between stud OLB pass rusher vs stud 2-gapping NT.
For example with a guy like Raji (who we won't get) he also is a solid penetrator as well as a 2-gapper. A guy of his caliber can push the pocket, stuff the run, & will command double teams. In turn this improves our EXISTING pass rush, improves the secondary coverage, & VERY IMPORTANTLY protects Willis to let him roam & go to the ball which he didn't get to do much of last year because of our lacking DL play especially before Nolan left. Point is a true 2-gapping stud NT will maximize our pass rushers talents. IE - Parys, Justin Smith, & hopefully Manny can show us something now that Singletary will send him more & try to use him for what we drafted him for.
But I agree that we still lack a true legit stud #1 WILL OLB pass rusher. Orapko's pluses for me is he's a true natural 250-260 lbs but he plays stiff on his drop back pass coverage which is one of his occasional responsibilities at OLB. I don't know about his run support abilities/instincts but suspect he should be fine here. Everett Brown is my #1 rated OLB pass rusher.
Other NT's available: Ron Brace I'd like in the 3rd but because of the shortage will go 2nd RD. Next is Sammy Lee Hill who I like in the 4th RD if he lasts. And IMO we absolutely should go after Antonio Dixon/MIAMI who was a projected 3rd rounder but is recovering from a knee injury this year. He's now projected at 6th or 7th. We should make him a project a la what the Raiders did with Michael Bush. That NT is key in the 3-4 & you keep hitting it until you get it right IMO. 6th or 7th rounder for that type of potential talent is peanuts. Wes Bunting of the NFP has already told me Dixon WILL MAKE AN NFL ROSTER. He's got that type of talent. All these NT's I've listed are all in the 6-3, 330 lb range & they all have some athleticism.
Like it or not A Smith is a 49er and for all the kid has been thru (with the reduction in pay as a now solidified condition) I'm glad he has a chance to show us if he be the a top flight QB-I have my doubts like many here but unlike some I thought the kid showed great courage and determination in the past in face of great pain and hostility.A great coach once said"Adversity is the state in which a man most readily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then'' Let's hope that having seen more of himself he saw a true leader there...S.Hill, it would seem ,certainly has !!!
"...his shoulder injury is the exact same one in 07 that Eli Manning had but the only difference is Eli missed half a game and took his team to a superbowl title and Alex and his minions used it as an excuse for his garbage play..."
Exact same injury? Really? Grade 3 (out of 6) shoulder separation with two completely torn ligaments? Try again. Manning had a Grade 1, no tears, only a contusion to the AC joint - feel free to look it up. That's the difference between being thrown on your shoulder (Manning) and having 300-plus pounds of Rocky Bernard land on top of you, driving your shoulder into the ground (Smith). Don't believe me? Try it for yourself and let me know how it goes.
Oh, and I checked Smith's stats for 2006...he threw for more yards (2,890) than Delhomme, McNabb, Leinart, Vick, Hasselbeck, Vince Young and David Garrard; a higher percentage (58.1-56.0) and better passer rating (74.8-72.7) than Favre; and fewer INTs than Favre, Eli and Roethlisberger.
Stellar? Hardly. Sucky? Not even close - the Raiders' Andrew Walter had a 55.8 rating, 3 TDs and 13 INTs.
Besides, as someone who had to endure the follies of Ryan Leaf (who, by the way, was 4-17 as a starter), I know a REAL QB bust when I see one.
You are wrong I did look it up, also Dr, James Andrews cleared Alex Smith to play football do your homework he said he could play there was no structural damage it was only "a matter of pain threshold". Your grasping at straws, 16 tds & 16 ints behind a line that paved the way for a franchise record 1,790 rushing yards with Gore, every defense was stacking the box focusing only on Gore and Antonio Bryant getting open nearly every play most qbs would throw for 3000 yards and 22 tds in their sleep. He is a goofy deer in headlights bum and I dont need to see another wasted season of blooper reels to figure it out. No way that loser beats hill anyway alex is a 4 million a year lamp post.
ReggieMcGrew Dr. Andrews did not "clear" him. It is up to team doctors to "clear" him. When Alex went back to Andrews after that Seattle game, Andrews said "it was worse than I initially thought." i.e. HE MADE A MISTAKE SAYING HE WAS HEALTHY.
All he did initially was look at MRI's that were sent to him by team doctors, he did not examine him personally. If you do "look it up" like you say, you'll find that he said he could make a more accurate judgment if he did examine him personally. The only straw-grasping is yours.