MIKE SINGLETARY
On what he likes best when he looks at Shaun Hill:
"I like the consistency. I think he has a commanding presence about him when he gets in the huddle. I think the guys have learned to rally around him and his leadership. Alex Smith continues to do that. Alex Smith, as I said before, made great strides. I'm very excited about what he brings and what he's had to work through to get to this point. Shaun, right now, really offers a lot of leadership and I'm excited about that."
On when he felt Shaun Hill started to separate himself:
"Well, there was never a huge gap at any particular time, but I think it some of the intangibles that I talked about just a couple of minutes ago. It's just a matter of Shaun having a presence in the huddle, leading us through the end of last season and really having the confidence coming into this, probably feeling in his mind that he was the guy all along. Alex Smith, on the other side, having to prove that he can get through all of the stuff to get to a point of competing. I'm very proud of what he's had to overcome. The injuries, the setbacks, all of the other intangible stuff that no one really understands he's had to work through, and I'm extremely proud of that, about Alex."
On whether this competition makes him feel better about his backup, seeing what he saw:
"One of the things that I want to stress, and I stress it to them, is don't see backups. One of the things that I don't want on this team is backups. I want starters and I want number twos. I want number twos to feel that at any given time that they go in, they are playing, there should not be a huge drop-off. They are only number twos because they are not as good as number ones for whatever reasons, but I don't want to use backups. And I stressed that to Alex. Just because Shaun is the starting quarterback, I don't want Alex to feel like, 'Ok, now I'm just a guy out here in the dark.' No, I want to continue to develop the rapport and relationship with the quarterbacks as well as everybody on this team. That's very important to me. Everything is about relationships. So I made sure that I stress that today."
SHAUN HILL
On his reaction to being named the starting quarterback:
"Obviously I was very excited. This was obviously the goal of mine coming into the offseason. That part was exciting. I know there is a lot of work yet to be done. I need to get better and this offense needs to get better. I definitely can't stop and smell the roses, you know. We have a lot of work to do."
On whether he will approach practice differently now:
"No. I approach practice the same way. The thing that is a little bit different is if I feel like things need to be tweaked or changed to make me more comfortable, I can express those things now, whereas before, you can't really do that because it changes for everybody, all the quarterbacks. Now we will be able to adjust a few things here and there. If something makes me more comfortable we will be able to do it. Nothing comes to mind right off-hand, but that is just kind of the process."
On QB Alex Smith's training camp:
"He has looked good. Obviously his shoulder isn't bothering him at all - he is laying out defensive ends and tackling linebackers. But in all seriousness, he had a lot of zip and he is throwing it well. He looked healthy. It speaks volumes to the type of guy he is, he was out there today helping me out on a few things he saw. It was nice that is wasn't awkward today at all. He was very helpful out on the practice field, and that was wonderful."
ALEX SMITH
On his mindset after being informed that Shaun Hill would start:
"It's nothing you ever like to hear. Hopefully nothing you ever get used to hearing. It's not fun, but at the same time, it doesn't change anything for me. My mindset can change. I think that's the difference between the good ones and the ones you forget about, the guys that can keep the right mindset and continue to improve and not relax and not get comfortable. You've got to continue to push it and be ready."
On whether it's still his goal to be a starting quarterback in the NFL:
"No question. The shot is going to come; the opportunity is going to come. The question is whether or not you're going to be ready for it. That's the kind of mindset you have to have."
On whether he's thought that being the No. 2 could work to his advantage in the long run:
"I don't know if I think, necessarily, like that. I definitely take the perspective - one snap away. How many quarterbacks can play all year? Obviously, I hope nothing but the best for Shaun and health and everything. But, you have to be ready to go. The real world is, it's my job now to be ready to go. I'm taking the mindset that my progress, my development doesn't stop just because I'm not getting reps with the ones - can't stop."
On whether he second-guesses himself:
"No. No, I'm not. And, I'm not looking back. This isn't like something has ended for me. It hasn't. I'm not taking that mindset. I'm still playing quarterback. I'm going out there. I'm getting better. I'm going to continue to develop. I'm going to continue to learn this offense - work hard. It's not like I'm on vacation now or anything, looking back on the competition."
"he was the guy all along."
-nuff said.
Exactly Stampede !!!
Hey Matt,What is Snyder's status?
taking outta context dude. im still pulling alex!! i like how hasnt giving up!!
Out of context? Not at all Oneniner's mini me. Shaun Hill indeed was the guy all along. This competition was intended to pull the most out of A.Smith as possible. Mission accomplished. Now, we move forward.
You are right though, A.Smith is a rider for not giving up the ghost and trying to reconcile his career with the 49ers. He's definately a man first before he's a football player.
Put all this QB stuff aside, anybody else excited by the fact that we finally have a RT we can depend upon in Snyder!?
We haven't had such a promising/youthful solution at that spot since 2002! -Bye Bye Barry Sims (and don't let the door hit ya on the way out).
You see, this is why I love Sing. -He's a 'player's coach', if he sees talent and confidence within a certain player he'll give them the shot, and the players will fight for his respect! -I mean how can you honestly let a guy like Sing down and live with yourself!?
I just read that Snyder might be good to go in the last preseason game against SD !!! That is great news if true !
I don't think Singletary really gave either QB a real chance to prove who is best at this stage. Hill has only completed about six passes all preseason and Alex hasn't done much either. I think Sing should've given them both a half alternating quarters before making up his mind. I think it was made up all along. I hope Hill does great but I'm afraid he just doesn't have "it" but I've been wrong before and may be this time. I do think when it is all said and done that Alex will have a better career than Hill whether it will be with the Niners is another question.
...And I agree with you about Alex being a man. I never bought into that talk about him being thought of as weak and soft etc. I thought he showed great toughness when he tried to play through his shoulder injury,to not let the team and his coach down.
And how about that block and that tackle last Sat.?
I always thought he was a class guy and nice kid and a tough competitor. I just don't think he is very skillfull at the QB job,in the NFL.
your awesome. i love you.
txtumbleweed: Hill had the 2nd half of 2008 to prove himself and he earned Sing his HCing job by winning games. That is all the chance Hill needed.Did anyone really think that if Alex didn't show much more than he ever had before in TC and preseason,that he had any chance to unseat hill ?
Hill IS the starter for the entire 2009 season ,unless there is injury or unless Hill sucks. That is the fact,Smith will not get a chance to learn the system better and then take over. Not a chance,NONE. And by next year,Davis will be at least the backup.(we all hope,because that means he is progressing to become the franchise guy they drafted him to be).
Snake, I mos def agree w/ you. Stability on the o-line is key. I love Snyder for steppin up and tellin coach he needs to be at tackle for a while to be successful. Try to feel me on this tho Snake; I hate to dwell on that Crabtree situation, but doesn't Michael Oher look better and better everyday Crabs holds out, or is it just me?
TOP - that block was BRUTAL! I said it in a previous post, but when I saw that block I damn near blew a gasket. It was off the hook to see Alex dig into Ellis' like that.
Smith is the man glad you see that
Mark my words, Alex Smith will be a very successful starting QB in the NFL one day. I hope it's here in San Francisco, but who knows what might happen. He is too smart, too tough, and has way too much talent not to be successful. He has shown progress when it comes to improving the not-so-good aspects of his game. He is very coachable and always working hard. He has what it takes, it's just a matter of everything falling into place, and he's definitely on the right route. He's still young and has a tremendous upside. At some point he WILL turn the corner and be the quarterback everyone thought he could be when he was drafted.
On another note, I'm not at all surprised about the decision to start Shaun Hill. He has been working hard, and he deserves a shot to play a full season. I'm excited to see what he can do, and I hope he can play as well as expected. GO NINERS!
1.) O-Line looked great on Sat... Synder will be back =)
2.) Crabtree is an idiot. He's holding out on pure pride at this point.
3.) Smith leveled Ellis and then stared him down!!! Loved it
I'll be there in AZ 4 season opener... HILL DON'T LET ME DOWN!!!!
Seriously, give it a rest with your man crush on Nate Davis. Are you two dating yet? Honestly, everyone here is curious!
He won't start or be the backup next year, and Smith isn't going to be cut. I bet you had the same obsession with Giovanni Carmazzi when he was drafted.
great list! good job!
A no brainer. Hill probably isn't going to make a pro bowl anytime soon but he reads the defense and gets the ball out. He's a legit starting QB in this league imo.
Let's roll!
Snyder was better than Kwame Harris when he entered the NFL,was solid in 06,and was ready for a break-out year at RT when he was put on the versatility merry-go round.Another example of Coach Sing emphasizing a player's strength.Rachel and Snyder should be a brutal combo.
Oh man, Stampede, the fact that we didn't jump on Michael Oher still stings me. -Imagine that junkyard dog next to Rachel... we would have easily had the best right side in the NFC West (maybe even the NFC as a whole).
Meanwhile, we pretty much wasted our first round pick. It's very impulsive to say Michael's career is already over, but if Crabs doesn't play at least 10 games his rookie season it's safe to say he's on the J.J. Stokes super highway.
Congrats, Shaun!! Keep your head up, Alex. Some glimmer of hope for the niners... Shaun was the fourth best QB in the 4th qtr last season. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4418854
Man, I try not to get too caught up in it cus I know its business but I mean damn, when does it become about the team? Get into camp already.
Truth - did u just drop a Kwame Harris on us??? There's no cursing allowed in this blog!
Snake - time will tell brotha, hopefully we can look back on this and it'll be an insignificant memory. But for now, its mos def not a good look for Mr. Crabtree.
2 things... (Even though Crabtree is an idiot)
a.) Crabtree is a collegiate stud. He's an idiot... but just read his Bio and wtach the youtube highlights. The youngman is going to kick booty for us. (fingers crossed)
b.) So far this hasn't been brought up... McGM made a pretty damn good choice on Coffee!!!
12. Denver - Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia (1st)
27. Indianapolis Donald Brown, RB Connecticut (1st)
31. Arizona - Chris Wells, RB Ohio State (1st)
53. Philadelphia - LeSean McCoy, RB Pittsburgh (2nd)
65. NY Jets (from Detroit) - Shonn Greene, RB Iowa (3rd)
74. San Francisco - Glen Coffee, RB Alabama (3rd)
Looking very good right now... and did I mention Kory Sheets??? hahahahaha
Not blaming Singletary here, but let's not forget what a raw deal Alex has received throughout his career. Can't remember any #1 pick (other than maybe David Carr) to have less talent, organizational consistency or support during his development. Can't say for sure that Aaron Rodgers would be faring any better right now., and in honesty, he's one of the most mystifying"busts" I can think of. We still don't really know what he is, and haven't seen him "play" since Week 3 2007.
Prolly the end of Alex's 49ers career--really stinks for a CA kid who had the talent, work ethic and desire to succeed. I wish him luck--wherever his next stop is.
I wish Hill great success but Alex continues to grow and show dignity, class, maturity and is finally being treated as a professional by the 49ers. Every team needs at least two quality quarterbacks to do the job. i feel the 49ers will surprise some people with the quality of their quarterback play.
Do not be surprised if Alex is the man leading the team to the playoffs in December!
The 49ers will be more than fine in 2009!
The Disney Hollywood movie...
"Shaun Hill the 8th yr., 1st time starter takes his team to the playoffs with a 11 - 5 record. In the 2nd Quarter of the Wildcard Game Hill goes down with injury and is replaced by former #1 pick... Alex Smith. Smith battles out 3 games and takes the team to the Superbowl with a last minute 4th quarter drive in the NFC Championship Game. Going into the Superbowl both QB's were healthy and looking for the start. '4th down and goal... QB lines up under center... he takes the snap... fakes to Gore and runs to the right... no ones open... ducks under... looks to left and let's it fly... IN THE CORNER... DAVIS... TOUCHDOWN FORTY NINERS!!!!!!!'"
Who's the QB???
hahahaha... No more Corona :P
THE END -
This is going to be a long season.
The first 4 games will tell us all we need to know about Shaun Hill, AND this defense. The first game features one of the most potent passing attacks in the NFL and a Super Bowl caliber defense. They proved that in the Playoffs.
If we're no better than 2-3 at the bye, we're in trouble. Don't be surprised if that's exactly what we are. And don't be surprised if Smith hits the field as the starter at some point this season.
Some of you gloom and doomers really crack me up. Nobody knows...not you, me, or any of us fans how well Hill or the Niners will do this year. Every season, there are surprise teams...we could be one of 'em. We also might not be one of 'em. The NFC West should be wide open...both Cards and 'Hawks look to be the teams to compete w/Niners. Rams still don't look good. However, it's too early to tell anything definitive at this point. We have to learn to win the close games...using a power running game to keep the opponents offense off the field's a great start. It helps our defense stay fresh so they can attack rather than react. Hill has better weapons to work with. Getting Crabtree on the field will only give him more. Let's see what our guys can do before we predict what they can't.
A few losing games and we will be calling for Hill's butt.
Congrats to him!
2 Things: 1) re: A Smith: When you're given a shot in the NFL, you need to seize it and prove yourself BIG time, if you're going to be an impact player. ALL the great ones do that at some point. And very few blow it the first few times (Bradshaw, but then he got 4 rings, so....)
2) re: Crabtree. Like all fans, I got jazzed about getting the glamour offensive guy in the draft. But, highly drafted receivers almost NEVER make it big in the NFL - big waste of a first round pick He'll sign, but we should trade him if possible for a future number one.
Respectfully, your comment makes no sense.
Maybe the two best WR's in the NFL (Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson) were both the #3 pick in the first round.
Santonio Holmes was a first round pick.
Randy Moss.
Calvin Johnson.
Reggie Wayne.
Roddy White.
Dwayne Bowe.
Jerry Rice.
Michael Irvin.
Actually, Calvin Johnson (a first round, #2 pick) belongs in the group with Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson.
Those three are probably the best WR's in the NFL today.
All high first rounders.
Crabtree will be just fine, once he joins the team.
...sucks...another losing season
Yeah hes got leadership and gets the ball out quick. But what happens when teams put 9 guys in the box, can he throw the ball effectively down the field. I say no! I look back to the 2nd Rams game last year when Hill had to throw one deep down the field and if was not for Morgan leaping up to grab that hail mary/dead duck floater, it would have been game over. This is a safe decision by the 49ers and I think we will be a ball control/ boring team to watch. The west coast Ravens minus the studs on defense!
NFL Network gave there two cents on the QB situation in SF going forward. Based on what they saw from Nate Davis, they believe whoever finishes the year as the starter will likely stick around next year. The other person will be gone and the competition will be between Davis and X. What they liked about Davis are generally the same things I saw and hard to teach: pocket awareness, good decision-making and a feel for the game.
BTW: Everything Smith has yet to show after five years in the league. That is pretty pathetic...guy still looks like a rookie.
Niners will win the West, so stop all the negativity. Over the past 10 years only 1 or 2 team returned to the playoffs after losing the SB. Also, Seattle's OL is in deep ****. Walter Jones is out indefinately, Mike Wahle did not pass physical and was released, and their starting C out for a few games at least...NOT GOOD. St. Louis just plain sucks.
Hi Matt, One of Coach Walsh's many talents was to cut loose with a guy at the right time. I look at the starters over the past years, Dilfer, O'Sullivan, Hill, Rattay, Dorsey,
Pickett, and a few others not worth mentioning, can you win with any of these guys? I get the feeling Hill will play, in the immortal words of Bill Walsh, just good enough to get beat. Going after Warner should've been a wake-up call, for us it was not. Play tough and if the season starts slipping away give Davis a shot, cut ties with Smith and stockpile more picks to take a shot in the upcoming draft.
oneniner,
Cheer up ALL 49er fans need to support whoever the starting QB is & stay positive. Now that Hill was named the starter he can finally get alot more work which he really needs. Now the only concern I have is the pass rush or lack of. Seriously guys if the 49ers do not get a sack against the Cowboys which is the Pre-season game where the starters are left in the longest wouldn't it be time to be "terrified?" I hate to use such a dramatic adjective but that's the way I'm going to feel. 49er Empire, your thoughts?
If I recall correctly, Bill Walsh's mantra was, "Better (to trade a player) one year too early than one year too late".
Wait. Sing wants to be nice and avoid telling guys they're the backup, instead choosing to tell them they're not as good as the ones?
He's so sweet!
Trade deadline for Crabtree has passed! Quit beating the horse everyone, it's dead already!
And Alex Smith is too smart for the constant second person speeches. Stop doing that crap!
I think it has more to do with mentality. Think of Jeff Garcia. After signing with the Raiders with the complete knowledge that he was signing as a #2 (or backup, if you prefer), he comes forward and says he's the better quarterback and he should be starting.
When you have a #2 who sees himself as the #1 guy regardless of his depth chart position, you get Steve Young instead of Jim Sorgi.
I agree that teams need 2 quality QB's. But the reality for us 9ers are that all we have are 2 serviceable & mediocre QB's. Hill was the obvious choice to be the Starter because he somewhat helped Coach Sing get his HCoaching job. And he also provided the better mediocre play. IMO, we will be fortunate to win 9 games with our serviceable QB's. I don't believe any of our opponents will be game planning on how to stop our QB's. I for one am excited (more than past few years) about this season, but trust me, during the course of the season, more often times than not, MM's blog will be filled with the mediocre and non-existent play of our QB's --- hey do I sound like Lowell Cohn? Heaven forbid .................... GO NINERS!!!
BTW, niner FO, take a lesson from Dr. Jerry Buss -- Pull the CashTree offer off the table. Buss did that this summer to L.Odom and look what happened - he signed for less than the original offer.
THANK GOD!!
Nice to see what the people involved have to say for the QBs (and themselves). I think Hill is the right choice, but I hope that if Smith comes around during the season and begins outplaying Hill, he'll get his shot. At any rate, best of luck to Hill. I think this is the right choice, and can't wait for this season to get underway!
Actually, I feel good for Alex! He's been through a LOT MORE than most QB's do in the life of their careers! He can now relax more and see things from the sideline and help Hill with the things he sees! He's a GREAT kid and I really believe he will get his shot!
Thanks Alex for letting us see you have nerve and guts! And I know you can lead the team when your time comes! PLEASE HELP Hill when he comes to the sideline! Don't be like JTO and go sit and pout by yourself! The future will be a LOT BRIGHTER for you I'm sure!
Well said. I respect both qb's, but do not think either one is going to lead us to the promise land.
If the 49ers lose a lot early, I doubt it will be on the shoulders of Hill alone. It is a team sport. The OL has to be able to pass protect in addition to run block. The DL has to get a consistent push. If these things do not happen, it will not be because of who lines up under center.
I hope we see some pressure on Romo this weekend. It is also noteworthy that our best pass rusher (or sacker, anyway) has not played a down this preseason (Parys).
Preseason is preseason. Everyone is hopeful. Our running game has been good over the last two years but the areas of greatest need since last year.
1) Pass Rush
2) Pass Protection
3) QB Play
So what really has changed? Coach Singletary is a better coach than Nolan.
I believe we will be a be a better team, but how much better is the question? I am sill not convinced we have the overall team talent. A better attitude, a better scheme, a better coach, yes!
But are we better at Pass Rush, Pass Protection, and QB Play? That will determine the season.
Hill was always the right choice. I just don't think Alex has what it takes. He should have been groomed. He was not s #1 pick. If you are a stud you step up when ir is time to shine. Flacco didn't look great last year but you could tell he knew how to play and had presance. Smith just looks uncuthe.
As for Crabtree I assume he will sign by week one. If not then this guy is just silly and I would suspect there is a bigger issue there then just money.
Pass rush will be the death of us. NT too. Listen I don't need sacks as much as I'd like disruption in back field. I don't see this enough so far this pre season.
Hill should play the entire first half against the cowboys, even if we handoff 70% of the time. The second half belongs to davis and Huard to battle for #3. The last game would be a mix of Hill and smith for two series each and the rest to davis and huard PLUS I want to see the taser.
Hill was always the right choice. I just don't think Alex has what it takes. He should have been groomed. He was not s #1 pick. If you are a stud you step up when ir is time to shine. Flacco didn't look great last year but you could tell he knew how to play and had presance. Smith just looks uncuthe.
As for Crabtree I assume he will sign by week one. If not then this guy is just silly and I would suspect there is a bigger issue there then just money.
Pass rush will be the death of us. NT too. Listen I don't need sacks as much as I'd like disruption in back field. I don't see this enough so far this pre season.
Hill should play the entire first half against the cowboys, even if we handoff 70% of the time. The second half belongs to davis and Huard to battle for #3. The last game would be a mix of Hill and smith for two series each and the rest to davis and huard PLUS I want to see the taser.
....When your OC says: "This ball club is going to be run by 21." That is, the Shaun Hill-Alex Smith battle is secondary to Frank Gore..
When was the last time a team depended on its RB to lead them ...hmm.....
.... 2008 RAMS, 2008 chiefs, 2008 Vikings(at least they barely made the playoffs)
- its 2009 any of issues with those teams?...
Hill was always the right choice. I just don't think Alex has what it takes. He should have been groomed. He was not s #1 pick. If you are a stud you step up when ir is time to shine. Flacco didn't look great last year but you could tell he knew how to play and had presance. Smith just looks uncuthe.
As for Crabtree I assume he will sign by week one. If not then this guy is just silly and I would suspect there is a bigger issue there then just money.
Pass rush will be the death of us. NT too. Listen I don't need sacks as much as I'd like disruption in back field. I don't see this enough so far this pre season.
Hill should play the entire first half against the cowboys, even if we handoff 70% of the time. The second half belongs to davis and Huard to battle for #3. The last game would be a mix of Hill and smith for two series each and the rest to davis and huard PLUS I want to see the taser.
Our biggest problems the last 2 years has been scoring touchdowns within the 5 yard line. It has hurt us and even with Gore we had problems. It may seem in the PS that we can do a much better job of scoring in that range. But PS is just that, PS.
We have to overcome this problem this year and make the changes necessary to do it. Seems like they have, but let's still cross our fingers!