It happens every summer. Somebody stands out in the second half of exhibition games to emerge as a fan favorite.
Through the first two 49ers exhibition games, the player generating the most buzz is rookie quarterback Nate Davis. He played eight snaps in the first game - all handoffs. Against the Raiders, he completed 6 of 11 with 67 yards and a touchdown.
"It felt good, like I was back at Ball State. . . . The game's a little faster, that's all. You can adjust to that. . . . (I) just got to keep on working hard."
That's what Davis told me after the game. He seems like a nice enough young man, but it did take three separate questions to coax that out of him.
I think we'll learn a lot more about Davis this week. He might see a lot of playing time against the Cowboys on Saturday. Backup quarterback Alex Smith is out with a thumb sprain. Shaun Hill is questionable with a low-back strain.
Today, Davis and 36-year-old veteran Damon Huard were the only two 49ers quarterbacks healthy enough to take snaps in practice.
This is one of the 49ers' big roster decisions. Most teams in the NFL keep three quarterbacks, but every year there are several teams that keep two and several teams that keep four. I do not believe the 49ers have yet made that decision.
I received a lot of questions about Nate Davis, but most of them were along the same lines. Here's everything boiled down into two questions:
Q: What are the chances that Nate Davis gets the nod over Huard? (Alex N)
A: If it were a straight-up competition in which the third-quarterback job were awarded to the player on the roster the team would be third-most confident in to enter a regular-season game this season, I don't think there is any question that Huard would get the call.
The argument has been made that the season will already be lost if the 49ers lose their first two quarterbacks - for any reason. I don't necessarily buy that, though. After all, if you listen to Mike Singletary and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye, it's pretty clear they do not expect their quarterback(s) this season to be slinging the ball around the field and singlehandedly winning games. They want a good decision-maker who is not going to lose games.
But, clearly, there are a lot of factors that come into play. If the 49ers' coaching staff and front office have been impressed with Nate Davis - on the field and off - and believe he has a chance to develop into a darn good quarterback, it would be wise to keep him around and take no chance of losing him.
The 49ers could take a chance the other way, too. They could release Huard at the start of the season and keep Davis as the third QB. Then, if there's an injury, they could re-sign Huard - assuming he does not latch on elsewhere with another team.
Q: If Nate Davis gets put on the practice squad can he get picked up by another team? What are the chances of this happening? (Jack O)
A: In order for any player to be placed on the practice squad, he must first be waived by Sept. 5, the deadline for all NFL teams to reach their 53-man roster limits. Once that player hits the waiver wire, any team can claim him. If multiple teams make waiver claims, the club with the worst record gets him.
I don't think Davis would get claimed for the following reasons: 1) Any team that claims him would have to place him on their 53-man roster; 2) He was a late fifth-round draft pick, so every team in the league had multiple chances to select him; 3) Only one team showed up at his pro day; 4) There has never been a question about his physical skills (here's a pre-draft write-up from Rob Rang), but teams were concerned about his learning disability. Any team claiming him now, would be forcing him to learn a new playbook without the benefit of training camp.
The team that attended his pro day was the Indianapolis Colts, who selected Purdue QB Curtis Painter in the sixth round (after the 49ers took Davis). Painter has completed 21 of 36 passes for 193 yards and an interception. He has his own fan-favorite thing going on in Indianapolis after showing good mobility and a strong arm. It looks as if Painter will win a roster spot, and the Colts will keep a third QB for the first time in a while.
Once a player is on the practice squad, he is still a free agent, of sorts. Any team can pluck a player off another team's practice squad, but that player must be on his new team's 53-man roster. The 49ers - or any team - can sweeten the pot to keep a player by paying him more than the practice-squad minimum salary of $5,200 a week. Or, once the 49ers hear rumbling they could lose a player off their practice squad, they could promote him to the 53-man roster.
Q: Nate Davis, enough potential to start in 2010? (Brian D)
A: Enough potential? Absolutely. But Davis might be a project, too. Also, if the 49ers are in need of a young starter next year, the team might be in position to invest a first-round pick on one of the top QBs in next year's draft class. (You know the names.)
But if you're sensing a little hesitancy before I declare Davis is going to be the next great quarterback, you're correct. He has the potential. A lot of players have the potential. But I don't have a good feel one way or another yet whether he possesses all the immeasurable skills and traits that NFL quarterbacks need to succeed.
* * *
I'll tell you who doesn't have the potential to be a great QB:
Hill
Smith
Huard
enough said.
Minimum $5200 a week. Ugh.
Cody Pickett looked excellent in his first preseason action, and he was a fan fave, too. Davis faces long odds -- like every young QB -- and until he proves himself, my eyes are on next year's draft (McCoy).
What is it with you people....
Hill has done nothing but play hard and lead this team to more wins than anyone since Garcia.
Let him have his shot and if he doesn't live up to the standard of play... then start throwing your tomatoes
I actually think that since Hill has been named the starter the Ninerrs may explore a trade of Smith and keep Huard and Davis. Kinda risky but if they can get a 3rd or 4th for Alex I say do it!
I think Singletary and Raye have been honest when saying that the 3d QB spot hasn't been decided. It will depend upon how much Davis shows in the next two games. In that sense, give Davis credit he has put himself into the equation for a roster spot. If Davis looks like a rookie and makes rookie mistakes, I think they'll try and sneak him through waivers for the three reasons Matt mentioned. But, if he looks pretty good and shows potential then I think they cut Huard and run the risk of being able to re-sign him if Hill or Smith go down to a prolonged injury during the season. All this assumes, of course, that none of the QBs suffer and IR serious injury between now and final cut day. If anyone does, the injured party cuts himself.
Remember three things: 1) SF has two #1 picks in next year's draft; 2) this team is a top flight QB and a decent pass rusher away from contending for a playoff spot on a regular basis; and 3) Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford are coming out next year (and who knows, maybe even Tebow suprises us with NFL-caliber passing this year). So thinking about today's SF QB situation, I believe, requires a short- and long-term view of who you want to invest in and how much.
Depending on how he does against Dallas your view regarding Nate Davis making it to the practice squad might be premature. If he does well and I fully expect that he will, I'll bet you dinner that if he is on the waiver wire he will not make it to the practice squad.
MM – I have been meaning to ask you: Is there any concern that the 49ers are not practicing against a 4-3 defense enough? There were a few sounds bites from offensive players coming out of the Napa practices that the offense had to adjust to the Raiders 4-3 as they were used to a 3-4 in practice. Three of our four preseason games are also against 3-4 teams (Denver, Dallas, San Diego). However, we open the season with 9, yes Nine, straight games against 4-3 teams. I’d be curious to get your thoughts on playing against a 3-4 everyday in practice and in 3/4 preseason games and then shifting to 9 straight games REAL against 4-3 teams.
Matt obviously did not watch any of the regular season Ball St. games last season. If it weren't for his bad bowl game performance and insistence of wearing gloves, Davis would've been a late 1st or early 2nd round pick. NFL Draft Scout even had listed as so, prior to the bowl game. There is no doubt in my mind he would get picked up by another team if put on waivers. I usually agree on everything with Maiocco, but this time I think he's dead wrong.
Escobar - If you knew Matt or followed this blog around draft time, you would know that he and his fellow beat writers watched A LOT of Nate Davis last year in the 49ers press trailer. He wasnt worth a 4th or early/mid 5Th round pick, but you are convinced he will be picked up on waivers?
Tebow is my choice. A perfect fit for Singletary's scheme. Lee Corso said he is one of the two greatest football leaders he has ever seen. Roger Staubach being the other.
Tebow is one of those rare individuals who just wins. I don't get the complaints about his arm. I have seen him roll left and throw across him body as a receiver runs down-field right.
Besides two NCCA National Championship Rings!
Thanks Matt for stating what I already posted a couple of days ago on Barrows blog (TOP_HAT are you reading this?) For a team to snag Davis from the 49er PS if they decide to go that route then any team that did so would have to keep Davis on their 53 man roster. That being said I've taken the time to look at every QB situation in the NFL & sorry but I just don't see any team taking Davis. As Matt stated it's highly unlikely that any team would snag a 5th rounder especially when there was only 1 team to go to his Pro Day.
And if you reread the post it states that prior to the Buffalo game and bowl game he was 1st round or early 2nd material. I remember people on this blog who did not think he would make it to the 2nd round. He had 2 bad games coupled with the gloves issue and the learning disability. IMHO he throws the ball better than Rothlisberger, quicker release and is smoother in the pocket. If we are running with Gore inc. I see no reason if called upon he cannot be our 3rd QB in such an offense.
I agree, I don't think he would clear waivers. The answer is keep 4 QB's on the roster.
Really? I'm glad you've got your pulse on all the NFL GMs' mindset as it pertains to their QB issues. I feel confident now in regulating Mr. Davis to the practice squad. Thanks Mr. F49er.
If you're being sarcastic Razor then just answer the question....what team is going to take a 5th round draft pick onto their 53 man roster? I really would like to hear your answer.
Please no Tebow - The last thing we need is another Urban Myer spread offense guy. He's going to be a handed Alex Smith.
As for Davis I doubt they would try to go the practice squad route. Teams don't draft a guy in the 5th round and then put him on the practice squad. Any team carrying 3 QB's (and then has one get injured) is going to sign him and put him on their regular season squad. They will either keep 4 QB's or cut Huard.
The fact the Davis wears gloves, didn't run a pro style offense or doesn't throw from the laces (along with the bad bowl game) all contributed to Davis not being a 1st, 2nd 3rd or 4th rounder. Any team who took him was going to be taking a chance that his intangibles would overcome his apparent lack of fundamentals that usually make a good NFL QB. Personally because of those things and inexperience at the pro level I would keep 4 QB's and make Huard the #3 guy so Davis has time to watch & learn the in NFL with no pressure to preform for awhile.
Hi Matt, Have to agree with SB, no more spread QBs. We've had one and we're going on 5 years with no results.
An imposter!
Will the real oneniner please step forward and defend your love child Alex Smith.
All good points SB about Davis.
Still pulling for alex!
Just got the results back from the paternaty test and I'm not related to Alex Smith. Let's get rid of him while he has some worth and a reasonable contract.
Really its too early to make any judgment on Davis. With only a handful of snaps in preseason we still don't know what he has to offer besides what we already know from his college career. He looked good against the Raiders roster fillers, but maybe we'll get a good look at him this Saturday and make a more well informed judgment on what he has to offer to the Niners.
If i had to choose between him and Huard, i would reluctantly choose Huard solely because of the fact that he has played many games in the regular season and really in some ways reminds me of Hill.
Who do you think I am Carmac the Magnificent?
Look up leader in the dictionary and you'll find TimmyTebows' name. Please do not compare an Alex Smiths' heart to Tsquareds. With respect to Davis, he was 1st early second until his last 2 game debacles. I don't know about you but when I see a Sanchez go that high or Flacco or Ryan I do not think it is a stretch to say Mr. Davis has the tools to be better given the opportunities of the others, and that's not to say he should start this year by any means but to allow him to show what he has got against Dallas would be a way to either silence the "he can not do it crowd for whatever reasons" or substantiate the people who feel his role should be on the practice squad.
Okay then if you're not going to come up with an intelligent answer don't be a smart *ss!
I have been reading this blog for 2 years but I usually dont take the time to post. But I have a question for you all. Do people really think that Shaun Hill has the arm to take us deep in the playoffs? I like Shaun Hill and all but realistically he just doesnt have the physical skills does he? I know he has heart and is a good leader but at some point I'm afraid that his limited physical skills will catch up. Either in the season or the playoffs. There is a reason he was on the practice squad for most of his career. I think he is a solid back up and good to use for a few games but I am really worried about him being a legit number 1 starter for the entire season and playoffs. I still remember that horrible game last year against the Rams. It seems like many of you aren't convinced either as you are looking forward to the draft next year and possible QB's. I really wish Alex could get his act together because there is no doubt that he has the arm to be a solid QB if only he had the pocket presence of Hill. But who knows maybe Alex could learn pocket presence but Hill can't grow a stronger arm. It really sucks if you ask me.
Huard might very well be the best QB the 49ers have. His problem is that he's old. If he gets a chance to play a lot against the Cowboys he could really confuse things by playing well.
I believe McCoy and Bradford will be top 5 picks which may make Tebow available to the Niners. Also, Smith' status on the team just got stronger. Back problems can be terribly unpredictable a simple tweak or a hit can put Hill on the shelf for a game or two. So get used to the idea of having Smith here for the season. Our greatest need IMO is a dominating pass-rusher. If we fail to get a sack in the next two weeks i predict all the talk with shift from Hill/Smith/Davis/Huard to our most glaring problem; pressuring the QB!
Tim Tebow is not alex smith. Tebow can run and throw. Now just like Alex can he do it in the NFL? But besides that Tebow is a MS kind of guy. He's a man of the cross.and he plays in the SEC. Which means he's used to big games. I'd love to get Tebow, even though it's not likely unless were in the top 5 which I don't wanna be in that position. I mean seriously though which team wants to deal with a guy with ADD? quarterback is usually your smartest player. That's why Davis went late. If the niners wanna go through all the trouble he better be worth it. I'm just saying every year there's a QB coming out of college with potential let's just be a little choosey and not give this guy so much love already.
The answer would be yes, under two conditions:
1. A defense to equal or surpass the Ravens D back in 2000 (not likely).
2. A running attack to equal or surpass the Ravens Jamal Lewis back in 2000 (again, not likely).
Hill will not get it done with his arm, but a Ravens Dilfer-esque season with a few nice strikes in the end zone, but plenty of dying quails? Possibly.
Wild card knockout, and we look at a top 15 pick in the 2010 draft. I'm getting used to looking ahead into the next season.
Matt, here's the blunt question, the elephant in the room that nobody seems to be directly addressing: should the 49ers trade Alex Smith?
They've got Shaun Hill, the man of the hour; Damon Huard, their veteran backup; and Nate Davis, their wunderkind. So exactly how does Alex Smith really fit?
Wouldn't a pass rusher or a high draft pick be more valuable for the 49ers this season than Alex? It might be good for the kid too, to start over somewhere else without any of the 49ers baggage.
Hey Matt, What is the Eric Davis connection with Michael Crabtree? He always keeps saying that Crabtree is willing to hold out for the whole season because people in Crabs camp r telling him that. And it seems to me Eric Davis is all for Crabs sitting out. So Matt in your hearts of hearts what do you see happening with this situation?
Davis getting more playing time against Dallas wuld not help the 49ers this year. It may help the team next year, though.
Trading Smith? Is anyone interested in aquiring him? I don't think he's worth a high draft pick.
Who's backing up Rivers in SD? Alex would be a local favorite.
And, how about talking to Jerry J.O. in Dallas about a sign and Trade for Crabtree. Your 1st next year and we'll write the Contract immediately.
Roy and Michael, Michael and Roy, just what the locals in Big Duh can ENJOY.
The Cow Pattie Palace and 2 hometown WRs on the lower then necessary JumboTron.
Yes Sir!!
You read my mind on both points-NORV was high Alex, local boy et al. and Crabtree grew up as a Cowboy fan (the look on his face at draft time- when drafted by the 49ers could be construed as that of a kid who was force fed Castor Oil-this is projection ofcourse but take a look!LOL).
you guys are out of mind...
...you wanna trade A.Smith knowing Hill has back problems
- knowing Hill has never played a full season in 6 yrs
- knowing we are in a new offense and only 2 QB's have been taking reps...
- Knowing Huard is one hit from retiring..
- knowing Davis is raw
...i know most of you have FEELINGS - but at least please use your head - i am sure it contains sum common sense....plz try thinking it really could be helpful.....
A couple of things could affect whether Davis is picked up from waivers if the Niners decide to take a chance on shuttling him to the practice squad:
1) QB injuries in preseason. If even some backup QBs are injured, someone might well decide that a healthy Davis in hand is better than someone else's doubtful recovery.
2) Buyer's remorse. How many QBs picked up from recent drafts and free agency are disappointing their teams. Davis could be worth a flyer if any team is doubtful about the future prospects of someone on their roster.
oneniner,
This is one of the few times I totally agree with you. Guys....I can't believe some of you talking about the possibility of trading Alex right now. I mean really....now? Fans who EVEN think about trading Alex right now haven't a CLUE! It's a good thing you people are not in the management business because clearly you would fail badly or go bankrupt. So you would have Huard & the unproven but yet savior in the eyes of some fans Davis if Hill goes down. All I can say is if you're good with that then you're a knucklehead. Stop the nonsense already.
I'm with ya on that badnews. The 49ers are not going deep into the playoffs with Hill, Smith or Huard (or Davis this year, for that matter).
We can all be a little guilty of projecting when it comes to QB, because we have suffered the last 7 years. In that regard, one good sequence against Raider scrubs, and Davis stock rises. As for someone upthread saying why would anyone pluck a 5th rounder off a practice squad, well, I gotta believe that that happens every year. Teams pluck if they see potential, and they have a need. Doesn't matter if the player is from Mars.
As for Tebow, I admit I have little knowledge of him. But every highlight I see the guy is running. I want a QB who throws, first, and foremost. Scrambling ability is nice, but quick, accurate release, a good arm, and poise-in-the-pocket rule in the NFL. Not sure if that will be Tebow.
F49er and Oneniner, so true, so true. It's one thing to hate Smith so much that you pray he gets run over by a bus (as many spiritually defective individuals here do) and it's another to SERIOUSLY suggest trading him now, as though this is a CREDIBLE idea! In addition to the perilous situation it would put us in, hardly any QB has any trade value now, at the beginning of the season, with no TC reps or playbook knowledge. QBs get traded in the off season or during the season when desperation occurs because all your QBs broke their legs and your season is toast. However, I do think these mentally challenged fellows do us all a favor by making these posts and reminding us that there are a lot of dangerously malfunctioning synapse machines toddling around out there in the real world and CAUTION MUST BE EXERCISED daily!
....lol.....:)
I totally agree. We are not in an uber strong QB situation to consider trading Smith right now.
Why not make your point without throwing in your cute little jab at Mr. Davis. I do not recall him saying he was the savior.
Aaron - If I had to guess Eric Wrights source to anything Crabtree related is Deon Sanders. Eric Wright is buddies still with Deon and Deon is an "advisor/mentor" to Crabtree. Deon’s agent is also Eugene Parker. If that's the case, I worry that Wright has some pretty good sources and I don't like what I'm hearing from him. On the flip side, AOL is reporting as of last night that Crabtree is willing to compromise:
http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/08/26/no-huddle-notebook-michael-crabtree-willing-to-compromise/
Why not read his comments carefully...
he wrote - "the unproven but yet savior in the eyes of some fans"
obviously he was referring to the whinners who think davis is the great or in others terms savior....
It's Eric Davis, not Wright. Which is a bit weird, if he is abetting Crabtree's agenda while at the same time making a living doing TV color for the Niners.
Yes, those are strong points for keeping Smith. But, if I remember correctly, Smith is a free agent after the season and, if he walks, there will be no draft pick. In addition, is there that much of a drop-off from Hill to Huard?
Smith is signed for two years.
I'm not surprised at more condescending oneupsmanship from F49er but really calling people mentally defective because you don't think Hill,Huard,Davis can get the job done I would have thought beneath you.Because this is a sports blog doesn't preclude the use of manners"gentlemen".
Ah yes Davis - well did you notice he was siding with Crabtree during the first broadcast against Denver and Dennis O'Donnell nearly fell out of his chair in disbelief. Then Eric took a 180 degree turn by the second broadcast against the Raiders and said the 49ers were being fair. I have a feeling someone reminded him who was paying his salary and told him NOT to bite the hand that feeds him. BTW - is it just me or are both of them horrible? I know more about the team from reading MM's blog and this is their job.
Not necessary to characterize someone as "savior" who clearly is not narcissistic because of one or two misguided fans.
Tim Rattay
Ken Dorsey
Cody Pickett
I believe these were all, at one time, pre-season fan favorites in the QB position.
Yeah, don't you hate it when someone worships the ground an unproven, young, mediocre quarterback walks on? Oh, wait...
Kidding dude, just kidding. Seriously though, I trading Smith makes no sense, especially with Hill's back acting up again. Not to mention he almost certainly doesn't have the trade value to make it worth the risk of not having him on the roster. I know there are a lot of people who won't agree with me, but the truth is Smith is hands down a better QB than Davis at this point. He is the clear number 2. Davis isn't even the clear number 3.
1) Tim Tebow is an AWFUL passer and that is the #1 reason why he won't be a QB in the NFL.
2) I hate to say it but I think Alex Smith is done in San Francisco. He has no future here. I think he may be one of the final roster cuts if not traded. If the teams sucks, McCoy or Bradford will be drafted next April. If the 49ers are good, it will be because Hill played well and the QB position will be a non-issue for a couple of years.
3) Hill Starter, Huard Veteran Backup, Davis Future QB, Smith Traded or Cut, 2 1st Round Draft Picks in 2010 in the back pocket.
4) ScottyMac hasn't drafted enough QB's in his tenure with the 49ers. Finally he got Davis who may develop into something at a bargain early price.
Come on folks, this one's a no-brainer.....
3 quarterbacks on roster at start of season in order of rank:
1. Hill
2. Huard
3. Davis
Smith has been released unless if you can find a team naive enough to take him in a trade......
If Crabtree doesn't come in an re-enters the draft I think the 49ers get a HUGE break. I have a hard time believing at this point the Crabtree with his attitude is going to big a BIGTIME NFL Player and will never justify a 1st Round contract anyway. They get out of wasting a lot of money on another 1st round BUST. The 2009 49ers draft will be remembered for the 49ers getting one SUPERSTAR BACK in Glen Coffee and a solid NFL QB in Nate Davis and no 1st round BUST!
Alex currently has more value to us than he would to any other NFL team. If he fills in well for Hill a couple of times this season his value to other teams might rise for the following year. A team would have to be desperate to make a legit offer this year, but desperation happens now and then due to injuries. If Rivers goes down for season in SD Norv might make an offer but low probability.
Crabs to the Pokes? Jerry Jones might be the only guy in the NFL with the cojones for that move. He'd be leading candidate for the Matt Millen Personnel Management Award, but then he's not too worried about getting fired and he does always have his eyes on revenues. Crabs might sell a few seats in the new house, but Jerry might not want to give up a #1 when he could wait out this season and maybe get him for a #3 or less next spring.
Nate shows promise but its waaayyyyy early. Keep him & give him time. Some guys did well developing slowly. Steve Young was kind of a mess in his early career but it turned out pretty well for him.
My point was not about Hill, Huard, and Davis getting the job done (though, if I feel frisky today, I might address that topic). It was about the feasibility of trading Smith. In my defense, I did try to be somewhat gentlemanly, in that "defective" is an assumption that certain biological processes were simply not working (gene disorder), rather than just terming these individuals plain old stu*id (moral judgment). I suppose I could have just said, "I beg to differ," but what fun would that be.
"Steve Young was kind of a mess in his early career but it turned out pretty well for him."
- Same could be predicted of A.Smith
- I don't get how sum fans on here can't make the connection....
...its like saying i dont want a government run healthcare but dont touch my medicare....
(i don't want a QB with potential that has struggled early in his career but don't you dare say S.Young is not a hall of famer)
knbr caller says that Hill's 'back problem' was caused by too much celebrating. guess this is how rumors get started but in the big picture, i'd call it human but not great leadership if true.
Skeebers,
You'll have to excuse Razor & hightop because they're reading is not so good. They just want to read what they want to read in their heads. Unbelievable!
It's good to see the fires still there Mr. F49er.
Matt:
can you talk to your IT dept. on making the comments section more "comment friendly"? Right now, the comments are one on top of each other, with the reply referenced to a previous post. is it possible to make the comment section more like a tree branch style. if one comment generates a lot of discussion, all the related comments will be from the original post. this will make the blog much much more intuitive and informational.
sometimes, after reading a few post, i am totally lost as to which comment is it referring to.
you guys just don't have an open mind. you haven't even given hill a chance to start and you're judging him because of his weak arm. again the WEAK arm theory. please, just get off of that. i'm not saying that hill is montana, but montana didn't have a strong arm either. the niners were 6-10 the season before montana finally got his chance to start. but one thing that montana had was that he had POCKET PRESENCE and was a great field general. he use his wits and smarts and his "weak" arm to win games. you can't teach that to smith. all these years, smith still panics in the pocket. hill? all i see is he cool in the pocket and the know how to dictate his situation and execute. that is a natural ability. ANYONE can throw the ball, be it strong or weak, but you can't teach the natural leadership that montana had. and like is i said, i'm not saying hill is montana, but hill has that natural leadership! i want to see hill start and prove he can do the job. and everybody is on this davis train. yeah, i like him too, but i don't see him as the answer either. not right now. did you know that hill wasn't even a starter at maryland, but they finally put him in and he took them to a bowl game. all hill did throughout his career, if give the chance, is WIN GAMES. and everyone keep bringing up the st. louis game that hill looked awful throughout until he won it in the 4th quarter, and st. louis was a suck team and the excuse was that he should win it anyway. do everyone know the history of the 49ers? do anyone remember when the 49ers were down 35-7 to new orleans way back when? new orleans was a suck team back then and montana was sucking bad! he came back in the 4th quarter and won the game 38-35. so tell me, do you guys even open your mind and look at the history of the nfl? EVERY qb goes through this, some can come back and win it, some can't. so far, hill has been tested, and has done it. now he has a chance to start a full season with his WEAK arm and see how his natural leadership prove everyone wrong. GO NINERS!!!
Just to dispel a couple Davis things here...
1) Ball State did NOT run a spread offense, it was pro style. Just because Nate threw for big numbers doesn't mean he ran spread. The offense's backbone was the running game, MiQuale Lewis was a 1,700 yard rusher with 22 TDs. In fact, the whole reason that Nate wore gloves was to help him get the snap from under center. He didn't wear gloves in high school when he ran shotgun the whole game.
2) Nate's learning disability has a lot more to do with reading, not visuals. As much as analysts like to pontificate about the complexities of NFL offenses, Nate only really needs to learn how to read two letters (X and O) and arrows... It ain't like he has to recite The Great Gatsby or War and Peace.
Yea Baby! Go F O R T Y @#*xin N I N E R S!!!
Davis is a Project... not a starter for us this year.
Hill is the starter... but if he goes down we need SMITH. All this trade talk to trade him is making me sick. He has the best head on his shoulders and no where to go but UP.
1.) Hill
2.) Smith
3.) Huard
Davis is on practice squad. Read MM's reasons why Davis isn't going anywhere and then put it to rest.
Matt,
I am disgusted as a 49er fan that the quarter back position is down to a choice between Shaun Hill and Alex Smith. I have to place the blame on the shoulders of GM Scott McCloughan. I sat back this off season and watched as the KC Chiefs got Matt Cassell for a 2nd rd. pick and Vrabel. The Bears got Cutler for the 18th pick, next years 1st rounder and Kyle Orton. I would have even trie to work a deal with Cleveland for Brady or Anderson. The 49ers also looked absolutely comical in their pursuit of Kurt Warner. How much longer do we have to put up with McCloughans ineptness? The 'Niners have an owner who is a real green horn, a lame GM and a head coach who is inexperienced and in way over his head. Their future looks as bleak as any other in the NFL. I am a very frustrated 49er fan.
Devin
I rest my case.
I made a remark about the possibility for Smith to be traded elsewhere and lead a team to the Superbowl, questioning whether he'd be called a "bust" then, but was then told that it would only happen in fantasy land.
It's good to know that not everybody is forgetful of history.
Mr. Devin...
Why not give Hill a chance to have a full season under his belt?!? He's 5 - 0 at home and 7 - 3 as a starter. He posted a better QB rating the Cutler, Brown and Quinn yet you're disgusted. I don't get it with some of you people
quinn or anderson?? hahahahah...give me a break, anderson is inconsistent and quinn look awful. i've watched quinn play many times and hill is a better field general than either of them. singletary sees the leadership and great game management in hill, and he knows that hill can win games. GO NINERS!!
Hey One Niner-
If you're going to quote my post at least address what I've said, not what others might have.
>You have never seen me bash Alex here. I was rooting for him to win the comp, but in fact he didn't.
Yes, I still think Alex can be a winning QB in the NFL, maybe, but not likely, here. He may do it here this year and surprise us all.
>My reference to Young was in context of giving Nate Davis time to grow into an NFL QB instead of expecting too much too soon and setting him up to fail. Would you like it better if I'd used the example of Brady? Fine. He sat & learned and now he's doing rather well.
>Arguing a point is OK but it might help to pay attention to who you're debating.
....you know mental health is going to be covered in the health care bill...
......"I still think Alex can be a winning QB in the NFL, maybe, but not likely, here. He may do it here this year and surprise us all."
what is your point?
(I am having steak tonite, maybe - nah not at all.....i might just eat my steak now and suprise myself)
..lol.....if that statement isnt retarded - plz tell me why not?
Alex Smith will never win in this league because he has bad mechanics PERIOD! Until he fixes them he won't play good football. Does anyone see him on the roster in 2010?? NO, so cut the cord now. He isn't needed, Huard is as good or better and Davis is the young guy in the stable with more upside than Smith.
Gene disorder or just plain .... You be the judge.
Just never mind,Man. Everybody here has tried with you, but you seem to be hopeless.
Lol. Very much enjoy reading your posts my friend.
Ditto here, Stampede.
MATT! You have just made Top-Cat's day...or even week! That is until you got to the down side of what could happen to Davis.
I say put the kid on the practice squad. If somebody wants the kid and the 49ers see something in him, they can give him a raise in a one year contract.
But I really think the kid is just a passing breeze. You know the one that comes on a 100 degree day and is so pleasant and a surprise but is gone soon and you're back in the heat.
We have the ability with our draft picks next year to pick up a BIG TIME QB from the College ranks. And we don't have Nolan's lack of judgment (some blame McC) to skrew things up. That's all the guy ever did anyway. Except for Willis!
The team can also take the time with the QB's or QB we have to let the young QB ride the sideline and learn the system instead of ending up like poor Alex and be thrown into the fire. There's going to be some mobile, big arm QB's available in the draft next year. Let's bring one here!
Sorry Top-Cat. That's just how I feel the better move would be.
How many people on here actually watched Nate Davis in college? He had one of the strongest arms in all of football, he relatively accurate, doesn't throw many picks at all... I mean, the guy has 1st or 2nd round talent, his drop in the draft by all accounts had everything to do with other factors, but certainly not tools. Even if you throw out the whole competition thing, look at his numbers against BCS schools, might be surprised.
And as stated earlier, BSU did not run a spread offense. They ran more than they passed last season. Shoot, they even tried to commit to the run game two seasons ago when they were starting their 4th or 5th string running back for some games.
I'm not saying he should be the starter immediately or anything, but some people are spouting off about his abilities or the school and clearly are not familiar with them. I have a hard time believing a young QB with an absolute cannon for an arm won't get picked up if relegated to practice squad... Especially, if he continues to perform as he did last week, which was ONLY surprising to people who don't follow MAC football.
You just gave me a hearty laugh with your first comment! Look at the Ball St game films? First or second round pick? C'mon dude? If he was first or a second round pick, the bad All Star game wouldn't of mattered at all! The guy was 5th or 6th and that's all. Many good QB's in college have mediocre All Star games and the NFL teams take that with a grain of sand. The QB's, especially with only 2 weeks to learn the plays and get together with receivers, all have that taken into consideration.
I'm willing to say the kid (in just one game against scrubs) made a small splash, but be rational man!
Just because Teabow is a good leader doesn't mean he is going to be a good NFL QB. All it means is that he has one of the many traits it usually takes to be a good NFL QB. And if you reread my post I never compared Smith's heart w/ Teabows - I compared that they both came from Myer's gimmick, spread offence and both are very similar in the way they run the ball a lot and rollout constantly. Neither of them is fast enough to get away with that in the NFL. All the defenders, especially the LB's are bigger and faster. All I'm saying is that I'd like a guy that can take snaps constantly under center and has done it that way for awhile.
And I also never said that Davis couldn't be a great player, all I said was that there were more reasons then 2 bad games that 32 teams decided to pass on him 4 times - i.e. he wears gloves, didn't run a pro style offense has a learning disability & doesn't throw from the laces.
People get drafted where they get drafted because that is where the people in charge feel they are worth. Just because some guy puts up a ranking saying who the 1st & 2nd rounders should be, doesn't mean that he's even remotely correct. If that person really knew what they were doing they would be running a NFL team not a web site.
If Davis made it through waivers and onto our practice squad,It would be a miracle and I would be shocked,considering his great college play,and now with teams knowing his dyslexia is nothing serious when learning football.
Then if he were on our PS,it would really be a miracle if there were not a team during the season,that lost a 3rd string prospect off their team through injury or because he just wasn't as good as they thought,who didn't drool over the great natural skills of Nate Davis.
Davis will struggle as he gets playing time against Dallas and in practice against our defense etc. He is raw. But he is a great college talent ,only lacking learning and experience in the speed and difference of the NFL game.IF he learns and translates his talent into the NFL (as another of out QB draft picks has never been able to do),then he will be the Franchise ,stud,all star,QB for the Niners future.
It would be CRAZY to just assume that he would not be grabbed off of waivers for FREE,by some GM who decides he needs a #3 QB on his roster to groom for the future. And guess what,the Niners are the most needy team in the NFL as far as needing a great prospect like Davis,so why in the World would they take that huge chance? And after last weeks play against the Raiders,it is certain that many GM's around the League,are adding Davis to their lists of prospective pick ups ,if the Niners make the mistake of exposing him to waivers. Every year there are many ,many changes to rosters around the League AFTER final cuts. And one reason is because some players are picked up off waivers or added from other teams practice squads. DON'T DO IT SCOTTY !!!
Davis is the ONLY QB on our roster that MIGHT become the Franchise stud QB of the future. Why waste a couple of 1st rounders next year to get one,when we probably already have one? Especially since the one we have may be better than anything that is coming out next year anyway.
There was only one thing wrong with Teebow's passing. And that was why he listened (unlike some of these guys who think there poop doesn't stink like Sanchez)to Urban Meyer not to go into the NFL draft last year. It was his touch on passes. Meyer met with Teebow, who is the most humble kid you can imagine, and said that's what he needed to work on.
Other than that, the kid has it all. The only thing the kid has that doesn't fit the NFL is HUMILITY!
I also think Meyer didn't mind having him back for another year. Ya think?
The key for the 49ers quarterback play this season and beyond is Mike Johnson. We all have heard that Alex Smith has never learned proper professional fundamentals and Nate Davis has issues that either need to be changed or worked around.
It will be up to Mike Johnson to teach fundamentals to all quarterbacks on the team and how their footwork should be as it relates to the progression/reads in Jimmy Raye's offense.
Imagine Alex being in better sync with the play, which should improve his accuracy. Imagine Shaun using better form to get the more velocity on his throws. Imagine Nate's natural ability with proper coaching.
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
fivefouls1987 | August 27, 2009 1:47 PM | Reply How many people on here actually watched Nate Davis in college? He had one of the strongest arms in all of football, he relatively accurate, doesn't throw many picks at all... I mean, the guy has 1st or 2nd round talent
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You are exactly right Fivefouls ! (sorry Terry).
There were plenty of articles naming Davis as a 1st round draft pick ( when Ball State was undefeated,with only 2 games to go in last season). After that it came out that he was dyslexic and it was feared he might not be able to learn an NFL playbook. He also got really sick before his next game and still played,because he knew his team could never remain undefeated without him.He naturally played poorly in his weakened condition and they lost. Then in his Bowl game he just plin had a bad game,no excuses.His ONLY bad game of the almost undefeated year!
Some scouts and GM's began to say he might fold in big games because he had his only bad game in the pressure filled Bowl game. Add that to the dyslexia hysteria that was being spread about him (even though he never had any problem learning football,just in the college and highschool classroom.). He dropped from a possible 1st round pick and a cERTAIN 2nd round pick,to a player who folded in the big game and had a learning disability and couldn't learn an NFL playbook.
We were very,very lucky to have Scotty look through all this baloney and interview the guy and see the truth. And were even more lucky that no other GM was that smart and he lasted through the 4th round and was sitting there for us in the 5th round to steal !
Hopefully Scotty is smart enough not to throw away all that luck,by putting him on the PS and exposing him to waivers. Especially after he showed his potential to the world against the raiders last week. Davis has a long,long way to go and he is certainly raw ,but he has soooo much potential and is the only QB on our roster now that has the potential to be the QB of the future for us.
Yea, he has a strong enough arm to get us deep into the playoffs. Remember bart Starr, Ken Stabler, Bob Griese just to name a few who didn't have real strong arms that even got their teams into the Super Bowls. They all had good running games, too. Just like the 49ers are trying to have for this year.
MM: Davis is a great story. There was a definite buzz at Candlestick when he entered the game. Is he the next Young/Montana? No clue...but he's fun to root for. I know you're sick and tired of the Crabtree saga but have you heard anything about a possible sign and trade?
Woody: I read somewhere today that "sources close to Crabtree" (lol) said that Crabs is willing to compromise with the Niners . It loks like they are starting to weaken. They must know they have no bargaining power but perhaps they are hoping that the Niners will offer them something that let's then save face.
Crabs will be in camp before the 1st reg season game,or he will miss his first pay check. His agent won't get paid !
Then in years to come ,hopefully we all will not care about his silly hold out back in 2009,but will all be glad we have a Pro Bowl WR on the roster for the next 10 years !
"It felt good, like I was back at Ball State. . . . The game's a little faster, that's all. You can adjust to that" This from Nate Davis!
I'll bet the veterans had a good laugh about that! This kid must think he's something! If he's lucky enough to get on the field in the regular season, he'll be lucky if he comes off the field with even his gloves on!
This kid is going to find out when the regular season starts, Ball State games would be slow walk through's in the NFL. Let's just say" Nate? You ain't seen nothin' yet!
"Tim Teebow is an awful passer" Dude! What Florida Gator team are you watching? Teebow plays in the SEC that is arguably one of THE BEST Football Conferences in the NCAA! One, if not the best Conference for defenses in the Country! The Conference with the quickest offenses and defenses in the Country. And how many NCAA Football Championships have the SEC won in the last couple of years? Now I'm a big PAC Ten guy, but dude numbers don't lie! Read these Teebow stats in passing:
YR GP RATING ATT COMP PCT YDS TD INT
2006 14 201.7 33 22 66.7 358 5 1
2007 13 172.5 350 234 66.9 3286 32 6
2008 14 172.4 298 192 64.4 2747 30 4
TOT 41 183.2 681 448 65.8 6159 67 11
These stats are against defenses that make even the Big 12 look like high school! Don't comment unless you know what you're talking about!
Terry: That is very good news,that Davis is not all that overwealmed by the NFL game. He knows it is faster and thinks he can adjust to it in time. That sounds very reasonable to me and not at all over confident.
We all know he will struggle(Davis knows that ). But isn't it great that he was pleasantly surprised that it was not as bad as he thought it would be. He certainly is not saying he is anywhere near ready to start in real games. But he was not totally out of his element,as Alex was in his rookie year (and many say still is).
The more time Davis gets in games and practice,the better. It was a good start last week but he will have ups and downs BUT hopefully he will do as he wants,have the NFL game eventually slow down so that it seems as familiar to him as it was at Ball State !Sounds like Davis' head is screwed on straight ! Great news!
How does he know how fast it is if he hasn't played a real regular season game yet? The real games are way faster than the game he played in. No QB thinks their out of their element. And he will be pleasantly surprised and shocked when NFL defenses get done tearing his uniform off. And possibly his head.
Top-Cat! My nephew is the head trainer at Ball State! That's how I know so much about him. My nephew John watched Davis everyday even during the off season the whole time he was in school. He is very close and knowledgeable about Ball State's football program and others. He knows Nate personally. He's pulling for Nate big time. But he isn't blind either. Davis isn't the guy to take us to the next step.
And Terry,Don't you hope Davis IS the second coming of Montana etc ? Don't you want him to become as good in the NFL as he was at Ball State and even better ? Why the hate for a QB on your teams roster ? You sound like you want him to fail. He is only a rookie,at least wait until he plays for a few years and flops(like alex) before you sound so pessimistic. And even then,if he is still on the roster of your team,cheer for him ,like I still do for alex !!!
What did your nephew(lol) think about Tom Brady,when he was selected in the 6th round.
We had better hope that Davis is as good as he looked to the average fan at Ball state and as potentially good as he looked in last weeks game.Because we have NO other possible franchise QB on the roster and Davis has all the tools you could ever ask for. I hope he can put those magnificent tools to work in the NFL,even if your Nephew or cousin doesn't think the kid has it in him.
But I would be interested in knowing more details about what specifically he thinks will hold back Davis. His lack of being able to learn? or what. All mu info shows that he never had any problem learning football on the field,according to the HEAD COACH at Ball State.
And Terry,even more reason to get him more playing time in the last 2 games,so he can see how fast the game really is. Hopefully he does what he says and adjusts. If not he will still have 3 more years or so to get up to speed before he is thought of a a flop,like alex,who still isn't anywhere near up to the speed of the NFL,in any way,yet.
Terry, I know the vast majority of the training staff at Ball State, "John" whoever that may be, is definitely not the head trainer. The head trainer is a guy named Neal, it's even in the media guide.
Anyone who has watched Nate play from his freshman year to his junior year knows the guy's ability. If anything, his main weaknesses were overthrowing the occasional receiver (something that he didn't do nearly as much last season anyway) and perhaps focusing on receiver Dante Love a little too much. However, Love, who was one of the nations leading receivers for the last couple years, suffered a career-ending injury four games into last season at IU. Guess what, it forced Nate to open up his reads a lot more, which made the passing attack even more potent.
There's just so much misinformation being posted on the board it's like draft season again. Here are the irrefutable facts:
1) Davis is not the product of a gimmick offense. Ball State ran a pro style, and was coached by the former offensive coordinator for Michigan in the late 90s and later the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2) Nate has as strong an arm as anyone in the draft last year, and probably next year. It's the main characteristics that brought scouts to Ball State games this year.
3) Nate doesn't have dyslexia, but it is a rare learning disorder. He's a self-avowed visual learner, it's a lot of work for him to read books or things of that ilk.
4) Career Stats: 678/1124, 60% Comp%, 9,233 yards, 74 TDs, 24 INTs; 173 car., 501 yards, 10 TDs
Again, I don't think that Nate should be the starter this year, BUT the amount of people spouting off about a career that they didn't follow annoys me. Nate didn't fall out of the second round projections until people got wind of a learning disability, found out about an injury (which he suffered towards the end of the season), and decided that even though Nate is far from a "mobile QB" (he moves in the pocket, avoids the rush...only runs when absolutely necessary), that a 4.97 40 time is just too slow.
There's not a "NEAL" that works as trainer for the team Mr.KNOW IT ALL!! My nephew is a professor at Ball State has his BA in Physical Therapy from Toledo U. and PhD from Cleveland State a#$ hole! He IS the Head Trainer for Sports and knows ALL the players in ALL sports! I don't care what the media guide says!
A little trainer like your socalled "Neal" is nothing but a student that's sent to the local HS's to learn on the kids and work toward their degrees! Later up the ladder they work with the University's sports team! So Mr. Ball State conartist try that on for size!
Seems like Nate isn't the only guy with a learning disability!!
For Top-Cat: My nephew tells me the dyslexia or so called learning disability was not a problem with most teams. He told me 90% of the NFL players have learning disabilities (he means not the smartest guys on the block). You can see this by those who don't graduate, and some guys police records.
Nate's problem was indicated to be his inability to stay in the pocket and scramble too much, even when a solid pocket was made available by the offensive line. That's what concerned the NFL coaches who scouted him.
I agree with ALL you say about Nate Davis Top-Cat! I would love him to be the next Montana! I'd love him to be the Franchise name like Montana and Young! I would LOVE to see him succeed! My problem is NEVER with you! We disagree sometimes! That's all!
What p#$$%s me off is guys like fivefowls that look up a media guide on the internet and thinks he can pull something over on people! I'd like him to tell my nephew to his face he isn't the Head Trainer for Sports and a Professor at Ball State!! From now on this idiot doesn't exist to me!!
SORRY Matt! But NOBODY calls me a liar sitting behind a bunch of keys!
This liar that posted after you wrote:
3) "Nate doesn't have dyslexia, but it is a rare learning disorder. He's a self-avowed visual learner, it's a lot of work for him to read books or things of that ilk."
This what I mean by somebody who uses an internet and thinks he knows it all!
ALL people with dyslexia and other learning disabilities in reading ARE "VISUAL LEARNERS!" I mean anybody with the brain of a worm knows that!!
If this guys a doctor, run as fast as your legs will carry you!!!!
Top-Cat we agree on a whole lot of things more than disagree! I want Nate to succeed as bad as you do!
Now the idiot who commented after you! He says:
3) "Nate doesn't have dyslexia, but it is a rare learning disorder. He's a self-avowed visual learner, it's a lot of work for him to read books or things of that ilk."
Anybody who has a learning disability with the way they see or don't see words correctly is a visual learner! It's the brain that is misfunctioning!! Like I said the miscommunication to the brain was not his problem!
If the guy below you is a doctor! God help his patients!
terry,
The SEC isn't what it used to be to start. Outside of Florida, Alabama, and LSU, it is a pretty mediocre conference right now. Tennesse, Auburn, Arkansas, Georgia are all down. The Big 12 is by far the best in college football right now top to bottom. Tebow doesn't operate from under center. He plays in the same offense as Alex Smith did and will have the same NFL fate as Alex Smith. Tebow throws DUCKS! He is a perfect spread offense QB because of his great running ability, not as a thrower. He will play in the NFL but it won't be at QB. Nate Davis is a much better NFL QB prospect than Tim Tebow will every be. He played in a NFL type offense in college and throws extremely well. I suspect if the 49ers falter this year Colt McCoy will be at the top of their draft list as well as developing Davis.
1) Neal Hazen has been the head athletic trainer for Ball State since 1996. I've known him personally since 2006. In fact, I know almost all of the trainers. Which one is John again?
http://ballstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14200&KEY=&ATCLID=698683
2) Not everybody who has a reading disorder has dyslexia. Nate says he doesn't have dyslexia, but a different one. I was just pointing that out, don't take it the wrong way.
I don't agree with your comment about the SEC. But I also don't agree with the Big 12 being that good on the whole defensively. The scores in that league were way out of control. Some of the scoring in the Conference were basketball like scores. The defenses had no way to stop the spread offense and even in the Bowl games their teams scored but their opponents scored at will.
Teebow even said he would have loved to QB in the Big 12. Defense was not a specialty in the Big 12. There is no doubt the spread offense makes for a scoring machine, but it is also suceptible to many sacks of the QB.
By the way? Who won the National Championship in College football last year?
Off work now so I have a minute to respond-the reference to Hill,Huard,Davis was actually a reference to F49ers post which you seemed to concur with ... let me clarify my original post-which was in reference to Marc-Nj49ers NOTION of trading A Smith AND M Crabtree .I was simply replying to a guy I respect and have responded to over some time now(and by all indications someone who's "synapse machine' works just fine) who often kick's about ideas about trades -particularly around draft time...the comment was actually intended to be a rather lighthearted response to him...and I assure you we are both fully aware of the less than slight chances of either trade occurring (however if they were to happen the two scenarios he presented have a logic to them!).So please before you fellas (F49ER) call people clueless defective or knuckleheaded make sure you not only read the post but understand the context in which they occur! Thanks!
terry,
This is the NFL, not college, nobody cares what you did in college. The NFL is the NFL for a reason.
"He told me 90% of the NFL players have learning disabilities (he means not the smartest guys on the block). You can see this by those who don't graduate, and some guys police records." - WHAT???
....if i am right i think Terry and Top Cat joined this blog recently...
-i have to agree with most posters here that both are clueless