Smith gets his big chance
Coach Mike Singletary said he's closer to a decision at quarterback, which is good news because the 49ers open the regular season in three weeks. Don't read anything into it, but Alex Smith will get the start Saturday night against the Raiders.
He's just keeping it fair, Singletary said, as the order will be reversed from the first exhibition game. Shaun Hill started the first game, and Smith also played with the first-team offense. This time, Smith will start, and Hill will see action with the ones.
Regardless of how the competition turns outs, Smith said he feels like he's in much better position, as far as knowledge of the 49ers' offense, than he has ever been at this stage of the year. And that's been apparent on the practice field this summer. He has generally played very well.
But Hill is also performing well. Singletary has said that Hill is less of a mystery. Smith will have to play with poise and consistency in the exhibition games -- to remove all doubt that might still exist in Singletary's mind -- if he is going to leapfrog Hill for the starting job Sept. 13 against the Cardinals.
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Patrick Willis, who has not worked any 11-on-11 drills since sustaining an ankle/Achilles' injury during an Aug. 3 nutcracker drill, will not play in tomorrow's game. Look for him to be back to full work next week. Parys Haralson (foot) has also been ruled out. Newcomer Eric Green, a cornerback the 49ers signed on the same day the Dolphins released him, will not suit up. Cornerback Tarell Brown is also not expected to play.
However, Frank Gore and Isaac Bruce are likely to see one series of action. Both were held out of the 49ers' exhibition opener last week against the Broncos. Safety Michael Lewis, who sustained a concussion this week in
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The Michael Crabtree contract stalemate continues. The sides have agreed on one thing, however: They've agreed to disagree. (I know I've used that line before, but I can't come up with anything new to say.)
There does not appear to be any progress. Now that the picks ahead and behind Crabtree have signed, the 49ers believe the market has been set for Crabtree, the No. 10 selection. But Crabtree's side is looking for a slot-busting contract similar to what the Raiders paid the No. 7 selection, Darrius Heyward-Bey.
When I asked if it becomes unlikely at this stage that Crabtree can make much of a contribution as a rookie, Singletary said he has not thought much about Crabtree's situation.
This is Day 25 of the impasse, tying him with Ted Kwalick for the second-longest rookie stalemate in club history. Jimmy Webb, a defensive tackle selected in 1975, sat out the first 43 days of camp.
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Green, who played his first four seasons with the Cardinals, said it did not take him long to realize he had made a mistake when spurned the 49ers to sign with the Dolphins in March. Well, Green was released by the Dolphins on Wednesday, and the 49ers were on the phone within an hour to hammer out the details on a one-year contract.
Green will compete for a 49ers roster spot. He said he was not happy with the Dolphins, and did not have much enthusiasm for the game. But now he said coming to the 49ers is like a rebirth.
"The switch is on. I'm on fire," Green said.
He said he can be a service to the 49ers because of his knowledge of the NFC West. "I've been in the division four years. I know the tendencies (of the receivers). I've practiced against two of hte best (Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin) every day for four years, so that has to help a little."
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One thing is clear, this QB compitition is fair. Big difference from last year when Nolan and Martz botched the so-called compitition. May the best man win this year. I was always pulling for Alex Smith, but if Hill turns out to being the better guy, I will be happy with that. It's a lot better than O'Whatshisname...
Bravo Joe!!!
I feel the same exact way =) 2morrow we should find out who our guy is!!!
Thanks for continued great work, Matt. Given your point that Crabtree seems highly unlikely to contribute this year, wouldn't it be in the team's best interest to reduce his offer and/or let him sit out the year (since I'm sure he wouldn't take that offer)? It just seems like all that cap space/money could be better used elsewhere. Anyway, as a 49er fan, I sincerely hope he sits out the year as I think that scenario will make the team better long-term than even giving him the #10 slot contract, which is already way too much for an unproven player.
Hi Matt - Would it behoove the 49ers to talk to Denver about Marshall? I know he's a bit of a drama queen but he is a proven 1000+ yard receiver and it would give the 49ers a really nice set of receivers. It would also put Crabtree out of the league...the 49ers won't need him at all. Right now, it would be nice to have Crabtree but sign a legit wideout and you can tell Crabtree take it or leave it. Your thoughts?
Smith gets his big chance ...for the 100th time ,LOL
Hill would really need to stink it up this Saturday and then all week in practice,for Smith to even have a LITTLE chance. But I hope Alex can show enough to beat out Huard,although Huard is better than alex and has much more experience and is much more reliable as a solid backup for Hill,it would be best for the team in the long run if the younger Smith could improve his game enough to be the long term backup instead of the old vet Huard,who will probably retire in a year or two.
matt - c'mon, you must see what i see. there's no way smith is going to start over hill. hill just look way better. his poise, leadership, field of vision, accuracy...i saw that all last season, and i saw that last week. let's stop this charade and give hill the props he deserves!
i just want to tell you that out of all the blogs (sfgate, sacbee, and your press democrat), you have the best. i think your coverage of the 49ers is excellent! i feel like i'm right there with you. matt barrows is a close second, and kevin lynch...i love his work too, but he just doesn't "blog" enough. keep up the good work! GO NINERS!
..niceee
...A.Smith and his "supporters"..:) should know if A.Smith is really the one to lead this team "this season" after tomorrows game...
...i mean what else could they ask for, he has played the raiders all week, he should feel comfortable going to battle against them after spending this much time with them during the week.....
....yea - sure he was rusty last game but he should look better tomorrow....
...this is A.Smith GPS game.....but then again if Hill plays horrible - we will be back to square one.
sucks i have to wait to watch it on sunday on NFL network...damn west coast bias
On both points I'm in total agreement. On the QB issue this is the only point I can think of where I disagree with Sing's position. Hill should have been appointed starter going into camp. If Smith began to show better then a change can come. IMO it was Hill's job to lose, not to fight for.
Crabtree is I believe a unique talent that fell into our lucky lap. Don't be so cavalier about not signing him. Whether he will be a great pro will happen on the field, but he has all the tools. Separation from defenders, great hands which extend to catch the ball, and the ability to make yards after the catch which makes him potentially a NFL playmaker.
Do what Eddie D would do! Spend the money, buck the NFL tide, and win. Slotting will go the wayside in the next bargaining agreement anyway.
On both points I'm in total agreement. On the QB issue this is the only point I can think of where I disagree with Sing's position. Hill should have been appointed starter going into camp. If Smith began to show better then a change can come. IMO it was Hill's job to lose, not to fight for.
At the outset of the Crabtree-Niner impasse I was thinking the Niners should be offering a deal somewhere close to DHB's $$. But as this thing has drug on I can see the point to sticking to a slotting system. Players slip in the draft every year for many reasons. I don't see why the reasons are at all relevant. But it seems that having a screw inserted into your foot in March is a good reason to slip and the Niners took a risk by stopping Crabtree's slide at #10.
Be sure of this: Whenever he does get here he'd better be the real deal because there will be no honeymoon period.
I thought Huard looked pretty good last week
lol..cmon dude...Huard is a nobody, he his only here for 1 yr....I rather not waste my energy on him
...to be honest i really didnt pay attention to his game.
...people like huard and Hill - its fitting to say - "They are both less of a mystery"
Just trying to stir the pot, I think it worked.
...this is going to be fun...
...We all know the raiders defense will be fuming with revenge after the horrible practice this week
The Raiders made a note of it.
“I heard Nate Clements say something about we weren’t on their level and all that (stuff). I beg to differ,’’ Raiders tackle Khalif Barnes said. “The guys came out and play, they had one good day but it doesn’t mean that they can beat their chests and walk around like they’re the best in the bay.”
Barnes added: “So, I don’t agree with that comment from Nate Clements at all. But we’ll see on Saturday, how about that?”
...After the announcement today, Smith was asked what he wanted to accomplish in Game 2.
“Besides play well, you mean?” he said. “That’s really it. I want to go out there and be accurate and play well in the system.”
..thats my number one niner....
Maybin just signed with the Bills, who is picked 11th. Crabtree and Andre SMith are the only one's left. Eugene Parker is looking to play hard ball at the expense of his client. Why: Paraag, that's why!!!!! Don't mess with Paraag or is it Jed?
Good insight on Espn on fumbles by NFC west RB. here is the link:
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation/0-10-247/NFC-West-runners-put-the-ball-on-the-ground.html
unfortunately, Frank gore ranks 3rd on the list(behind larry johnson, and julius jones) with the highest fumble percentage per carry. I remember that Gore fumbled a lot in 2006, and has gotten better the last couple years. Hopefully Rathman is also stressing this to Gore. if he starts to fumble like before, the niners are looking at a long season.
If i were the Raiders id keep my mouth shut. its their talkin that got them destroyed in practice the last time.
people don't get what this game means to the fans. nobody is thinking about it just being preseason. this game matters to the fans just as much as making it to the playoffs. this game gives us or them the bragging rights to say they are the best in the Bay. And its time for those rights to come back home to where they belong!! NINERS!!!!!!!!
I swear if we lose this game i might just start a riot or two
MM how bout instead agree to disagree....there is a consensus of nonconsensus between the two parties. ok i'm wasting time at work on a friday afternoon what do you expect?
any idea why green isnt suiting up today when we have a couple guys out in brown & lewis out? i find that kinda as his position would be easier to learn then say a brett favre who is playing qb. but who knows.
yea but if you think about it. Brett walked into a system that he knows very well and has done for years. so he might have the light advantage.
i believe green just got here today. or was it yesterday? any ways, that's not a whole lot of time to practice with your unit. that could hurt us on the field.
*slight Advantage* sorry this Keyboard sucks!
comeon oneniner, A. Smith is a bust!!!! wake up and accept the obvious truth... the only reason why he is in the QB mix is because Scotty/Nolan xxxxed up and the higher ups won't want to admit it, 4 years after the fact.
this could be the potential scenario for a niner series. you can fill in the QB's name. I can only see one name,and that is Smith.
1st and ten: Gore goes for 4 yards
2nd and 6: QB holds ball too long and does not sense the rush from his blind side, QB gets sacked and loses 5 yards.
3rd and 11: QB misses Bruce(pass too high) going across middle, Bruce gets wacked and get a concusion and is out one game.
enough of Smith, start Hill, because he has earned it. We don't need another Tom Brady, but we do need a Jim McMahon type QB.
Not to sound like one of those sports radio call-in dolts, but did anyone see the Giants play on Monday night? This is a team that is loaded with -- wait for it....guys who can "get to the QB." What NY is missing is a No.1 WR. Seems to me that if -- and it's a big IF -- the G-men were willing to pay Crabtree more than No. 10 money, Scot may want to consider a sign-and-trade deal where he gets the deal done and ships our #1 pick to NY for someone who can help us put reliable pressure on the QB (plus whatever other considerations are appropriate). Look, I'm not a GM, but it's clear neither side is budging in this contract impass and this would be a trade that could make both teams better... Those are the kinds of trades that can get done. Last point: it would be intriguing to see what Crabtree could do for us. But I am content with Josh Morgan, Issac Bruce, Brandon Jones (when he returns) and a cadre of strong backups -- especially considering who's throwing them the ball right now ("not" Tom Brady) and the fact we're a team with a solid ground game. The bigger (biggest?) seems to be applying pressure on the QB. Could a deal like this even be possible? Stranger things have happened.
Dude, Get off the "Eddie D would pay him" rant already. It's very OLD! Eddie D was the owner in a very different time. What makes you think Eddie D would pay some unproven rookie more money than most of his proven players. Eddie D was known for taking care of his players. How would Eddie justify paying some kid just off the bus more than Frank Gore?
I know you just don't get this point but what about the precedent. If the 9ers cave, every draft pick and free agent from now on (regardless of the CBA) will simply push the team around til they get what they want. The agents will look at Jed like Mikey from the Life cereal commercials. "Give it to Jed, He'll eat anything."
I bet the team will be much more guarded in their praise of next year's first rounder(s).
What the 49ers have is two back-up QBs at the most important position. This is why 6-10, plus or minus two, is the best we can hope for.
This blog post should be titled "Smith Gets His Last Chance," to be the '09 starter that is.
I get the feeling Singletary has already locked Hill up for the starting job in his mind, but he's waiting to see what Alex can do with every offensive starter on the field during the first offensive series (he already knows what Shaun can do, given the game tape from last season).
So Smith will be surrounded by Gore, Bruce, Morgan, Davis, and Norris. -Alex has EVERY opportunity to win it all Saturday night.
But if he doesn't, all is not lost for Alex, Matt has brought up a lot of great points that we could even ease Alex into the season within a month (if Alex is showing excelled command of the huddle by then).
I find it strange that the article only lists numbers, but doesn't address the issue as to why the backs are fumbling. Is it the coaching? The fact that they're playing defenses that force more fumbles than their less fumbling-inclined counterparts? Or is it something in the water?
Just saying a back is fumbling doesn't get to the root of the problem of why they're fumbling; if anything, all the article does is post stats, rather than provide in-depth analysis. I mean, we all know Gore was fumbling because we were watching him play. The question is "Why?".
Where is the "we" crap coming from. If that's how you feel fine but don't include all of us into your thought process. As for Crabbs it's just a matter of time until he signs on the dotted line. I know Matt's making this look bleak but trust me it won't take long for this deal to be done once Crabbs & his agent come crashing down to reality. It's just too bad that he waiting so frickin' long because he could have made an impact right away.
you have a point. I hope that is the "small details" that Coach Sing is preaching. If Gore does not fumble once this season, then we know "why"-it is coaching.
Why exactly would we "hope for" 6-10 minus two? Are you sure you're on the right blog? I'll admit that we may not have an All-Pro QB at the helm just yet, but how good were the QBs on the Dolphins, Vikings and Titans last season? They all made the Playoffs with a record of 10-6 or better. That's exactly what I'm predicting for our Niners this season!
PS You are an embarrassment to your screen name, you should change it to "No faith in my team."
Execellent points my good man!
Not to mention Jed is always talking to his uncle about the Team and advice. If Eddie really would have paid crabs what he wanted he would have told Jed to do it. dont ya think??
thank god some of these guys that post here don't run a team!!
Here here! I agree with you on Crabtree as well. I heard he's shopping for a place in Los Gatos. You can't afford that unless you think you're about to sign that big contract. With the #9 and #11 picks signed, I'd say it takes his agent less than 2 weeks before he comes to his senses or is pressured by his client to sign :)
I hope the best QB is chosen. Right now, it looks as if Hill is the front runner, but Smith has looked really good throughout training camp, so it might actually be closer in coach's eyes then we outsiders believe.
That being said, I love how many "experts" comment on these blogs about which QB is better or worse, who is or isnt a bust, etc etc like they have any REMOTE IDEA about what it takes to make it in the NFL. Repeating what you hear on ESPN doesn't mean you know what you're talking about.
The ones who ACTUALLY know, will make a decision for the team based on THEIR knowledge. In January, it will be evident if they were right or not.
Go Niners.
OK:
Smith has been said to be looking "better" in practice this year ,than in the past. I doubt anyone really thinks he is looking really good. (especially compared to Hill,the guy who gave Sing his job by STARTING the 2nd half of last season. And especially compared to real NFL caliber starters around the League).
MM: Great update. For several reasons Singletary is never going to provide any insight to the ongoing Crabtree negotiations. Matt, most of the rookie deals are 4-5 years. Even if Crabtree ultimately signs I wonder what impact he can have with the 49ers this season after missing all of the camp time. Will that get factored into his contract? It would seem that the 49ers are going to basically pay him to watch and learn this year.
Poll (NinersNation)
Who will be the 49ers starting QB week 1?
708 total votes
76% Shaun Hill 540 votes.
23% Alex Smith 168 votes.
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Seems that there are a higher percentage of Alex fans on NinersNation,than in the general population of Niner's fans.So Alex got more votes than I thought possible. (or else Oneniner voted 168 times,which would explain how Alex got more than a couple votes, lol) .
Dude, that's an old rumour, from over a month ago...
With Rathman as RB coach, expect little fumbling, good blocking/blitz pickup and catches out of the back field. That's what he was known for as a layer and better believe that is what he preaches.
Hill didn't get as many reps as Smith last game. I expect himto get a few more this game. Also, because he is more of a known
quantity, Sing is seeing what Alex can do. At the end, expect Hill to start.
Don't thunk the 9ers will do a sign and trade. I don't even know if you can do that in the NFL. If I was Crabs agent, I would put in a trade bonus clause in his contract. Crab stands to lose so much if he holds out the entire year, he would be stupid. (not unheard of though). He may just sit out the preSeAson and end up as the 6-7 Wr. Sing isn't upset publically, but you can bet when the rook shows up at practice, sing is going to have crab for lunch!
Man, I think the poll's a bit skewed, as most polls are. Since the question is, "Who will be the 49ers starting QB week 1", it's less about who the voter wants to start and more about who the voter thinks will be the likely starter, hence why more people are likely to vote for Hill.
That said, despite being a fan of Alex Smith the person, I know his chances of being the starting quarterback for the Niners when the regular season comes around is slim to none and would vote Shaun Hill myself.
Sorry folks, but i don't see the humor in any video that highlights a person who was responsible in the deaths of millions of human beings. Some lines should not be crossed and finding entertainment in one of history' darkest time is embarrasingly disrespectful.
I'm being totally serious about this A.E.S but what are your refering to?
IMHO which means dookie, but what the hell join in the banter...
A.Smith has to look like Joe Montana tomorrow night. You can't throw worm burners on Screen passes. He has to stop thinking and just play the game like he would in the back yard and not read so much into it being an NFL game. Alex thinks to much. If he doesn't lead them to a good drive and score in his first two possessions. The starter will be Hill. I did not see anything different in Alex last week against Denver.
I am a huge A. Smith fan. My heart is with Smith I love the way Hill plays the game. There is no pressure on the country boy and he knows it. A. Smith feels the pressure and he shows it.
Unless A. Smith plays lights out, it's over before Hill even takes a snap tomorrow night. I have seen Alex Smith some really good football. I have seen Hill play really good football consistently.
Oneniner - I watch the games on www.justin.tv
I'm a day late and accidently jumped on wrong blog (Lawson must earn third down role), but i was refering to a post that gave a youtube video address 'hitler finds out about crabtree's holdout'. Although we live in the age of creative computer enhancing this form of entertainment went to far. Sorry for oversight on wrong blog.
I hate to change the QB subject....but....our pass rush better start to come together by PS game #3. The 49ers can't afford to have the 3 NFC West QB's an extra second to pass. Last year (of course I know Nowin was HC) it seemed like their QB's stood back there for 6 seconds. Even in the game in St.Louis, Bulger, who is as mobile as Jim Everette was, stood back there like he had a brick wall in front of him. And the Rams OL was being rebuilt and allowed DL's around the League to get to Bulger as fast as water goes over Niagra Falls!
I know the QB starter means a bunch, but without a pass rush again, we'll have to average 28 points per game to stay with opponents whose main weapon is the pass. And that's despite trying to slow the game down with the run. We're in a passing division, no doubt! It's going to be about sacks, sacks, sacks! And a bunch of hurry's!
Do we think Crabtree will want to sign in time to play next Saturday in Dallas in front of his hometown crowd? I thought he would be motivated to face the Raiders, but maybe a game in Dallas next weekend will entice him to drop his demands to a #10 pick level. He lives in Dallas and has a place there still. Its time to show up #15 and start your career. BTW - Profootballtalk.com just had a stat: Eugene Parker has had 17 or his last 18 first round picks hold out. His last player to make camp on time? Ahmed Plummer.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/21/parker-becoming-the-new-holdout-agent/
Below is some of an article from John Clayton at ESPN, did anyone of you know that Hill's fingers were mangled this bad?
Anybody that hoodles Hill about his long passes has got no credit going forward. I just thought he had a candy arm...I had no idea about this.
"Hill can make the right read at the right time. What surprised me is the physical problem he played with the past two seasons. He dislocated a joint at the top of his right index finger. A quarterback needs that index finger to generate a spiral. Hill had an index finger that bent with the shape of the ball. Without being to put extra pressure on the ball with that finger, Hill couldn't throw a quality long pass last season. Doctors grafted a small bone from another part of his hand to fix the problem, and now he can throw a longer pass."
Is giving Smith a start just equality in competition? I think it's to give Hill the two minute drill at the end of the 1st half. And I read a lot of times, that coaches like to give the starter one halftime and the start after it, to comfort them for the real games. If Smith really shines and Hill busts today, it could change somethin but otherwise Hill ist the clear starter, come Game 1. So Hill gets the first half next week and then stays out until Arizona. PS: I'm happy to have Huard as insurance!
ESPN Podcast from two days ago...John Clayton says Crabtree will most likely sign in a week or so. Takes a couple minutes before he gets to Crabtree.
Let me try again to post the link
http://sports.espn.go.com/stations/player?id=4414455
So really, all Smith has to do is go 2/2 and get sacked twice, and everyone will hail him as the sure starter.
You can't judge QB's by stats. Period. Hill should have gotten rid of the ball before one of the sacks. No doubt.
What you do judge them on is their presence in the pocket and how that translates to making quick decisions, making good decisions, avoiding sacks, getting rid of the ball, and throwing a catchable, accurate (to the offense) ball.
That last one, because let's face it, they're QB's afterall, cannot be understated. If Alex Smith can consistently show these things, then praise be to God. But he has not. Until then Hill is the better choice.
In weighing in briefly on the QB situation let me say upfront I am a S.Hill proponent, at this juncture I think he is most likely to lead us to victory.However, I am not a A Smith detractor- the young man comports himself with dignity (and has done so under very trying circumstances) and has some skills which could lead him to the reigns -eventually.I do not think he is ready to start until his release times improve.This could occur this year we will see-if so great, if not let him backup S Hill and keep working .Either way -WE WANT WINNERS!
On Crabtree:
He'll sign. He will not hold out over the season because he knows (as does his agent) that that will cost MILLIONS.
He'll sign either before the final preseason game, or the start of the season.
And the rest of the players are not going to give him the evil eye. Most players understand the business side that causes players to get as much as they can. Injuries end carreers and they can happen anytime.
The times when they might be ticked are when a proven integral member of the team holds out and is already making really good dough, thus hurting his team. It is arguable that Crabbers holdout is not hurting the team in anyway right now.
Don't underestimate the powers of greed and stupidity. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't sign, although I wouldn't be surprised if he does either.
A 7-3 record as a starter, being undefeated at the 'Stick and a 90 career passer rating might help too.
Is that meant to say that, by doing so, Smith will be hailed as the starter, or Hill will?
JTO turned out to be a disaster in the Martz system. But I wonder if a lot of that was indeed due to the quirks of that system. Just as Hill and Smith struggeled under Martz in practice, we may have gotten a false impression of JTO. It's possible that he may actually be a productive QB elsewhere. Under Martz, you were to read the defense and that told you where the ball would go. A lot of the decision making was taken out of it. It was almost a mathematical calculation. A great system if you have just the right QB and just the right receivers and a good offensive line, but otherwise it's prone to a lot of sacks and interceptions. And JTO was pretty good at following the cookbook, especially in practice.
My point is that the Martz offense is so different from every other that it's dangerous to draw conclusions about a QB's ability. Put JTO in another scheme, where he has to make the conventional decisions, and has multiple options, and you might see a decent quarterback. He certainly had the arm strength and accuracy. It'll be interesting to see how he does this season in Cincinnati. In the exhibition season he has a QB rating of 135 with 2 TD's and no interceptions but 4 sacks. Wouldn't it be funny if we dumped a solid NFL QB?
Hi Folks.
Regarding Crabtree...
Surprised the Niners would let Al Davis sit at the discussion table.
Much less leave him there and drag out Crabtree's holdout.
Al IS there, due to his typical draft day finesse.
On the other hand, Jeb York is a York.
My suggestion: Offer Crabtree performance incentives to bring his pay up to what it would have been if Al Davis were in deserved retirement (we deserve it).
Dirwood