...good things happen to good people...

A.Smith will rise and the Niners will rise with him...

...its the typical American story

the comeback story will be all over the media in 3 weeks....

...thanks for the interview MM....

Ha - I knew this would make your day Oneniner.

Smith and Crabtree will be an outstanding duo in the UFL.

When the deer in headlights talks...no ones there to listen. Except Mr. Crabs. Uh Oh.

If A.Smith and N.Davis pan out, the future looks bright in SF! But, none of that can happen until the O-Line gets it together.

I wouldnt mind seeing alex play if we are getting blown out again. (I really hope that doesnt happen cause I want to win) Then maybe people can be reminded of how poor his decision making abilities are.

They will also get to be reminded of how he can ONLY throw the long ball accurately. He cant down shift his arm to short and middle passes very well.

oh yeah... but if Smith could prove me wrong..show he has overcome those faults.. That would be even better.

I hope Alex has a chance to prove himself sometime in the future with the Niners...high hopes that he can progress into the starter and keep it if Hill happens to go down at some point this year

good things happen to good people? Is that why your plan is for Hill (not a good peep) to be injured so that Smith can take over and have something good happen to him.

Then what, everyone prays to a particular invisible man in the sky? Seriously, is there ever a concrete thought coming in one of your posts? Or is it just emotional backlash all the time?

Don't answer that, it was a rhetorical.

Hey Matt great blog been reading for like six months now and i'm a niners fan since 1989... i hope Sing can restore this great franchise for what it has to be, yearly contenders... the interview with Jed York was really good maybe he can follow the steps of Eddie D... keep on with the great work

If you take away the 2 Gore runs against Seattle, the 9ers are now averaging 1.27 yards per carry. They've rushed the ball 126 times for 531 yards. So on 124 plays they've garnered less than 2 yards. Thats an amazing stat and is probably the sole reason the 9ers are leading the league in 3 and outs.

I know Raye has a vast amount of experience leading multiple forms of offense (from the 80s and early 90s) so I say he should install the K Gun offense from the old Buffalo Bills. Bruce, Crabtree, Morgan at WR with VD as a WB/TE type player. Gore can play the part of Thurman Thomas. And for the topper... wait for it, wait for it... Alex Smith playing the part of Jim Kelly. Wouldn't that be more exciting than 1.27 yards and a cloud of dust.

Hey Matt what do you think it would take for Alex to get a chance on the field again?

...talk about a deal....

On three occasions in the first five years of the deal: (1) Crabtree must participate in 80 percent of the snaps on offense; (2) Crabtree must qualify for the Pro Bowl; (3) the 49ers must win 14 games; and (4) Crabtree must be named Super Bowl MVP.

Not that Hill is doing a bad job but...
Alex is the franchise. He is going to be a good QB once he gets his opportunity. Yeah, I know someone will say he had his chance but QBs shouldn't be starting there 1st yr. out of college. He has been in the league now for a few yrs. and I think he will break out like pimples on a teenager once he starts again.

How about the kicker, Oneniner? If he's a bust, the Niners can cut him and save $10m of the $17m "guaranteed" money. Makes you wonder if Crabtree overruled Parker and pushed for a signing, so Parker screwed him.

Not that Hill is doing a bad job but...
Alex is the franchise. He is going to be a good QB once he gets his opportunity. Yeah, I know someone will say he had his chance but QBs shouldn't be starting there 1st yr. out of college. He has been in the league now for a few yrs. and I think he will break out like pimples on a teenager once he starts again.

I remain amazed by that contract. McPraag deserve a lot of credit for this one. For those who have not seen the latest details on Crabtree’s deal they are here:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/10/15/crabtree-will-never-see-40-million-over-six-years/

If Crabtree ever unlocks those incentives its a win win for everyone – He will be one of the best and he will be paid that way. However, his contract seems full of downside for the player that only favors the 49ers if Crabtree is an average NFL player. Parker is supposed to be a good agent but some of this stuff is head scratching. Odd to hold out for 71 days and then sign a contract that clearly favors the 49ers on multiple fronts.

Well, John York didn't know football, but he probably knew something about business and maybe his most important hands on hire was Paraag.

Paraag has done a tremendous job getting the contracts done on time over the last few years. He has learned very well on the job, and appears to have a keen interest in the game (he's the guy in the booth who provides real time information on rules during games). He'll do well in the NFL front offices in the future, hopefully with the Niners.

It doesn't matter.... Crabtree will hold out a soon as he has a good season. All this talk about contract is silly ti him at this point. We are 2 years away from a hold out.

WHy the heck are you still talking about the Crabtree contract? Move on! There is plenty going on that is more important than some contract that is already signed, sealed and delivered. There is the possibility of a trade. Any thoughts on that? Any thoughts on the 2010 draft? Should the 9ers trade the higher of the 2 1st round draft picks they will have next yr? Move on and make something of your day.

Alex Smith is a class act. Crabtree is lucky to have Smith and Gore as his "mentors".

At this point, the niners are good enough to beat weak teams, and competitive against good team, but pretty exposed against elite teams.

Matt: how much input did Scot McC had in deciding which 53 man roster? was it all the coaches? what about Rossum and Sheets?

Unless there is improvement, with the current performance of the OL, we'll see Alex Smith in the game very soon. Shaun Hill is playing with "ball security" mentality. He will hold on the ball until he sees no threat of INT. He rather takes sacks than takes chance with the throw. How long can his body take more beating? He does not have the arm to throw deep, and the defenders now will focus on short and drop passes. Life will be tough for Hill!

Now we are getting somewhere!

Anyone know any trade possibilities that may be out there for the 9ers?

It doesn't matter who is behind center... Until the OL gets straightened out, any QB is gonna look like crap back there.

"Alex is the franchise..."

How many more years are we going to spend developing Alex Smith. Since his draft he probably would have gone 2nd or 3rd round.

If Alex ever get the start, I hope he proves me wrong...

...but I see a duck.

I am now not sure who loves Alex Smith more..........oneniner or Matt Maiocco.

Smith is a bust and should actually be our 3rd string QB... If they want to make a change eventually (even though the problem lies with the OL), Davis outta get a chance... He's shown more in preseason than Alex has shown in his whole career.... Truth hurts, Smith fans, but it's reality... Time to move on...

Does anyone know if this is possible? Trading our #1 pick for Brandon Jacobs? Think of it. That would give us another solid back. Another pass protector and another vet. Wow, that is nice to dream....

The OL and offense in general should start being a little bore creative. One cut runners like Clinton Portis (Gore an Coffee) fair well in stretch plays. Since we can't maul our opponents maybe we can get the line moving use technique open up holes for the back to choose from.

But we need a back to read plays like that and all I've seen from coffee is him run right to the designed hole clogged or not. He's run right into his linemen at times too.

As for Gore, I'm concerned about him coming back from the injury. He is always getting hurt and we need to accept that as a team. Coffee needs to step up.

It would also be nice to have speed on the outside, like in Sheets. Of forgot he doesn't know offense or blitz pick-ups... you failed son. you failed. Why are we keeping players like Alex Smith who fail.

Sorry I'm tired today, a bit perimistic. *sigh*

Oregon, with ideas like that, I think I'd prefer discussing the Crabtree contract.

Well it sounds like this is the Alex Smith club blog. I am a 49er fan 1st. I want what is best for the team. I don't think we really know who the best QB for this team is. Our offensive line is breaking down and is literally the worst in the league. Staley is good. Heitmann is good. Chilo is done. Bass is average. Snyder is a guard but not a tackle. That leaves us still needing what we needed before the draft, a tackle. Who's to blame for that? Not Shaun Hill or Alex Smith.
Alex can't throw touch passes and Shaun can't throw deep passes. We need Shaun Smith as QB!!! If we could fuse them, we'd have the prototype QB. Sounds like we will just have to continue to take our lumps and hope Nate Davis can continue to learn this offense.

Skeebers, thank you for your input but that did not answer the question. I am trying to think of the possibilities that may be out there. If someone knows about a more realistic trade I would love to here. But your comment does nothing for this blog or for the 9ers. Think about the future and stop consuming your brain over the past.

FFS, I NEVER post comments, but had to register just to say this.

I'm so sick of seeing people say to put Alex in when we're blown out and the game doesn't matter. That's Alex's problem, he plays GREAT when the game is over and it doesn't matter. Alex Smith is too cerebral. He over thinks and reacts slow. He doesn't play with instinct. Then only time he does well is once we're so far behind he can't possibly catch up. There's no more pressure on him at that point and he plays natural.

Face it, Alex Smith DOESN'T HAVE IT.

i'm happy that shaun hill is our starting qb. he has poise, leadership, good field of vision, fast release, overall football smarts. i'm surprise that the niners are even 3-2 with the OL we have. running for his life almost every time the ball is snap, it gets frustrating. i was just reading about aaron rodgers over there with the packers. he leads the league in getting sacked (20 times!) and they only played 4 games! they're 2-2. i consider rodgers a qb that will be great someday. you can tell he's good because even with all these sacks, he still manage to get the team to 2-2. i know the defense is plays a big role too, but we all know the qb has the most responsiblity. he has to guide them to the wins.

same with shaun hill. from the 2 games in 07, to the second half of 08, and the present, hill still manages to keep winning even if he consistently impersonate the road runner. so i'm happy to see him finally get a starting role on the team. i wish him all the luck.

alex smith - i haven't given up on him. i know he had it rough from the very beginning. i wonder how he would be if he had time to sit on a bench like rodgers and slowly progress along. smith was always a winner in high school and college. and i think he can be in the nfl. if ever hill goes down, and smith take over, it could be a resurgence for him. i still don't know if staying on the niners was a good move for him, but all and all, he might come back better and wiser.

I'll add that we should be focused on getting Nate Davis reps when we've already won or lost the game. Let's see if he has "it". Better to find out sooner than lingering on the later (Alex).

The Crabtree contract was in the news today, Oregon. And I did answer your question, you just didn't grasp the answer.

I am trying to be positive and look on the great things that are opening up for the 9ers. We do not need to put so much attention on something that is done. We need to look at all possibilities.

Oh he has "IT" no doubt about it. He will compete for the starting job next year I guarantee it.

Alex or Nate?

If Alex is given a chance and doesn't cut it I hear there's a QB available in the offseason that I'm sure McC and Raye would love. David Carr is in the last year of his contract and he has proven he can take a sack like a champ. I'm sure Carr will be very good in Raye's Run, Run, Pass, Punt strategy. We can call the offense Rayes RRaPP. Perhaps RRiPP is a better acronym.

O line needs to get better...Shaun cant ever win a game when down by 2 or 3 tds early.Passes are short too much.I want to see the complete skill set.Alex has it but he has only one real full time year under his belt excluding his rook season and those two injured seasons.For as many pass attempts shaun had last week I thought he would have had more than 200 yards passing!Hopefully we wont be down by 2 tds often cuz I dont think shaun can ever "carry" the team. Lets go defense!

Shawnrhod – Feel free to catch up any day now. How about you read the contract details before you put your foot in your mouth!!! San Francisco got a "diva clause" which prevents Crabtree from being able to hold out. If he does hold out, SF can re-coup more than half of his $17 M that is guaranteed. In short: "if the 49ers decide that Crabtree is a bust or he has a hold out of any kind, they can avoid more than $10 million in supposedly guaranteed cash." So no - you will NOT being seeing a Crabtree holdout anytime soon.

MM,

Do you have the phone# for Ralph the Razor at KNBR? We could get him to start his "Free Alex" campaign!

You really think you are doing anything for the 49ers?

Jacobs is good because he is a huge back with a line that allows him to get a head of steam. He would bet stuffed behind the line consistently with our line. They take the first 2 picks and sign OL. Period.

If one of the Top End QB's is available with Carolina's pick, they trade down.

P.S. Paragah is calling to get all the details on that Jacobs trade.

Thank you Boz. Your intellect is shing all the way over here in Oregon. What would we do without your IQ? U are as sharp as Al Sharpton!

Trades: McCloughan was interviewed on CSN Bay Area last night and he intimated they are considering a few possibilities as it relates to the trade deadline. With 2 number 1’s, I would not be surprised if we are looking to move our 2nd or 3rd round picks for an instant starter at one of the much talked about positions of need. I don’t think he moves our first rounders.

Thanks Mike. It is tuff living in Oregon and not getting all the 49er news. This is Seahawks land and I get sick every time I leave the house and see their ugly colors. I am trying to spread some Bay Yerea love!!! Go Niners!!

It shouldn't take Nate Davis very long to learn this pure vanilla offense, right? ................. we are only 5 games away from Nate's first start. Go Niners!!!

He's not worth a First Rounder. Backs are aplenty in this league (and college).

if we trade it's for OL, not RB

Just a thought but what about a trade of B. Quinn for A.Smith? Each QB gets a new start in a new town??? I wouldnt mind that deal.

...the worst feeling any fan could have is knowing if you are 2td's down in a game against a good team..

...your team has NO CHANCE of making a comeback

its one thing not to know that for sure and hope the team can make a comeback, but knowing and believing it is the truth, is heart crushing...

My ideal trade deadline move/s would look like this.

A.Smith for Quinn, 1st rder for julius peppers, and a 3rd rounder or later for a servicable Off Guard.

I am thinking the poor play out of our RT has been because of the guy next to those players that is missing assignments and getting man handled. Both RT's are being overwhelmed by trying to pick up Chilo's slack.

Alex needs to stay ready as I see him most likely getting an opportunity on November 1 against the Colts. I'm hopeful the Niners will rebound, play well and win aganst Houston. But, irrespective of what happens in Houston, the Indy game is likely to get out of hand score wise at some point, perhaps in the first half. If the Niners are down by double digits at halftime and the offense hasn't done much I look for an Alex Smith entrance in the 2d half. Singletary wants to win and in this scenario I see him going to Alex, particularly if he looks good in practice between now and then, like a relief pitcher out of the bullpen. And, depending upon how Smith does with the opportunity he will/will not raise the question about making a change at starting QB.

Matt, do you think the niners see Nate Davis as a potential starter maybe next year? Do you know what they think of him? If they think he can be the future then don't you think they hold off on drafting a QB early next year, or will we have to wait until the draft for their actions to speak clearly.

From Adam Caplan, the best OFF FA's available. For those interested in RB there are quite a few name-players that are currently unemployed. I'm not saying any of them may be better than a guy like Jacobs, but I also don't see NYG giving up a guy like Jacobs.

For OL there's also some name players such as Jennings and Kwame (KIDDING!!), seriously, there may be some guys worth checking out.

http://profootball.scout.com/2/909233.html

Brekkon,

I don't see any problems with those trades. I like the J. Peppers one the best. Having J. Smith on one side and J. Peppers on the other would be a great improvement.

Drew, I can see making the change at QB if either Hill is the cause or if he is hurt. The past game vs Atlanta--Hill had little to do with the Falcons scoring 45. Granted, we do not have the high-powered offense to out-duel anyone (not with any of the QB's on our roster), but our focus from Atlanta has to include major emphasis on our DEF.

I think we need Stampede's oppinion regarding the trade. He seems like he has some good oppinions.

McC needs to be fired on the spot if he gives up a 1st Rdr for Peppers. All you get with that is a big name with middle level production.

Going back in history, can we all agree that alex should have stayed in college his last year. But there was no denying his skill. His first year with the niners was worthless. First pick of the draft on a rebuilding team. No line, no receivers, no real team. I am sure he picked up some bad habbits from that year. You have to throw that year away.

His second year, change of OC (running the same digit system we have now), and much better results. Not eye catching, but progressing. In fact, at the end of his second year he pulled out some nice wins. Still a very young qb on a rebuilding team.

Third year, change of OC again, and the niners are every sports writers sleeper pick. Projected to finally make it to the post season again. In fact, I don't think anyone on this blog was saying bust at that time. If so, they were the minority. Game 4 alex gets hurt and he has not played a NFL game since.

So when did he become a bust? In the 2 years he was injured?

Alex has an upside and an understanding of this offense. In fact, this offense fits him perfectly with his arm strength.

Everyone likes hills play, he is like the little engine who could, but he can't. He has no upside. What we saw in atlanta is what you will see against any good team from hill. Teams will stack the box and dare him to throw the ball. If all we want is to make it to the playoffs, hill might be good enough. But if we want to beat teams in the playoffs, better start o get alex some reps.

I think sing has already figured that out.

Well put!

Is Warrick Dunn unemployed? He's a nice change of pace back that is a vet and if he's got a little left in the tank could be the extra back we need. What about Kendall and Runyan? Maybe a Larry Allen deal for a year or two while we build thru the draft? To many WR's for this run 1st O and definitely the O-Line is the weakest link. If you want to play smash mouth ball you'd better have some dudes up front who can smash. I'm not sure that even Mckitrick could whoop these guys into shape.

With the team leading the Rams, who couldn't ever catch up anyway, and us getting killed the next week why wouldn't you put Alex in the game? Is the head coach afraid he might be forced to see what a great arm Alex has compared to Hill who can't throw at all. Hill is a hand off only QB and always will be. They say he never looks good in practice and now that is carrying over to the game. If Alex ever makes it on to the field in a game I think he be the new starter.

With the team leading the Rams, who couldn't ever catch up anyway, and us getting killed the next week why wouldn't you put Alex in the game? Is the head coach afraid he might be forced to see what a great arm Alex has compared to Hill who can't throw at all. Hill is a hand off only QB and always will be. They say he never looks good in practice and now that is carrying over to the game. If Alex ever makes it on to the field in a game I think he be the new starter.

Do you even watch the games? The 9ers run a 3/4 defense. Although Justin Smith is listed as a DE he typically lines up in the B gap or head up on a tackle. He does not line up in a traditional DE spot in a 4/3 alignment. Julius Peppers is a 4/3 DE. If the 9ers got Peppers, he would actually play an outside LB spot. I would guess they would pull Manny Lawson off the field to play Peppers. No matter the scenario, Peppers isn't a good fit in this defense.

" But if we want to beat teams in the playoffs, better start o get alex some reps.

I think sing has already figured that out."

All good points, but I pause on the last – if Singletary has already figured it out, then he would have put Alex out there in the 4th against Atlanta with the game already out of hand. The majority of coaches in those kind of game situations would have done the same. But not Sing, assuming it would have affected Hill's confidence, and that worries me.

Maybe he will finally figure it out after Hill lays his second egg in a game this season.

I would love to see Matt Jones come to the Yay Area... I think he would feel right at home

Seriously... Drop Spurlock and sign Matt Jones...
The guy is 6'6'' 220 and he ran a 4.3 40 yd dash at the combine a couple years ago... he is big enough to block effectively, quick enough to make plays, and he had a breakout year last year... who cares if he likes a little nose candy?

Alex put his helmet on toward the end of the 3rd quarter, then he took it back off a little later. I think they were considering a change and then backed off. If alex went in and did well, there would be a qb controversy and I don't think sing wants that.

But now alex has taken the first team reps (because hill is sore) and is "Sticking Around" to throw the the ball to crabs. I think the team want to see were his progress is at this point of the season. Sing is not going to make a change this soon in the season, but I think he is getting alex ready. Could be wrong.

as for the trade deadline...

The only trade I'm interested in is getting a starting G or RT for a 3rd rounder or less... if not, I'm not interested. The 9ers are good, not great and they can't afford to pay through the nose for a player that might help them this year, but hurts them longterm...

be patient faithful, we're not there yet, but soon

...our defense is good...or great..

but lets not deny we don't have a weakness...

CB Nate Clements who i really like alot...has a speed issue....he his becoming a liabilty

i mentioned before the vikings game about his lack of speed to cover the vikings speedy WR - i was right - he did get burnt

in the atlanta game it was SO obvious he lacks top speed.....not only couldn't he catch up to his man ...another WR's on the field beat him on the field

I also recall last year

- he always gave the WR's a huge cushion, nobody complained much because W.Harris also gave the WR's a cushion large enough for rush limbaugh butt..

..almost everyone blamed the defensive scheme or Nolan's defense

to be fair he does have a huge positive....he his if not the best run stopping CB in the league...

now thinking about the texans....Do you really think the texans won't exploit this weakness?

Looking at the texans roster - almost all of their Wr's are avegaring above 10yrds per catch

Schuab so far 115completions 179attempts 1418total yrds

FYI - the texans will pass the ball deep and you bet they will attack clements.....

And ladies and Gents - YOU CAN"T TEACH SPEED

Its pretty simple if we are to win this game...we are going to require some long balls from S.Hill

Does anyone really have faith he can deliver?...really?

Wow! A #1 for Julius Peppers and now a call to hire a drug addict WR who was booed off the field for loafing in Jax. I'm not sure we can top those 2 things in the bad idea department. With that, I bid you adieu my friends.

It never ceases to amaze me how much everyone always loves the backup quarterback. Even if he is a 50 million dollar bust who cannot for the life of himself throw an accurate pass even if not under pressure. He cannot read the field efficiently, he cannot make a decision in under 7 seconds, he consistently throws over and behind WRs. It is truly amazing how quickly everyone forgets this--as soon as the starting QB has a bad game. Even if 95% of it wasn't his fault.

Someone else said it best....if we were going based on anything except McClueless' ego, Smith should and would be cut, Huard would be #2, and the promising Davis #3. Plain and simple. There is no way this team should be killing a precious roster spot with Alex Smith, he has done nothing to prove he can play.

Always amazing what a "what have you done for me lately" league it is, so much so that people are actually calling for ALEX SMITH again!! My god, how ridiculous. With Alex in that game, there are at least 3 INTs and 6 or 7 sacks just due to indecision to throw.

Make no mistake about it all you sudden Hill haters, Alex still on the roster is nothing more than McC's ego hard at work. A REAL, IMPARTIAL GM would've cut him last year. We don't need a million dollar clipboard holder not even worthy of a 3rd string roster spot.

To all the sudden Hill bashers, just remember....Backup QB - best job in the world, and loved by all....until you again show why you are a backup.

Get over it guys. The Smith experiment is over and he will NOT be taking up a roster spot this time next year. It didn't work, and although Hill is a stop-gap QB, he is better than Smith and we had to move forward until our future QB is ready, wherever he may be.

as for the draft....

I agree with Boz here..

"They take the first 2 picks and sign OL. Period.
If one of the Top End QB's is available with Carolina's pick, they trade down."

...unless we can get Mays or Berry I think trade down is a great idea, and hopefully we can fill the holes in the OL and secondary... We need to address the safety position and you can never have enough good CB's

Bottom line, everybody loves the back up. If A.Smith, N.Davis, or whatever other QB you wanna put back there were getting crushed for the last 5 weeks, we'd all be hollerin' for S.Hill, JUST like last season. Every fan has a "head coach/general manager complex," and it's disturbing to witness a lot of times.

And I'm about to write this as if the Niners are reading this; but NO MORE 1ST ROUND PICKS ON QB'S PLEASE! 1st round picks next year should ONLY be used for OL, or any position on the D, preferably pass rusher.

Your complaint is that he's a drug addict... big deal
If he was added to the team I doubt he would loaf it under Singletary's tutelage...

Other than the FACT that Jones is a superior athlete to all of our WR why else wouldn't you want him... I'm suggesting him over Spurlock... Oh and if there is any concern over Spurlock's role in the Taser (which I doubt) Jones was a QB in college at Arkansas

Jones vs. Spurlock?

I'm taking Jones

Exactly. Wasn't the whole Pepper's thing discussed pre-draft. He can't stand up and play and doesn't plat DE in a 3-4.

I thought about Matt Jones also (last year), but reciever is not the problem. We already have 3 that will NEVER play (Spurlock, Battle, Hill) with Crab, Bruce, Jones, and Morgan.

A doubt a trade will help too much at this point.

Stampede,

I have to say, I am with you on this. I mean, when I see other QB's with time in the pocket I am soooo envious. And I have to ask myself, why not us? Why do other teams have great OL's and we continue to have crappy OL play year in and year out? IS it poor personnel decisions? Is it bad OL coaching? Bad playcalling? What?

I have said from the get go that good teams are built inside out, meaning OL and DL. You get those pieces in place first and foremost. We still have not done this.

Trade for Jones? Why would we trade FOR a WR? I should think we should trade AWAY a WR. Seven on the roster just seems bizarro, at this point.

For whatever it's worth (prolly not much to you), this is by far the best post I have ever seen from you.

One thing I would add to your point though, is that the pass rush needs to step up and dominate so that whatever the Niners DBs lack can be compensated for.

As far as S.Hill and the "long ball," it has never been a common staple of the offense anyway. I'm fine with executing run plays, short passes that act like runs, and intermediate passes (15-20 yards) to V.Davis et. al.

Brekkon | October 15, 2009 9:00 AM | Reply I wouldnt mind seeing alex play if we are getting blown out again. (I really hope that doesnt happen cause I want to win) Then maybe people can be reminded of how poor his decision making abilities are.

They will also get to be reminded of how he can ONLY throw the long ball accurately. He cant down shift his arm to short and middle passes very well.

-------------------------------------------------------
Smith throws the long ball accuratly ???
When did he ever do that ?
In fact I would bet that Hill has a better accuracy rate of long passes that smith. Smith either over throws or under throws or throws them out of bounds etc .
Smith only got th throw with the 1st team because Hill was so beat up from getting killed by the O line problems,that he needed to sit out ONE practice. Smith is the next in line right now,so of course he took the 1st team reps when Hill was sitting out ,just like he would take over for one game if Hill were injured. Nothing to see here,move along.

Until this O Line situation gets fixed. We should use the QB who can make plays back there with his feet. I mean Shaun has zero time but man is he slow. So let me see here we have a Weak arm, slow footed QB who dosen't make plays. HELP! WE WANT WINNERS!
There are alot of good young QB's coming out college this year. Hmm what to do? I would hate to waste another number one pick on a QB bust! (Alex) I like Nate but he's so unproven. What to do? Damn someone like Matt Ryan would be nice.
I'm kind of liking the play of Jimmy Clausen maybe would could get him in the 2nd round next year for less cash.

9er1 said...
Someone else said it best....if we were going based on anything except McClueless' ego, Smith should and would be cut, Huard would be #2, and the promising Davis #3. Plain and simple. There is no way this team should be killing a precious roster spot with Alex Smith, he has done nothing to prove he can play.-----------
---------------------------------------------------------
I agree with everything above EXCEPT calling our fine young GM McClueless.I think that is rather childish.
Scott has ,for the most part done a fine job.But of course nobody gets it right all the time.
I somewhat understand his wanting to hold on to some small hope that Alex would suddenly come around to some sort of decent NFL caliver QB. He WAS going to cut Smith off the team this off season and said so. But with smith crawling on his hands and knees to stay and with Smith taking a huge pay cut to stay and prove he could win the starting job with this one last chance,I don't blame scott for holding on to the faint hope for one last gasp.
Smith is a great kid and great team mate,so IF he ever could show some talent,he would be a perfect backup for Davis in the future. So,I don't blame Scott for hoping all that money and the wasted draft pick were not all for nothing. Just trying to salvage something out of the disaster.
But I think even Scott now knows(after Smith flopped once again ) that the experiment is probably over.

JROW: Hill was a track star in high school and he is much better escaping pressure in the pocket than smith has been in a Niners uniform.
I would bet you any amount of money that Hill would easily beat Smith in a foot race for at least the first 5-10 yards (and that quick burst is what makes the difference in escaping the pass rush,not straight ahead speed). Hill is much quicker,Smith is probably faster in a 40 yard dash,but who knows,since Hill is THE track star out of the two.
And some of us forget just how pathetic Smith was in this situation,when he was a sitting duck with his O line letting pass rushers through,like they are doing now to Hill. Remember that Hill gets rid of the ball much more quickly than smith does and that in itself is enough rason not to want deer in the headlights (smith) in .

Slow feet? S.Hill had 50 yards rushing last week. That ain't good, but it sure ain't slow.

We need more than one player on the O Line. We don't have one dominating O Lineman. We must obtain a top Tackle. Studying the rankings of our linemen tells the tale.

Rankings Football Insiders by Stat
LT 30
Middle/Guards 28
RT 31

We run LT 8% Middle 69% RT 13% - the rest at both ends
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol

We have one of the worst O Lines in the NFL. Frank Gore is a Superstar at running & blocking. He covers for them when he plays, but when he doesn't we see the results.

As I have said before all this talk about Hill, Smith, or Davis is wasted until we get better O Line play. It has been this way for four years.

Alex Smith...Ran the spread offense at Utah = BIG negative!
Has been through how many OC and QB coaches = The guy never did well under any of them! If you call 7 and 9 under Turner "did well"? What was he ranked in QB stats in the NFL? No really! I don't know! But a lot of QB's deal with this problem of constant changing of OC's and QB coaches! Smith was supposed to be THE BEST of the QB's when drafted! He just can't make the leap to the NFL starter! It's just the way it happened to pan out! BIG negative here!
His head is scrambled from the things he's gone through! And I blame NOWIN for all of it! But he's never recovered! And still can't explain in a logical way how he's changed! Maybe MS can sit the kid and let him recover mentally! BIG negative!
Smith needs a new start somewhere else to escape his bad experience here! Smith couldn't beat out Hill, even though he practically had all preseason to prove he was the starter! He even played too much in the preseason! I believe it even affected Hill's performance because Hill lacked too much playing time during preseason to prepare himself for the season itself! Smith should leave and get a NEW START! BIG POSITIVE!!
I don't care what anybody writes about me being a Smith hater! I'm not! I would've LOVED seeing Smith be the guy the team thought he would be! Like what Sanchez and Stafford (before he was hurt) have done for their teams! He didn't and hasn't! And CAN'T!

Matt Jones is a FA... I wouldn't trade anything for the guy...
but he's a free comodity that is worth the investment... the reward could far outweigh the risk...
if he ends up being a good pickup that is more depth at WR that we can trade or keep depending on needs next offseason

TC, I agree A. Smith will not be succesful if he were to start, this is my point. If he gets the chance in a blow out I want him to play because then all these people calling for him to play will see alex is not all that great. (BTW his long ball isnt that great as you say but it is his best pass...sad isnt it?)

If Alex was worthy to be a starter then he wouldve clearly beat out Hill in preseason and Training camp.

HE DID NOT!!!

Everyone always says Hill is a bad practice QB well if that is true how good is alex that he showed he could not seperate himself from hill in practice preseason.

They were more than fair to Alex in preseason and he just couldnt prove himself. He is a bust!!!

Oh yeah... The reason he didnt get put into the game last week sounds like it was because he had not ran the offense since preseason. He has been too busy running the oppositions offense for the first team DEF.

Matt, I'd like to add another new term to your blog's lexicon (like GPS game). In honor of the stodgy offense under soon-to-be-fired or see a whole lot of 49er nation scramble to root for their local teams Jimmy Raye.....

STODGEBALL

And if the team in red and gold that still calls itself the same team I grew up loving insists on playing stodgeball for much longer, I'm out, but not before stodgeball makes Maiocco's dictionary.

I don't know whether he's going to pan out( Niner pun) but we haven't seen him play in 2 years. Maybe the sit down and learn time has helped. He's had about every developmental road block thrown infront of him, from a totally offensively ignorant head coach, multiple OCs and a poor supporting cast. As this "O" gets better, hopefully, I'd like to see him play to see if he's progressed or not. If not then let's move on with Davis.

As much as I think Hill is doing a good job, I don't think his supporting cast right now is strong enough to make up for his lack of arm strength.

Alanmarks:
There are 31 other teams if you are not a loyal fan and you feel you must leave,as you said.
Don't let the door hit your butt on the way out and don't come crawling back when we are an elite team again,soon.
Sorry to see you go,but goodbye ! Let us know what team you chose for your new team .

On Matt Jones, I remember when he was drafted, the word, "potential" was used a lot. Him not making the most of the opportunity he had may say an awful lot about him. He was not with a team that was stacked at quality WR. When I looked at the list of available FA's I didn't spend any time looking at WR's as I don't see that as our glaring weakness. OL is the only spot I'd focus.

Reply I wouldnt mind seeing alex play if we are getting blown out again. (I really hope that doesnt happen cause I want to win) Then maybe people can be reminded of how poor his decision making abilities are.

They will also get to be reminded of how he can ONLY throw the long ball accurately. He cant down shift his arm to short and middle passes very well.

EXACTLY!!! I wish they would have put him in the 4th quarter so I wouldn't have to see oneniners nonsensical post anymore.

Anyone think Scott has his eye on any player or players that he might trade for ,before the trade deadline passes?
Any player out there that is available for trade that any of you would like to see become a Niner ?
And at what price?

Free Alex Smith!!! Free Alex Smith!!!

Free Alex Smith!!! Free Alex Smith!!!

PFT is reporting that Josh Cribs is on the trading block in Cleveland. If I'm McSingltary I'm on the phone with them RIGHT NOW to see what it takes. That would solve our Kick/Punt return needs for the next +5 years. He is solid (But I would not spend a #1 pick on him, thinking a 2nd or 3rd rounder and a player like one of our 19 active receivers).

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/10/15/rumors-fly-of-josh-cribbs-to-miami/

It has been reported Glenn Dorsey is available, but he comes at a big contract price 21 million guarantee. From what has been reported the Chiefs are disappointed in his production at nose guard/end. He also reported out of shape. He was so dominant at LSU so it makes you wonder if he isn't being used correctly. He appears to be a penetrative type player but wasn't being used that way.

I don't know but it could upgrade the defensive line and provide push up the middle on pass rushing situations. I don't think it would a number one. Just something to think about.

I doubt if there is anyone on the O Line available. You just never trade them.

Top Cat, without fans who could jump ship if the "product" doesn't match their needs, what motivation does ownership have to put out a championship caliber product.

THERE'S NO UNCONDITIONAL LOVE IN FOOTBALL!

Serve me football the way I like it, West Coast Style (that's from a NJ transplant to Dallas).

Glen Dorsey? Interesting... That contract is too big though. I do have faith in Coach Sing being able to change guys careers around. See: Brooks, Ahmad and Mr. Vernon Davis.

Hate to break this news to you, but true West Coast ceased to exist at the stick since the departure of our beloved BW.

Know what happens when you drop a leaf down a running stream? Let it go and time to embrace Jimmy Raye O.

But imagine if you will a Jimmy Raye O with a quebee that can throw it deeper than 20 yards like a frozen rope. Like every niner fan, I always look forward to the next year and the draft.

yea... but it doesn't matter if your qb can fling it if he's getting guys in his face all game.

either they need to fix that horrible pass protection, keeping VD in, OR have hill roll out like he used to do. it's not pretty but they were doing a breakdown of the problem trent edwards has of staying in the pocket and not moving, and I think hill has that same problem of late. staying in that VERY small pocket way too long. I can understand why they don't want him to run around because his throwing mechanics are so horrible, but I think his ability to get the ball out in all these weird ways is one of his best assets.

CRACK BABY.

WROOONG! You dont take a paycut when your the franchise. You take one because you SUCK!

When I stand before the Lord after I die...I hope I can have half the excuses I read here everyday about and for Smith! With just half those excuses, I'm right next to Saint Peter!

Watch the Atlanta game again. They played to stop Hill, and with no o-line it doesnt matter whos qbing. Put Smith in againts a good team. Please! He couldnt even win the job againts the Raiders in practice games. Nice try niner559 or should I say oneniner aka Alex Smith himself.

LMAO!!!!

The 49ers aren't good enough. They need better players. And if/when they get them, they'll need some better coaching.
Scott McCloughan and Nolan were not good at their jobs. And somehow Nolan took the fall and McCloughan got promoted. The 49ers need to get rid of McCloughan and bring in some better top people.
We all want them to be great again. It takes a lot more than loyalty.

Well, the truth can be a legitimate excuse so remember the saying : the truth shall set you free when you're standing infront of those pearly gates!

Me thinks we need to look at the best available OL coach and fire the ones we have sooner rather than later. Look within the Colts organization for starters.

uh tom brady has been taking paycuts like all his career...

Jason LaConfora from NFLN is reporting that the 9ers are 1 of 6 teams interested in trading for Josh Cribs!

Hi Matt, Not too many trades are done during the season. As far as our offensive line goes we had our two guards but let them walk, Justin Smiley and Kyle Kosier. Baas is heavy footed and always has ankle problems. The trade for Josh Cribbs would make sense of Rossum's' release. If they pull it off would be a great move. The guy is electric.

as long as our OL play the way they play, shaun hill or any of our qbs, will be running for the their life. shaun has done great for the lack of protection he's been getting. hopefully with whatever retooling singletary is doing, the OL has to be better. if they are, i see hill winning more games than what's he doing now.

if hill goes down, smith has to be ready to step in and play well. if he looks that good in practice, then with time soaking up the new offense, when he does come in, he can come in play just as good with "live bullets" coming at him. that's the fault against him. he panics in real games. i really feel that smith will one day become a winner again. he just have to settle down and let his natural ability take over. he was a winner in high school and college and he can be a winner in the nfl.

Acquire Peppers and draftt a QB have to be the worst ideas for our future Without a doubt,we need to spend real money in F/A but Peppers is an extravagance for a team that thinks it's a player away from the SB Drafting a QB with a shaky o-line sounds like some groundhog-day nightmare.,especially with this predictable play-calling Drafting Cody would be the safest and quickest way to improve the pass-rushI Taylor Mays,immediate impact where we need it.David Carr looks really good with a solid o-line,and Nate could not have been more impressive in pre-season.That leaves lots of money and picks to ensure a great o-line who actually can impose their will.

Trade Deadline falls conveniently on our BYE so I've been patiently hoping for a Deal of any kind that helps our Pass Rush or OL.

Still like Wilfork to collapse the pocket.

We can package WRs/Sims,Baas,Wragge,Wallace,Roman,Brooks whomever.

Scot is not in position of desparation and can assess needs a little more deliberately now that Crabtree has signed.

I'd watch Merriman interest too. Manusky has a connection of course.

If we deal for OL, we Draft NT/S/DE.

If we deal for Defense, we Draft the opposite.

I like a vet NT like Wilfork now if available, and Merriman could make sense at the right price.

Immediate help on a pass rush now is probably a faster fix then introducing another new face on an OL that can't seem to find it's way after working together since Camps opened?

I'm starting to question the Coaching philosophy somewhat.

we just need to bring back our 6th oline man... sorry vernon but after watching the way you ran those routes, you lost the privilege to receive. be a team player and keep shaun on his feet 'kay? seriously, coffee is not ready for picking up blocking yet, and if I had to decide, gore gets the ball over you.

we love you oneniner! hope your wish come true.

Why blame VD for running bad routes? I haven't heard anyone say that he did,and with the pressure Hill was under,it certainly wasn't obvious that anyone was at fault.I believe you're right about the sixth blocker,but losing our best receiver and arguably our best offensive playmaker so far,is a sad trade-off.

It was caught on TV (Moose?) during the game that VD didn't make the hot reads several times against ATL.

Not crossing the face of the LB was just sloppy route running and defeated the effort Shaun made to hit him inside when it needed to be executed.

It seems to me the early focus of our passing attack was on VD for obvious reasons, to get him involved, and clearly needs more work.

OL, hot reads, WR involvement, all have a long way to go.

Hi Truth.... Gary Plummer and Ted Robinson noticed it on the pbp too.. Davis should have crossed in front of the Falcon player in lieu if what he did..

SMith was DOOMED from the start. He never played under center at Utah played a spread Offense .. So Nolan takes him PUTS him under center. Drafts HOW many decent receivers? Then they change OC's every year. Nolan wasn't ready to be a head coach. It wouldn't have mattered who they took the previous regime was not going to develope him. Could he have been a good QB? Perhaps .. BUT as of right FN now HE is a bust. NICE kid? Im sure he is.. TEAM guy? No doubt.. but as A NUBER ONE OVERALL PICK?? HE HAS BEEN A BUST.. If anyone wants to have some fun just surf around and look how many 1st round QB's are flops busts bums.. PLENTY.. I mean the names will make you say OH YEA THAT GUY... what ever happened to him......

On one of those plays, it's been mentioned by the Niners, the pass wasn't even intended for VD, so we don't know anything for sure except the passing game needs a lot of work.

Mike, regarding the "foot in my mouth comment", I'm not going to dig around into contracts among other research. I do my share of reading. However, if what you say is true that is a good move.

But to think the Niners have Crabtree by the balls is a huge misread. I will go back and read the 'diva claus' as you put it, at some point.... The fact is, the Niners will be forced to pay Crabtree one way or another if he puts together a great season or two good ones. To think that is not the case would be naive.

Speaking of which I'm sure this is the same thought process (not necessarily yours) that went around thinking the Niners had one the division and were a top to mid tier team. 8-8, I've been saying that all along and I don't see that changing at this point. 9-7 would be a success. Considering, we are 2-3 key injuries away from finishing 7-9...however, I don't foresee Sing letting the team spiral out of control like that

...still if we have no OL push, how the heck are we suppose to impose our will and run the ball with authority??

And you want to give up a 1st rounder for this guy. His own teammates have called him out for being lazy...

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/10/15/beason-apologizes-for-calling-out-peppers/

My response: Here's what Vernon Davis said about those hot reads during our podcast.

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/10/every-49er-review-from-falcons-game.html

--Matt M.

Matt,

These debates regarding which QB to start are ridiculous. Clearly Shaun Hill is the starter because be makes very few mistakes. His overall play and upside is limited to his arm strength, slow feet, and lack of mobility. Due to Shaun's play against the Falcons (some say all five games) there are those on the blog and message board at Niner land saying to replace him with Alex Smith. The response from the Shaun Hill supporters is that it is an OL problem. Very interesting that when Smith was hurried/sacked and threw bad passes in 2005, 2006,and 2007 due to bad OL's, some fans felt it was that Smith didn't have the talent or QB mentality and they have since concluded that he is a bust. Untimately the bad lines of 2005/2006/2007 got Smith hurt and he was finished for the season in 2007. Hill supporters should be consistent with their OL argument. Smith supporters say that Hill should be replaced due to the offensive results that have been dismal even though the Niners are 3-2. Some fans believe it is time to replace both Hill and Smith with Nate Davis. My feeling is that Shaun Hill has a lot of heart and he is a stop gap until Alex Smith replaces Hill around week 8 or 9 due to the offense's lack of production. Hill is a good guy, team oriented, overachiever, and doesn't make many mistakes. Unfortunately, he is 29 and has very little upside. His skills are his skills for now and moving forward. Smith, as you mentioned Matt, has upside and there are those in the organization that still believe it. The next 2-4 games will prove that a change is needed and that it is not *only* an OL problem. When the Niner's brass determined Hill was the starter, I supported Hill. When they replace Hill with Smith I will support Smith. Ultimately, the brass needs to see if there is anyone on the roster that can be a productive QB and win us enough games to be a consistent playoff contender. This current debate is ridiculous because if the offensive productivity continues to be poor, the brass will have to make a change.

Whether it is Hill, Smith or Davis, the O line IS the weakest link on the team and any one of them will suffer from a collapsing pocket. Regardless of which QB hikes the ball, they will run for their life on many plays. It also does not help that the other team knows whether it is a run or pass play before the QB hikes the ball either. That is on the OC raye. These two things are what is limiting the offense. I have only seen Hill play badly in one game so far, he will have to stink for the next several weeks or get injured (which is more likely given the play calling) for Smith to see action.

Thanks Matt for the real deal on the VD debate..

Basementbeast: Hill has done soooo much better with a poor O line than Smith did it is not even debatable. Be carefull what you wish for guys,if some of you fans with bad memorys get your wish and Smith came in,you would quickly be reminded of the deer in the headlights ,slow footed ,stuck in cement feet and stuck in cement mind,that Alex has. Get ovewr it guys,Smith lost his last chance at winning the starters job. He is history and a history most of us would like to forget. Some of you want to re-write that history,and make out like smith is really something he has never been in the NFL,a good football player. Face facts man ! It's not healthy living in a fantasy world like that !
Hill is the starter and Davis is the player with the most talent at the position. Smith is in the rear view mirror .
But if Hill gets hurt,I hope alex can somehow not stink up the field,because I want my team to win.

alanmarks replied to comment from TOP_CAT | October 15, 2009 5:27 PM | Reply Top Cat, without fans who could jump ship if the "product" doesn't match their needs, what motivation does ownership have to put out a championship caliber product.
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But Alan,we don't need to worry about that with the Niners because we have an owner who is at least as big a fan as we are and will do whatever is possible to WIN !!! Jed is the untimate owner to have if you are a fan !

Louie: Your opinion of Scott McGloughan and Sing are at odds with those in the NFL that know what they are talking about.
What are your credentials to make such a wildly ignorat statement ?