My dad interviewed a former NFL offensive coordinator (who requested anonymity) on Alex Smith for his Sunday column.
Here’s an excerpt:
Q: Can Smith make all the throws?
Expert: You’re asking the wrong question. It’s not if he can. But will he?
To read the column, click here.
49ers RSS feed
Loading ...
Great article by Lowell, I wonder who the OC was, but I like that he kept it secretive. Hmm the Lions and Saints game is heating up.
I think the OC was Lowell Cohn.
blamed the Sacks on Smith.
Doesn’t get that the Receivers haven’t exactly been making the most of their opportunities.
And basically stated Smith is a game manager once again.
I swear to christ, if someone tells me to my face that Smith is a game manager they’re gonna be picking teeth off the ground.
If you put Smith on any team with the Lines that Brees Rodgers, Manning and Stafford have and give him their targets? Nobody in their right mind would be calling him a Game Manager. I sincerely have grown to hate that term. If I could I’d take out a hit on the term. It’s the lazy way out of explaining what you don’t understand.
Put me in the same room as that “Expert” and I’ll own him in this comparison without question.
As I said though I’m pretty sure that that Expert is similar to Unnamed Source. Meaning they don’t exist. Sorry Grant but if you can’t own your opinion(ANY Interviewee) then I cannot take what is said seriously.
That OC needs to man up and grow a pair if he’s gonna make lazy statements like that. It’s obvious to me that he hasn’t been watching the game.
@Ceadderman
Managing a game is the job of the QB.
Just because some idiot expert uses it like a put-down does not make it so.
And I too wondered about the OL situation (lack of in-depth discussion) in the interview. Not a lot of talk about that issue when grading AS when, as this game showed, it really matters. Whenever any D got pressure on either QB, they didn’t look any better than AS. DB fumbled, and nobody made a WOW play avoiding the pass rush. AS needs to make those plays all the time. I would like to see what AS could do behind OL’s like we saw tonight along with playmakers like those we saw as well.
Agreed on most that you stated , especially on Lowell and the OC growing some Balls , this is typical Lowell crap …!!
It’s not Greg “He can’t throw like Matthew Stafford does” Cosell, for sure. Hey Film Warrior, how about those killer INTs that cost the Lions against the Saints?
Megatron makes the QB look good, not the other way around.
LOL-defending Smith like he has done so much in his career. “Game manager” was as good a compliment that the 49ers Org. themselves could come up with. THEY created that monicker to pass him off .
Like I had said when his low turnover thing got freaky..its because he wont throw the ball,choosing to take sacks instead.
He’s done alright this year. I still think his previous six years was more of him then the excuses…
Wow, Detroit’s defense sucks!!!
Couldn’t tackle a guy in a phone booth.
Saints Line has been discreetly holding all game long. This is the playoffs though so those calls won’t be made. Also blown play on the turnover that would have had the Lions up by 14 points in the 1st Half.
I think they were playing pretty well into the 2nd Half though.
The Saints get those calls at home as many established teams do in the playoffs. We just have to hope the refs give us those calls and don’t call holding against us. Our linemen don’t get called for holding too often. I bet our wideouts have more holding penalties. I agree though, the Saints got away with a lot of holding calls.
What about that blown spot when the Saints were 1 yd short, on 3rd and 18? Several plays after that, the Saints were leading by 10. Jim Swartz needs to throw that challenge.
Very poor officiated game.
Their CB and Safeties were asleep in the 2nd half.
NO Kidding
This guy did not like Crabtree. Never even came back and said that Crabs was having a “decent” year this year.
Wonder if he was ever fired from a job.
I tend to be suspect of people who are “former”, “retired”, or “currently unemployed”.
Come on. It was Jimmy Raye. Can’t you tell?
Nothing new in the article. Detroit can’t tackle, SF will not make those mistakes. Those deep passes over the middle where the Lion linebacker is too slow to defend won’t be there against the Niners. Most importantly we don’t play on a carpet.
The Saints have not faced a D like the Niners. If the Niner D account and slow down Colston, Graham, and Sproles, that is 70% of Saints Offense. When the Niner D played Detroit, Calvin Johnson was a non-factor.
Stop Sproules and get to Brees and we win easily, Saints are soft.
Why is Brees throwing bombs with the game in hand? First and goal at the one and you pass? This reminds me of playing sewer to sewer in the Bronx.
More than likely Brees was going for another record in garbage time. That’s how he got the passing record this year – tons of yards in garbage time.
@Anderew
Better question is why was DB even in the game? Freak injury or mad DL player could make a late hit taking DB out.
Stupid coaching right there.
Detroit rushing 4 and can’t get anywhere near Brees. 9ers safeties are going to be busy. N.O. is a big play pass team. Their receivers have great hands and Brees is very accurate with a strong arm. Loves to throw deep. We’ll need 8 in coverage with a 3 man rush or maybe put 99 in there for a 4th pass rusher. N.O. #80 is 6 ft 7 inches. How can anyone cover that? Hopefully our secondary doesn’t go for those dumb Drew Brees pump fakes.
Our offense will need to deal with a 5 man rush/blitz. This means short passes, screens, draws, & short pass plays and the backs will have pass block. Hopefully our O-line can just push them down the field with the run. N.O., of course will be expecting us to do smashmouth. May the best team win! I’m looking forward to beating N.O.
Grant, it’s fine that you give us the NEGATIVE aspect of AS. Why not balance it out with some positives?? How about interviewing Tollner or Rich Gannon? You haven’t posted one positive AS article that I can remember but I may be wrong.
I thought it was a pretty balanced view.
I thought Expert pointed out the parts of AS’s game he liked.
I do think, if you were to go back and break down each sack, that you find most of the 44 sacks aren’t primarily a result of AS holding the ball too long. And Expert never circled back to the 44 sacks representing a very real problem with protection. I think every thinking football fan would agree that any QB under presssure is not going to be as good as he could be. This is especially true when you consider that those 44 sacks happened with relatively few passing attempts.
Another point not discussed at any length by Expert was that this is AS’s first year in JH’s system. Given his widely known learning style [which admittedly isn't ideal for a NFL QB], how could anybody expect him do anything BUT look mechanical?
Also, Expert never discussed if he thougth it was possible that AS might improve as he becomes more familiar with JH’s system, and, perhaps, look more natural.
I’m not saying he had to cover any of those things, but it would’ve been interesting to hear his thoughts.
Erm… this interview did point Alex’s positives. He doesn’t turn the ball over, he makes good line adjustments and he doesn’t make boneheaded mistakes. The anonymous OC pointed out all of those positives.
MSC,
Funny because that means last year, this OC had nothing good to say about Alex Smith. I’ve said it all year and it’s been a blessing. There have been at least 8 easy ints that other teams have flat out dropped against the Niners. Fortunately, the picks would not have changed the outcome of most of the games because Smith wasn’t making these throws when the games were in doubt or we were losing. I can only remember 1 pick that was dropped when we were losing the game. That was the one by Ed Reed when we were losing to the Ravens. I know dropped picks don’t register but I’ve paid that much attention to the teams play this year. Just like we have about 35 dropped passes this year.
Dropped picks??? Jordo, take your loopy analysis over to the betting sites where you can post with the rest of the lowlifes. This is a site for Niners fans, not those who bet against them.
Jordo.
The anonymous OC also stated, “NFL expert says QB has absolutely earned right to be starter next season.”
I guess AS does get his $11M per year!
Ribico,
I can see that you’re very happy with this article. I respect the fact that you aren’t calling me names even though you are upset. I really do.
I also realize that the truth hurts. There is nothing there that can be disputed. It is who Smith has been and who he is. He’s gonna have an opportunity to change that next week. Can he make the throws we’ve not ever seen him make? More importantly, will he?
>>He’s gonna have an opportunity to change that next week. Can he make the throws we’ve not ever seen him make? More importantly, will he?
Why in the world would JH make major changes to the game planning that has gotten the team to this point? Hellacious ball hawking defense, a ball control passing game, and our all-world special teams will win this for us. And you will be lighter one $grand.
BTW, I have no argument with the contents of the article, just how it was presented to the readers.
I was OK with the article. It was one person’s slant on AS’s well known qualities, both good and bad. I agree he has a tendency to be too mechanical. But given his learning style [which is not ideal], IMO he has done surprisingly well given this is his first short year in JH’s offense.
My hope, and expectation, is that AS will continue to learn JH’s system and further improvement is coming. IMO that real question is, to what level can AS ascend?
One thing I don’t agree with is Expert’s seeming take that the 44 sacks [actually worse, considering the realtively low number of pass attempts] are mostly AS’s fault. He contributed to that number, for sure, but to imply that he was solely responsible just doesn’t make sense.
The article isn’t negative. The article is true. What did this OC say that wasn’t factual? You fail to realize that the article is just stating the facts. Underscore something the guy says that isn’t supported by the way we’ve played this year. Time to accept the fact that our Jr game manager is swimming with the sharks right now and JH can only do so much to protect him. Smith is going to have to put on his big boy shorts this week. 2-3 years 11 million a year for a game manager is ridiculous. The Niners would be fools to pay Smith anywhere near that much. He has nowhere to go but here. Who else is going to sign him and babysit his game like JH has?
>>The article isn’t negative. The article is true.
Pfft. Why didn’t the wus put his name behind it? Sorry Grant, I can’t believe that passes for journalism.
Ribico,
What part of the article isn’t true??? Ok I confess. Grant interviewed me and not an offensive coordinator! Lol. So you can’t discredit what the guy says so his analysis isn’t accepted because he doesn’t want to be openly critical of Smith? Wow, you guys are really is love with Smith. SMH!!
I couldn’t care if it was the word of God handed down to Moses. A weasal who won’t put his name behind it should not be given a column in a major publication. Bad Lowell.
My dad has known this man a long time and he assures you, he is not a weasel. And he’d like to know what do people have against weasels in the first place? Please advise.
Ribico,
Doesnt his source have the right to be protected if he asks to remain anonymous? How does a journalist keep his job and remain effective without protecting his sources? I know you know that! You’re killing me right now. The question remains, ” What did the guy say that wasn’t true?”
Well that’s wonderful Grant. But your dad is not Bernstein, this is not Watergate and “former OC” is not Deep Throat. We just take the writer’s word for the credibility of the subject? I guess that is what journalism has come to in the age of the internet.
A question – would you have published the Ira Miller interview if he had requested anonymity? I hope not.
>>Doesnt his source have the right to be protected if he asks to remain anonymous?
Hell no. Not when he’s presented to the readers as “Expert”. Jimmy Raye fits the description of “long longtime offensive coordinator in the NFL “. Would we consider his opinion “expert”? Thisdis just piss-poor journalism, I’m sorry.
@Grant
I am wondering why the expert asked to remain anonymous.
It is not normal in the sports world unless their is some bad history between JH or staff and himself.
That’s not true. Sports Illustrated has their preseason issue and every single expert is anonymous. People can’t speak as frankly if they’re named.
And the progostinations in those issues are usually worth every penny those anonymous sources are worth.
Suppose a news journalist gives us a scoop from a “former high ranking military official” who then tears the Obama Administration a new one over it’s policy towards Iran. What are we to make of the validity of the position without knowing the person it’s coming from? We are just supposed to take the journalist’s voucher that it’s credible? Sheesh, what has the Fox News school of journalism wrought?
OK… I’m done with my complaints over that article. But Jordo was wrong. it wasn’t him… it was me!
prognostications
Jordan,
Did you read Expert’s last answer?
I’m paraphrasing, he said that Smith has earned the right to return.
Since you liked the rest of what he had to say, you must certainly agree, right?
Actually as I read through it a second time, it is more balanced than I originally thought – I stand corrected. Interesting that whoever this former OC is, he isn’t impressed with the WR’s and called out MC and his play last year.
Hofer,
At least you got some satisfaction out of the guy calling Crabtree a dog last year. he’s no dog this year. Funny, I’ve said a lot of those same things about Smith this year. He will need not be scared to make those throws next week. We can’t win if he doesn’t even attempt to make them. Ill tell JH to turn up the volume on the headset. I’m sure he’ll be. Whispering plenty of sweet somethings into the Jr game managers ear.
Jordo, watching both Det and N.O., they clearly have better WR’s than the 9ers. I like MC I just don’t think he works hard enough – until this year. He may be on his way but I’m not sure he is the play maker necessary to be a #1.
Hofer,
Don’t worry, you will still be around when Crabtree leaves on free agency and stars elsewhere. Mark my word on that. You don’t win 2 Biletnikoff awards by being a dog. You have to have him in the right offense and throw him the damn ball! Imagine what he would do in New England. Hed catch 90- 100 balls a year. His speed is not elite but he has hands of gold and he will only get better. He drops a few but he catches some that other receivers would drop or could never catch. You’ve gotta admit that.
The man has healthy feet. He’s only playing better and catching more balls because he’s getting opportunities, not because he’s vastly improved. Smith only has 2 real targets now. Of course it’s going to look like Crabtree is getting better. He’s getting chances, just like Baer on did last week as well.
We lose next week if Smith does not make throws to other receivers. It’s not up to Smith to determine if the receiver is going to make the play. It’s time he give the receivers a chance to make the play.
>>The man has healthy feet.
I would add “finally” to that. That’s the key. He’s starting to make the plays expected of him and if he can stay healthy he will be a star for *this* team. Not New England.
Crabtree would be out of his mind to resign with this team! His agent will NEVER allow him to do that. The days of being a star wide receiver are over as long as Smith is the quarterback. Receivers can’t throw the ball to themselves! Jr. Game managers don’t throw enough. And aren’t trusted enough to make enough throws to create a star receiver.
If the Harold Camping of sports fans says that, then it’s a lock that MC is Niner for life.
All that remains to be seen. He may very well get an extensionc. However, $11 million a year???? Come on Hofer. You’re TB. Do you give Smith $11 million a year for JH resurrecting his career? Seriously? Do you? Answer 1 of my questions, just 1 time!
Jordo, I’ve answered your questions over and over especially relating to AS getting a contract extension. You didn’t believe it and you were wrong again. I’m thinking it will be very close to $11M when adding the goal incentives.
Hofer,
I asked you if you were TB, would you give him that much? How much base? How much in incentives?
Its obvious your hate with Alex Smith continue on, even the 49ers are 13-3. Sorry your boy Singletary and your QBS J. Johnson, Mcnabb, Nate Davis and Smith are all history..The only problem you can can’t stand Alex Smith because all your boys arn’t with the niners. Go away troll !
Alex Smith should re-sign here next year if we don’t bring in one of three free agent QB’s that are better than him.
However, we should not break the bank for him. If Elite QB’s are worth $12-15 million a year, Alex’s max is roughly $8 million. By the way, that is the figure that is being thrown out.
On Crabtree, if Crabtree was a receiver for the Saints playing opposite Colston, he’d have 1200 yards, 80-90 receptions and 12 TD’s. No way he or any other elite WR signs with this team as long as number 11 is throwing the passes. Not a rip on Smith, it just is what it is. The type of receiver that “might” come play here is one that is near the end of his career and has never won a championship. That type of receiver “might” put stats aside.
Lastly, QB and passing yardage aside, this won’t be the only reason we lose this game. We will lose this game because our defense is not as good as the numbers say. We are great at stopping the run, but the saints don’t run. We don’t blitz a lot but we have to put pressure on the QB. As good as our front 7 is, they don’t match up with the great defenses that they are being compared to when it comes to creating pressure on the QB. If we can harass Brees with our front 4, we stand a chance. If we cannot, I don’t believe we have a chance.
BayareaFanatic:
Once again you speak logic and common sense (too bad it is not very common around here). The only thing I would argue is that I think we have a better chance to win on Saturday than you do. If Alex continues to not turn the ball over(his best attribute),and the defense and ST’s don’t give up the big plays ,I actually think we have a good chance,especially if it rains.
We need to make the saints work for points by not allowing anything over the heads of the secondary and tackle every receiver right away after they catch the ball,no RAC. Stop the run as usual ! And of course if we could keep the turnover machine running then we could easily win.
But not in a shootout,since we don’t have a gunslinger. Brees would have time to shoot 6 holes in alex and reload and shoot a few more times before Alex got the gun out of his holster . If they blitz Alex as they did in the preseason game,Alex MUST make them pay,by getting rid of the ball quickly to whatever receiver is left open by the blitzer(s). AS Elway said to Tebow,’pull the trigger” . The problem is that just like the so called experet said(and I have been saying for years),Alex has a bult in delay in every action he takes on the field. He is very intelligent but the brilliance that his brain produces takesa too long to get to his body and so the performance of the machine is handicapped by the slow response time. It’s undeniable.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t win like we have been winning all season long,with a great defense and ST’s and a good running game and a QB that manages himself and doesn’t turn the ball over.
Hey, let’s all keep trashing Alex Smith. So far its worked, we’re 13-3.
@ex
In light of the OL performance we saw last night to get this article where the OL was brought up, but not in depth as a factor in grading AS was an issue I had.
Accuracy is dependent upon QB comfort, and if a QB is always pressured, of course his accuracy will look bad. Give that same QB time, and he gets more accurate. Does that mean the QB is an inaccurate QB?
The few games the OL did give AS a lot of time, AS was accurate.
The Niners need a WR who demands double teaming all the time. That would help the OL a lot. If somebody wants to blitz, and keep the double team, there has got to be some holes in the D. Or risk 1 on 1 and bet AS can’t get him the ball. I’ll live with that.
DS,
You’re right, there’s a direct correlation between OL and QB play. Also, having a tall, big play WR to target wouldn’t hurt either.
@ex
Forget big and tall. I just want a WR core who make all the catches that they are supposed to make and the occasional great catch.
This article tells us what we have in a QB. This is the worst matchup we could possibly have. We can’t afford to get behind in the game against the Saints. We don’t have the firepower to get into a shootout with them. our defense will certainly be tested. Our offense will need to definitely need to do more and be impeccable in the red zone.
There is no way we stop the Saints. I think we can certainly slow them down. I can’t see us getting a great pass rush against them. They have a very good offensive line. They can and will protect Brees. They have done it all year.
The Saints are not soft. Yes, they play a different game at home. They are in no way soft. Brees is for real. This is a game where we actually need to exploit them in the air. They are weak in their secondary. That secondary can be had. Just like this OC says, will we be aggressive enough to go after it. Our offense has been constructed around our running game all year. I believe the Saints can stop our running game. We need to attack them where they are weakest. They are weakest in the air.
Our defense can contain them and Brees will throw picks if we get the lead and get him to start forcing throws. We can for him unless we go up on them a couple of scores. I don’t mean field goals either. We need to score 2 touchdowns early. We would shocknthem if Smith came out throwing the ball. They are going to force Smith to read the blitz and beat them in the air anyway. You might as well throw it on them from the start. Unless of course, JH does not have the confidence in his pro bowl QB to do it. We will know in one week.
It’s gonna take days for the shock to wear off, weeks to accept, and months before the Saints figure out how they got their assessing handed to them at the Stick.
The sure fire guaranteed way that we lose this game is to go away from what brought them there and start playing someone else’s style.
They got there by playing GREAT defense, special teams, and (whether YOU believe it or not) decent offense football. They weren’t blown out in a single game this year, and they have a good chance of going 3-0 in the Post Season.
I hope Alex Smith is named Superbowl MVP, and gets such a large contract that it forces you to give up on (what you claim is) being supportive of your team.
McofSac,
That’s what makes JH so good. He’s had an element of surprise in every game we’ve hasps this wear. What about the Giant game? they were he’ll bent on stopping us from running the football. Remember, Gore had zero yards in that game. We came out of the tunnel throwing the football around and it knocked the Giants off balance. Yeah, Smith cooled down and got a little inaccurate in that game but we still pulled it out because he did make some throws late in the game.
Hope isn’t gonna win us a super bowl my man. We are going to need our offense to produce points and plenty of them. I’m just telling it like it is. Sorry you don’t like the delivery.
Jordan,
“There is no way we stop the Saints.”
“I can’t see us getting a pass rush against them.”
“Our defense can contain them and Brees will throw picks if we get the lead and get him to start forcing throws.”
Not only is this from the same person, but it’s from the same post.
When you settle on what you think, let us know, OK?
I can’t wait to see Williams and that weasel Payton faces after we crush the Saints. Nothing better than a revenge game in the playoffs.
And yet another prejudicial slam against weasels. Damn, what did a weasel ever do to you for you to sink so low as to compare him to Sean Peyton? jk
@Grant. I guess you-all at the Cohn Zone aren’t farmers, eh? Weasels are big trouble for chickens & ducks.
I won’t bother reading the article until the “former OC” identifies himself. Without identification it is impossible to establish credibility for his opinions, good or bad – not worth the webspace to report it.
Exactly, M2. Is the little “former OC” afraid JH is going to put a hit on him? A hearty handshake perhaps?
He probably has hopes of gaining employment with an NFL team again. There are plenty of other analysts, scouts, commentators, etc. that say basically the same thing. It’s not breaking news.
BigP, I agree. And since this guy is a “former offensive coordinator,” it makes me wonder if it’s somebody like Marc Trestman. Trestman is, I believe, coaching in the CFL. Or it could be someone like Jim Fassel, who was coaching in the UFL, the last I heard. He’s a former Stanford assistant dating back to the John Elway days.
I’m glad that the Niners will be facing NO.
Now no claims will be made how fortunate the Niners are to not have to face the high power offense of the Saints.
Agreed.
I think the better more exciting debate is how to beat the Saints. Does Spencer dress, who covers Graham and who covers Colston?
Do we blitz Brees or hope that our front can rattle him?
If we can get past the Saints, it’s superbowl.
I noticed the lions had linebackers on sproles and he killed them, I also noticed that Graham stared at Breese when the play was going to him, before the snap. Maybe the 9er coaching staff see that and maybe tighter coverage or even jump the route. Just my opinion!
Lions didnt capitalize on the turnovers, hopefully we can produce touchdowns if we get that opportunity, at candlestick.
Damn im nervous, and its still a week away, but will have faith in our coaching staff.
“Lions didnt capitalize on the turnovers, hopefully we can produce touchdowns if we get that opportunity, at candlestick”.
Didn’t you watch all season? Our OC calls soft safe plays in the red zone and our QB’s plays it safe and doesn’t score in the red zone. David Akers and Defense will have to do it for us….
Normally I would have tons of faith in Harbaugh to out “scheme” the other coach. I don’t expect Sean Payton to be out “schemed”.
On another note, I wonder what Jerry Jones regrets letting Sean Payton go….
I think the more appropriate way to look at it is, “The Saints almost scored 52 points despite having two turnovers.” The only two possessions they didn’t score on is when they fumbled the ball.
Bay,
True, Peyton is a great coach, but it’s not impossible for him to be out schemed. Harbaugh is a great coach, too.
Big P,
Also true, but the Lions D and 49ers D aren’t comparable. The 49ers are way better right now.
And don’t forget, the Saints are a different team on the road, particularly outdoors on grass [there should be plenty of long, soggy grass, on Saturday].
Don’t get me wrong, the Saints are a formidable opponent, but, if the 49ers can avoid giving up big plays and not turn the ball over, I expect the 49ers to win a tough game on Saturday.
I picked them to win as well, I’m just stating facts.
Big P,
I was just adding info that seemed pertinent to the conversation.
Lions had a great game plan offensively but on defense they let two long bombs get over them with no defender within 5 yards? I dont get how that happens in a playoff game?
Fangio us going to have to come up with something really good to stop that offense.
The Saints are a different team outside the dome. There is no way they march up and down the field against the Niners the way they did tonight.
I think the Niners will hold the Saints to no more than 24 points. The whole key to the game will be for Alex Smith and the offense to maintain long drives, continue the no turnover trend they have maintained all year, and find a way to put up 28 points. That should be enough for a W.
Go Niners
Excellent analysis!! This is what I’ve been saying for a year now. Not a matter of can, but a matter of will!
Crabs last year? Absolutely right on the money. Receiver issues, in general, again, right on the money. Smith doesn’t trust them so he doesn’t throw. Ginn not developed vertically… exactly right. Excellent special teams guy, not there yet as a receiver.
No threats deep? No respect deep – again, right.
Protection issues? Right on the money. Sacks over INTs is right. I’d rather see Smith dump the ball but in some cases the protection was shot so fast it’s probably not possible. (I thought Matt Stafford did a pretty decent job tonight, under serious rush threat.)
I agree with this guy’s assessment completely. I should be a scout!! :P
Or at least a former, out of work OC
Zing! Seriously, though. In the coaching business, it’s the very tiny minority that don’t get fired here and there.
I’m not sure I understand what all the fuss is about or why Jordy is so happy. This guy reaffirms a bunch of stuff that many of us have been saying for over a year now.
“If the 49ers had better wide receivers, Smith might have a better opportunity for his receivers to go get it, to go make catches for him. Part of his reticence could be who is on the other end as the intended receiver.”
Ya think?
“Who is their big-play, go-to receiver?”
Vernon Davis, for the most part. Although, Crabs will be a good possession receiver as long as he stays healthy.
“You’ve got to have receivers who make defenders worry about covering the field horizontally and goal line to goal line. If they don’t fear your receivers can run by them, they won’t respect you. You’ve got to put the fear of God in them that you can run by them. Ted Ginn is not a real wide receiver. He’s more of a gadget guy. They have not developed him on the vertical concept.”
Gadget guy, specials teams ace. Love Ginn on ST but he’s not there yet as far as wide-out goes. Can he be? I hope so, I love his speed but his hands leave a lot to be desired.
“Last year I wouldn’t throw anything at Michael Crabtree. He wasted a whole season. He was a dog.”
At least for the first half of the season. He and Smith had no rhythm or chemistry. It started looking better with more playing time toward the end.
“He has issues with protection…”
Yeah, the O-line is about third or fourth from the bottom in pass protection.
“Q: Will Smith be the starting quarterback next season?
Expert: He’s got to be, for sure. He’s earned the right.”
He has earned the right. Absolutely right.
That’s nothing to get excited about if you’re a Smith hater.
As I’ve been saying, a receiver or two in the draft, probably a guard, too.
Now, if we can manage clock and play defense at the same high level, if the O-line can withstand that Saints pass rush, we have a good chance to win next week.
@Adam
Watching that game yesterday, it was very clear to me that anybody trying to make any comparisons between AS and DB/MS stats wise does not know what they are doing (or maybe they do knowing that they are so wrong).
There was like no pressure. The pocket was huge. Both QB’s had all day to throw. Yet, MS still threw a couple of stupid Int’s and DB threw about 3 or 4 that should have been picked off as well.
I don’t think AS has ever had the kind of protection those 2 QB’s had. Of course that might say something about how bad the opposing defenses were, but still.
DB could step up, right, left and have nobody remotely near him. I don’t think there was more more than 1 batted ball the whole game (for both teams), and that has to do a lot with just how much time and pocket size each QB had to do their stuff.
He also called him mechanical. And he also said he “might” improve with better wide receivers. I for one do not believe he would.
He’s never given his wide receivers a chance to make a play. If it’s not wide open, he won’t throw it. This is most definitely a big cause for some of his sacks.
The great QB’s do this. They trust their wide receivers. It would be one thing if Smith went through a stint where he tried trusting his receivers and they failed him. But that hasn’t happened. His safeness, lack of confidence whatever you want to call it, it holds him back. He is his own worst enemy.
Now comes the rain of excuses….
Adam,
We need a better QB to win next week. Sorry Adam. Who said I was happy. I’ve said what this expert said 2 years ago. I’ve been saying all year that Smith was Mr. Safeguy. I know that he can’t make a receiver better. He won’t allow a receiver to make him better either.
Alex Smith can’t or won’t dream of making throws that Brees can and will make. Smith is not guiding this offense, he’s a Jr. Game manager. He’s not enough in these playoffs.
In golf we say, “he doesn’t have the shots in his bag.” The 2012 NFL playoffs are no place for a Jr. Game manager! We need a real QB. If we had one, the Saints would be toast.
Crabtree, the possession receiver has gotten behind the defense on several occasions this year. One problem, the Jr. Game manager didn’t quite get the ball in the right place to him. Crabtree won’t be the problem next week. The Jr game manager will.
“It would be one thing if Smith went through a stint where he tried trusting his receivers and they failed him.”
I don’t buy that. I think he trusts Crabs now, he didn’t last year (in my opinion). Crabs had a FANTASTIC stiff-arm last week, I’d like to see more of that. I think there’s something to be said for being close to the top of the league in dropped passes that would cause some concern. And yes there have also been bad passes from Smith – like most QBs, more than the catchable drops.
Edwards was never in the picture, Morgan went out early and Ginn is questionable. I really like Kyle Williams, he’s fast and has good hands but he’s not big enough to get much going after the catch. Who’s left? Swain and Hastings going to step up and be go-to guys?
Probably going to have to be Vernon. Maybe they bring Reuland up – I don’t see how Walker plays with a broken jaw in two places but who knows.
I agree on the methodical and mechanical but I think that has more to do with Smith trying not to make mistakes or it’s a function of how this coaching staff wants him to play. Limit mistakes, play smart. Maybe they let Smith take some chances in this game but I doubt it.
I think to win this game next week, they’re going to have to do what they’ve been doing well. Excellent defense and special teams and field position and clock management on offense. I don’t see any way around it. Run the ball effectively, keep improving the red zone offense, be creative in play calling, lot’s of shifts and protection looks.
It will be a tough game. I wonder if we see Aldon Smith in more to harass Brees.
“Alex Smith can’t or won’t dream of making throws that Brees can and will make. Smith is not guiding this offense, he’s a Jr. Game manager. He’s not enough in these playoffs.”
That’s an assumption you can make if you wish but nothing is written in stone. Absolutes seem to get you in to trouble, my friend.
When you have an offense that has only turned the ball over a total of ten times (the fewest of any team in almost ten years) and the best defense in the conference, you’re going to win a large share of games – which we did. It may not be pretty but it’s a recipe for success. When the O-line gels and when we have one of these big-body receivers next season, my prediction is, things will look quite a bit better.
One other thing, don’t forget, this offense went up against some pretty tough defenses this season. Many were ranked pretty high.
Your “Jr. Game Manager” thing is juvenile and you’re wrong more than you’re right. Maybe it’s time to give it a rest.
The gist of the OC article is the last line regarding AS starting in 2012…”He’s got to be, for sure. He’s earned the right.” Contract on the way…
Adam,
I think the Jr game manager title is accurate. Joe Flacco is a real game manager. Joe Flacco out game managed Smith. Therefor, Smith is a Jr. Game manager like I said. Your denial is juvenile.
This game has nothing to do with how good the saints defense is. We know they ar not great. However, their weakness is their pass defense. Do we exploit that? Can Smith beat their blitz? Will he make and complete the big throws or will he continue to be safe and check down no matter what the situation.
It’s not about Smith not trusting the receivers. The OC said it best. Smith does not trust his own ability to make the throws at the critical times. Give his receivers a chance to make a play on the ball. He didn’t have to trust Crabtree on his 1st TD last week. Smith threw the ball 2 yards upfield. Crabtree did the rest. Now that’s trust!!! Lol
Hofer,
Was that your gist? I don’t think your assertion was accurate. Good luck on that $11 mil a year extension. You should be Smiths agent! Lol
Jordo, using your phrase which I won’t re-write is your feeble way of demeaning the success AS had this year with a new offense when no one was giving the 9ers a chance to win over 7 games. Even with the injuries to JM and DW, the 9ers found ways to win. Like I said, we’ll see in April if the 9ers draft a WR in rounds 1-2 or go in another direction.
Jordo, that just shows how personal you take this 9er QB debate. Who cares if AS comes back for $1.00 or $11M??! The point is he earned the right for a longer term contract and he’ll be receiving it soon!
All the experts and analysts call him a manager, you and you alone call him a Jr game manager and think its the right title. You jumped all over it when he was first called a manager, then when calling him a manager became a compliment you started calling him Jr game manager to try to insult him more. It is sad sometimes how much you hate and try to belittle the starting QB.
Hofer,
I still think this game matters in that extension talk. Especially because the Niners are going to have to deal with the Saints and Packers for years to come if they want to win a superbowl. If JH just wants to make the playoffs or win a division title, then maybe he can do that with Smith at QB. Next year our schedule is tougher and were gonna need better QB play and better WR play. However, this game will go a long way is making a lot of people feel better about that extension.
You feeling like Smith will automatically get better is a hope, not a fact. If there is anything we know about Smith is that he is inconsistent. We never know what to expect from him. I’m not convinced about Smith. I’m happy you are.
Yes, the OC did say it best:
“If the 49ers had better wide receivers, Smith might have a better opportunity for his receivers to go get it, to go make catches for him. Part of his reticence could be who is on the other end as the intended receiver.”
Reticence: The state or quality of being reluctant; unwillingness.
Adam, thanks for stating that point. I’ve been saying since last year that the 9ers don’t have superior receivers but there are some that *only* blame the QB. I feel this way, if JH thinks AS is the long term answer at QB, then who is to argue with an HC that has just accomplished a winning season with a 13-3 record?
“You feeling like Smith will automatically get better is a hope, not a fact.”
Jordan, I think even you can see that there is some improvement with Smith this year. Let’s be honest here. Improved completion percentage, improved passer rating by 20 points.
I would think that trend would carry forward, wouldn’t you? It may not be huge gains next season but I would think with a WR and O-line upgrade, some things might look a bit different.
“I’ve been saying since last year that the 9ers don’t have superior receivers…”
I completely agree with you. This isn’t the Niners that had Jerry Rice and John Taylor. This is more similar to the ’81 crew – not to knock Freddie Solomon and those guys.
If we get to a point where we have a team that looks more like ’84? Then we’ve got some horsepower at the wideout spots.
I think Crabs is coming along pretty well. Loved that stiff arm last week, for example.
Still would love to have another John Taylor type guy. JT could muscle and break tackles all day long. A more pleasant TO type of a guy would be great!
I see WR and OG in the draft.
Additionally, AS will get better by being in JH’s system for more than one year (a full year). Add upgrades with another outstanding draft by TB, and this winnning ship keeps rolling along!
Adam,
Smith has improved. But from where? He’s been pretty bad up until this year. His improvement was a lot to do with this safe style of play and the offense with all the short passing. You’re right, he may improve. But he has just a great a chance to regress. Especially with a tougher schedule and more film of him and this offense.
This Saturday will be a relal barometer. Smith will be pressured heavily, he will be blitzed. Will he find ways to beat that blitz. It’s a blitz so he won’t have 5 seconds to throw. Can he manage with 3 seconds?
Adam,
Another possible factor in Smith being mechanical, is the relative newness of JH’s system.
Adam,
Completely agree with your take on the article. This OC actually complimented Smith in many ways and blamed the lack of numbers more on the receivers and lack of protection than Smith himself.
Smith needs to improve, no question about it. He needs to be more consistent with that deep sideline throw he always seems to miss and he also needs to manage the pocket a little better at times, but this game manager has been at the helm for 16 games, and 13 wins. This Alex Smith defamation league is getting old. Second seed in the playoffs and it’s still about what Alex can’t do and how we can’t win with him at the QB position. I don’t think some of you will ever be satisfied no matter what this team does.
If the Niners win next week it’ll be due to the defense and whatever else doesn’t involve the QB. If they lose, it’ll be because our QB can’t win in the playoffs. Just no middle ground with you guys.
@Adam
…or why Jordy is so happy.”
Your brain must know. Your heart may be getting in the way.
@Grant
Why not a blog or two about how tough our D is at home in the next week?
Wow this must be the great Jimmy Raye woo hoo. “What the hell is Yahoo” Seriously great questions LC and loaded with information that we have never seen before. I agree with everything this former OC is saying, very intersting and great stuff. Yea Crabs is having a great season but he is a possession receiver. On a side note went with my son to a sports store today, and their were Mike Singletary T shirts, they were lowered from $25 to $ 6 and there were a ton left. I would not even sleep with that shirt on.
Also Rick get turnovers and capitalize on them. The Lions had so many chances to shift momentum but couldn’t. Also not one verocious hit, usually in the playoffs you see guys flying around and it’s physical, did not see that from the two Dome teams tonight.
I like Smith and I didn’t think it was out of line. People its ok 49er football in one week.
At the end of the day the Saints defense got the two turnovers and it was game over. Brees capitalized on them with the big plays. I must have counted at least 5 missed tackles.
Why am I encouraged to play the Saints, our defense and our running game.
@Prime
5 missed tackles on 1 play you mean.
Detroit never wrapped guys up!
PrimeCrabtree,
Grant busts you out for using multiple screen names. So how many do you REALLY have. You must be a miserable dude. One screen name per poster!!! You are really that miserable??? Cmon man!!!
Yep,prime sounds like pork bun guy.
Of course he is really that miserable.
Jordan 23 please dont tell my peeps I will not resign in SF, you have no idea man so don’t talk smack when you’ve got no clue!
^ Prime Time
Interesting. IP address or another method?
IP
you sly devil
Are you going to expose all multiple posters now, Grant? Please do.
Yes! That would be good. Let them be on notice. If they do it again, ban the IP address. I’m all for it.
Get rid of these clowns with multiple screen names. Talking to themselves!!! Lol
Where is DS talking about how the “haters” make up the fact that Prime/One/whatever uses multiple screen names? LMAO.
Funny, or course it is Grant.
Hey 23jordan, why don’t you do the same like TIM, he gave up his hate on A. Smith. Because his a true 49er fan.. FN root for the 49ers and if you’re not a fan don’t let the door hit you on your way out..
He’s no fan. He has $1000 that says the Niners lose on Saturday.
That guy won’t be back to bet me. If he did, I would have a bet with him that we are going to lose. We don’t have a QB. We can’t win without one.
>>I would have a bet with him that we are going to lose.
Yessir, spoken like a true fan.
I have $100,000 Pittsburg wont lose to Denver…well,IF I had the money.
I never hated Alex,I only hate the way he plays the QB position for my beloved team . Hopefully he gets much better the longer he is in th JH system. But I think he is near his ceiling and is not capable of getting all that much better.
But as I have ALWAYS said,I hope alex proves me wrong,since I like the guy a bunch. But so far all he has proven is that he doesn’t mess up everything for the rest of the team when he has a really good HC,that protects him and plays conservatively to protect the team from his QB’s lack of NFL startingvQB skills.
I love Alkex as a person but just because I would love my Daughter to marry the guy doesn’t mean I want him to run my business if he is not suited to the task or doesn’t mean I would vote for him for President or Senator,or doesn’t mean I want him to be the STARTING QB for my football team ,when a better option is available. The better option was not available this season,but when it becomes available then I am sure JH will change starting QB’s. Buit Alex would be a fine backup ,I hope he stays and becomes our security blanket at backup QB for years to come !
Adam, I think that is an excellent idea. Get rid of these clowns who clog up the board with 40 personalities. It’s weak and unnecessary! Guys supporting their own positions with 5 screen names. Stupid!!!
Jordo, can you use logic for a change? Grant outed *one* alt. Unless he’s holding back on us where are all these other duplicate screen names you are so sure of?
I was encouraged by what I saw tonight, the first half when Detroit played a little d, it looked as if DB didn’t want to throw, the score at the end of the half reflected that, I think if our secondary holds up and we have time to put pressure on him wwe will win there will be no running on us
@DS give the Saints credit they attacked DET in areas they were weak in, MLB and on the corners.
Do we cover Graham with a safety or Willis and Bowman?
How bout Colston? Rodgers or double him?
If we can’t cover the other receivers man to man and not put Brees on his back it wil be game over.
As for our offense Gore and Hunter need to have career days.
@Prime
From what I saw, NO made the whole Lion D look weak. That DL of theirs was pathetic. Both in stopping the run, and pass rushing. Suh does know he is supposed to tackle the guy with the ball, right?
I am sure NO will get some big plays. But the Niners need to make them earn them. Det. far too often gave the plays away to NO. Way too many wide open receivers and no pass rush.
The only position I worry about is DG. I really didn’t care to have him back. He’s made some nice plays, but I don’t want my safety taking so many risks. Against top talent (LF) he was the player who I felt was most responsible for that loss to AZ, and top talent makes you pay for your mistakes in big time ways.
But, what do I know. I thought TB was horrible (worse than Spencer), and he may be the best CB. Remember he was screwed in Balt. and several other times this year by the refs.
PW needs to play better than he did against the Rams because that was the worst game in his career.
We need to make NO play our game. The AFC champs couldn’t do it, and I think they are a better team than N0.
Big time offense is due to bad D more often than great offense. NO will find out just by how much in 1 weeks time.
And find out our O is not as bad as they think.
I wish I could be Mike Iupati for one day so I could beat up the Saints personally. I’m not, but I’ll enjoy watching.
…I just don’t like the Saints, Green Bay or any of those other track teams out there.
@Craps comments with even moderate swears get tossed in the trash. I have had comments held for moderation when I slipped and typed s*** or some such. Did your “censored” comment have a bit of blue language in it? Those get held automatically by the system as far as I can tell.
oops… nevermind
He’s banned.
Guess that proves that I am not craps then.
Grant, you need to do that more often. MM and EB use to take down the whole comment section when the debate became overly immature with the personal (attacks).
Hey msclemons: I’m not sure why you think I love Alex Smith…you must be misremembering some things I have said.
Grant: that might be my favorite Lowell article of all time. I don’t care if it was him or if it really was a retired OC, it was a very good assessment of Smith.
This is the true assessment of Alex Smith, Grant ask this OC to compare Smith to Kaepernick this could be interesting.
It’s too early to know anything substantive about CK. A few preseason snaps when our OL and offense was strolling the field in diapers. CK may never be a quality NFL QB, but it is still far too early to make much of an assessment on him.
I thought the article was pretty spot on. It identified Smith’s strengths and weaknesses, including those that are not on him (the WR corps). The telling part is not the whether he can but whether he will throw the pass. In his defense (and I have been a skeptic for a long, long time) the quality of the WR corp is pedestrian, at best. My feeling is that if it was better, he’d have better passing stats and still having a good W/L record. But I do agree that I think he doesn’t take chances, and perhaps he should take more than he does. And there’s the rub. Chances that lead to potential INTs also lead to potential game breaking offensive plays. As long as the team comes out ahead in that balance, then it is a gain. Whether we’ll ever know with Alex is for me the real question. In the tiger-can’t-change-his-stripes vein, Alex may never be able to pull the trigger enough for us to truly find out.
It is true that the Saints have not faced a Defense like ours this season. But we also have not faced an offense like theirs — and I do not count Detroit’s in the same ball park. The Saints are hitting on all offensive cylinders right now and even though we get them on grass, they represent a very, very formidable challenge. Our only chance IMO is not a shootout. It is ball control, QB harassment, and perhaps some timely ball hawking. Can we beat them? Of course. But we will have to play a near perfect game to do so. We have very little margin for error — we could look up at the scoreboard and find ourselves 14 points down. That, not good.
We have to get a pass rush. We have to get TD’s instead of FG’s. Have to.
My biggest concern with the Saints isn’t the deep pass but the short game to Sproles. Reggie Bush killed the Niners with screens and dump offs(game manager type throws) and Sproles is better than him.
This Saint team is on Fire! However, lets take a look at the game against the Lions:
- time of postion: 22:24 vs. 37:36 (Saints) are you kidding me!
- Penalties: 64 yards vs. 18 yards (Saints)
- Rushing Yards: 32 vs. 167 (Saints)
- Interception: 2 vs. 0 (Saints)
- Rushing Attempts: 10 vs. 36 (Saints)
- 4th qt points Scored: 7 vs. 21 (Saints)
Detriot Lions deserve to lose this game and to my opinion the blame should be on the coaching staff for a very poor game plan specially in the second half! You can not allow the high power saints offense to have ball postion advantage a full 15mins or QT by just rushing 10 times during the game!!! The defense virtually was exhausted by the 4th Quarter. Also they could not tackle on very key situations.
In order for us to win, this defense has to play physical with intensity. Everytime a wr, RB or a TE catches the ball they must get HIT HARD so they can think about the impact next time they are running their route. The OL has to provide protection and we must get VD involved in this game and also we must pound the ball in their face. GO NINERS
I agree. That game yesterday… Especially the second half was like a torturous nightmare of sing’s team last year. Hanging tough in the first half, then getting out coached in the second. Peyton saw that it would be a fifty fifty chance to win with the first half game plan. And then came out and ran the ball down their throats in the second half. The lions got discouraged because of the calls or lack there of. The refs put the screws to the lions, but they couldn’t get over it. I didnt see one holding call on the saints. And counted 5 of them alone in the second half. And why is the sideline judge blowing a whistle for a fumble that happened in the pocket? That was an easy 6. Detroit unraveled.
Ours keys are stop sproales, play physical with their wr’s, TACKLE, and catch those int’s that are ripe for the picking. This is going to be a huge test for our front 7. More than the secondary we have to pressure brees. Their o-line is very good at pass protection.
Our offense will have the biggest test also. We have to eat that clock up and keep their offense on the sidelines. And continue to not turn the ball over. For some reason I see KW having a career day and passing 150 in yards. Just got a gut feeling.
Finally this may be off topic, but does anyone know if it’s against the rules to slop up your own field? Doesn’t look like rain. If I
We’re the niners I would run those sprinklers for
Two days straight. I would think that could be considered home field advantage. Right? Does anyone remember ever hearing of a team doing something like this?
>>Does anyone remember ever hearing of a team doing something like this?
MD, isn’t that part of Al Davis lore?
I thought the article was good, but hardly surprising or enlightening.
-This offence, without the special teams and D, isn’t going to take us far. Duh. The interviewee himself said earlier Harbaugh plays style of offence because of the excellent special teams and D.
-Niner receivers haven’t been great. Duh. (although I think Crabs right now is playing very well, in all aspects).
-Only thing I might disagree with is the critique of Smith re. not throwing the ball away soon enough. Obviously, on some occassions, sure…but look at Brees last night, there were times when he danced around for what seemed like 10 seconds. I’d rather see that, with eyes downfield, than a happy trigger finger when it comes to rifling it out of bounds cuz there’s pass rushers in the viscinity.
I would take that too, issue is that Smith doesn’t keep his eyes down field, he barely looks at that route.
At this point in the season he is who he is. He is just going to have to excel at doing what he does. Short safer routes, don’t turn the ball over, manage the game.
I still think we are going to need to score 30-35 to win this game. The limitation on our team this year has been our passing offense. If we want to win this game, it’s going to have to step up…
Bay, didn’t you read this OC’s analysis? Who is AS going to throw the ball to down field especially with the underneath routes that GR and JH favor? The 9ers do’t have a WR that fights for the ball a la CJ or Colston. Can’t even compare the receivers DB has with the 9ers. Did you read his analysis of TG?
They,JH and GR, only favor those routes because the QB favors those routes. We always talk about the coach tailoring the offense around the QBs strengths. Of course we don’t throw deeper routes routinely because the QB has no comfort with it. He isn’t effective doing it. Crabtree has gotten behind the defense on several occasions Hofer. Smith missed him several times.
How do we score 35 points with Smith at QB against this Saints team. With all the blitzing they are about to do, Smith needs to keep his composure. He can’t check down his way to 35 points. We just can’t assume our defense is going to force 4 turnovers. If the receiver is open and the ball is thrown to them, Smith has to trust that they will catch the ball.
You don’t know that Jordo…again with one-sided speculation that only supports your QB argument. Maybe JH/GR know the receivers aren’t superior and they need to keep VD in to block? Hmmm, seems to be what they’ve been doing for 16 weeks!
Cmon Hofer,
Vernon has caught his share of passes. You think he stays in to block because the coaches don’t trust the receivers? Do you mean the coaches don’t trust the o line?
You guys all complain about the drops. Can’t worry about that now. Smith is going to have to make plays for us to win this game. That is a fact. The running game has not been that great lately. The saints are not as bad against the run as people make them out to be. Their pass defense is weak. Why do you think they blitz so much. Their secondary is weak. Smith has to exploit that, and not with the check down. Throw the damn ball downfield to his wideouts. Vernon is getting doubled this game.
They will have to score points to win, I agree. The defense is half the team, you can’t put 90% of the responsibility on them.
Jordo, I won’t disagree that there have been times that the WR’s have been open but it also when AS has a pass rusher in his face. Do you look back at the QB when noticing the WR’s are open?
BTW, I wasn’t saying VD stays in to block because he doesn’t trust the WR’s, just fewer options for AS due to OL although recently, VD is becoming a bigger part of the offense.
Detroit’s defence last night….wow…..nice tackling. I watched most of the game, thinking of what the result of the play would have been if it was 49er players out there on D. The tackling of the RB’s was particularly atrocious.
I’m not too concerned about our offence. I think the Saints D stinks.
I’m not too concerned with Sproles speed to the outside, Willis and Bowman are fast too, very fast…
I am concerned about the 49er pass rush. That’s the key. Too much time for Brees, the saints will score consistently on any team, including ours. Don’t want to get into a position where we have to blitz extra defenders. Brees eats that up. Good pressure from 4, especially up the middle, will be SO important.
I’m pumped!
Pressure on brees is the key to victory–roll the dice and blitz—-If we can run the ball good .keep them off the field we have a good chance.The lions tackleing was sad.The nfl wants no vs. green bay in the super bowl and the officials got the word–no holding calls on N.O. give me a brake.I am hoping we score 7 not a field goal to stay close. They love to blitz so alex must be nimble on his feet and burn the blitz with quick plays—its been along time to get here and we must play smart—go niners
NO vs GB in superbowl ? Last time I checked, they both are in NFC.
hihihihihi clueless niners fan. If you lose, don’t blame on the NFL to order the ref do this , or do that.
The NFL wanted NO vs GB in superbowl ?? hihihihihihi
Want to stop bad calls? Here’s the solution…Put those refs in jail just like they did to Tim Donaghy. All those refs have gambling ties.
What’s going on ?
Alex is who we thought he is …hihihihi …
I think the Saints defense will confuse Alex with some exotic blitz packages that would result in few pick six(s).
In the other hand, the niners defense can’t hang with Drew and company.
57-13 Saints ……….hihihiihihihi Enjoy your first playoff beating in 9 years ….hihihihihihi
Oh that makes me so depressed! I know you can predict the future; like during the Seahawks game, eh? You make yourself look foolish with every post. Think we’re losers, but you hang around here?
Its like the kid who hangs around with his little brother’s friends because he doesn’t have any of his own. Maybe you & Merton should get together.
The officiating wasn’t bad, it was fixed. Obviously fixed. The NFL would much rather see New Orleans against the Packers. Detroit? Niners? both teams will get it from the refs. They should both be happy to have been as successful as they were. But they are not interesting to the Fixers in the NFL.
Paranoid? Nope, just the facts of life. Detroit had so many “bad calls” against it it was obvious there was something going on, including ball placement, holding, the whole works.
Coming soon to Candlestick… the fix is in.
I know what you 9er’s fans are think’in !!! Dam we gotta face the Saints ! I fell sorry for yall already ! Quote from Alex Smith ” Man this some BullSh$t ” “Coach you gotta help me ” Quote from Jim ” This the dam Saints, I done,,,, done all I can do for you”. LMAO !!!!!!
And again, for someone who cannot spell, put a sentence together or say something even remotely intelligent, you’re pretty smart. Not… Must be those French ancestors mon ami…
or a Raider fan
The only LAMO is you so go take a hike.
Seattle beat them last year-in Seattle. I dont think Harbaugh is giving up. I think the 49ers could roll to the SB..
NO offense looks pretty formidable…
niners lack the WRs seen in this wildcard game by a wide margin…so can’t expect AS to change stripes and throw balls up for grabs like i saw in this game…..
niners have an exceptionally tough job next week…..
Prediction: Pain for N.O. Lots of Pain.
No new revelations from the former (mysterious) OC. We may very be the 2012 version of the 2000 Ravens. And Alex may be our Trent Dilfer. I’m ok with that as long as we keep winning. Also, I agree with Hofe; there could have been a little more balance (but I say that in regards to Crabtree, lol).
After watching the Saints almost put a 50 spot on the Lions I came away with a few conclusions.
1. Our pass rush will not allow Brees the opportunity to get comfortable.
2. Our run defense will not allow the Saints to develop their ground game.
3. Our DB’ will not drop Int opportunities.
4. Our RB’ will flourish against the Saints run defense.
5. VD will dominate any LB on their team.
6. Harbaugh will devise a scheme that will keep the Saints on their heels all day.
Key: If we get an early lead Brees will get very dirty from the Candlestick mud.
Our offense may not put up the numbers that the Lions put up, but if we can score 20-26 points, we win.
AES,
You do realize that Dilfer only threw for 1502 yds and had 12 tds and 11 int in 2000. Not even close…
I’d say AS is closer to the 2005 Roethlisberger – 2385 yds with 17 tds and 9 int or 2001 Brady – 2797 yds with 18 tds and 12 int. Again only talking numbers.
BTW, regarding this OC’s balanced opinion, I thought his analysis of MC was spot on. lol
Hofe, you do realize the Dilfer only played about 10 games that season as well. If you pro-rate those numbers for a 16 game season the numbers would be very similar to Alex. But my point was the similarities regarding offenses and defense. Low-risk passing, strong running attack. Strong defense and good (in our case ‘elite’) Kicking game.
I knew you would be thrilled with the Crabtree comment. He definitely WAS an undercheiver last year. Now, he is our No.1 R’cvr! (trying to be ‘balanced’ lol).
Dilfer actually played 9 games and if you look at the tds/ints ratio (adding another 7 games to Dilfer’s numbers) still no where close to AS.
The reality is, they were both Jr game managers. A Jr game manager won’t win this game guys. We are going to need some plays from our QB AND receivers, I refuse to compare Smith to anyone until he can consistently show that he can compete on their level for more than a year.
Rothlisberger is one of the best in the league. Smith is not BR. Never will be in my opinion. Smith can’t even be compared to Dilfer at this point. He has to show that he can continue to be a Jr. Game manager for that title.
Well the better comparison as I pointed out is the number between TB, BR and this year’s AS!
Disclaimer: Looking only at the number for those given years and not their body of work for their entire careers. lol
I can’t agree with the criticism of the interviewee staying anonymous; I don’t see a problem there. The remarks were candid about AS and some receivers. The points made were well explained. Nothing too new, but with the perceived reasons for not cutting it loose.
I have to laugh when I think of how JH as a QB wasn’t always on the same page with his HCs; he’d freelance once in a while. He wouldn’t like that much from AS.
@brotha
But why stay anonymous? This is football. Nothing all that important in the scheme of life.
If a guy (expert, not one of us fans) is confident in himself, why not provide his name?
That is all that I was saying.
Maybe the same reason some hate facebook-a real and honest opinion..that can and will be used against you by employers or future employers. Simple .
And another thing-could Warriors hc Mark Jackson stop with the MLK posing? c’mon you know you see it too.
ds9=If I now went to the Warriors to apply for a job…see?
@Stan
If I want to hire somebody (NFL now), I would want them to be confident enough in themselves to not hide behind the wall and to state why you said what you did.
Do you want an OC who won’t explain why he said/did something? You want to be “the man,” then you need to be ok taking some shots if you say something that is not true. It’s going to happen at some point in the job (make the wrong playcall, wrong opinion of a player) and I want that guy to have the ego to stand up and admit he was wrong.
If you don’t give your name, then you won’t ever have to admit you were wrong.
I want my OC/future HC(?) to do that.
I think you miss my point. If your the greatest sports host to ever walk the Earth…and you bash KNBR on FB..there goes your “application down the commode”..and the internet keeps that stuff for awhile..I would find my tweets. Couldn’t figure why they made Google.
Read Lowell’s blog reponses. I would say they are a few notches below what the posts used to be..most are on the safe side. And since there is no moderators its just a matter of time before a teenager starts with the curses or worse.
@Stan
If you are the best sports talk guy on earth and bash KNBR, and don’t work for KNBR, nobody really cares.
If you do happen to work for KNBR, and you bash the station, you may still be the best sports talk guy on earth. Just not working for KNBR anymore.
But if you don’t identify yourself, you will still have your job.
I have no idea what the 2nd half of your post is talking about. Sorry. lol
DS9:
I think he means that if you say things about a possible FUTURE employer that is the truth but not complimentary,you might have no chance to get that future job when it is brought to the employers attention that you blasted them in print.
So it is wise to sometimes remain anonymous so that you can feel free to tell the truth as you see it,without worrying about burning bridges with possible future employers.
Who knows,this guy might one day be up for the Niner’s OC and Alex would nix the deal when he remembered he said bad things about him ?
Get it now ?
@Tim
If you think lowly about a guy, then why would you want to work with them?
You know who the QB/HC/etc. is before the interview. If you didn’t like the guy for whatever reason or think the guy just stinks at his job, why would you bother interviewing with them?
Come on DS9,it’s like you are just trying very hard not to understand. It’s not a new concept to stay anonymous when you have your remarks quoted in the press.
Maybe when alex is not a Niner anymore this guy would try to get a job on the staff and JH or Jed etc,would remember that this guy said some things they didn’t like.Or maybe he would aply for a job that had nothing to do with the QB ?
If you wrote things on your Facebook account about your employere that was true but made your employer loof foolish,then maybe ,just maybe,a future employer would have heard about that incident and would not want to take a chance on you doing it to him??? There are soooooooooo many senarios I could think of where a person would want to remain anonymous when he tells a reporter the truth ,that I won’t burden you with the additional paragraphs.
Face it,Lowell says this guy is a trusted source and it is completely in keeping with common practice to not name some sources,especially if you ever want to use that source again.
@Tim
I don’t write things on facebook at all.
I also have been told my numerous people here that they know my gender better than I do. And if anybody points out that I never actually stated it, there is at least 1 regular here who will batten down the hatches and fight it out with them.
So, if you want to remain anonymous, as I do, then you should not be putting your whole life on facebook. Maybe its just my age being 110 years old (another common blogger claims they know the age of all AS fans, so they too must be correct), but I don’t much care to let the world on with what I think. I guess I just don’t get the example Stan and yourself keep using (Facebook), so I can’t get the point you are trying to convey to me.
And I to can think of many good reasons to stay anonymous. Mostly when it comes to crime of some sort. Football is not that big a deal in the whole scheme of things Tim. Nobody really cares who said what. I am sure even BW said a bunch of stupid things that disappeared in time due to his success and because the media was much more controlled back then.
If I say something about a player in the year 2000, what kind of impact will that have on me in the year 2010? I don’t think very much.
DS9:
Obviously a former NFL OC ,who knows how the NFL hiring system works,does not agree with you . He prefers to remain anonymous and I for one can completely understand there are many reasons that he might have for doing so. Even you admit you understand,but then still want to argue about it ???
Let’s just assume that this former OC is as reputable as you and I are and he has his valis reasons for not wanting his name put out there when he says things that might put a chip on some teams shoulders against him.
@Tim
I never doubted his credentials. I just don’t think that an expert should be anonymous unless they are in a position where they can suffer a punishment in the immediate future by revealing their identity. Football is not something that is a National Security type thing to me. Sorry.
And, trust me. I am the one here who goes around saying I don’t know anything. I go around using that quote from Jim Mora all the time: “You think you know, but you really don’t.”
Other people here need to think that they know more than JH (I actually posed this question multiple times to somebody and never heard anything back). I am not one of those people.
I have no idea at all who the Niners should draft, or how good the player will be. I don’t bother pretending I do. Others here think they know more than the HC/OC/etc. and that is just disgusting to me.
DS9:
I think the point is that this “expert” ,former OC,can say what he perceives is the truth,and doesn’t need to color his comments with sweet comments about players that he doesn’t believe,because he is anonymous . He can tell the unvarnished truth,unlike a HC like Harbaugh,who only says nice things about his team in public.
In private JH probably agrees with many if not most of the ctitiques of alex he hears from ALL the so called experts around the Country. JH can’t say it out loud and even the beat writers can’t write the unvarnished truth,if they want to stay on the good side of the organization.
@Tim
JH had plenty of opportunities to knock AS. He never did.
So, you can either think that JH has made this whole elaborate scheme regarding AS, or you can think that he meant(s) what he says.
Judging from everything else we know about JH, I am hedging my bet on the latter. It is consistent with who JH is and has been his whole life. So, either JH has changed who he has been his whole life, or he does what he did to get himself the job…and be himself. Judging by the Niners record, I am also betting that he did this job by being himself, not somebody else.
DS0:
It is called “coach speak”. A wise HC says only good things about his players in public. In private is another matter. I am sure that is private the staff talk over the many flaws in Alex’s game and discuss how to fix the fixable ones and how to stop the defenses from taking advantage of the unfixable ones. That is what coaches all do,if they are wise (unlike the Raiders HC,who threw his players under the bus in his last press conference,).
If you really believe that JH thinks alex is accurate and durable and belongs in the Pro Bowl etc etc etc etc ,all things he has said for public consumtion,then you truely are naive.
JH knows much more about football than I will ever know,but if you think he speaks whatever is on his mind then you really are not paying attention at all.
Let’s just hope we can win 3 more games this year and the whole TEAM will get credit,Alex included !
Please stop making me bang my head on this brick wall,it hurts ,lol.
@Tim
If you are banging your head against a brick wall, you need to get some help.
But if you have done it before, it would explain a great many of your posts. lol
Again. JH must be saying some nice things to AS in private as well. Hence his much improved play.
So, what do we have now?
JH says good things about AS in public
JH says good things about AS in private
I say the most likely conclusion is that JH likes AS and wants him here/believes in him,etc.
You and others take these facts and think JH does not like AS and believe in him.
All I can do is think logically. I can’t explain your logic.
Yep,Alex was JH’s only option this seaon (although they did try to sign Matt Hasselback instead of Alex to start). When you have one option on your team you talk sweetly to him,and wisper only good things in hius ear,so he gets more confidence and not less,as would be the result if you spoke the truth,as most of the media do.
…and YOU are the brick wall and behind the brick wall is common sense and reason and light,but my head hurts and I am giving up on any hope that you can see the light.God Bless ! and goodnight !
GO NINERS !
Tim,
You must have really hit your head a lot. I have never seen you. So, if you are hitting your head against a brick wall and I am the brick wall, wouldn’t we have met by now?
And if common sense is on the other side. Then neither of us have it. But I am closer to it than you. See:
Tim—me (brick wall)—common sense
But, I agree with your last statement man with splitting headache..GO NINERS!
wow…called Crabs a dog…at least this guy doesnt hold back!
i think he’s accurate in most of his criticisms of Alex. but Alex has shown that when he is forced to wing it, he can do actually do a decent job of it. his problem isnt that he cant lead the two minute offense, its that so many of the other drives bog down because of a sack, a missed short throw, etc. but we’re 13-3, so its been good enough so far.
here’s the issue as we face the playoffs: Alex’ TD to INT ratio is one of his strongest achievements this year, but now we’re playing teams who are so explosive that any turnover is going to be very dangerous. so, like any QB who wants to win in the playoffs and the Super Bowl, Alex is going to have to get better, not stay the same.
fesnyc, good read. The tds/ints should be double – 34/10 to compete with other team’s offenses. With this group of receivers, it is difficult to get the yds down field especially with DW and JMorg out. It will be interesting to see what positions TB and JH feel are priorities in this year’s draft – need talent to keep this winning rolling for years to come.
Smith will never throw for 34 touchdowns in a single season ever. He only has what 68 his whole career. Hofer, you have got to put the pipe down! You kill me bro. That’s an average of 2 a game! Lol
Maybe you ruin the spirit of the forum with alias’s that argue with and praise…yourself.
??
I was answering the guy who was banned-then his post got deleted!..leaving my talking to myself look post-lol.
I am concerned about the 49er pass rush.
That is the one most important concern I have too. It cannot be a shootout. The way to stop that is put DB on his back. We have to get pressure on DB, and with the front 4.
Barley:
The problem with that is with Brees being able to quickly pull the trigger ,he beats the Blitz and the ball is long gone by the time the pass rush gets to him. Let’s hope Fangio somehow finds a way around this,but the fact is that Fangio will probably only rush 4 all day long and put as many DB’s into coverage as possible.I hope he comes up with some wrinkles,but his MO has been rush 4 and play a full compliment of DB’s and don’t blitz very often and hope we get turnovers .
Regarding N.O. and winning next week, the keys are:
1. Relentless pass rush and helping the DB’s – if they can’t get to DB, clog the passing lanes and keep the arms up. DB is only 5’11″.
2. Watch for the screens to Sproles – they’ll probably throw 4-5 his way especially if the 9er pass rush is working.
3. Don’t allow for yards after the hit – hit them hard but WRAP UP!
4. Excellent play calling by GR – they won’t deviate much from what got them to the party, but throwing more on 1st and 2nd down – mixing up the runs/passes and keeping N.O. off balance will be key. Keep the N.O. D on their heels.
The biggest key in my opinion is don’t get super conservative in the red zone. Playing not-to-lose FGs is not going to get it done.
Roman needs to be more aggressive in the red zone. So far this season he’s turned into Jimmy Raye as soon as the 49ers cross the 30. That’s gotta stop.
I expect three to four play action passes to Vernon Davis in the red zone.
The 9ers do get close as validated by DA’s 52 FG attempts. Many think that the RZ issues are mainly passing or play calling issues but the better teams get in on runs. The 9ers don’t have a power runner with a nose for the end zone (see NYG) and that is the bigger issue.
MSC!
He can only do what he thinks his offense can do. He has to allow Smith to make plays and expect him to instead of running plays that prevent Smith from throwing the ball. after all, we know that Roman hasn’t forgotten how to call plays in the red zone. He’s trying to protect his QB. Difference is, this is the playoffs. There is no tomorrow. Let it rip.
We can’t expect to score off of fake field goals in the playoffs. I wish we had save the one from the Ams game! Lol
@Jordan despite his other issues Alex Smith was money in the red zone last year. 11 TDs, 0 INT and a 121 QBR.
The only difference this year is play calling.
MSC,
Beg to differ.vyou have to think about situational football as well. How far were we behind in this games. At what stage of the games were we behind. We did lose our 1st 5 games. Take for example the Philly game. We’re down 2 TDs after Smiths fumble and Philly goes prevent. We score 2 insignificant TD’s late. That’s red zone stuff. He was effective in the red zone but most times, the game was not hanging
In the balance.
I expect Gregg Williams will be blitzing heavily in the red-zone….I actually don’t think 9ers will play-action if that’s the case. Quick hitters.
MSClemons, don’t waste your time rationally discussing the QB with 23Jordan. He’s not listening. He’s got his position, and facts be damned if they get in the way.
Keys to winning this game
D line getting pressure- With the type of offense NO runs we will need 7 or 8 in coverage at all times. It will be on our front 3 or 4 to harrass Brees all game long without the help of the blitz. I believe ALodn, Justin, Mcdonald are up for that task. We give Brees time in the pocket he is going to beat us. D line gets in his head and it’ll cause some turnovers.
Covering TE and RB- Anyone that watches a Saints game knows that the TE and RB’s are a huge part of their offense. Brees looks at them as his safety blankets. Last night Detroit gave up nearly 100 receiving yards to the RB’s. The niners however have 2 of the best cover MLB’s in the league so i dont see that number being near the same next week. Graham is a whole different type of animal however. He is an extremely athletic TE that is 6’7, you cant cover that. I know Vic will have a plan to stop him, whether it be linebackers on him or safeties, it needs to work.
Gore and Hunter- Gore and Hunter both have good/great games that means we most likely won the TOP battle. Sustaining long time consuming drives keep Brees and the offense off the field and puts us in control of the game. Also with a solid run game our pass game will open up.
Alex Smith- Of course Alex will be a key to the game. Every QB on any playoff team is a key factor in whether they win or lose. Alex will need to continue to protect the ball the way he did in the regular season. Any costly turnovers will more than likely end up being points for the saints, and we can’t give them points and expect to win. I would like to see him take some shots down field, NO secondary hasn’t been very good this year and were near the bottom in INT’s so the likihood of him being intercepted isnt high. Will he be able to manage a 4th quarter comeback if the situation calls for it? This game i think will answer alot of the questions/doubts us alex lovers/haters have.
Good points, all. But can you think of any reason that Greg Williams doesn’t just run blitz on 90% of the plays? He’ll stack the box to stuff the run and throw bodies at AS like there’s no tomorrow. As much as I think our running game and ball control are crucial, I also think we are going to have to burn the 8 man blitzing box by taking a shot at a WR in man to man coverage. We’ll have to hit one or two to get them to back off. If not it could be a long game.
Alex may have to come out firing against the Saints like he did against NYG, and then the running holes will open up. Regardless the offense will have to do whatever they can to eat up as much clock as possible
If the Saints want to bring the heat then let be. JH and GR for sure are going to use WR, TE and RB screens and Quick passes to beat the rush also we can run delays and then pound the rock to soften the defense for the 4th quater. GO NINERS beat the H out of the Saints and proof to the world we are here to dominate.
Adam707,
I said the same thing earlier. The Saints secondary is vulnerable. We have to go at them just like the Giants game. Pass the ball early and get a lead. Our defense will play well early. But we can’t stop Brees all day. Saints will put 8 in the box to stop our run game and their d line will clog up the middle of the field.
If we are going to run against the Saints, it will need to be with Hunter outside with sweeps and pitches. Be aggressive in the passing game early. Don’t waste downs sending gore up the middle.
Barley, you are right. Williams is going to blitz us the whole game. We have to try and get deep on them in single coverage. This is Smiths defining game. Whether anyone here on this blog believes it or not.
The Saints don’t run? Really? They ran the hell out of it, Detroit miss tackles all night, that won’t happen in SF.Our pass rush is better than Detroits.all this talk about how AS can’t win, according to most of the (experts) he isn’t the reason we have won but maybe 2 gameswith that reasoning, if he plays A great game we should win, what will by said than?
I don’t know if anyone is convinced that Smith will ever be great, but he is our QB, so as long as he he is here and winning games he has my support, and maybe foolishly I will even be optomistic, how long has it been since we were this good.how about enjoy it, and remain positive, this whole season has been a miracle as far as I am concerned.
BF, you are very perceptive regarding G.Williams. He has to remember the pre-season game in which they ran past our O-line who looked like ‘matadors’ avoiding the bull rush. The Saints defensive scheme will be to ‘make’ Alex beat them. But they will quickly learn that this is not the same team or QB and O-line they faced in the pre-season.
Alex will continue to do ‘just enough’ to win. He doesn’t have to be spectacular, just continue to play mistake free. Our D will hound Brees and Co. all day.
The other point the ‘mystery’ former OC made was that he feels Alex has earned the right to be the Starter next year. Again, no revelation here. Only the die-hard Smith antagonist will not agree with that claim.
The only thing to discuss regarding this matter is what type of contract will Alex be offered?
I personally believe he goes for a 2-3 yr deal with a truck load of insentives attached to it. I also believe the Org. is waiting to see how Alex performs on a ‘big stage’ (playoffs) before committing to a ‘large contract.’
Alex has been, and will continue to audition in the playoffs for the ‘big’ payoff.
Agreed.
I think we’ll see a 3 year deal that will allow Alex to hold down the fort while the 49ers find/develop a QB for the future. None of the free agents available are any good except maybe Flynn (HUGE risk) and Alex has proven he can manage the game very well.
I have no idea who the QB of the future is. CK? Maybe… although if he was making progress you think he’d get some situational reps.
Flynn should be looked at. His one game TD total was close to 40% of Smith’s TD totals for the season.
Rob Johnson, Scott Mitchell, off the top of my head. 2 guys that hit big paydays based on a very small body of work, then fizzled.
Flynn lit up a terrible defence.
I would be very leery of giving up serious money in that scenario. The market almost forces teams to overbid for these guys, hoping for the big payday.
I just can’t see Flynn in SF. Some idiot team will throw a truckload of cash at him (see: Cardinals, Kolb) and there’s no way Baalke will match a ridiculous offer.
The 49ers should do due diligence and check him out of course but I don’t see him signing here.
It would be nice to see some on the field evidence of CK’s progress.
TV executives and sponsors must be shaking with the Giants-Falcons score of 7-2.
Hah! No doubt, FOX must be freaking out. After last night it is nice to see some defense though.
Fox got the shaft last week too, when they moved the Giants-Cowboys to the evening game. I hate fox anyways, so goodie!
I wonder who Rooney Mara roots for.
She’s hot. Loved her in Girl with The Dragon Tatoo.
+1 !!
movie was OK girl not as good as the swedish one
Yeah, I liked Noomi Rapace in the original.
I don’t understand why they remade the movie, the original was only a few years old, dubbed and VERY good.
Same with Let the Right One In. Don’t understand that one either. The original was better.
One thing we have to watch is the screen pass! They run that play so many times idk why teams don’t see it
Anybody else think the Atlanta HC should be on the hot seat if the Falcons lose?
Lots of bad coaching choices in this game, and all year as well. Remember going for it on your own 20 earlier this year in OT?
This is what can happen for all you fans wanting an aggresive HC no matter what.
Giants, Steelers, Ravens, 49ers all old school.
have to admit that it irks me that Matt Ryan has a nickname that gets airtime – altho he’s a pretty fair qb, seems to be based on his college days (?), and so feels a bit unearned. (ok, I’m just a falcon-hater i guess…every since that damn dirty bird…)
so, can we agree that if we win this game against the Saints, that Alex deserves his own nickname (which isnt derogatory) ? as far as i can tell, he doesn’t seem to have one, altho Grant may know of one that has some traction inside the Niner facility. I think if we win this game, the kid at least deserves a solid nickname. what do you folks think?
T-bone? (seinfeld…)
Koko
Matt Ryan was very fortunate. Atlanta was a lot better team than the Niners were when AS was drafted.
I have never witnessed a game where MR made me go “Wow.” I have not seen a lot of Falcon games, but he has a lost look in his eyes an awful lot for a QB with so much offensive power (TG, RW, Turner, JJ).
Cap gun…
The EXCUSE!!! Lol
“The Dead Horse.”
et tu, Rocket?
Can someone tell me how Matt Ryan earned the nickname Matty Ice? Guy is 0-3 in playoffs with 3 Tds 4 Ints and under 600 yards. People try and say Romo is a choke artist, at least hes won a playoff game.
Ryan had a bunch of 4th quarter comebacks in his rookie year so he got that nickname. Two years later it’s more ironic than true.
Flynn has sat behind aaron rodgers for 4yrs. Its the system I bet he goes he will just be a average QB js. But with the team around him and ,he knows the playbook it wasn’t hard for him to put up those numbers agaisnt a sorry defense
We are all spoiled with the QB situation, we had two Hall of Famer’s and one the best QB of all time. Also Jeff Garcia was much better then Alex Smith, although Garcia had much better receiver’s and ofcourse so did Joe and Steve. We also still look back and see what a absolute moron it was in hiring Mike Nolan and he choosing Alex Smith over Aaron Rodgers and , why did they have to hire a defensive coordinator for the Niner’s. The Niner’s should always have a offensive minded head coach. Rodgers it appears will be going to the Hall of Fame. and we no Smith is not. It is disappointing but as they say it is what it is.
Take note of Eli’s stat line. That is what an “A” grade stat line looks like. And he didn’t need 300 yards to accomplish it.
Bay,
Very nice stat line for sure. Eli’s a great QB, at times. Other times, not so much.
He also has Cruz, Nicks and Manningham to throw to. Also, there was little to no heat on him today. But you’re right, he had a great game.
How about Tebow? 10 completions for 300+ yards against the number 1 defense in the AFC.
Talk about YAC.
can the niner DL really get through the saints OL….. if not then it just won’t matter…..secondary will be torched
niners peaked at about the ravens game and brought it home for the season but they have not looked all that dominant or even improved , sure a couple of players have shined such as grant and MC but other than that i just don’t see it……
I think all the weakness at the beginning of the year….OL, WR, DL depth, and most of all secondary are still as evident as ever…..AS is just average at best for the time being….
giants vs NO for the NFc
Its not a matter of Alex ever being a Joe Montana,it’s that he not be Alex Smith pre 2011-12.
@Stan
I agree in part. He does not need to be JM. He needs to be himself. And for the first time in his NFL career he is finding that out who that might be. There is still plenty of room to grow! lol
So Denvers receivers are better than our receivers? NOT. We need a quarterback with some cahones’ my friends. Tebow slings it downfield in stride if he can’t do anything else. He throws that deep ball on the money! Good night Steelers.
Jordo, of course the Den WR’s are better! If I believed in conspiracy theories, I’d say the NFL wants TT to make it to the SB. What would be a bigger story? I’ve never seen the Steeler D play so soft. Come on, the safety plays up for the run in OT?? Hmmm!
@hof
If Troy P on Pitt does not make the play, nobody else will.
You need only look at what happened a few years ago when Troy got injured. Pre-TP vs. Post-TP Pitt D is far different than any other safeties impact on a D I can remember.
And how many drops did you see Denver WR’s make? That is a big deal.
Hofer,
Conspiracy theories?? Maybe the NFL wants Smith in the super bowl as well. He’s the Tebow of the NFC without the religion. So I guess according to you, it’s the Niners vs the Broncos in the bowl. The conspiracy theory bowl. Great.
DS,
Troys best days are behind him. He looked old yesterday. Hopelessly chasing wideouts from 10 yards behind them. The steelers team is old and it’s time to trade Troy for picks. He’s past his prime and he’s got concussion issues.
My conspiracy theory is…
Har-Bowl
Jim vs. John. League loves it.
There, I’ve said it!
Adam, I like your “conspiracy theory” better! I’d like nothing better than to win over the Ravens after this season’s Thursday night debacle.
Can you imagine if it actually comes down to that? Holy Cow!
I agree with 23J, Polamalu’s a liability nowadays in coverage. At the line of scrimmage, or attacking a ball carrier, still unbelievable, but covering receivers…..nope.
@Angus
TP was defensive player of the year last year. Pitt was awesome all year. He gets hurt in the AFC Championship game, and is not his normal healthy self in the Super Bowl and the Steelers lost.
I didn’t believe a Safety was all that important in today’s NFL until 2 years ago. The Steelers were great to open the year, great D everybody doing wonders, etc. Then TP got injured and the whole team just stank. Nobody was worth anything. Couldn’t stop the run, giving up huge plays all the time. The whole team just caved in on itself. You get the point. From that moment on, I knew how important he was.
TP is like the Peyton Manning of defense. Sure, Harrison and company are all great. Until Troy is hurt or not playing well. Then nobody else looks good anymore.
I don’t see how you or anybody can say he is on the downward side of his career. He made some plays yesterday which were still awesome. One in which he ran across a good 1/2 to 2/3 the field and tackled a guy on the sideline while the stupid CB (same one who gave up the winning TD by the way) just stood their like an idiot waiting for TP to come make the play, which he did. Like I said yesterday, he didn’t make enough of them, so the Steelers lost.
On the rushing TD (I think it was Tebow), TP was trying to come across the field to get him, but got stuck in traffic behind his own players. So, Tebow scored.
Earlier in the year against the Ravens, TP missed a tackle on a run play near the LOS. When I saw him miss it, I said “That’s a TD.” And it was. The run was like 30+ yards or so, so plenty of time for somebody else to make a play. Nobody did.
Then the second game against the Ravens he failed to make a play on the Ravens last drive. The Ravens scored a TD and won the game. Somebody else could have stepped up, nobody did.
Against the Pats, TB was looking for another one of his miracles, when he fumbled the ball. TP saw it,and punched the ball into the end-zone resulting in a safety (I believe). The point being that play won the game.
Harrison has been suspended so many times it is an annual event. Big Ben was suspended last year and the team still went 3-1. Troy got hurt 2 years ago and again played injured in the Super Bowl and they lost. The facts are pretty straight forward.
Augusin,
When you get a chance, look at the deep throws from Tebow and look who he pump faked into charging the middle of the field on a crossing route 2 times. Troy P. The Steeler hero. He gave up the 2 long balls in the middle of the field early in the game. One for 30 yards, one for 40 yards. He does not make all the plays for the Steeler defense. Ryan Clark is the brains behind the Steeler defense. Troy looks to Clark for advice and keys in coverage.
The Steelers completely sold out on the run all day and left the middle wide open. They dared Tebow to beat them with his arm and he did. Good on em.
Rocket, so true. You’d think they would have made adjustments even though they were missing key personnel. After all, the steelers have been in big games before.
@rocket
I have no idea why Pitt was needing to sell out on defending the run.
The chances of driving down the field 3 or more times to score TD’s against Pit D is low. So, why sell out on anything? If you have to many guys near the LOS and a RB breaks out, its off to the races.
The only way Denver could beat Pit was by allowing big plays. That happened. Talent wise, Pit has more. If Pit plays a little less aggressive against a team with way less talent,the chances of them making enough mistakes to lose is minimal.
The coach though did not adjust. Bad move.
Funny, the Steelers weren’t necessarily selling out to stop the run. On 3 of Tebows long throws, DS’s hero Troy P. Got baited into jumping a crossing patterns on pump fakes from Tebow. He came in to jump the route, and Tebow beat him deep. So in essence, it wasn’t the steelers selling out. It was Troy being over aggressive. The Broncos took advantage of Troy P and his aggressive play. The Steelers underestimated Tebow. Plain and simple.
@4th and 1
” N.O. #80 is 6 ft 7 inches. How can anyone cover that? ”
One name for U….. Manny Lawson would be able to cover that!
That’s why Ceddarman and a few others including myslef have talkied about what he would’ve been able to bring to this year’s team and that’s why they should’ve kept him and cut Shawntae Spencer. Instead of having P.Willis and Donte Whitner to have to cover Manny would’ve made covering TE’s and RB’s/FB’s out of the backfiled a non-issue!