Before: Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick and Scott Tolzien.
Grade: C+
Why: The Niners rolled the dice with two rookie backups last season – Kaepernick and Tolzien – who probably couldn’t have led last year’s team to the playoffs. So the Niners lucked out Alex Smith played all 18 games, even though he was inept on third down and in the red zone. Despite those iniquities, he still helped the team win the division and beat the Saints in the playoffs, so he was better than average. You could almost say he was good.
Now: Add Josh Johnson.
Grade: B.
Why: Now with Johnson, the Niners seem to have a serious backup who could also lead this juggernaut of a team to the playoffs, so an injury to Alex Smith wouldn’t necessarily sink the whole team as it would have last season. If he doesn’t get hurt, Smith should improve with another year of practicing under Harbaugh and with all the new weapons around him on offense.
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I think I will wait to judge any of the QB’s until I actually see them play with some of their new toys. We know pretty much what we have in Alex and all hope he keeps getting better.
With Kaep we really don’t know since we have not seen him,even the beat writers don’t get to watch practice. So we don’t know if he is a future All Pro stud or a career backup.
JJ is a complete unknown . He might be able to step right in and be great in JH’s offense,or the NFL might be too big for him,as it seemed to be in Tampa.
And poor Tolzien,he had the best preseason of any of the 4 last year and he is on his way to the PS,unless someone does to us what we did to the Chargers last year and grabs him off waivers before he gets to our PS (I think he is gone).
I prefer to wait to actually watch our QB’s on the field and then START to make some judgements by the old “eyeball test” . Right now I know as much as Grant or anyone,which is almost nothing we didn’t know about them last year.
Don’t take the bait fellow fans .
Grant: what qualifies you to grade a qb . I doubt that you have ever threw a pass in your life. I would leave that to someone that at least can trow a ball. You will probably take me off this blog,but you are sounding more like your dad and RATTO.
Back in ’82 I could throw a pigskin a quarter mile. Bet you I could throw this here football over them there mountains.
Grant:
You must be using those shoes Joe Montana was selling last year ?
Grant, didn’t someone actually say that?
Johnson is a serious back-up? Put something on the table before making such a statement. Facts are that he couldn’t unseat a QB that had by all accounts a miserable year. Tampa must have thought he wasn’t serious as a back-up. His 9er position is more of a statement against CK than anything. For Alex it’s the same situation for years, the team looking for an upgrade.
If coach woulda put me in in the 4th quarter we’d taken State, No doubt…. no doubt in my mind!
Tim what about your boy Nate Davis I thot he was the next Steve Young?
TIM
You’re a bit agnostic, (moreso than Grant) and just like Grant and the rest of us ‘know-it-all’ QB gurus, you have a history on the subject. Just how is Nate doing these days? Your favorite next HOF QB is always the one on the bench.
Smith led the league for least INTs last season, so C+ is too low. You wouldnt have graded the Colts QB situation in 2010 by talking about what might happen if Curtis Painter had to play, so you shouldn’t have put much stock in the Kaep/Tolzien are Rookies argument. Also, I disagree that the Niners wouldn’t have progressed as far as they did with either of those other guys. They probably would have won the SB if CK had been given the reins.
CK returns punts and kickoffs also? Wonder why we didn’t put him out there to begin with
???
That is funny Tim
C+ is the right grade. Slightly above average is the perfect way of describing Smith’s play in 2011.
You got to give him a C plus, a couple of games, he played like a A, other games he played like a B and other games he played like a D and F.
which games did he play d and f ??
The NFCCG for one. Stinkorama.
That was the whole offense from the coaching on down. I’m waiting for you to actually post something with facts to back your whines up No Name.
You think Manning has second thoughts? I do.
Manning himself said right after he made his decision to go to Denver ,that he could easily have seen himself choosing SF. Bad decision Peyton ! I guess he wanted to stay in the easier AFC and especially in the horrible AFC West ?
When he see our success and Denver not so much, he will realize the mistake.
…you mean success because of Alex at QB…?/
No, because Harbaugh finally wises up and not only benches Alex in favor of JJ, but waives him. It WILL happen.
And the Dolphins will win the Super Bowl this season with their rookie QB.
This fita your thinking process No Name.
Fits, not fita. Stupid Android phone.
Manning could have picked the 9ers, sure, there are 15-25 million reasons he didn’t. Plus he gets the perk of hanging out with Elway.
Divisions and AFC have nothing to do with it…. John Elway showed Peyton the biggest check he’s ever seen and Manning took it.Plain and simple.
The word was that we were willing to match the $ Denver offered. There were other considerations for Peyton. Probably it helped that Elway told him he could run his old offense and JH probably wanted to run his own.
…and divisions and Conferences had a lot to do with it imho,since he didn’t want to face his Brother in the playoffs ,unless they both got to the SB. (except maybe once every 4 years).
umm…no if you remember… Denver had the largest salary cap out of the final four teams. Never was it said the niners were willing to match Denver’s offer.
Also, there is even an NFL article with Manning saying his decision had nothing to do with his brother lol
I read and heard several times in many locations that we were willing vto match. Of course everything was all rumor,but it was out there.
And the salary cap had nothing to do with it. We were fine with the cap when we made the offer.
…Besides,I was just listing all the possible reasons that Peyton made his mistake of a decision. There were plenty of possible reasons,but $ probably was not one of them.
…many commentators mentioned him probably not wanting to play against his brother so often as he would if he was in the NFC. And several times it was brought up about if he would get to keep his old offense with his new team. Peyton said that none of that made a difference,but nobody believes him,except maybe you.
…stop making up stuff …as usual TIMMY…we were never gonna match what they gave Manning……our only sell to him was we had a team that had 90% chance of making it to the super bowl…….
…the offer to Alex was always on the table……adding Manning didn’t mean they won’t have resign Alex….
Even you must have read and heard what all the rest of us did several times,that the rumor was that we would match . If you didn’t hear it then don’t blame me for your lack of knowledge.
…and I never mentioned Alex one way or the other,so don’t get mad at me,I didn’t say anything bad about the only player you love on the team.
There were rumors that Manning thought that “super bowl or bust” was ‘too much pressure’. Which is why, if so, despite my continuing feelings of needing better QB play, I think it’s just as well he went somewhere else. If you’re a veteran HoF QB and you aren’t driven to win championships, I don’t want you.
Great point Grumpy !
Peyton is the 2nd best Manning. Plain & Simple. Nobody says it, but it’s the truth.
I honestly think that Josh will end up being camp fodder, when all is said and done
I like your thinking Dwayne.
I doubt that Johnson can move ahead of Tolzien.
After all, Johnson has been a 100% bust during his time in the NFL, whereas Tolzien had a pretty impressive pre-season in 2010.
But this QB position is entitled to an upgrade, if for no other reason than Tolzien should benefit mightily from a full off-season of OTAs & mini-camps..
Smith was a 100% bust before Harbaugh coached him. Johnson was wildly successful with Harbaugh in college. Who knows?
This is now a much deeper unit than last year, and that is good. Both because of adding JJ and because CK has a year in the offense and is also now a potentially viable alternative in case of disaster.
IMHO, I strongly feel if Alex gets hurt this season, he will be handing the keys permanently over to CK7, or perhaps Josh Johnson. Once Alex misses a game CK7 or JJ will galvanize the 49ers offense to level’s Alex isn’t capable of doing. For Alex is a game manager and CK7 is a game breaker. I like Alex but obviously his time is ephemeral with the niners
Great word !!! The IQ of this blog just went up 20 points ! lol
49erprincess, you know what the deal is.
Both CK and JJ have the athleticism to be very good. Both might have higher ceilings than Alex. But Alex is further along his career path. It will interesting to see how the young guys develop, and whether they can unseat Alex by the end of the year. Or whether Alex can, one more time, do just enough to stay one step ahead of being replaced. Either way, the competition and high standards being set by Harbaugh can only improve the position’s production.
No one knowes about CK of JJ or Tolzien, have to see them play before we know.
…which NFL game has CK7 “broken”…….once CK looks bad against a good defense you will be calling for the 2013 QB draft pick…
So, 49erprincess, you’re saying that Alex Smith = Wally Pipp?
(For those who don’t know about Wally Pipp… at one time, Pipp was the starting 1st baseman for the Yankees. He missed a game (the reason is under dispute), was replaced by a player who remained in the starting lineup… for 14 years–Lou Gehrig)
just like your dad bashing smith every chance you get. also thought it was funny how you gave the niners an F for the draft and then back tracked super hard and started kissing ass now. hack
Let’s nip this in the butt right now, CK is the next QB for the Niners; I do not know if you have been living under a rock for a year, but J.J did nothing when he had his chance ( look at the states please). CK is the real deal and when coach is ready he knows who he will put in CK all day.
JJ did nothing in Tampa Bay. But then, neither did Steve Young. TB is where QBs go to die. Or wait to be delivered from darkness, maybe.
Good One!
Nip it in the bud…not butt.
hehe! Gives that saying a whole new meaning.
Thanks for the correction, MJ, you’re right. Of course, a little butt-nipping can be fun, too!
you love to hang all of the third down problems on Smith even though it’s not the case (he did contribute to the problem).
But all in all your grade is too far off the mark in my HUMBLE estimation (even I can’t tell if I’m being sarcastic or serious). I’d probably give the QB’s a B-
Positives:
Mostly mistake free.
Opportunistic when necessary (Eagles and Saints game come to mind).
Slight up grade at the back-up position. (Johnson really doesn’t have great stats and didn’t make much of his opportunities in Tampa. But at least he has a little starting experience unlike Kaepernick).
Negatives
Mostly pedestrian and sub-par passing offense ranked 29th in yards. (part Smith’s fault, part Coach’s conservative fault, part receiver’s fault).
3rd down problems (partially Smith’s fault).
No experience from either back-up in 2011.
3rd down is 90% smith’s fault.
Even if a good pass is dropped, he gets sacked just as soon as the ball is snapped, or the play-calling on third down is too conservative, it’s still Smith’s fault, right?
The guy was part of the problem, but he was nowhere near 90%.
Alex Smith 25%
Offensive Line 25%
Wide Receivers 15%
Conservative Play-calling 35%
you have no idea
And you do? I don’t put the blame on just one person when it is a collective failure. Sorry if you think otherwise.
Midwest are you a Niner fan or an Alex Smith fan? If you can’t admit that Smith needs to pick it up then you walk the world with blinders on.
Smith’s problems on 3rd down have existed his entire career. His average finish for 3rd down conversions over his career is 29th. Get it? Now are you going to alexcuse us to death as to why he’s stunk on third down his entire career?
Why don’t you write a DSL type post eight paragraphs long detailing reasons why he sucked @ 3rd down conversions every year….
You talk about reading posts when you can’t even read mine right? I don’t list Smith as being 25% at fault for nothing Bay. That you can’t understand even that is just plain pitiful. Sorry if I see the bigger picture while you just focus on one detail.
It takes the whole offense to be successful on 3rd down not just the QB and not just the receivers – look at the runs on third down and their success rate (I did). AS has his issues but he wasn’t handing the ball off to himself. Obviously the coaching staff thought the WRs needed an upgrade and they addressed that position in both FA and the draft. They also address the speed/quickness/power of the RB position in FA and the draft. LC said it correctly in his read that AS finally has the horses now he needs to elevate his play in each and every game (paraphrasing).
@hof
More to the point, it takes all 11 players to do their job on 3rd down all at once.
How many times did you see 10 do their job and 1 not? I did a bunch. And it was everybody. And that 1 who did not cost the team a conversion.
Hofer,
as a 49er fan first I saw the things you pointed out. Unfortunately the bigger problem with Smith and his career long stat of finishing 29th in third down conversions is his inability to let the game slow down in that situation. So he too quickly goes to the “checkdown”.
If it’s 3rd and 8 Smith will throw for 5. If it’s 3rd and five, Smith throws for 2. For the EXACT same reason he takes too many sacks. He does not feel comfortable pulling the trigger beyond 10 yards unless it is wide open. Defend it all you want. You are a Smith fan first. If you want to attempt to argue that assessment then go back to the week the 49ers were attempting to bring in Manning while Smith was shopping himself to the NFL with no takers. YOU SAID NOTHING POSITIVE ABOUT THE MOVE. You have also never pointed out specific flaws to Smiths game. EVER. It’s always about, Smith will improve with X if Y happens. You and all the other Smith first clowns have been exposed. The only difference between you and the DSL’s and Oneniners of the world is that you have a bit more class. Go back and look at the week that the Niners were putting the full court press on Manning. DSL who writes more ten paragraph garbage than anyone else on this blog wrote….NOTHING. Oneniner basically disappeared. And you, you said nothing positive either. Why, because you are an Alex fan first, and a 49er fan second….. EXPOSED.
“You are a Smith fan first.”
Let me clear it up for you. I’m first a 9er fan, then a JH fan, then a fan of the players including AS. I support AS because I still think as JH does, there is upside there. Last time I looked he was the starting QB.
Regarding not being open to PManning with my comments, you are correct. If PM were 6 years younger then I’d be all in. I don’t think throwing him on the field is an automatic SB win. MFaulk said it on NFL net this past weekend, PM played in one system his whole NFL life.
I don’t believe a team builds with a 36 year old QB that has *maybe* 3-4 years left if he stays healthy. If AS isn’t the QB, then go to CK so the team can have 8-10 years with one QB. Stability trumps everything else in the NFL (talent is a given). Look at the top teams – how many accomplished the winning scenario with a 36 yr old QB? BFavre didn’t get it done after leaving GB.
Bay, you can call it want you wish it is your prerogative. I’ll never put all of the blame on AS for previous regime issues. Now with JH, that’s a different story.
@hof
“You are a Smith fan first.”
Stupid sentences like these just make me wonder about the future.
How can somebody logically explain being a Niner fan for more than 7-8 years? I mean if you are an AS fan, then you can only have been Niner fan for as long as AS has been a Niner. So, all that previous time you were watching and cheering for the team, what were you?
If you WERE a Harbaugh fan like you said then you would have supported them attempting to bring in both Hasselbeck and Manning. But you did not because of your Love Smith first mentality. You can’t have it both ways. If you are a Harbaugh fan and you trust him then you should have recognized that he was attempting to upgrade the QB position on more than one occasion. Correct?
And if you are attempting to upgrade a position as a front office or a head coach it’s because you see limitation.
Smith is currently the 49ers QB not because he is the chosen one, but because he is the best option currently available. And for now I actually agree with that as well. THAT is not a glowing assessment. He needs to improve his flaws or move over after this year. Winning because your defense is great but continuously leaving your team in a dog fight while passing for less than 200 yards in a passing league with league low 3rd down conversions is crap.
Bay, that statement is contradictory. You say you are a 9er fan first yet you take every opportunity to slam the starting QB even though JH believes in him. Remember, JH stating that taking a look at PM didn’t mean they would have signed him. They were evaluation him and he also stated, “perception is not reality”. AS hadn’t signed his contract and who really knows if it was a ploy to get AS and his agent off the dime. Do we really know or will we ever know? No! Time to move on and quit living in the past.
On that note, Bay you need to quit bringing up past stats from previous regimes – they don’t mean a thing. I’m only looking at 2011 and forward. Now AS improved and should be even better this year with all of the talent around him especially with a full offseason. If not, CK or someone else gets the nod by JH and I’m all in. Did you read that correctly? Yes! I’m all in. Great season ahead! Stay tuned…
Anyone hear Mike & Mike this morning on Manning and the Denver draft?
The gist of it was: they couldn’t figure out why Denver kept trading back, Manning is a short-term solution and they were acting as if they were building for a future Manning won’t be a part of. All the while, they’re opponents this year were stacking up defensive draft picks.
Manning may have a good year or two left. I think he has it harder there than he thought he might.
It will be interesting to see what happens.
The AFC West sucks Adam
PM has a very good chance of getting into the playoffs, even if he stinks it up. In fact the AFC generally is not as good as the NFC now. Another reason why PM selected Denver over the Niners.
Like I said. The front office AND JIM HARBAUGH tried to bring in vets two years in a row to be the starter. That is an admission that they are attempting to upgrade the QB position. It is an admission that the QB play and stats are not acceptable.
As a 49ER FAN I appreciate that. I also understand that when we could not get those two vets, then Smith is the best option this second. Our young guys were not ready.
If JH truly believe in Smith as you say, he would have attempted bringing in Vets two years in a row and publicly humiliating his caddie in front of a national audience. Nice try though.
I meant “would he have attempted”.
*their
Who cares Bay? Hofer has already stated this morning that he will support whatever QB Harbaugh decides to go with, and you have admitted there aren’t better options available. Move on…
Jack Hummer,
I don’t remember asking you. And Hofer say’s he will support any QB the 49ers have as a starter but we all know that isn’t true.
Once Smith is removed as a starter you will see the initial lack of support. Very predictable.
Search the blog for one strong compliment for any QB on the Niners roster or a Vet they attempted to bring in from Hofer. Just one. If you can find it I will not write a word about Mediocre #11 for one month. Strong compliment.
It’s actually been more than two. Sing and that crew courted Roethlisberger from what I’ve read.
Doesn’t matter, they’re always going to bring guys in and guys will go out. It’s always been that way. Bring guys in to put pressure on your starters, etc.
Not a big deal. Had Manning come here, then so be it. Smith would have competed, Manning, if healthy should have won that competition. I don’t see the same thing happening with Hasselbeck. He might have won the competition but there were no guarantees on that one and Hasselbeck is somewhat fragile in his older years.
Doesn’t matter. They’re going to the dance with the one that “brung ‘em.”
I don’t see any serious threat from JJ. So… Smith is the guy and I’ll get behind the starter like I always do. :)
DS: San Diego added some beef to defense. I think they give a good account of themselves this year.
@bay:
Like I said. The front office AND JIM HARBAUGH tried to bring in vets two years in a row to be the starter. … It is an admission that the QB play and stats are not acceptable.
Wow, two misstatements of fact for the price of one.
1. Can you point me to an interview, press release or anything else in which the 49ers stated that they tried to bring Hasselbeck in to be the starter? No, you can’t. At a time when Alex Smith was not under contract, the 49ers investigated the possibility of signing Hasselbeck, but no one has stated the 49ers’ intentions. Did they want him as the starter, for competition, or as a veteran back-up? We don’t know. Even when Hasselbeck stated that he chose Tennessee over SF, he never said that the 49ers offered him the starting job. In fact, his choosing Tennessee over SF is consistent with the 49ers not offering him the starter’s job. Moreover, the closest thing to a statement from the team was the anonymous source who said that the 49ers would not get into a bidding war for Hasselbeck. The idea that the 49ers were bringing in Hasselbeck to be the starter is nothing more than rank speculation.
2. Investigating the possibility of signing Peyton Manning is not an admission of anything other than his status as one of the NFL’s premier QBs. Yes, Peyton Manning is a better QB than Alex Smith. That doesn’t mean Smith’s play in 2011 was unacceptable. It just means that Manning is a better QB. Then again, he’s better than the QBs on 25-30 other teams too.
Once again, you let your Alex Smith obsession get the better of you. Is there no other subject that interests you?
Claude I am glad to see that your lack of football knowledge is showing. You are a one trick pony that just attempts to discredit and poke holes. Your attempt is pathetic.
Everyone knows they tried pursuing Hasselbeck. The money they were offering was not bench warmer money. HASSELBECK chose the Titans because they had a better offensive line. ( Grant, care to back me up on this one? )
As for HEAVILY courting Manning, it happened, we all saw it. If they were totally satisfied with Smith this would have never happened. They would have offered more money and signed him to a contract that was more money with longer guarantees. IT DIDN’T HAPPEN. Once again Smith was publicly embarrassed.
He should have gone elsewhere if he had a backbone. But no one wanted him. It’s his lack of backbone that makes him unappealing to me as a QB. Smith is tough and takes big hits which makes you think, “yeah Smith is tough”. Unfortunately that toughness does not translate when it comes time to throw one in tight quarters to WR’s in games. Rather take a sack, rather check it down.
@Adam
2 years ago, the Chargers had the #1 ranked Defense (based on yards). They didn’t win their divison. And I don’t think they made the playoffs. If they did, that #1 rank D ddn’t do them much good.
Just goes to show you how good a measurment yards are.
And I don’t think Turner has what it takes to be a HC. Last year, Rivers showed he is not a leader. And their leading WR would rather watch a Int than make a winning play. He may be gone, but that team has no heart.
They had the good D before Adam. It didn’t do them any good. Also, Denver has a decent Defense of their own.
*didn’t*
@bay:
It really annoys you when I expose your b/s, doesn’t it?
The money they were offering was not bench warmer money.
How much did the 49ers offer? And, given your tendency to make things up, I’d appreciate it if you would provide some support for your claimed numbers.
HASSELBECK chose the Titans because they had a better offensive line.
Well, that is what Hasselbeck said. Whether that is the real, or only, reason, is another matter. And it’s something we are likely never to know. So again, you’re just speculating.
( Grant, care to back me up on this one? )
Your call for help tells me that you looked for, but could not find, any support for your claim.
Look, you can speculate all you want. It’s a free country. But it’s just speculation. You don’t know.
You missed out on a fun season last year year because you could not enjoy the 49ers succeeding with Alex Smith at QB. Your ego could not handle being wrong. That’s too bad. What are you going to do when the 49ers succeed again this year with Alex Smith at QB?
@Bay,
Again I ask, who cares? I don’t mind you as much as others, I see your point of view, but you are acting like a tool. Hofer admitted that he would support any QB Harbaugh chooses. Leave it at that. If he doesn’t then you can rail on him all you want, just like he and others do with Jordan.
Like you said, there is not a better alternative so let it play out.
Bay,
I know a lot of the venom you direct toward Smith is a result of some defending him on here, but let’s look at this from facts that we know are true:
Within a couple of days of being hired Harbaugh went public with his desire to re-sign Alex Smith. Said he was a QB you can win with.
Matt Hasselbeck was not a consideration until more than two months after Harbaugh had said they wanted Smith back, and there was never any details given on a contract offer or terms. The only thing we know from the team was that they thought they had another veteran possibility to sign at QB that didn’t work out. Hasselbeck himself acknowledged the 9ers as a possibility but gave few other insights as to why he didn’t come to the Bay area. My guess is he was given no assurances from the Niners that he would be the starter and saw an easier path to the starting job in Tennessee. That’s strictly a guess on my part but it makes the most sense imo. As it is, Smith played better than Hasselbeck did last year and as is so often the case, Hass got hurt and missed time.
As you know, I was on board with the Manning pursuit. I think it would have been great to get him in here, but he chose to go to Denver and the Niners are going with Smith. Doesn’t matter now that they went after Manning because he’s not here. They took a shot at a HOFer they figured would give them another level of play that would increase their chances at a SB and it didn’t work out. If they had done this for say Matt Flynn, then I think your belief that the team doesn’t believe in Smith would be legit, but the only guy they pursued was one of the best QB’s in NFL history, so I think in this case it was about the player involved, not their confidence in Smith.
I wish we could move on from this topic, but I realize that is wishful thinking that will never happen as long as Smith is here. We are coming off of a 13-3 season with a team that had new Coaching and no offseason yet the topic du jour is still Alex Smith and his limitations. If he doesn’t progress this season, then I’m with you, he needs to be replaced, but I think we need to give the guy a second year with a full offseason to build on what happened last year. I think he’s earned that, and Harbaugh concurs.
I have little faith that a 5th year player who’s never shown the ability to play at this level is somehow going to morph into our savior at QB simply because he played well for Harbaugh at the division II level. The only legit challenger to Smith this season imo is Kap. If he is as smart as he seems to be, and can improve to a level of challenging for the starting spot, that bodes well for us, but I don’t see that happening this year. Maybe, but not likely.
Rocket,
as usual your posts are well thought out, well written. You make a lot of sense and are objective.
I do feel however that Smith would have never played another down as a 49er if the lockout did not happen. We were forced to go with Smith. Ownership, front office and the fans did not want him here. Harbaugh full court pressed him and convinced him to stay because he did not want to be here either. We had no other options period. Harbaugh looked at Troy Smith, David Carr and Alex. He chose Alex.
As for my venom, you are correct. I just get tired of the over the top protection of this guy from certain people when the play is so average.
@rocket
Nobody would defend somebody who wasn’t being attacked.
@rocket:
Although we said the same things, your comment was non-antagonistic, and therefore more effective, than mine. I bow to your maturity.
While I am being immature, let me throw this in from Matt Barrows:
“Randy Moss has reported for duty. Before he was signed, Moss and Jim Harbaugh agreed that the 13-year veteran would arrive for voluntary workouts on April 30. And sure enough, Moss arrived today. His arrival presumably means he will begin developing a rapport with starting quarterback Alex Smith – yes, starting quarterback; Harbaugh left no doubt about that when asked last week …
Source: http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2012/04/randy-moss-reports-for-duty.html
If you are Alex Smith fan, you are also a Kyle Williams fan, if you think either are not very good or need big improvement, we automatically are haters.
No Neal. Your biased comments filled with dumb hate is what makes you a hater. Or would you prefer being a whiner instead? I’m not a big fan of Crabtree’s inconsistency, but I still support the guy because he is a 49er. Why don’t you try doing the same?
@Neal
I think your post to FDM awhile back did all that is needed to prove you a hater.
Hater.
I’m a Neal fan!
Yeah, OK, not really. Seemed funny at the moment I wrote it.
I’m a Neal fan too. I’ve got his home and away jerseys in my closet…
@Adam
You scared me for a bit.
I thougt a rival alien species had kidnapped you and replaced you with an evil clone.
lol
This is too the love hippies of the site, I want to win, and when I see below average starters in Alex Smith or Kyle dumb dumb Williams I get critical of them., if I insult your man crushes. I become a hater. I am not a hater, just a non believer. You Kool aid children.
Peace Baby!!
HUGE difference between being critical and just showing hate Neal.
On that note though, if I’m a supporter of a player you don’t like, then I am classified as having a man-crush on him. See how that works both ways Neal?
@midwest
man-crush
Alice
Why do the haters always center their attacks around sex and women? Do they hate both? Because by the sound of it, I think they don’t do/have enough of both.
Hey Grant did you ever hear anything about Harbaugh not liking Kaepernick due to the lack of progression and not being able to read a defense? I read an article about a month to a month and a half ago and It stated the Harbaugh wanted to Go Alex the satrter, J Johnson the 2nd string….then cut Kaepernick. But Baalke won’t let him cut Kaepernick because Baalke saw him as a 3 to 4 year project? Is there any truth in this at all do you know of or could you find out?
LOL,I doubt you read an article that said that.Maybe someones comments on a blog somewhere. Link please or it doesn’t exist.
Nope it was a Article that was posted on 49erswebzone
Link? The Webzone has fans writing articles you know ? I would hate to see an article about Alex from Spit or Jordan or even Hof or MS,and take it as if it were an article from a beat writer or someone who has inside knowledge. Anyone can write anything on the internet you know.
CK was JH’s guy . JH went personally to work him out and to catch passes from him etc.JH traded up to get him! Do you really think he would give up on HIS chosen one after LESS than a year ? No HC would do that !
TIM,
If I wrote an article about AS it would be very balanced along the lines of what LC wrote over the weekend. When are you, Bay, etc, going to get that I started supporting AS in 2008-09 due to the undue criticism he was receiving when the two inexperienced HC’s were running the show. I didn’t think AS deserved the lions share of the blame. Now that JH is here, AS has improved but needs to play more consistently and have the attitude that on 3rd down, when in the RZ, and each series, that he will go through a wall to be successful. Let it play out – he and the offense has more weapons – can GR utilize these weapons with good/great play calling?
@ jons
I read the same article wasnt that the April 1st one?
who wrote it Under ?
Whatever,we now know it was nonsense,since they could have traded away CK during the draft if he was not up to JH’s standards.
I have no inside knowledge at all but imho CK is the QB of the future if there is one on the roster.
Opps,sorry Undercenter,I just now got the joke ,lol. April 1st,lol. Sometimes I am a bit slow .
@Tim
We don’t know that for sure. It is also fact that you can’t trade that which nobody wants.
And if anybody really wanted CK, they could make an offer that you can’t refuse (yet another Godfather quote for you).
Tim you are dialoging with someone that doesn’t know football. Everyone knows CK is a beast. No one will give up the farm for him until they see him perform on the field.
Matt Flynn best example. Prior to him coming into a game and showcasing his talents no one was singing his praises. NO ONE. He came in, played at a high level and got a fat contract.
If Smith doesn’t elevate his game we will get to see what CK has.
Flynn got a fat contract? He got less than Smith who many on here say is peanuts. Which is it?
Add JJ: C+
He will be fighting it out for 2nd QB. JH said there would be competition at 2nd/3rd QB. I don’t see the improvement?!! Based on what? JJ’s body of work in TB? 5 tds and 10 ints! CK needs to step up his game period!
Following that line of thinking Alex’s career win loss record and TD’s vs INT’s leave quite a bit to be desired.
You’ve got to have the right coach, system, and weapons to succeed Bay.
The team in TBay that JJ was drafted to was loaded compared to what AS had in 2005 when the 9ers drafted him. Additionally, the former two HC’s didn’t have the experience. Take a look at that 2009 draft that someone astutely posted here over the weekend! No wonder there was limited skill talent on offense until this draft. Now they are plugging the holes/gaps to open it up this season with a tough schedule.
Tolzien may be the best of the three. Who leaves?
It’s Tolziens arm that makes him the one to go (if JJ can show anything). JH said there will be competition throughout the ENTIRE qb depth chart,so Tolzien will get his chance to move up and so will JJ and Kaep.
Grant, I love most your articles cause your real. But how does josh Johnson, an absolutley terrible back up in Tampa bay be an upgrade? He’s only here cause harbaugh knows him. He couldn’t lead the team to the locker room after the game. Alex “wasn’t almost good” he was leading the 29th ranked passing attack. So it’s more like he was “almost dead” I like tolzien, not sure about kaepernick yet, and Alex is the worst starting qb in the league. So until we know what the backups can do, don’t u think the niners qb grade is more like a D at best? They’re the weak link of an amazing team!
Jeff, thank you. Johnson has more experience in Harbaugh’s system than Alex Smith does (he played under Harbaugh for three years at the University of San Diego). Plus he’ll have excellent weapons around him. That’s why I say he’ll be a very good backup.
JJ will be a brilliant starter. Alex will be benched by game 8 and cut before the end of the season.
Do you have actual facts this time No Name?
Anyone who says Smith is the worst QB obviously didn’t see Sanchez and Tebow play last season. They must have also missed the playoff game against the Saints.
And what about the giants game? go watch the repeats of the saints game through your smith’s pink glasses. the man is right, alice is the worst starting qb in the nfl.
Wow. Great hate there. I get the feeling you’ll hate Smith no matter what he does. Very sad.
What does Smith does?
For one, he won the game against the Saints when the defense faltered in the final minutes. He also hasn’t complained about how he treated earlier in his career. He is a team player that doesn’t think the world revolves only around him. He is a fighter.
Need me to go on?
Yeah go one. Because other than the one thing right you said, everything else is BS.
What’s the BS part? Please elaborate with your hate. You do it so well obviously.
“He also hasn’t complained about how he treated earlier in his career. He is a team player that doesn’t think the world revolves only around him. He is a fighter.” – he has no choice.
That’s the BS part? Really? Not a good arguement.
its not good because u don’t get it. i’m bored…
Sorry if you’re bored with facts. Not my fault.
facts? :) ok, i’m double bored now…
So have fun in your I HATE ALEX SMITH universe, a place where facts become swallowed up in hate no matter how truthful they are. I’m not stopping you.
For one, he won the game against the Saints when the defense faltered in the final minutes. He also hasn’t complained about how he treated earlier in his career. He is a team player that doesn’t think the world revolves only around him. He is a fighter.
Dude that same defense also gave him 5 turnovers. Why wasn’t that game a blowout? You give that lead to the elite qb’s and I would have been leaving the game after an hour. For you to put any blame on the defense for it being close is ridiculous. Yeah I’m going to have to say you are a smither. But good news: with the way this offense is stacked now, there is no way tebow, let alone smith can fail next season. Top 7. You watch!!
WR play is the reason that game wasn’t a blowout. Aside from Crabtree’s touchdown and Williams’ huge block on Smith’s touchdown run, the WRs were highly ineffective in that game. That can’t be denied.
You can call me a Smither all you want Md. I know that I’m a Niners fan first and foremost. I just happen to be one of the fans that doesn’t focus on piece of the puzzle.
@midwest
MC was good the whole first quarter. Not shockingly, the Niners offense was kicking on all cylinders. Then he went silent. And minus VD, AS had nobody.
Isn’t that kinda like what I said DS?
@midwest
Not quite.
You gave him credit for a single catch (play). He actually played well that whole quarter. The first pass of the game after the Whitner force fumble, he got good positive yards on 1st down.
Had he played the whole game like that first quarter, we win by 50.
And never mind ninerz. Poor fool. The defense gave AS 3 TO’s. The ST gave him 2. The first TO was great because it prevented sure Saints points near our goal line. But the chances of converting that to points is not good. Yet our offense changed field position.
Then the second TO was DG return Int for a near TD. If memory serves, that was MC’s TD. So AS lead the Niners to a score on that TO exchange.
I predict that scott tolzien if cut will be the 49ers version ‘linsanity” because tolzien is the best Q B in the 49er system. He throws the short pass & the long pass better the both of the other three!
Both of the other three. Is that like saying 3 out of 2 ? :)
richard gilmore, tolzien is good but not so strong in the pocket and is suspicious to the pass rush. his best assets are his anticipation.
See? You can say something good if you don’t concentrate on hate.
I’m not a hater, I’m a realist dude. As I said, watch repeats of the biggest probably only good game in Smith’s miserable NFL career and rejoice. There wouldn’t be much more. That one you can count on it!
That’s about as solid as “We’re a QB away from a playoff win!” And you’re not even close to being a realist. You are striking a pessimistic vibe. Try to have some faith in everybody on the team. I an, from Smith to Moss to Cox.
Am, not an.
When you consider the limited playbook, inconsistent OL, and rather lackluster receiving corps (outside of Vernon), Alex acquitted himself rather well. Add an improved OL (based on Goodwin’s 2nd year in it and either Kilgore or Looney upgrading RG), vastly improved receiving corps and another explosive playmaker in James, and we should see the offense blossom. Josh Johnson has ability…he had limited chances to show it in Tampa and they were also a jeckyl and hyde team. Under Harbaugh, just keep your eye on him. We got lucky that Alex stayed healthy the entire season…that could change this year and I’m really glad we have JJ. He’s the only other QB with legitimate NFL experience, albeit somewhat limited.
balke & harbaugh saw something in tolzien in the charger game, the ability to deliver the football. to me he appeared to be very calm in the pocket. hopefully tolzien won’t be dismissed because of josh johnson, a second round pick who likes to run and a q b who likes five yard passes!
Alex with 5 yard passes? you’re giving him too much praise. His favorite pass is behind the los. Tolzien body structure looks weak, when in the pocket and I got the sense he can be intimidated with the pass rush. He just looks weak. Everything else he has. the desire to get rid of the ball, anticipation and accuracy. Just that weakness is a bit more of a problem. I don’t think he’ll make it that way. And made me an impression, he becomes a bit tentative that way.
He hasn’t played a preseason game for the Niners yet. Let’s wait and see what he does.
And I think Smith likes throwing passes to Vernon Davis. I don’t think he throws to him behind the LOS.
i will be happy if i see smith successfully force some passes to wide receivers this coming year! Kaepernick able to throw accurate swing and five yard passes! Johnson look good in getting the team down the field! Tolzien doing the same! Been watching the Senior Bowl and Looney looks good playing Right Guard at least in the first half but he failed in playing center he got the short leash after four plays.
alex forcing passes is not in his nature but it will be good yeah.
I am so thankful Harbaugh is the coach and not you two. You don’t believe in competition whatsoever.
Yes Harbaugh is the coach. And the coach has tried to bring in a veteran starter two years in a row to take the reins. When we were not able to get that veteran, our fall back plan was Smith. Smith is not the starter because he is ” the chosen” one, Smith is the starter because he is currently our best option. Let’s see if that lasts through training camp.
As a REAL 49er fan I am excited to have lots of real talent at the QB position so that in the event that Alex gives us more tentative play, we can plug someone else in.
You do realize you just supported what I said, right Bay? I’m glad Harbaugh brought in some competition at the QB position. It’ll make each of those guys better. If AS is the QB, I’ll support him. The same goes with CK, JJ, and ST. Glad to know you and I are thinking on the same wavelength here Bay.
Why bash on smith? He played decent last year and as a TEAM we made it to the NFC championship game. We now added some depth to hopefully help smith out, if he doesn’t have a better year then last year then yes its time to move on but till then let’s be excited! We have some young talent coming in and we added some explosive players to our Offense and I can’t wait to see what we can do!
I agree with most of what you said. Except “bashing Alex smith” you said he played decent. So how is a c+ bashing a decent player?
Well… it is above average. :P
@Adam
Only on a scale which values +/-. Not all GPA scales do.
the addition of a least one more wr both crabtree and vernon davis may help free up smith to throw with more freedom. Crabtree wouldn’t say in the last play-off game but just him and vernon wasn’t enough with ny defense. i felt the lost of morgan last year effected the whole offense!
Agreed.
check out the Senior bowl the niners have trenton robinson 19, joe looney 78, cam johnson 56, and a. j. jenkins 88 all playing in the game.
What i saw of Kilgore impressed me. He seemed too me to have very good technique and if he has gained size and muscle would explain why they passed on higher ratrd guards. i’m jazzed about the niner future and the chance to see them play one more game and we so far haven’t lost that one!
Smith can’t be fairly judged until he has the best oline, WR’s, TE’s, RB’s, and coaches in the NFL, and only then can he be judged. Even then, if he doesn’t play well, it must be their fault.
Same whine 24/7.
Smith realist, absolutely. He’s best at fooling people, deserves an oscar for it.
You’re just jealous.
And what a rip. 8 years and not a single hot actress to play opposite of. That sucks. Unless a locker room of men turns you on.
Kinda like you deserve a Oscar for Best Whiner.
DS94everXev, you’re a clown. I realized it straight away!
MidWestNiner, do you stand for anything in your life, cause i think you don’t?
With you willing to sink that low, it just goes to prove where you stand with anything Ninerz. Don’t go try getting personal with me when you spout that crap.
ninerz, Thanks for blowing my cover. I have tried for so long to keep my identity a secret from the evil doers on this blog and now it is ruined. I must now retreat to my bedroom and never return to this blog.
http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/040527/040527_bozo_ccol.grid-4×2.jpg
Way to prove mid west right.
You insult yourself. No need to insult you further.
Ahhh I get it. DSwhatever, no worries dude. It was my pleasure revealing yourself..
MidWestNiner, as I said.
Great comeback from where you stand.
Always my friend
Please don’t call me a friend when you question my integrity. That’s like Owens saying that he supported the QB throwing to him.
I said a month ago that Alex Smith needs 10 pro bowlers playing with him in order to have a chance to be successful. Tells everyone what type of QB he is. Wost contract of any startingQB in the NFL. It stands for Not For Long!
Jordo, that’s all you’re dealing tonight? A little tired eh?!! lol
Look around the league, then come back and say that. There’s no way you’ll be able to if you really look 23.
@jordan:
I said a month ago that …
Before we get to what you said a month ago, let’s look at what you said before that.
A year ago, you said Alex Smith sucks and couldn’t play QB in the NFL. You were wrong.
Eight months ago, you said the 49ers could not beat winning teams because Alex Smith was a choker. You were wrong.
Six months ago, you said the 49ers were a QB away from a playoff win. You were wrong.
Yep, you’ve been wrong in every declaration you have made about Alex Smith. As for what you said, last month, we could point out last year’s successful 13-3 regular season record, the division crown, and the playoff victory over the Saints. But, we don’t have to do that. We can simply play the odds and mark you down for being wrong every time you comment. .
Oops, I almost forgot. Seven months ago, you said the 49ers would not bring Alex Smith back in 2012. Remember that one? Remember how you were so sure that he wasn’t coming back that you vowed never to post another comment if he was re-signed?
I remember. We all do. You were wrong about that one too.
Welcher.
Sooner or later Smith will either shine or fade but he will never ever have better chance to succeed than under harbaugh. no more excuses!
Would b.just like T B to do it big mistake not having seen what they can do given a fracion of the chance alex has but is as mucch of an open competition for QB as I expected there to be any way.
As it so fond inting out.doiff system diff coach. Diff chance
I’m happy for dwaynne and andrew. But the fact is we still don’t know what our backups can do under harbaugh
Don’t remind andrew of that fact clemons. He might axially wanna see jj play b4 reading him
Axially? Like Andrew is going to turn in circles?
I meant trading him
Now that’s the way to think bayareq fwnwnatic leave us options. Ehutthe back door on this idea
Are you on a phone with no spell check or am I having a stroke?
Weren’t we talking about it being wise trading aeau backups we haven’t seen play yet? J has been very successful under harbaugh an ck who knows yet? Thats the point y wo ld u trade them away so quickly? U stuck iy? Some one offering a1st rounder?
L
in the playoff as play as good as em there was a fumble 13 and 3 still gets a bad rap new england new orleans have bad quaterbacks too did not make super bowl
should have read be fore posting sorry not the post still like smith
Wow, looks like a lot of spew was deleted. What did I miss? :P
@Adam
Island breeding.
It likely was a disgusting sight/thought.
Pay no heed.
We can win a Superbowl with Alex but he does handicap us a little. He has the tools to be a really good QB he just doesn’t have that killer instinct. You can tell when he’s out there you can tell he is over thinking everything and at the same time just saying “Don’t mess up Alex, don’t mess up” instead of what he should be thinking I want the ball and we’re going to win” In watching preseason last year it looks like Kap has that and I think Harbaugh knows it I can’t wait to see him when he is ready to play.
The preseason and regular season are two different animals.
If you’re a competitor you’re a competitor. Notice I never said he played great all I said was he had a competitive feel to his game which I’ve never seen from Alex.
You’re right. You did. I believe that Smith is a competitor, though he doesn’t show it.
It’s not an Alex Smith “Hater” or “Apologist.” For some reason, people seem to be in camps, as if they were joined to a political party.
It’s hard to rate Alex Smith’s play because of the weird math of Harbaugh’s ball control philosophy, and the totally unsettled receiver corps. The 49ers had so many injuries, they actually had no receiver sets on first and ten toward the end of the season.
Smith had the confidence to throw Josh Morgan open. With Crabtree, Smith had to be sure he was already open before pulling the trigger. No coincidence the last game the 49ers had 4 quarters of good offensive play was the Tampa game, when Morgan was hurt at the end.
(Love Harbaugh. Lucky he’s our coach. Deserves coach of the year. But if he did not try to run up the score at the end of the Tampa game, Morgan would be healthy and the Niners would be Super Bowl champs.)
Good:
- Only 5 interceptions and 2 fumbles in 18 games played. Wow. Incredible, especially since he was sacked/hit so many times. Fumbles are one of the few things totally in the QBs control. INTs and other stats can be affected by quality of receivers, scheme and game situation.
What a contrast to his rookie year, when all people could talk about were his “small hands.” From a field position standpoint, QB fumbles are far worse then most interceptions.
(A statistic the NFL should start following… total INT field position loss. A pick-6 in the first quarter is statistically seen the same as an intercepted end of half Hail Mary where the DB fell down as soon as he made the catch.)
- Brains, and game management.
Imagine drafting Montana and telling him never to throw to alternate receivers. Imagine drafting Marino and telling him to slow down his release. Imagine drafting Elway and telling him to only to throw short passes. Imagine drafting Steve Young, and telling him never to use his legs to create plays. Just stand still in the pocket?
Not saying Alex Smith is a Montana, Marino, Elway or Young. But the 49ers drafted this brainy guy, and put him in the dumbest “Dad-Gum” offense in NFL history. Two years ago, Alex Smith would get the call from the OC with 8 seconds left on the snap clock. On first and ten. On the opening play of the game. In the first game of the season. Incredible.
Last year, Smith gets to the line with a nice 15 seconds left on the play clock, calmly reads the defense, calls the right formation adjustments, changes the play if needed, with plenty of time for the O-line to re-visualize their blocking assignments. All on the worlds shortest training camp, in a brand new offense.
Smith is smart. Smith is tough. His team would run through burning buildings for him. (with the possible exception of Crabtree)
Bad:
- 0-13 third down conversion in the NFC championship game.
- Inaccurate on long passes.
- Still has a hard time sensing pocket pressure.
- Still looks “spindly legs” at times when the play does not develop as expected.
Smith has flaws, but I’m giving him a B bases on guts, toughness and brains. A meek face, and a lions heart. That’s Smith.
Well said Brodie.
Ooooh… two or three people around here (in each radical camp) are going to have a hard time buying that.
Pretty fair assessment though. Good job :)
@Adam
Why?
Umm… because there are extremists in each camp?
…Adam it would be nice if u could back the comment up with some proof…….name one extremist from both camps and show us the comments that places them in the camp
Umm… No? I think it’s pretty well established.
ummm….Nah, obviously its not since you don’t have names…..grow some balls and back it up….
He’s trying to avoid needless griping Oneniner. Quit trying to start something.
Somebody trying to start something on the internet?
I find that simply incredible. :/
…he started it…all i did was reply
Hey, that’s what my 6 and 8 year-olds say too! What a coincidence!
@Adam
Let me clarify. I think you misunderstood me.
Why was Brodie’s post going to be a problem for those you call extremists?
Not why there are extremists. My mistake.
:- )
…+3
Brodie@Washington,
I have to believe that had we gone to the Superbowl we would have taken NE to the woodshed. I see something like a 28 – 13 score against the Pats.
And this is with Alex Smith at the helm. We were a couple of muffed plays from going all the way.
If we took an honest vote I would venture that the majority here would say that we would have beat the Pats in the SB had we played them. And AS would be the winning QB.
Absolutely. The 49ers would have dominated the Super Bowl. Maybe the score would be close, but they would have absolutely punished NE. Even sans Joshua Morgan.
Correction: Meant to say “I’m not an Alex Smith “Hater” or “Apologist.” For some reason, people seem to be in camps, as if they were joined to a political party.”
Welcome to the 49ers Party Brodie, where you don’t believe in Smithers or Haters but the team itself! ;-)
….whatz a definition of a smither?……and plz show a couple of comments that brands a poster a smither…….been asking for this but NOBODY can find those comments..
again and again…. the idea of someone being a smither is a made up counter argument or lie by the haters who have been 100% wrong about everything and need something to change the subject from their pure hatred of Alex……………….i am still waiting for one person to show us consistent comments from a poster calling Alex the Jesus or the greatest QB in history….
…now if being a smither is supporting your starting QB who you know has the talent and skills but feel he has not been given the tools (like all the other so called Elite QB’s) to succeed ……..and you hope with the tools they do give him that he becomes a winner in the NFL……PLEASE SIGN ME UP FOR THE NUMBER ONE-SMITHER….
I just summed it up Oneniner. I don’t believe in either party but the team itself. But if I had to give you a definition of each they would read like this:
SMITHER: A fan of Smith first and the 49ers second; a fan who worships Smith 24/7 and is known to find no fault in Smith whatsoever. See Tebowism. Note-very small in population, practically nonexistent.
Hater: A fan of the 49ers that is always demanding Smith’s head no matter what; a fan who burns the ground Smith walks on, figuratively and/or literally. Known to call to call him Alice. See Whiner. Note-a very command 49ers fan that usually blurs facts with
hate.
I’m not labeling anybody, but I would like to see both meet on common ground and just look forward to a great season from the 49ers.
..thats the point Midwestniner……
THERE IS NOBODY WHO POSTS CONSTANTLY THAT FITS THAT DESCRIPTION…….OF …”A fan of Smith first and the 49ers second; a fan who worships Smith 24/7 and is known to find no fault in Smith whatsoever” …….
I can give you at least give 4 haters who are consistent – (Jordan23, Timmy, Neal, Bay) …demanding Smith’s head no matter what;…….you should have been here during the regular season and see how these haters were nit picking on every play…..
I was. It was either annoying or boring. What I have a problem with is when someone says something and can’t back it up. I don’t really get along with Bay or 23, but I respect them because they at least present some facts to back up what they say. Even if those facts can be countered with other facts. Or vise versa.
…if you were then you would have noticed nobody was screaming Alex is god after he completed a pass….
…..I believe I am one of few ppl that went way over board with the praise of Alex after the saints win……and over board I mean by rubbing the crow in the faces of the haters……..and gloating about “i told you so”……as a fan that had stood by my QB over the yrs I believe I deserved to do that (anonymously)……..the haters obviously thought differently…
That’s why I say Smithers are practically nonexistent.
…you did say that……and I agree……
A “Smither” is a name Jordo gave to anyone that supports AS starting as the QB. I actually came up with the “agenda” and “extremists” categories during a debate with Jordo. We are all fans just see things differently (obviously). lol
LMAO!!!!!!!!!! At Onelame. HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA “Sign me up” HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I’ve gotta think that had we gone 10-6 last season and lost in the first playoff game every response on this blog would have been the same. Jeez Louise, the improvement the Niners made last year, all over the field, in every situation, would make an objective person’s head spin. And it looks like we’ll only be better this year. Hold onto your hats and buckle your seatbelts!
Since the lovers and the haters seem to be sequestered in their own little silos, I thought this seemed fitting:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/30/us/amid-rural-decay-trees-take-root-in-silos.html?_r=1
Eventually all things pass. Don’t sweat the small stuff guys. It’s all good and we have ourselves some football right around the corner. Doesn’t get any better than that! :)
…Adam you are all talk…back up your comments with something….who are the lovers and haters?…….and show us the comments that made you decide which camp to put them…..
..currently you are in the smithigator camp…..ppl that come here and promote a division among fans by latching on to other ppl’s comments…….kinda like AES – no solid opinions but flip flopping on opinions and adding nothing to the blog…….
I’d say Adam is in the JH camp meaning that if AS is the starter then he rolls with him until otherwise noted differently. Adam is balanced and backs his comments by fact (see OL stats among others).
AES, was a staunch AS supporter back in 2009/10. Now he wants to see more progression. I wouldn’t put either in that Smithigator category although there are a couple here that fit that description.
…being in the JH camp is a cop out…we are all in the JH’s camp……makes no sense disagreeing or even doubting JH’s decisions after what he did last yr….
my beef is just that I am getting tired of people repeating lies from the haters over and over…….nobody has claimed Alex is god…….but for some reason ppl like Adam keep bringing it up so they can define themselves as the “reasonable or objective” camp which is really the “i have no opinion or balls camp” …i.e AES……
there is nothing wrong with believing in your QB……you are a freaking fan (especially a niner fan) that should be in your DNA….
Sits quietly in the corner, humming Jethro Tull’s “Thick as a Brick” to himself.
#innocent
I’m a team supporter, Oneniner. Fortunately, I didn’t say, “athletic supporter,” that would have been touchy. :P
I back Smith because it’s my prerogative to do so as a fan of the San Francisco 49ers. My personal opinion has always been out there to see: I think he has shown flashes of real talent over the years. I think his growth as a pro quarterback has been hampered by poor coaching, changing systems and not enough talent on the team. I’m not sure what his ceiling is, I’m not a professional evaluator of such things. I played some back in the day and that informs some of my observations/opinions. But that and $5 might get you something at Dutch Bros.
I have also conceded that he may end up being terrible, in the long run and fall on his face. I don’t make absolutist statements. I DON’T KNOW what history will record for Smith. But… he’s a Niner, therefore, logically, I support him. End of story. I mean look, it’s a free country (more or less) and I back my team and I back my starters – which includes (but is not limited to) Alex Smith.
Both “camps” like to accuse the other of being one thing or another. One is the hater/doubter and one is the Smither/Lover or whatever. How much more obvious does that need to be? As someone else has pointed out, it’s turning in to a freaking religion. Disgusting.
I’m not sure why I need to name names – this is an ongoing thing, every single day, every single post. More drama on here than the baby mommas watch on TV in a week.
If I was a “Smithigator” I’d think my message: “Don’t sweat the small stuff guys,” might be a bit different. My overall theme here is: we don’t have the keys to the car, we control NOTHING. Personnel decisions are not made by fans (and thank Jebus for that.) Why bitch and moan and fight over stuff that none of us have any control over whatsoever? Lame.
I have posted plenty of stats and other opinions to back up my football discussions. A lot of it in defense of Smith if I feel that something is skewed unfairly, etc. And there has been a ton of that. On the other hand I’m not of the belief that Smith is the next coming of Montana and have on a several occasions scoffed at that opinion.
I don’t care that much. The two camps know who they are and the rest of us (who just want to have some football talk and the occasional respectful disagreement) know who they are. It is what it is.
What oneniner? Having a little moment of clearity huh? lol
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black (lol).
You don’t fool anyone around here. You are not a smither or hater. You are an extremist. You call me a flipper because I neither hate or love Smith. I’m cool with that. You’re right, I’ll continue to support AS from game to game. That’s my right as a fan, as it is your right to be an Alex extremist. I’ll wear my opinion proudly and not come on here and try to grandstand by asking someone to define a smither.
At least the so-called smithers have showned the ability to be a little fair and balanced by giving credit to other areas of the team, whereas you are impervious to other areas of the team and only wear the Alex Smith blinders.
Nice try oninener. But you’ve been exposed for some time around here son.
…umm…it isn’t what you say it is……..nobody is questioning your fanhood…..all I am saying is stop saying there are 2 camps when there is only one camp……and if you are going to keep saying 2 camps back it up with names in the camp…..
….its obvious you are trying hard to play the middle….but the truth is there is no middle to play…..stop making things up………
…AES…your agenda is very clear….you fool no one…….go ahead; do what you do best and piggy back on our comments…..
…..i am actually flip flop fatigued thanks to you…..
@AES
oneniner has complimented the “other” areas of the team when appropriate.
I don’t recall him saying something like the defense sucks this last season. Or our ST suck all year long.
I do recall him being happy with our D and ST and writing posts that express that. You can have your personal issues with oneniner. Fine. But oneniner has pointed to other players and reasons for wins besides AS.
AES………We know what Oneniner is about. He’s just trying to fool some of these new bandwagon fans on here. Anybody thats been on here for atleast 5 years knows he’s the king of Morons and THE BIGGEST Smitty on here. Check the name. Right onelame? This dude must have fell off the public transportation ride and bumped his damn peanut. WOW! He’s pathetic.
You know what? Alex is going to be our Opening Day starter, barring injury. The man is not His Joeness, and he isn’t Ryan Leaf. Even his supporters mostly recognize he has limitations, and even his critics understand he got to 13-3 last year. There is basically zero chance that he comes out and trips on his johnson badly enough in August to lose his job. The competition is going to have to bide its time.
So why don’t we?
Let’s wait and let the man play against GB in Week One, and then we can re-visit this. Because right now it’s just BS. Mental masturbation. Nothing anyone says here means squat until we have some regular season games to dissect. So let’s just table the Freaking Great Alex Debate, Part 146,805, until September.
Colin Kaepernick is going to take over the QB position because he is more physically talented than Alex Smith. Yes Alex is very smart and likable but he just can’t sling the ball well enough to utilize San Francisco’s new weapons. Additionally Alex stands around WAY TOO LONG in the pocket and it is just a matter of time before the sacks and fumbles start taking a toll on the team.
Remember something very important: When a team’s offense produces touchdowns and builds a lead their defense will become inspired to protect that lead and even build on it. When the offense repeatedly goes three and out or can manage only field goals when reaching the red zone (49er offense last season) it can weigh on the defense. They start asking the question “what’s the point in getting the ball back when our offense can’t score?” Now we benefited last year from the best defense in football and they just never gave up. Lucky for Alex.
I say give the defense something to protect. Give the defense a rest by having long offensive drives, grinding out the clock. Stop running Frank Gore into the line for no gain on third down. Let’s light it up!
You don’t have much faith in our defense if you think that thought crosses their minds.
Eh, that was stupid. Zygoma, you’re absolutely right on everything.
Name one defense that has that thought running through their heads. You can’t. NEXT.
Alex’s cautious ways will eventually get him benched this year.
or the amounts of int’s, same sh*t.
Ever think that was the way he was told to play? Again I say let’s wait and see what happens this upcoming season. Barring injuries decimating the offense, Smith will have to take a big leap in his progression or else. He can’t afford to play cautious with the way the offense is set up. He hasn’t had these type of weapons before, so I can overlook his cautious play in the past. Not so much this upcoming season.
MidWest,
Good take. Agree with that. He has shown the ability to make all the plays when needing to come back. If he can play that way for 60 minutes each week it will be lights out for the opponents.
Thanks Jack.
I agree MidWest
As a FAN, it is my right to reserve THE RIGHT to express any opinion of any team member. When Alex plays good I give him kudos. When he plays bad I will call it like I see it.
Blaming other team members and continuing to throw team members under the bus to exonerate Alex from any blame has been your agenda from day one.
At least man-up and admit it oneniner, stop shrinking from the truth. You are an Alex extremist. All other team members are mere pawns who are there to make Alex look good.
You come on here a few times a year to try to discredit those who ‘call it like they see it’ regarding Alex without having NO CREDIBILITY to make a judgement call.
Go take another vacation like you did during the Manning potential signing son.
…you are not a fan …you are a fan flip flopper (fff)……..a fan takes a position because he loves the team…..you can’t flip flop on love……
…unfortunately you don’t have any comments by me to validate the agenda you talk about…..
…..yes I am an Alex extremist because he his my QB….been my QB for yrs……..unlike you all I needed was a season to make up mind on Alex….I did exactly that after his rookie year……and so far nothing has happened since to make me doubt my opinion of Alex……..
….I am also a Aldon Smith extremist and a V. Davis extremist….etc……if you were on the blog “back in da days” you would know I never doubted Davis ability to grow into an All-Pro…..I guess back then I was a “Daviser ” ….
and how do you call it!!!! AES…..the guy took a team with no big time WR; that never made the playoffs in years to the NFC championship game, he scored 2 big time touchdown to beat the almighty Drew Brees…….he was in the middle of the pack in stats, better than previous years…….he had a great turnover ratio…..and seem to have a great relationship with the coach……
and you talk about CREDIBILITY….where is yours after all Alex did last year and you still have the guts to think it makes sense for you to critic him play by play……….
why can’t you give him the same respect you give the other QB’s…..if I asked you to rate the top 10 QB’s in the league, am sure Alex will be in the bottom or might not make your top 10 …….and am also sure you will rate other QB’s higher who have never won any championship game in the NFL……..why not judge them also….why have this standard of “no excuses” just for Alex????…….
Oneniner, some people just don’t know how to be fans. It’s easier for these morons to be critical and judgmental then to be objective and spirited. It’s a syndrome I call “hater”!
Calling me ‘not a fan’ only confirms my statement that you have no credibility to make a judgement who is and who is not a fan.
You are a fan of Alex Smith only. You have proven that over the years. Don’t draw in other player to placate your credibility, it won’t work.
Years of pouring your style of hatred on fans that don’t see Alex in the same light that you see him in can’t be erased by trying to come here and grandstand by asking people to define a smither.
I feel like I need to take a hot shower after having someone like you try to call my fanhood into question. You have been nothing but an agitator around here for a long time son. I will say you have improved your game a little since being banned a few years ago. But it’s going to take quite a while to get off the BS radar, since all you add to this blog is bad energy.
…exactly how much fun can they have if all they do is critic or judge……..I just don’t see the fun in it….
…whtz sad is most of these same objective fans have been on the fences for 7yrs………
…every year its the same Alex has to prove himself…..on the next play……….at some point a true fan has to decide this is my man and I am with him and the mistakes and successes or just move on to another team……..
…”Years of pouring your style of hatred on fans that don’t see Alex in the same light that you see him in can’t be erased”……..I believe Last Season made that light obvious…..
I like the reference to “banned”, “take another vacation”…..you always did a good job of latching on to other people’s comments…….in this case ninermd the frog………dude can be original once ever in your life!!!!!
every year its the same Alex has to prove himself…..on the next play………..Onelame
The FO has been waiting for 7 years for him to prove himself. Contract and Manning says it all. Bet Harbaugh and Baalke dont know what they’re talking about either. Quit frontin like your a 49er fan. You’ve bashed Coaches, other QB’s and Players for years. Dont try and fool these Newbies. Your a fraud. And damn sure arent no 49er fan. Ive noticed about 15 comments on this page and around 2 on other topics. Hmmm Wonder why? Pathetic
@AES
“As a FAN, it is my right to reserve THE RIGHT to express any opinion of any team member.”
Remember that thread or two last week or so about you asking me about whether I am in or not?
You said something along the lines of “DS you are either ALL in or Not. Which is it? in reference to MC. Maybe it is just me, but your quote above seems to give you the leeway I was asking for from you.
Please explain how me being critical of MC is breaking your code I have quoted above, but AS is fair game for you/poster x.
I guess we’re splitting hairs here. But I have given every team member my support over the years. And yes, that includes Alex Smith! Have I been critical of AS and other team members when they have made ‘boneheaded’ plays? Yes. Hence my statement that I reserve the right as a fan to express my opinion.
Do I continue to harp on their mistakes and continue to discredit their efforts? I would hope not.
Not once have I said I ‘hate’ Alex Smith, but according to the Alex extremist any critique of AS is blasphemous. I say Alex extremist, because any critique of other team members does not phase them. And in fact, have brought them out to ‘pile on’ with their own brand of criticism.
So when I asked you if you were ALL IN that was in the context of will you support M.Crabtree whom you have continued to rail against. Will you support every 49er on the 2012 roster?
Great post AES.
Right on the mark AES.
@AES
Look at your post. You have a good part of my answer.
Just add the “bad attitude” and you have it.
And I didn’t rail against MC virtually all season. Not since I said I would not. I kept my word. Now every player is getting graded. I am doing it now, just like every coach/GM is. This is the time to do it. In the off-season. Not during the season hoping that player x is kicked to the bench knowing full well that in all likelihood means your team is losing. Find a post of mine from last season where I wanted a player to fail.
Good luck. You won’t find it.
Really don’t mind if you sit this one out.
My words but a whisper your deafness a SHOUT.
I may make you feel but I can’t make you think.
Your sperm’s in the gutter your love’s in the sink.
So you ride yourselves over the fields and
you make all your animal deals and
your wise men don’t know how it feels to be thick as a brick.
And the sand-castle virtues are all swept away
in the tidal destruction the moral melee.
The elastic retreat rings the close of play
as the last wave uncovers the newfangled way.
But your new shoes are worn at the heels
and your suntan does rapidly peel
and your wise men don’t know how it feels
to be thick as a brick.
Ian’s lyrics still stand-up, don’t they? Tull’s ‘Thick’ Tour was one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen. Of course if I can remember it I may not have had as good a time as some people there!
DS:
“You can have your personal issues with oneniner. Fine. But oneniner has pointed to other players and reasons for wins besides AS.”
No DS, don’t flatter oneniner by saying I have personal issues with him. If oneniner comes on here and refers to me while conversing with another blogger, I’m going to call him on it. Nothing personal, just business, bud.
@AES
A while ago, you told me you had personal issues with oneniner. I get it. Not placing blame on you.
And if it at all matters to you, oneniner has more or less said he has issues with you.
If we were to all not get involved with others on this blog who some who you do interact with don’t like, there would not be a blog.
…..I have always called you out on your b.s.. but recently you never did respond much……..until today…..
My guess is you probably convinced yourself to ignore ….”crazy oneniner”…….but then you flip flopped back….
…one thing you are credible at is flip flopping ……..knew it was gonna happen soon….lol
There goes BS and OneNiner double posting again
Mr. Can’t read gets off on writing the crap that Grant proved false.
Reading comprehension. A big problem for you.
Are you my dad? Cause your BS far outdoes anything I’ve done. Grant said we were not the same, yet you insist we are. Is Obama a US citizen? You were one of those that really wondered about that aren’t you.
Nick you are such an air head, that’s your reply everytime, “double poster”, keep using the same tired excuse, you haters are all the same, repeatively boring and ignorant!
DS/Prime/Oneniner
I struck a nerve. There must some truth to what I said, huh? Anyway, let’s get back to writing super long nonsensical paragraphs of Alexcuses.
Why is DS getting in the middle anyways?Ds I know your smarter than this. Your always backing this Moron. Save some Cred and call this clown out for what he is, the same way most on both sides have done, Like MM did a couple of years ago……..AN ALEX SMITH FAN…….Thats it nothing more. This joke is no where near a 49er fan. Please. Ds wise up
md
For the same reason I converse with you. You know my rule. Oneniner has never once attacked me. That means something.
oneniner:
“whtz sad is most of these same objective fans have been on the fences for 7yrs………”
Excuse me for being on the fence during this time. I forgot Alex was an All-Pro during these years (lol). Once again, your Alex extremism is blinding you objectivity. You’re too easy to expose son, there’s no fun in it any more, hahaha!
You are flip flopper!
Prime,
And you sir are a coward. You come in here, peggy-back on oneniners BS, take a shot then run and hide behind him.
Think about it for moment. All this angst is being caused because your buddy earlier called me a flip-flopper while conversing with someone else. The name calling means nothing because it’s typical of oneniner. Hey, this blog wouldn’t be the same without oneniner calling names, it actually adds a little levity. Questioning my fanhood is a totally different thing altogether. But then again, coming from oneniner, I guess it’s best to just consider the source.
But that doesn’t change the fact that you are a coward!
AES, its true, you are a flip flopper and a hater, a supporter, and a fairweather fan. Its supposed fans fans like you who take the entire essence of being a fan and turn it into a mockery.
A Fan, sometimes also called aficionado or supporter, is a person with a liking and enthusiasm for something, such as a band, a sports team or entertainer.
Its okay to not like a player but to consistently critisize and predict failure, what is the point and how does that relate to being a fan?
Guys like you take the entertainment out of it cause your hypercritical? Why? Alex had a good year and shown tremendous improvement. Why are supposed 49er fans waiting for the other shoe to drop, what’s the point, where is the fun in waiting and predicting failure on a guy on a team you idiots talk about how much you love? Counterproductive, immature, and pointless.
Sports is an escape from our everyday lives, a time to enjoy and be entertained, why bring negative energy towards fan who just want to have fun and enjoy, insted we are listiening to flip floppers like you comment on Alex “can’t and won’t” when in reality he “has and will”.
Take your negative commentarty and leave it in your own daily being, we dont need that crap around here! Life is too short to think the worst or to express negative BS to people who really dont care!
Yes its a blog, the freedom to state your opinion but seriously, what enjoyment do you get argueing in the negative and to people who really think nothing but arrow up regarding the 49ers, is it not an opinion better left muted?
…dude …cmon 7 years on the fence and you don’t think you have issues?…..
…think about it you are a serial flip flopper…..
Hahaha, you’re a funny guy!
Go 49ers!
So back to tje original article don’t trade jj as ee know he can br successful under hatbaugh. Don’t know now bpit ck or tolzein so give.em a shot at lrasy On camp if not preseason u know what u gave in ass
I 1 more funny stat ss thrhad a league lo low inbpass whaa?
What the ….?
Yup. I can’t post THAT unintelligibly even when I’m drunk!
Maybe he passed out on his keyboard and those are just random keystrokes from his nose and forehead…..
If so brotha, then he is Pinocchio (probably a good nick name for him) since the post just above at 8:28 is equally gibberish.
Never said anything about last season. But you have certainly been on a Crabtree hunt since the playoffs.
No problem, once again that’s your right as a fan. But at least give others that same right without harsh retribution when they want to critique AS. Or come to the defense of other team members as you fervently do for AS. Make it fair game across the board.
http://nflfilms.nfl.com/2012/05/01/cosell-talks-teams-reveal-their-beliefs-in-the-draft/
FDM.
Huh????
FDM.
Read my post when your more coherent. Then get back to me dude.
Pmeant passes attenpted
HAS anyone thought about the fact that Weedon was drafted in the first round and is older than Alex. Alex has 7 years experience and can still improve. Would you rather have Weedon or Tannehill right now than Alex. I wouldn’t. That essentially makes AS a first round value this year. Lots of ballplayers really hit their stride at ages 27-34. Let’s see what happens!!!