The Niners needed to upgrade their offense this offseason, and that’s exactly what they did. They signed two proven deep threat receivers in free agency – Randy Moss and Mario Manningham – and they drafted two explosive play makers this week – A.J. Jenkins and LaMichael James – and Jim Harbaugh just can’t stop raving about them. The Niners should have a much better offense this season. That is if Alex Smith takes advantage of all these new weapons. Will he do it? That’s what my dad wrote his Sunday column on. To read it, click here.
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Oh fine, just steal my thunder Grant!
It’s a really good article though.
Pops really brung it.
Yes he did. That was a good one – pour him a glass of wine for me please.
But not a Merlot. Give him some real wine.
I liked it too. I’m not normally a big fan of his articles, but I thought this was well written and well reasoned. Alex better bring it too this year. Here’s hoping he does!
Lowell….
“So, sure, Smith is No.1 on the depth chart and finally has been given impressive offensive weapons. Will he know what to do with them?”
Could that question be more redundant?
I mean we ALL know what’s at stake here…
The question should have been….
“It’s not so much as Alex and this New & Improved Offense taking the Next Step but when will it happen during the 2012 Season?
Grant: It’s pretty obvious you don’t like the NINERS ,why don’t you ask to be assigned to the RAIDERS maybe you would like that team more.
Short and sweet, sums up my sentiments for the most part, I’m excited to have some speed and hands from our new picks. And unlike most here I do have faith that Alex can and will deliver, And this offense will be much improved next year due to the FA’s & draft picks! Can’t wait for Sept. Go Niners!!
What?? Less than 5 responses for such a great article? C’mon guy ..It’s about Alex …
I actually liked the article. It touches on what the Niners are thinking. Alex will have to step up. I wonder if critics will still look to batter Alex if he becomes a less efficient but more prolific passer. I’m for the latter.
I did get a kick out of your Eants during the draft Grant, and can’t wait to look at these picks 2-3 yrs. from now compared to the guys we left on the board. Also, I think Lombardi summe up the St. Louis draft perfectly when he said there picks not only need to be starting material for the Rams, but née to be starting material for the Niners, which I don’t know of I would take any of their draft picks over our current starters. I also think Seattle got a steal with Turbin in the fourth, he will definitley be the next Beast Mode in the NFC West. Go Niners!
Rants, Grant I meant Rants! Lol! Damn Iphone!!
You do not have to be Bill Walsh that Alex Smith is the weak link of the fence. He is probably the weakest starter on the team. No more excuses Mr.Smith.
“The quarterback sets the upper limit of the offense” – Bill Walsh
It’s a chain my friend. Weak link in the chain.
Alex Smith is no more a weak link to the offense as you are to this forum. Now wait until you finish high school to have more knowledge of football before you post another comment.
Grant,
I’m looking forward to some one on one info from you and the draft picks. Your age is close to them so it shouldn’t be that hard to relate. Who their idols were, what teams they liked growing up, who they model their game after, nicknames ect….you know, the fun stuff.
with AJ perhaps ..lol
Players on the bubble:
Boobie
Ginn
Crabtree
Williams
harylson
anyone else?
Randy Moss
No he’ll make the team.
Colin Jones is on the bubble. If Trenton Robinson can earn the backup safety role and play special teams Jones may be gone.
Haralson is on the bubble.
I was reading one of Barrows’ columns after the draft. I think his contention is that it’s Kyle Williams and Randy Moss who are on the bubble.
@Adam
Every WR minus Jenkins is and should be on the bubble. The ones who were here last year last year should be embarrassed with themselves and their lack of existence in the playoffs.
Those who were picked up in FA haven’t proven a thing on/for this team.
Only Jenkins (who we just spent a 1st round pick on) is assure of not getting cut. Everybody else is fair game.
Harralson isn’t on the bubble either. He’s a good OLB and very underrated. His strength and experience are an asset to this team.
Agreed BG.
Randy Moss needs to prove his value to the team. Before Moss retired, he was already showing the signs of decline.
At this time we only know that Moss has kept some of his speed but we don’t know where his heart is. I know through experience that it is much harder on the body to take hits in your mid-thirties then in your twenties. Having to deal with nagging little pains that happen as a result of being hit can take the fun (and desire) from anything you may love to do.
I’m afraid the jury will be out on R.Moss, and that there will be no guaruntees regarding his football future.
When Moss decides to quit playing, he just quits playing, hence, the declining numbers. Doesn’t mean he can’t play! Those declining numbers paralleled his whining about his contract in NE.
Personally I think he’s gonna be fired up about making this team. I’ve said it before, I really think he has a chip on his shoulder.
As much as some people want it to be, Crabtree ain’t on that list either. To big of a cap hit to just cut him.
Crabtree isn’t on the bubble or anywhere near it.
Spent 1st round pick on a WR
Picked up 2 WR’s via FA
Picked up 1 WR undraftred
After MC did a vanishing act in all but the locker room during the playoffs. And who says they are done?
MC may not be on the bubble. MC is the bubble.
They have picked up a few undrafted WR’s. Crabtree is not on the bubble, the bubble or have anything to do with a bubble.
MC has a better than not chance of not even having a bubble in CA. He is getting paid more than any of the other WR’s, yet this team can get by fine without him.
Just like they did in his rookie year when he didn’t play and the Niners went 3-1 in that span. We can find cheaper WR’s who will drop balls and not get open.
It ain’t up to me, but I’d be guessing that Owazu (sp?) is more of a threat to Ginn than to Crabs. Jenkins puts the heat probably more on KW than Crabs.
I’m not looking to cut anybody, you don’t build by subtraction, but I do quite ruthlessly want them to keep only the best guys. I really liked Jeff Ulbricht, but Takeo was an upgrade. I really liked Takeo, but in a pleasant surprise to me, Bowman was an upgrade. If Crabs can help the team as a starter or off the bench, then he’s my homie.
‘No excuses’? There never were. Not for Alex or anyone. If we have someone better than Alex, start him. Better than Gore? Start him. Better than P.Willy? Start him.
PS: I expect Alex, Frank & Patrick to be the starters at their positions.
The likelihood of Crabtree not being on the roster in 2012 is the same as Alex Smith not being here.
You are getting very desperate now Jack.
What/when have JH and or TB said that MC is our guy?
as per Matt Maiocco-
“they drafted Illinois’ far-and-away top target A.J. Jenkins with the 30th overall pick. His blazing speed and huge hands will help him put pressure on Randy Moss and Kyle Williams, whose roster spots are most in jeopardy among the wideouts.”
DS,
Crabs spot is not in jeopardy. He hasn’t lived up to the expectations of a 10th overall pick, but he was the leading receiver last year and has become a very good downfield blocker which endears him to the Coaches.
At this point the WR depth chart imo is:
Crabs
Manningham
Moss
Jenkins
After that it’s Ginn who will be a returner only for the most part and a battle between Williams and one of the young players for the last spot if they decide to keep 6. The only way that changes is if Moss doesn’t have anything left and they cut him to keep somebody else, but I think Moss will show up motivated and make the team.
Here’s scary for you. Trips right with Moss, Jenkins, Ginn.
I also like that the 9ers can now put 5 legit WR on the field w/Crabtree, Moss, Mannningham, Jenkins, Ginn/Williams.
Rocket,
That’s how I see it setting up too. I doubt they keep 6 WR on the 53 man, especially if they keep 6 RB’s. If they really like any of the UFA WR’s they will probably try to keep them on the practice squad.
There are going to be some real battles for those last few spots involving some really good players. What a difference 2 years makes.
JH,
You know the team has arrived when they have to start cutting good players, and the Niners are now in that position. I love the competitions that are shaping up for TC.
I doubt they keep 6 WR’s too, unless they decide to view Ginn as a pure specialist and count him as a ST’s guy.
Our practice squad will be raided by weak teams this year.
as per Matt Maiocco-
“they drafted Illinois’ far-and-away top target A.J. Jenkins with the 30th overall pick. His blazing speed and huge hands will help him put pressure on Randy Moss and Kyle Williams, whose roster spots are most in jeopardy among the wideouts.”
And this guy is like God or something? I agree 100% with Rocket
It wouldn’t surprise me if Owusu beats out Ginn. Owusu is very good as a returner and much better as a receiver.
Man why can’t Crab just call Jerry Rice and ask him for wide receiver tips? I know he is mad at Jerry for his comment about him but c’mon what Crab is not doing just proves Jerry is right.
This is Smith’s year to prove us all wrong.. Hopefully he does. No more execuses.
“No more excuses” should be every 49er fans’ toast this year.
No more excuses *clink clink*
If you ask me, he proved “us” all wrong last year.
No, he did not.
You’ll still hate him even if he does Mr. No Name.
Not “us” all. Many who have objectively looked at Smith and the circumstances (chaos) around him came to a different conclusion about him. Anyone with half a brain cell could see that there were issues far beyond Smith that were affecting this team.
And it appears, the Niners finally woke up, too (better late than never.) He’ll finally have more than two high-powered weapons in the offense with him.
The theme this off-season was to finally pay some attention to the offense. It was either going to be superstar QB and/or Smith or Smith (and added depth) and then load up on skill players.
Skill players! Finally.
Should be a pretty good season. It will take more than last year’s performances to get us to the same mark of 13-3 but I expect we’ll have a good season.
I must have a memory that’s worse than any of your “regular guys” here in this blog. I don’t remember ever hearing of an excuse made by Alex Smith. He didn’t maintain that his season needed to end because he needed surgery. That turned out to be two surgeries which benched him for most of two seasons.
I’ve been reading blog comments about “no more excuses” for almost five years. Amazing!
There are no excuses. It’s a red herring the hater crowd likes to pop out there to rail against. It’s a phoney argument.
There are REAL issues (or limitations) with Smith and there are REAL issues around Smith that have affected his performance.
Some of it is him and some of it is the chaos that was always around him until last season. There may be another gear or “the next level” with Smith that we’ve never seen – just some flashes to give us a hint that it’s quite possibly there.
We’re just now starting to look like a respectable offense. We’ve got real weapons now, it appears. And we’ve finally got the offense able to take advantage of the same system and coaches two years in a row.
When has Alex had the skill players and the coaching to ring up the scoreboard? The answer….never. The Nolan, Singletary eras are like the dark ages, no players, no coaching. Their idea of an upgrade on offense was to bring a wide out in that had his best years a decade earlier. Last year there were no skill players, except for Vernon. The loss of Josh Morgan and the late injury to Ted Ginn are well documented.
Due to the lockout there was little time to bring in sophisticated schemes. Now there is time and there are players. For the first time we get a true indicator on what Alex is capable of doing. If he’s not up to the task the genius of the current GM and Coach is to plug the next guy in and continue on to the promised land.
Agreed, amazingly it only took 8 years into Smith’s career for this organization to get him a group of NFL quality wideouts. LOL
61, at least org of JH and TB see it. What was interesting is that Cincy sees it as well. They are loading up for ADalton and he will see success because of it. The previous 9er regime thought that bringing in WRs on the downside of their careers was the answer (see IBruce or DJackson). What a difference!
He shouldn’t have to prove himself anymore after that Saints game I think he proved he can deliver no matter how tough the situation is.
“The right guard is a first year starter, Alex doesn’t have enough time to find the open man.”
There’s the excuse. It’s all a bunch of hog wash.
He needs at least 2 years to get to know Manningham and Moss.
@MSC,
LOl that is so true, damn I hate to look back but can you imagine if we had Aaron Rodgers now, instead of Mr. Careful.
Can you imagine if we’d had stable, good coaching and some receivers? Wow.
Can you imagine if we had a stable good QB? Wow.
wait, didn’t you give the Jim harbaugh and company a F for getting Jenkins? And do you write anything off your own mindset or conclusion? Or is it all based off what your dad writes which always seems like he wants to criticize every move that harbaugh and baalke do. If 13-3 last season, and Alex Smith playing F’N great considering the weapons he had, then go write for the seahawks or better yet get another profession!
If you want to read a blind mouthpiece for the the 49ers you should probably head over to CSN and read Jed York’s articles as written by Maiocco. CSN is a great PR corp for the 49ers.
There are honest opinions here. This isn’t a fanboi blog.
It’s Corporate, the only way you can get ahead in the journalistic realms.
You do realize you are talking to another human being right? We all have our opinions. It’s okay to question those opinions. But to sit there, on your computer, and disrespect a fellow human being, only makes you and your opinions to have no weight. In short, you are a horrible person. You should do something about that.
{eyeroll}
Artifex, a generation now has little interaction with other individuals. If you’re playing video games X amount of hours, what becomes the reality? All you have is your own self without benefit of feedback from others. Take a look at society and witness the scary things that are happening.
He mentioned after this season with a so so season or less, that all excuses for Alex would be gone. Theoretically It makes sense. However, history says its absolutley untrue! Did he forget the season with norv turner, and mike martz? Each season those guys were sure fire ways for Alex to succeed. When he didn’t, it was someone else’s fault. So they brought in Crabtree. With a prospect like that, there’s no way Alex could fail. If he did, all excuses would be gone. Well he did, and again, it was someone else’s fault. So they upgraded the offensive line and said now Alex has the protection he needs, so if he fails, no excuses, he’s gone. Once again he failed, and once again he’s our starter with 8 straight years of nothing but excuses! Love him or hate him, he’s the herpes of the 49ers, and he’s never going away no matter how bad the outbreak!
to last poster: bull stuffing, Alex made improvements with turner, you dipstick!!! Martz was sold on JT, moron!! Crabtree injured and misses big camp time both years, u r KLUELESS, klem fraking kadidlle-hopper…get a freakin brain….
English. Do you speak it?
He didn’t even play under Martz, he was injured…
He improved dramatically under Turner and didn’t play for Martz. Another brilliant take from an unknown poster.
It’s almost reached the point that there are more stupid things said about Alex Smith than religion or politics.
@rocket
Interesting take. To many of us here Niners are our religion.
Yeah DS, isn’t it wonderful.
Another no-namer that doesn’t have the facts to back up his whine.
If you highlight the space between the avatar and “says” you can see what peoples names are.
I don’t have that capability Grimey.
No Name, your explanation is shallow and without merit. Not even worth debating.
Next.
Alex Smith 13-3 last year is not enough for the haters?? Dude killed it & as proof the team went out & got HIM more weapons!! That’s proof he’s not the issue
The defense and Akers went 13-3 last year. Alex was carried like Dilfer and Grossman.
No excuses this year – Alex either plays like a real QB or he’s gone.
No. More. Excuses.
Amen.
…a dumb comment by msclemons67 as usual…..
oneniner is an apt name. There is only one 49er you care about.
You were so close to being onedolphin. It’s a pity that didn’t work out.
…another dumb comment…..you really are getting good at this…..
No more excuses, Alex could star in the movie. Guess what the theme is for 2012?????
Defense, special teams and Acres had nothing to do with 13 and 3.Smith did it all. hahah
Yeh, he killed it so much that the team went out and tried to find someone to replace him. He killed it so much that the team offered him the worst contract of any starting QB in the league. A series of 3/ 1 year deals with no signing bonus. That’s what I call getting appreciation for killing it. you are killing me!
A decade of boring offense – gone? Sure hope so.
Not as long as Alex is the starter.
Says the hater who didn’t see the Niners almost make the Super Bowl.
It should be Old. They finally have some speed with good hands.
yeah they almost made it to the Super Bowl.. Riding on the shoulders of the defense.. he is right, they had a boring offense that didn’t scare anybody
I still say we can win a Super Bowl with Smith at QB. He has a full offseason to utilize the playbook and develop a true rapport with his WRs. Barring any devastating injuries to him or any other offensive player, I’m looking forward to a great season for this Niner offense.
Grant/Lowell :
Nice bait but I am not biting !
GO NINERS !
…Too bad that many fish did bite :(
I decided to see the draft through to the end before commenting. Sometimes things get a little emotional and reactionary when you comment after each pick. After sitting back and taking it all in, here’s my thoughts:
After learning more about AJ Jenkins I like the pick a lot. Watching the clips I scrambled to find after he was announced as the pick, I saw a very good route runner with speed and great hands. He looks a lot like Marvin Harrison to me which I’ll take.
LaMicheal James is an explosive versatile player who will get on the field 10-15 times a game and make things happen everytime he gets the ball in his hands. His size shouldn’t detract from the big play element he brings to the table. I think the Niners view him as their Sproles.
Looney looks like a Mauler and Harbaugh made the comment that he was one of the best kids they interviewed at the combine. He also fit the mold they seem to look for in that he was a team Captain and leader. I like that they didn’t force a pick for a Guard when they obviously have a need. They have a number of candidates now and may even add a vet somewhere along the way.
The Safety from Michigan Trent Robinson, is a playmaker. Small, but a real ballhawk who is a true cover Safety. Also was the Captain of his team at MS.
They added two OLB’s to shore up the thin depth at that spot and another big strong practice squad Candidate in Slowey for the Oline.
This is the type of draft I expected, even though I was completely out to lunch on the players taken. They needed to improve their explosiveness on offense and try and find depth at OLB and Safety, and hit on all three.
The other impressive thing they did was acquire 3 more picks in next years draft while not giving up any picks this year.
I don’t rate a draft because it’s foolish to do so. We know nothing compared to the scouts that watch these guys in person, on film and speak to them at length in person. The uproar over Jenkins was quickly stifled when info started coming out that some teams had him rated right where he was taken by the Niners and one team according to Peter King had him ranked as the second best WR in the draft.
Ultimately how the Kipers of the world feel about it means nothing. It’s all about on the field production and until we see these kids in action, it’s pointless to rip or criticize a player.
I like what the Niners did in addressing depth and playmaking issues. I think they did a pretty good job but of course it’ll be a couple of years at least before we know for sure.
“His size shouldn’t detract from the big play element he brings to the table. I think the Niners view him as their Sproles.”
-my thoughts exactly
OnePlayer:
This was one of the few times I can write that I fully agree with one of your comments.
Dobbs, Demarcus
Jean Francois, Ricky
Tukuafu, Will
Williams, Ian
Those D linemen you mentioned ARE the depth at DL and I have been saying all along we really didn’t need to draft another,until Cowboy gets a little longer in the tooth. I said OLB was where we needed to draft,and we did.
The only thing missing from this draft was some DL depth. Other than that Baalke did a good job of bringing speed to the team.
The 2012 49ers are going to look a lot different on offense than the 2011 49ers. It’s going to be really interesting. David Akers might get to rest his leg a bit with these additions.
…..”The only thing missing from this draft was some DL depth. ”
……..you are on a roll with your dumb comments, maybe its missing because we already have DL depth on the roster….
Dobbs, Demarcus
Jean Francois, Ricky
Tukuafu, Will
Williams, Ian
…..a person with a brain will think 4 is enough for this yr and maybe use the extra draft picks next yr to get a young starting DE or DT…….
Realistically ms there aren’t many spots on the 53 man roster. Notice how the NFL raised the player limit for training camp. They want the 18 game schedule so bad they’re already putting the lost revenue on their spreadsheets.
OneSmither I understand why you’re nervous. If your guy stinks it up again this year there is no one to blame but Alex. If he’s crappy for the 8th straight year it can’t be pinned on the coaches or the teammates.
No more excuses.
The 49ers needed to keep the defense strong to carry the team. Baalke didn’t do that in the 2012 draft, but he did remove all of the excuses.
…..pathetic is too nice a word for you…….dude you are still claiming Alex stunk last yr after leading the team to its first playoff win in years……ha ha ha…..you are really a dumbone……
msc,
I thought they might take a Dlineman somwhere along the way too. Looks like they signed a couple of UDFA’s and must like the second year guys they currently have.
This was clearly a draft about helping the big play element of the offense and building depth at thin areas. Mission accomplished.
@ Clemons
I thought if they went DL this year it would be Day#1 or #2; a big talent to bring along slowly. I had the hunch that they kinda liked their backups. UDFAs? Ya never know; competition.
OnePlayer:
This was one of the few times I can write that I fully agree with one of your comments.
Dobbs, Demarcus
Jean Francois, Ricky
Tukuafu, Will
Williams, Ian
Those D linemen you mentioned ARE the depth at DL and I have been saying all along we really didn’t need to draft another,until Cowboy gets a little longer in the tooth. I said OLB was where we needed to draft,and we did.
Every year is no more excuses for Alex Smith. I can’t remember the last time these shock jocks gave Alex any leeway or credit for anything good. Business as usual. Great draft by the Front Office. Can’t wait.
Good article.
Wasnt it smith who passed a beautiful pass to walker to beat the lions…wasnt it smith who lead the NINERS back against philly..didnt he make that beautiful throw to Davis against the Aints….i was the 1st one who wanted Smith gone before last year but he really showed he can lead our team to SB…thru out last yr i counted about 10 dropped passes in the ENDZONE!!!
…hate blinds the truth
No you didn’t count 10 dropped touchdowns genius. Younjust made that up. Don’t come here fabricating information. We watched every game just like you did. I bet you cant name 5 dropped TD passes in the end zone. What you can do is count how many open receivers were missed for touchdowns. Smith averaged 1 TD a game. How many weapons does he need?
u want speed? here is the latest 4o yd times of our offensive weapons for Alex I found the recent fastest, sum are udfas-. . 1. Ted Ginn jr. 4.29 2. Nathan Palmer 4.34 3. A.J. Jenkins 4.36 4. Chris Owusu 4.36 5. Lamike James 4.37 6. V. Davis 4.38 7. Randy Moss 4.41 8. M. Manningham 4.45 9. K. Hunter 4.46 10. M. Crabtree 4.47 11. Brian Tynes 4.48 12. D. Walker 4.49 NOW HOW ABOUT THAT SPEED? NOW ONE OF THE FASTEST IN THE NFL!
Are you sure about #10? Even CRogers mentioned he wasn’t fast!
Probably an old number, pre- broken foot.
…and now it is post broken foot !
Sure tyrrell be open competition at all levels haha especially since front office just endorse d and signed alex after tje whole manning thing. They’ll jusy strongly” encourage” harbaugh to syary alex and push sh any comp into the needs improve ment category whenever pressasks or when,ptreseason rolls aroundnwouldnt
English man, not gibberish.
Unruly thumbs at 1:41am? Or an island-specific dialect?
Who is Tyrrell?
Great Article, You are exactly right. If he doesn’t do good within the first 5 games, he needs to go. I don’t care what anybody thinks about Alex last year, he didn’t prove anything. Nobody is afraid of our pass offense and averaging 1 TD a Game is not impressive. In my eyes, this is his last chance.
“I don’t care what anybody thinks about Alex last year…”
Well, you should care what Jim Harbaugh thinks about Alex Smith because ultimately his opinion is what matters regarding playing time, not yours.
And what he said is that Smith has earned the starting position for the upcoming season. *Earned* it. If some of the loudmouths here try telling Harbaugh that Smith was merely along for the ride last year, they’d better be prepared for the Schwartz treatment.
Oh, and spit and jordo, there will competition for the 2 and 3 spot. So it may be possible your mancrush, JJ, makes the team. Though personally, I see last year’s backups, just reversed in the depth chart.
“Alex is our guy, now if you’ll excuse me I have a meeting with Peyton Manning.”
Placeholder. Alex is just filling a spot until Harbaugh gets a real quarterback.
Yeah.
Winning is not impressive enough! 49er4life NEEDS stats! Even though he has no idea how to read or interpret them.
Next.
Last month’s news, msc. What team in the NFL didn’t have a jones for the future HOFer?
A “real” QB? The niners have 4 on their roster right now. Only one is starting, and JH has said the competition for that is closed.
“Placeholder.”
Yeah but… realistically everyone is a placeholder until the next guy comes along.
I don’t think they specifically view anyone that way. They have to live in the moment and get everything they can out of each one of these guys right now.
Coaches have been handing Alex Smith jobs ever since he was drafted. Look at where they are now. Harbaugh intends to allow Alex to seal his own fate. And yes he will.
Once again he’s gifted a starting job. The coaches have done that for years with him because they know how fragile his confidence is. Just remember, it’s the NFL. NOT FOR LONG ALEX.
This is. Passing league now. No room for stiffs like Smith. Can win super bowls throwing 18 passes a game with none of them being over 15 yards. The QB is a liability and I can’t wait until we can discuss the team instead of that fake #1 overall bust of a QB.
I’m waiting too 23. Let’s just support the QB, be it Smith or one of the other guys and get ready for a better offense in 2012.
As if anyone really cares what the cohn’s think…
Oneniner sounds like an alex fan not a niner fan learned I can’t appral yo anu feelings pf loyslty theu might have once had fpr the team;( yhos is guy has tebow and.manson beat handsdown for bequeathing and some kind of charisma apparently
A coherent post. Baby steps man. Baby steps.
Next we will work on walking while chewing gum.
Bottle of Sailor Jerry and a smart phone.
Breakfast of champions.
Gone are the days we expect/pray/hope a low round pick must be a starter on the team on day 1……we are set as a team, we are now drafting back up players…….none of the players (maybe except Jenkins) drafted are expected to play 100% of the snaps in a game next yr…..
Round 1 (No. 30): WR A.J. Jenkins — Illinois
Round 2 (No. 61): RB LaMichael James — Oregon
Round 4 (No. 117): OL Joe Looney — Wake Forest
Round 5 (No. 165): LB Darius Fleming — Notre Dame
Round 6 (No. 180): S Trenton Robinson — Michigan State
Round 6 (No. 199): OL Jason Slowey — Western Oregon
Round 7 (No. 237): DE Cam Johnson — Virginia
….All the picks make sense and we get more picks next yr to get younger at the starting position……I am lovin it…..
…”The 49ers playbook just expanded by 150 pages”……
For the first time I saw some killer instinct in Alex last year. Most of the negative feedback on Alex was fueled by Nolan throwing him under the bus. If he had stood up to Nolan then and there a different perception would’ve appeared. But he didn’t.
…if he had stoop up to nolan, it would have been wasted energy…he needed weapons who were coached properly……the one thing Coach did last season was to teach Davis how to be a better route runner……
Is that why JH purchased those mattresses in Ohio last year. Alex still can’t throw a crossing pattern in the center of the field. He can’t anticipate a receiver coming out of a break.
23J …Isn’t that what you call coaching up a player, something very new to Smith with the Niners. LOL
How could he stand up to Nolan after hopping up-and-down on one foot for that pompous arse in 2005 pre-draft meetings?
…..I love how President Obama and Jimmy Kimmel handled the White House Correspondents Dinner……. POTUS 4 more yrs…..then hillary takes over
War on Women – If the GOP would just practice what they preach about contraceptives, they might survive this war.
That is to say, they should pull out (as in get out of the war). Now would be a good time. But they get so lost in the passion of the moment that doubt they have the self-control.
The GOP’s War on Women will never stop. It’s their ace in the hole.
Contraceptives will kill that party – if dumb people don’t breed who’s gonna vote for them?
….:)….@msclemons67 …. you got that right!!!
..I wonder what the right wing would say if they knew that men get health care services at Planned Parenthood clinics that goes beyond just sexual health services and actually extends to even mammograms and care for men who get breast cancer?
That might make their heads explode.
I’d vote for Hillary Swank, she’s kinda cute.
Packs a mean left hook too.
Want a U.S. Senate candidate you can vote for?
http://www.feinlandforsenate.org/
She’s my mom.
She’s your mom, for real?
Seems like politics would be rough way to make a living. Tough game!
She’s a retired teacher. Making the world better is her passion.
The greatest American president, that’s easy, Ronald Reagan. Nancy gave him astrology readings everyday (I believe in them). He could watch movies of himself on demand. He looked presidential, there was talk about putting his bust on Mt. Rushmore. And the most important factor he’s a real actor. That’s the beauty deep down (way down) he knew he was playing a role. These people trying to remain in office and trying to run for office think it’s real.
…I didn’t understand TB move to look at Manning ( I thought it was obvious the broncos or Titans had more to offer Manning)…….but after this draft he has redeemed himself big time…….he’d turned Friday’s third-round pick into five selections: two sixth-rounders this year and third-, fifth- and sixth-round picks in 2013 when we will have 11 selections……Pure Genius……
i like all the undrafted kids we picked up, i think a few of these guys have a chance to make the team. TB and JH are really so much better than our team has had in so long its FKING GREAT.
True Dat! Soooooooooooo much easier to be “Faithful” these days!
Gung Ho, m—–f—-rs!
The one thing about the Niners picks that bothers me is people saying LaMichael James is too small to play in the NFL.
Granted, 5-foot-8, 190 pounds is not impressive.
But is Ray Rice too small for the NFL?
He was 5-feet-9, 195 pounds at the Combine in 2008.
And how about Barry Sanders?
5-feet-8, 200 pounds at the Combine in 1989.
So there is precedent of really great NFL RBs at James size.
The only question that matter really is if the talent is there.
Hopefully it is.
This kid is very talented, really excited to see what we do with him in our “O” schemes.
Barry sanders had the biggest legs on the smallest body ever!!! kind of like rod woodson calves….huge. I love the James pick
Harbaugh saw his Stanford team get torched by James year after year and said “we gotta get this kid”.
That kid was running all over the field in a gear that the defense could never hit. Incredible talent.
I haven’t seen a guy move like that since O.J. Simpson. Wicked fast and he can juke defenses right out of their cleats. This guy will be interesting to watch.
lol hopefully he doesn’t turn out to be a knife wielding maniac.
True. :P
I almost didn’t want to use Simpson as an example but… when you watch that kid move it’s pretty spectacular.
O.J. was a great football player though. And hilarious in the Naked Gun movies.
….The 6-foot, 192-pound Jenkins — those hands measure 9 1/2 inches thumb to pinkie — had 90 catches for 1,276 yards and eight touchdowns in his senior season for the Fighting Illini and led the Big Ten Conference with an average of 6.92 receptions per game. He caught 19 TD passes during his four-year college career…….whatz not to like?…….
His frame. He needs to get bigger or else his name will appear on the IR list more often than not.
we know that great players make other players good – eg Montana, Jordan, Magic, etc. So we know Alex is not great. Is Alex good? we shall see. at times he plays very good. we know that Baalke/Harbaugh saw enough concern to go after Manning.
Alex now has a fairly loaded supporting cast. Three first round picks on the OL (if memory serves), a pro bowl TE, a former pro bowl RB, now a high draft pick at RB and a reloaded WR roster. and perhaps most important, a defense that keeps any game close and keeps giving him the ball back. lets hope Alex steps up with better weapons. if not it will be Next Man Up. if Alex doesnt show himself worthy in 2012, then 2013 will be given to Kaep and they will use this stockpile of draft picks to make sure they have a good shot at a QB in the first round of the 2013 draft.
with Harbaugh and Baalke, this is not Year 8 of the Alex Smith Experiment. They already showed their cards by trying to sign Manning. Alex is the best quarterback available NOW. He deserves a shot to start in 2012. But there was no vote of confidence; if anything, the Manning foray shows Baalke and Harbaugh will have a short leash if the performance is mediocre.
Last time I checked, Gore was still a Pro Bowl RB. He just had to skip the last one due to injury. The only former Pro Bowl RB on the team is Jacobs.
“we know that great players make other players good – eg Montana”
Yes but it’s a 2-way street……. Clark, Solomon, Rice, Taylor, Jones, Craig, Tyler, Rathman, Francis plus some very good O-linemen…. played a major role in getting Joe into the HOF. Can’t come up with any examples where Joe made some mediocre player into an allpro. Can you???
61, you’ve got that right! Oh it is so easy to criticize the QB when there aren’t weapons in place. Now there is.
61,
Montana elevated the play of those around him. Smith has elevated the play of no one around him. Very poor comparison.
Dwight Clark may have been the slowest wide receiver in history of the 49ers. Give Clark to Smith and you would hear how he couldn’t get separation.
Montana made guys like Mike Wilson, Earl Cooper, Keith Cash, Willie Davis serviceable pros even though they were very ordinary players.
I love the quote that Smith has been handed the keys to the Ferrari. My guess is he’ll still cruise the neighborhood in it @ 25mph.
“Montana made guys like Mike Wilson, Earl Cooper, Keith Cash, Willie Davis serviceable pros even though they were very ordinary players.”
And outside of Vernon Davis and Frank Gore, that’s all Smith has had to work with, very ordinary role players.
You made my argument. Smith has failed to make him better. In fact the protectors continue to point to the weaknesses around him.
In Montana’s first year in KC he took them one game away from the SB. No pro bowl calibur players on the offense outside of Marcus Allen. No excuses of chemistry, poor Oline, dropped passes…. Just saying.
Yeah but wouldn’t you agree there were weaknesses all around him? Including chaotic coaching and system changes?
Comparing Montana and Smith is probably not a great idea but let’s face it Smith has NEVER had an emphasis on offense. The coaches have all been defensive guys, building a defensive team and they couldn’t have cared less about the offense, the coordinators or anything else. Smith hasn’t had the luxury of Solomon, Clark, JR, JT. He’s damned lucky he’s had Gore and Davis.
Now he’s in the neighborhood. This is what he should have had from the start. Let’s see what he can do.
If he plays as well or better than last season, we’re in the ball park. If he regresses, put CK in.
Not really that big of a deal.
Bay your comment .. “Very poor comparison.”
wow hate blinds. Who in all the receivers that Smith has had even compares to the to those I listed above and please don’t tell me Joe “made” those guys probowl players. I was never impressed by Wilson that much but he’s probably a better WO to throw to than Smith’s ever had and would Joe have succeeded if Wilson had been his best receiver for 6 years. Somehow I doubt it. Yes, he now has been handed the keys to a Ferrari, quite a difference from the Yugo and incompetent pit crew he was given for his first 6 years and expected to win.
GGood points an it gives our younger QBs time to develop. Smith has gone through a lot and is only27 or 28 so I am sure Harbaugh thinks he can do something with him but as we say the proof is in the pudding.
I think we all know why the niners is poor on offense becus Smith only had practice squad receivers and he did tried to throw that long pass to Swain in the last second in that Saints playoffs game. He threw it where the CB couldn’t intercept it but enough to Swain to catch it. If only Swain would’ve keep running he would’ve caught that pass.
….we picked players on the basis of “best player available” + on compatibility with the 49ers’ system and identity as a team……
i’ve been posting about how unprofessional your arrogant opinions sound.
“I am not endorsing either explanation. I don’t have to and neither do you because the 49ers are in the process of resolving the debate right now. ”
You might want to take a cue from your own dad who doesn’t tend to shy away from strongly worded language and opinion but he does know how to write a professional sounding article.
So your blog is more professional, is that it?
no. it’s not hosted and paid for by a NEWSPAPER. Good lord are you really that dense?
…..”….“We’re a big, strong football team right now,” Harbaugh said. “We definitely added speed, but we didn’t add speed guys, we added football players.”..”……….
…..+1
+2
Think of the formations the Niners offense can run. I’m hoping we utilize both Hunter and James together. Shotgun formation with James on one side of Smith and Hunter on the other with Vernon and Jenkins spread out left and Moss spread right……Sounds deadly. Plus with Hunter and James both in it would give Smith 2 checkdowns as opposed to one (half kidding). This should be a really exciting year.
@Adam707
Hunter+James+Moss+Jenkins+Vernon as a base offense.
Theres just a ton of different formations and packages. 5 wide with Moss, Crabtree, Manningham, Jenkins, and Vernon, thats the offense QB’s drool over. Standard I formation double tight with Crabtree out wide (best blocking WR). The possibilties are endless. And it is true what everyone is saying…..No excuses. This is by far the best offense the niners have had in a long time
@Adam
See my post at April 28, 2012 at 7:50 pm in the Day 3 draft to see what I am talking about.
Very solid comment. I believe our offense has everything that is needed to be successful. Possesion receivers in Jenkins and Crab. Home run threats in Moss and Manningham, plus Jenkins showed in college he is a deep threat as well. Power running backs in Gore and Jacobs. Shifty change of pace backs in Hunter and James. And athletic WR skilled Te’s that both block exceptionally well, one of which is pro bowl caliber. Only question is can Alex utilize all of this and take our offense to the next level. I am one of the people who believes he can, but as you know there are many people on this blog hoping Alex fails.
BS,
You’re stupid. Crabtree will be a starter. It’s just gonna take a few weeks before the QB benches himself. He’s in over his head.
Holy Crap! You posted something really, truly smart!!!
@Adam707
And on cue, here are 2 of them.
A welcher who is so stupid he doesn’t know my name and a guy who acts like his name.
49ers have signed Kourtnie Brown -DE Clemson. They ate adding a lot of defensive depth after the draft to compete for those last few spots.
Here is his bio with video.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=68779&draftyear=2012&genpos=DE
Interesting! Thanks for the link.
That report looks pretty decent. It will be interesting to see what he can do.
Ok for all u ppl that think the pass to walker against the Lions (5 yard slant) abd the pass to davis (10 yard slant) were GREAT PASSES, that i beg to differ. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, n heres mine. Smiths td run from 30. yards out beat the Saints. If one saint is in the right position thats a pick. Davis ran a good route smith made a good throw. That was a good throw. Manning to manningham was a GREAT throw. Brees to colston on the 1 yd line was a GREAT throw. Smith made a good decision to trust a covered from behind n sidr of davis throw. He put it in the right spot n Davis caught it. NOTHING special about that trow except it was the last score. In that case why dont we love akers for scoring the last ppints in alot of games…
What about the throw from Smith to Davis on the drive that set up his TD run? Do you remember that? Off his back foot Alex throws an absolute dime that hits Davis right in the hands in stride. That is a GREAT throw.
Yep,and I also remember the 5 turnovers by the defense to win that game ! Lots of good things to remember from that game !
Tim, you don’t think the SB winning N.E. Pats had a great defense or a great FG kicker or was it all TBrady? I remember games (including EWright grabbing DaPearson in the 1981 Championship game and the forced fumble by Pillers recovered by JStuckey) where the defense came through for the great JMo so what is your point. BTW, what did JMo’s stat line look like after winning that game against Dal in the 1981 Championship game??!
Hof: I was commenting on the Niners win over the Saints,not about Brady of any QB. Only good memories from that Saints game,don’t you agree ?
opps,should have read..not about Brady OR any qb”
Tim, I got your point and you got mine. lol
Now the offense has weapons they never had and the defense has had their weapons for a few years now. All good!
Hof:
Now let’s go get SB # 6 ! And let’s not stop there !
Just for the record, Steel, we DO love Akers for scoring the last points in a lot of games!
“…if…”
Love it. That cuts both ways.
If Walker doesn’t bobble a perfectly thrown ball in the end-zone, the Lions game is an easier win.
Lot’s of those “ifs”.
The throw to Davis in the endzone for the win against the Saints was a GREAT throw on a rope for anyone who’s objective and enjoys football, in general. That throw was a dart, doesn’t matter who threw it.
……or the throws that made it possibly for Akers to attempt the FG
Random thoughts:
1. Nice article, yes, it is time for Alex to perform. No more excuses. Harbaugh is a tough minded SOB who wants performance and wins. If Alex does not elevate his game, someone else will get a shot. Alex definitely is the starter on Opening Day 2012 – no one is close enough to take his job in TC. Whether he is still here in 2013, depends entirely on Alex. He either cements his position as 49er QB, or he loses it.
2. The play calling will also be better this year. A year of experience, and more weapons, means more creativity on third down and in the Red Zone. James alone gives you a whole new dimension on third down.
3. IMO, the only question with Jenkins is his release. Can he get off the line cleanly with NFL DBs in his face? He needs to work on his strength in the next few months. His hands and speed will be fine.
4. The defense will be excellent this year but another +28 turnover differential is unlikely. Regression to the mean. The offense will have fewer short fields and will need to produce for the team to have the same success. The good news is, the weapons are there to do that now. This is the deepest, potentially most talented group of skill position players we’ve had in many years.
I am eager for this season to start. We have a strong team and a good shot.
Great post Grumpy ! Especially that #4 !
Here’s a good idea…. royally screw up your opinion of the draft, call out the 49er organization, look like an idiot, have people walk away from your blog in droves, then have daddy write an Alex Smith piece to bring back the debate. Alex Smith – a 49er blog’s best friend. You can slow for the Cohn Zone, or you can avoid it all together. Their agenda is transparent, and their insights are horrid.
Here’s a good idea……Get a life.
@ Spit
Without jumping into your squabble, yet still:
‘What kind of a name is Adam?’
Uhhhhh……..the First name..?
Just sayin’ :>)
Good one. Such hurtful words from what seems to be a very mature person (sarcasm of course)
How many pillows do you buy a month?
I think Purplehair relishes his new position as Jerk In Residence.
Spit you are trying too hard to be the board cynic/comedian/cliff claven know it all.
Ease off the throttle and relax. You came in and posted a bunch of opinions that were way off the mark, and now you are giving Grant crap for giving opinions and standing by them. It’s a blog, not an editorial. He makes topics and gives opinions; we all talk about them. That’s all it is.
Way off? Me? Can you give me an example?
But he is right that Grant (and Lowell) are just going for hits on the blog by TRYING to get comments on THAT subject again and again and again.
I for one am not taking the bait this time !
I am more interested in the draft and talking about who makes the team out of the 7 drafted players and if any of the UDFA have any chance at all.
The team is loaded and I will be surprised if all 7 make the 53 and will be shocked if any of the 18 UFA make it.
What do you all think? Do any of you have any insights on any of the UDFA ?
spit,
Way off? Me? Can you give me an example?
Surely you jest? Just go back a few topics and there is a laundry list, not the least of which is your contention that Eugene Parker took the Niners to the woodshed on a slotted contract for Crabtree.
Now you’re trying to get yourself kicked off the board with your shots at the Cohns. Take a break and reinvent your act. It’s already wearing thin.
“But he is right that Grant (and Lowell) are just going for hits on the blog by TRYING to get comments on THAT subject again and again and again.”
Don’t think I buy that Tim and Gingivitis here is just trying to cause problems, he isn’t right about much.
Smith as the QB of the team is the focal point of a lot of attention. It just is what it is. It’s like the Tebow debate nationally. It’s a little old but it’s still relevant – I guess because of the position he plays and because his religion (or the display of it) is somewhat divisive. It’s all relevant.
They’ll get hits on this thing regardless of Smith because we’re diehard fans and we write about all kinds of things related to football. Well most of us do, anyway.
What draftees and UDFAs do you like? I’d say Jenkins, James and Owusu intrigue me the most (just from a pure explosive player perspective.) I think this kid they picked last (with sickle cell anemia) is very interesting. I want to know more about him, how he’s battled through this disease to get where he is, etc.
Tim – it’ll be hard to get Slowey and Cam on the roster. They’d have to beat out young existing players like Person and Dobbs, or benefit from injury. I’d give both substantially less than a 50-50 shot. Also less than 50-50 when we waive them that they will clear waivers and go on our DS. Which sucks, because both seem like potential late round gems. That’s just part of being an excellent team. Like Churchill said, “the problems of victory are more agreeable than those of defeat, but they are no less difficult.” Owusu is in the same category, unless we have a rash of injuries, the numbers at WR are just stacked too high against him I think. It’s possible one of the other UDFAs gets in, because of injury or such. But they are all longshots this year. The ‘safe’ rookies are Jenkins, James, Looney, Fleming and Robinson. They’ll make the 53. But only James is likely to start out active on Sundays. The others will have to wait for injuries or further developments.
I pretty much agree Grumpy,except I think Person might be very worried right about now. I also said yesterday that I think maybe only 5 of the draft picks make the team,so it will be very hard for any of the UDFA to make it,but there is always a surprise or two .
And yes,it will surprise me if m,any of our cuts make it through waivers to our PS,and even more surprised if a couple who do make it are not grabbed up later when another team gets a need.
Person starts out with an edge from his versatility, and his extra year in the system. I’d like to keep both, but that will be tough.
Come on Adam,we all recognize what Grant is doing when he tries to stir up hits on his blog with THAT subject. He learned it from Dad I guess,lol.
I for one choose not to bite at the bait they have dangled in front of us.
I would rather talk draft and roster etc and leave the QB talk for later,when we actually see them on the field again or hear something new from Mini-camps or TC etc.
I am tired of the old ,same old. Get’s boring to hear the same fans saying the same things over and over again.It’s not like we all don’t know how the others feel already.
How do YOU feel about the draft ? I thought it was great that we are getting much better team speed ! I can’t wait for preseason to see for myself !
I tink Lowell is on point. The blog gets hits no matter what. Alex is a lightning rod. He is also the weakest link on the team. So why not tell him that he has no excuses? Alex has plenty of apologists right here on this blog.
Jordo,
I’m starting to think you are an apologist for the MN and MS regimes. Don’t you get it? I was watching the NFL net during the draft and again they pointed out HOW to make an NFL QB successful and used AS as the example. Marshal Faulk said PManning has had the same system since day one and mentioned AS as having a new system (OC) every year. Do you get it Jordo? Now they have VD type guys at WR and RB – makes a difference when they have the talent to create *their own* separation.
There’s but one douchey know it all on this blog!
I wonder what the transparent agenda is. Is it one of those take-over-the-word kind of agendas? Cuz those are fun!
Im not an Alex Hater. I loved smith from draft day till about 09. Then it became, what have you proven on the field. You will always find Lovers and you will always find doubters. ( I say doubters because alot of u dont really know what hatin is) Espciallly in blog nation. You really wanna know what kind of onfield Qb Smith is? Scroll the net n read analyst and former nfl qbs n head coaches etc.. There u will find what kind of qb he is. Because at the end of the day we are all fans so our opinion is biased one way or another. U or i will be hard pressed to find anyone that believes ge is tip 15. Bloggers on here can because we are niner lovers. Doubters will even go as far is to say hes not top 25. My opinion, after 7 years in football he proved hes a decent starter in this leauge. There are Spme pros but tgere is alot of cons. Smith needed someone to come hold his hand. Sad part is, if harbaugh left smith would be at square one because how many coaches would just GIVE him the job withoout competition?
“Scroll the net n read analyst and former nfl qbs n head coaches etc.”
Probably be good to start with the expert, Joe Montana. I’ll take Joe’s opinion over anyone else all day long.
ummm… Joe Montana never said Alex is any good. Joe just made excuses for Alex being bad.
I loved smith from draft day till about 09
Steel so what you are saying is you loved Smith through all the struggling and injuries and then started disliking him when he came back and started playing better? To each his own.
Sounds like he gave up a bit too soon. Smith has made some progress since the injuries. Small steps but still some progress.
We’ll see what happens. If Smith goes backward, put CK in. No biggie.
“I loved smith from draft day till about 09. ”
Steel, that is when you really should have appreciated AS. The org went in a completely WRONG direction. How do you fire one coach that was mediocre as an HC (albeit a good DC) and hire another that was no more than a position coach and NEVER a DC or HC? One of the worst moves ever. The biggest problem was that none of the top OCs he interviewed wanted to carry out his philosophy. It would be a no win for them (see JRaye). Not a great position to be in for any QB and one of the many reasons the top players (FG, VD, PW, JStaley) that were here at the time respect AS. They know good talent and they know good coaching and neither were aligned until JH got here. It will be a great year…
“Smith needed someone to come hold his hand.”
Sure doesn’t sound like a hater…LOL
It’s true though. Hater or not.
To be somewhat overly simplistic, you need three things to have a decent passing attack:
Gotta have a QB who can pass the ball accurately and on time, even when he’s being dragged and chased around by D players.
Gotta have a set of receivers who can provide decent targets (at least some separation) and who can catch the ball.
The essence of Cohn’s article seems to me to be, “OK Alex, we got you the receivers. Now, show us who you really are.”
The thing Cohn forgot is that third element–if the QB is on his back 2.6 seconds after the snap, these elements don’t mean squat. It’s simple, easy, and convenient, to hold one player up for blame or worship. The trouble with that is, football, as we know, is the ultimate team sport. That’s a very tough concept for someone who’s never actually played the game…hence, the poor quality of analysis from some of our local writers (and fellow bloggers). The good news is, our coaches and Front Office DO understand, and nothing written here or elsewhere is going to get them distracted!
GC,
Excellent ready by the great LC. My only criticism is when he said, “If he is a good quarterback, he can go bonkers with all these skill players. Joe Montana could. Steve Young could. Even Jeff Garcia could.”
SYoung had a loaded team when he came to SF. He was able to learn behind JMo and had a great coach day one. SY had problems his first couple of years, even when subbing for JMo. He would often run when he should have stayed in the pocket. He caused turnovers trying to make a play running instead of letting the system come to him by reading what was there and passing to make a play. SY had issues with the BW offense initially, but I guess we forget since he replaced JMo, was a league MVP, an ultimately was a SB winner for the 9ers. But not quite the cakewalk LC tried to spell out. Remember? I do!
Yeah, selective memory.
Stability not only improved Young but Montana, too.
Niners would have won 2-3 more SBs if they hadn’t cut the cord with Montana and replaced him with that foul-stenched southpaw.
Lowell’s blog is bogged down again. Hey,its only Lowell’s money being lost and the PD’S..but the techs are getting paid eating those donuts by the watercooler.
It’s interesting to me that no one seems to claim that Brees “lost” the NFC Championship game, and yet he had 23 incompletions and 2 interceptions. Tom Brady didn’t “lose” the superbowl, yet the Patriots had the ball less than 23 minutes, he had 14 incompletions and 1 interception. If those who essentially claim any game lost by the 49ers was Alex’s fault – and even the pro-Alex crowd isn’t claiming he is anything more than a reasonably competent NFL QB – then they should be absolutely outraged about Brees and Brady, who ARE elite QBs, and yet their teams lost crucial games where their performance was far less than perfect. Overrated losers, apparently.
Brees’ and Brady’s teams depend on them a lot more than the 9ers depend on Alex.
Interesting take, although unlikely to persuade any zealots on any side of the issue, because, you know, they’re uh…..zealots.
If Football (NOT Futbol) is our religion, and the Niners are our denomination, we suffer from internal schism & reformation about our QB. Methinks The Inquisition persists until we attain the 6th Ring. It’s the sword in the stone for Alex……
Amen, Brotha, AMEN !!
I agree that Brady’s last two performances in the playoffs were bad. No argument from me.
Darts…. are thrown all the time. Just because it was a niner doesnt mean it was great. Hill threw darts 1 to beat the rams to josh morgan in 09. How come u dont call that a great throw? Just sayin
I said exactly that after day 2 of the draft. Who is going to get the ball to all of this speed. Alex Smith has made no more than 20 great throws in his entire football career. He still has trouble throwing a simple swing pass in the flat. He almost never hits a receiver in stride. His WR screen throws are always high. In the NFC championship game, he learned how to bounce it to receivers.
Yes indeed, this is Smith’s last chance toake someone believe he is an NFL QB. Most objective observers and every GM in the NFL already knows. Alex Smith is about to be a backup for the rest of his failed career. His ceiling is inside the top of his helmet.
As you see him throw inaccurate passes to all of his speedy weapons, you will soon realize that Smith’s career as a Niner is all but over. Thank God this 9 year project of Mr. Careful is coming to a close.
Its as if you become more cynical as each day passes.
Jordo, you have to admit that once they were able to use VD in a passing role instead of just keeping him in to block because of the weak play of the OL, they came through especially in the playoffs. Now they have speed in the RB and WR positions – not just the TE position. We’ll be hearing a lot about the 11-85 connection and a few others. Stay tuned and stay positive my friend. LOL
“Most objective observers and every GM in the NFL already knows.”
Dude’s delusions are getting worse by the minute. I think he actually believes this stuff. I wonder what happened when the “experts” were giving Smith positive reviews last season. Did he turn the channel immediately, block his ears and start singing church hymns? Maybe little blood vessels in his brain started to burst. Maybe the liquor cabinet was suddenly emptied.
Weird revisionism.
Jordy: I feel for ya, Bud. You’re kind of funny to have around with all your bets, absolutist statements and all the fights and back-pedaling but take it easy, man. It’s just a game :)
Yet here he is after 7 miserable seasons as the undisputed starting QB of one of them best teams in NFL. Your act is old Jordy, actually it was old a couple of years ago, now it is an ancient relic. I know you have some other topics you can discuss. I know you are not this miserable biased poster you pretend to be. Give us your thoughts on the draft. Who did you like or dislike?
jordan’s grip on reality slipped a long time ago.
23jordan says:
September 20, 2011 at 8:55 am
I’ll stop posting here altogether if Alex Smith Is a 49er next year. Write that down and locknot in. He may get benched before the season is over. He will NOT be back here next year.
I like this one as well:
23jordan says:
January 8, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Hofer,
Cmon man. You sound like my opinions getting the best of you. If we win this game with Smith, not another negative word about him during the playoffs Hofer.
With that being said, “We’re a QB away from a playoff win!”
Question: Do you have to be flaming to agree with Grant?
Answer: Nope
Your hair is flaming. I’ll give ya that.
No new revelation here Grant.
I believe Alex himself has made it clear that he needs to improve. We all have been here long enough to know that any Alex Smith topic will bring out the bloggers in droves and generate a hearty debate.
Bottom line: We will just have to wait to see how it bears out with Alex.
Does he have more weapons? Yes.
Does Alex need to get them the ball? Yes.
Do the new and current weapons need to perform and step up their game? Yes.
If last season was any indication of which direction we are going, then we must conclude that we will be better than last season. And that statement includes having Alex at the helm.
Alex has his flaws (as he himself has noted), but until he proves without any doubt that he does not belong on the field, I look for him to take us to the Superbowl.
Rocket…Smiths onfield attributes in 09 were garbage. Backup material. How on earth can u say he was playin better. in 09 i was tired of the excuses. Couldnt hit open targets, diff OCs every year etc.. Your rihht to each his own. my own was smith needed to grow up n b a man. Lord knows all he did was except the excuses ppl gave fobr him.
I can say he played better in 09 because he did. He came off the bench in game 6 and put up the best numbers of his career to that point while winning 5 games.
I have no idea where you are going with your statement that he should have grown up and been a man. This guy has overcome some serious odds to be where he is right now. One thing you can’t question is his toughness and determination.
You don’t have to like his game, but you don’t have to make up your own revisionist history either.
Lowell column is down again.
Now Smiyh has the 1st offensive father figure hes had since Urban Meyer. I say lets kick the tires n light the fires
23jordan, you failed to pay me 1K ..
We did beat the Saints .
Coward! Scared to make the bet. Dont even try it.
DS94everXev says:
April 29, 2012 at 9:13 am
“MC has a better than not chance of not even having a bubble in CA. He is getting paid more than any of the other WR’s, yet this team can get by fine without him.
Just like they did in his rookie year when he didn’t play and the Niners went 3-1 in that span. We can find cheaper WR’s who will drop balls and not get open.”
DS, welcome to the world of EXTREMISM. You have officially joined the likes of 23J, and ‘oneniner’ (lol)!
…look at the Pot calling the kettle black……..
Unfortunately not a 9er but my cousin Jonathan Grimes (RB) just signed with the Texans as a UDFA.
I’m very proud.
article:
http://www.tribeathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=25100&ATCLID=205421502
Bio:
http://www.tribeathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=205073453&DB_OEM_ID=25100
WE don’t play the Texans this year ,so,…GO COUSIN JONATHAN !
Thanks Tim. I tried to post his bio(very impressive) but it’s awaiting moderation for some reason. Maybe you can help me out here Grant.
looks like they play 9ers preseason. Maybe I’ll get a chance to see him run.
That’s pretty cool to have a family member in the league. Congrats to your cousin and family! :)
He’s a beast! Knew he wouldn’t be drafted but was pretty sure someone would sign him.
I’ll try it this way(apologies for the length):
Career Highlights
W&M’s all-time leading rusher (4,541 yards)
W&M’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards (7,955)
W&M’s all-time leader in kickoff return yards (2,289)
W&M’s all-time leader in rushing attempts (936)
Ranks third on the Colonial Athletic Association’s career all-purpose yards list
Ranks sixth on the Colonial Athletic Association’s career rushing yards list
Most decorated player in Colonial Athletic Association history with 11 all-conference honors
Led the nation in all-purpose yards per game as a senior (228.18 yards per game)
Senior Season
Associated Press All-American (First Team)
College Sporting News All-American (First Team)
Sports Network All-American (Second Team)
Phil Steel All-American (Second Team)
Walter Payton Award Watch List (finished fourth in final voting)
Dudley Award Finalist (Runner up) – this is given to the top D-I player in Virginia
Colonial Athletic Association Special Teams Player of the Year
All-Colonial Athletic Association First Team (Running Back)
All-Colonial Athletic Association Third Team (Kick Returner)
The Sports Network National Offensive Player of the Week (Oct. 17)
Colonial Athletic Association Offensive Player of the Week (Oct. 17)
Sports Network Preseason All-American (First Team)
Phil Steele Preseason All-American (First Team)
College Sporting News Preseason All-American (First Team)
Athlon Preseason All-American (First Team)
Lindy’s Preseason All-American (Second Team)
CFPA Preseason Watch List
Colonial Athletic Association Preseason Co-Offensive Player of the Year
Preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association
Phil Steele Preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association
Junior Season
Walter Payton Award Watch List
Colonial Athletic Association Special Teams Player of the Year
All-Colonial Athletic Association First Team (Running Back)
All-Colonial Athletic Association Second Team (Kick Returner)
W&M Quarterback Club Offensive Player of the Year
College Sporting News Preseason All-American
Sports Network Preseason All-American
Phil Steele Preseason All-American
Sophomore Season
All-Colonial Athletic Association First Team (Running Back)
All-Colonial Athletic Association Third Team (Kick Returner)
VaSID All-State (First Team)
College Sporting news Preseason All-American
Preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association
Phil Steele Preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association
Freshman Season
College Sporting News Honorable Mention National Rookie of the Year
Sports Network Honorable Mention All-American (Kick Returner)
Colonial Athletic Association Offensive Rookie of the Year
Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year
All-Colonial Athletic Association First Team (Kick Returner)
All-Colonial Athletic Association Second Team (Running Back)
The article is better than average Cohn but it assumes a great deal more than it should. The framework—”no more excuses”–is silly. An explanation is not the same as an excuse. For various reasons, the offense was less than good last season. New Season ahead: Has the Offensive line been upgraded? (Did they get the best OL available? ). Is the WR corp a slam dunk group? (Except for an aging Moss, none of the receivers are top of the line and perhaps none would be a first option on another top team). Is RB solid? (Gore, slowing down, the two other runners may be more scat-type than an every down type). To point these out is not to ‘excuse’ Alex but to reframe a bit and broaden the focus. An offense is a complex thing, and each part is in play. In contrast, I am afraid, Pere Cohn’s article could lead to the same rash of ‘blame Alex’ vs. “Protect Alex’ blather than dominates and degrades these forums.
There–I’ve cleared my throat.
Good points. I’ve never read here that if the starter is replaced, that the group wouldn’t support CK (or JJ) just as much. The point is and always has been since last year when JH stated, “AS was his QB”, is exactly that…AS is JH ‘s QB and all of the blather or spewing doesn’t matter until *JH decides* to make the change. Saying it over and over again doesn’t make it happen. LOL
Well said, Judex. Every point a good one. Hope you’ll feel free to clear your throat more often!
Nudes,
Damn, youre making excuses already!
Judex
Still down. He’s been hacked?..all the He’s up ,He’s downs..Lowell likes boxing,so it fits.
San Francisco 49ers UDFA
San Jose State RB DaJuan Cofield; Southern Illinois RB Jewel Hampton; Stanford WR Chris Owusu; Northern Illinois WR Nathan Palmer; Florida Atlantic WR Brian Tyms; Michigan State TE Garrett Celek; Harvard OL Kevin Murphy; Northwestern OL Al Netters; Stanford DE Matthew Masifilo; Clemson DE Kourtnei Brown; Texas A&M DE Tony Jerod-Eddie; Wisconsin DT Patrick Butrym; Purdue OLB Joe Holland; Kentucky CB Anthony Mosley; Stanford S Michael Thomas; UNLV DB/KR Deante’ Purvis; Cal K Giorgio Tavecchio
Razor:
I doubt we can even keep all 7 draft picks on the 53,do you think any of the UDFA have any shot at all? I guess there is always a surprise or two ? But it seems more likely that they are just trying to get up to the 90 limit for TC with many camp bodies.
Kiper gives the 49ers another C grade on their draft just like last year. Now I know for sure these guys were the right picks.
NFL Network gave them a solid B after the draft last night. That is pretty good since they usually only fall in love with teams in the top 10 of the draft,or the East Coast teams.
They gave the Rams a B also and I think gave the Cards and Hawks a C each.
Chris Owusu
Kourtnei Brown
Matthew Masifilo
These 3 would stand the best chance I’d say.
Here is how I see the 53 man roster shaping up. * means 46 man gameday roster:
QB: Alex Smith*
Josh Johnson*
Colin Kaepernick
RB: Frank Gore*
Kendall Hunter*
LaMichael James*
Brandon Jacobs*
Bruce Miller*
Rock Cartwright*
WR: Michael Crabtree*
Mario Manningham*
Randy Moss*
AJ Jenkins*
Ted Ginn*
OL: Joe Staley*
Mike Iupati*
Jonathan Goodwin*
Davis*
Daniel Kilgore*
Boone*
Looney*
Person
DL: Justin Smith*
Isaac Sopoaga*
Ray McDonald*
Ricky Jean Francois*
Will Tukuafu*
Demarcus Dobbs
Ian Williams
ILB: Patrick Willis*
Navarro Bowman*
Larry Grant*
Tavares Golden*
OLB: Aldon Smith*
Ahmad Brooks*
Parys Haralson*
Cam Johnson
Fleming
CB: Carlos Rogers*
Tarell Brown*
Chris Culliver*
Tremaine Brock*
Curtis Holcomb
S: Dashaun Goldson*
Donte Whitner*
CJ Spillman*
Robinson*
Specialists: Akers*
Lee*
Jennings*
your a fool…wheres the TE’s. This roster is way to hard to fugure out right now…
He left off the TE’s not need to be rude. Not that big of a deal…
Jack only listed 50,he just forgot to put the 3 TE on his list. Add the 3 TE’s and you have the 53.
Looks like a really good guess Jack !
Looks about right Jack. That battle between Copernicus and Josh is going to be interesting. I know Josh looked bad in Tampa but Harbaugh managed to turn Alex Smith into a decent quarterback so I’d imagine he can get good production out of Johnson.
Thanks for pointing that out, my bad.
TE: Davis*
Walker*
Byham*
That should add up to 53 and 46. Really think Reuland might give Byham a run for his money.
That looks like as good a shot as you can take at the roster before competition starts. Obviously there are choices to be made. And a few odd men out next year.
For all the “real morons” who called me a moron for saying Alex played under martz. Check your stats! He played ………. Excuse me, stunk it up for 7 games under martz! Alex is simply terrible! Always will be! damn u tell some people the sky is blue, and even show them the proper shade, and they still say purple. Pride over logic. You refuse to admit your wrong, but 8 years says just that. Our only qb was David Akers last year! Period!
No Jeff you are still the reigning moron because he didn’t play for Martz. He played parts of a couple of games in the preseason, then had shoulder surgery and was put on IR. The only thing worse than being ignorant is continuing to prove it by posting wrong information.
@jeff moron
Martz himself said shortly after being fired by MS that he never really got to evaliate AS as a coach. Thus he has no opinion as his coach to AS strength’s and weaknesses.
I do however have a firm hold on your weaknesses (many) and strngths (none).
nice to see randy moss come to conditioning camp…..baby steps
also nice to see crabtree has been in full participation the past two weeks….with coach’s accolades to boot….more off season baby steps