SANTA CLARA – This is the last week of OTAs for the Niners, and today was the one practice open to the media. It started like all their other practices – drills first, then scrimmaging, but one thing was different.
Alex Smith flat out dominated the quarterback drills. Nearly every warm up pass to every uncovered receiver was perfect. Last year during training camp he’d miss a few passes as he warmed up, just like the other quarterbacks. During today’s drills he was the most confident and accurate QB on the field by far. He looked like the franchise quarterback.
The backup quarterbacks performed the drills well, too, just not as well as Smith. Kaepernick is still working on hitting moving targets accurately. Josh Johnson missed some passes low today, and Scott Tolzien led some receivers too far.
However, during 7-on-7 red zone scrimmages, Colin Kaepernick performed the best.
It was the first team offense versus the first team defense from the five-yard line. On Smith’s first play, he threw the ball too high over Randy Moss’ head in the back of the end zone, and then on the next play he threw low to a crossing Vernon Davis in front of the goal line. Both passes fell incomplete.
Kaepernick subbed in for Smith on two plays and scored TDs both times. On one play he scrambled out of the pocket to the right and threw a missile on the run against his body to Kendall Hunter’s chest in the middle of the end zone for a touchdown. On the other he took a three step drop and fired a bullet at Moss’ back shoulder, and then Moss did something spectacular.
He put his right hand out like a crossing guard and let the rocket pass hit him in the palm. The ball popped up in the air and he caught it with his right hand as Tarell Brown dragged him to the ground. Touchdown.
Smith later threw a couple of touchdowns against the reserve defense – one to a wide-open Vernon Davis on a seam route and the other to Will Tukuafu (that’s right, the defensive lineman – he’s playing offense and defense now) in the flat.
Jim Harbaugh said Michael Crabtree has the greatest hands he’s ever seen, and he’s right – Crabtree has great hands. But Moss may have the greatest right hand I’ve ever seen. It’s unlikely Crabtree or anyone can catch passes with only the right hand as well as Moss can.
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GC, what’s with all of the “pop up” advertisements lately?
It’s a small price to pay for a free forum.
Not if you log in from a phone. Messes it up big time.
Or any mobile type of device.
..”He looked like the franchise quarterback.”……..really!!!
…nice read…..
i enjoyed this as well ;) GC articles have been informative and getting better daily
Read this AlmostOneDolphin
On Smith’s first play, he threw the ball too high over Randy Moss’ head in the back of the end zone, and then on the next play he threw low to a crossing Vernon Davis in front of the goal line. Both passes fell incomplete.
Before you do, read this nick
Alex Smith. Starting QB.
Even though I despise Onelame. He’s got you there Grant. Ouch!
Not really. He performed well in drills against uncovered receivers, Kaep performed well in 7 on 7 drills.
I was talking about the “franchise qb” quote.
oneniner says:
May 27, 2012 at 3:12 pm
“….Hoferfan67 – just curious; why do you think I am …..an extremists (Jordo and One) in the same category”
Bingo!
‘oneniner’ your rapturous joy over anything AS is getting creepy…
By the way, nice to see your enthusiastic praise over R.Moss making a great one-handed catch. ‘Oops I did it again’.. (show your support for only one player) lol!
Its been creepy. Can you say stalker?
…lol…..you shld know I was hoping to get a rise from ppl like you……when i wrote that…..
…my b…. already did……waiting on bay, jordan welcher, Neal, Msc, 49ergrl….to bite also….
Wanting attention Onelame? That says alot about your character. Good job Son!
msc
First time today I believe.
Creepy is somebody continuing to act like a request never happened.
Besides I said I ignore Jack. Not that I won’t discuss him, tell others about him.
Why is a question about the “franchise QB” creepy?
And he looked like a franchised QB, don’t get it, sounds like CK had the better day, who cares if AS threw to wide open guys.
Neal fitzbob, read the article again dummy and this time try and recognize that not everything is negative regarding Alex!
Neal,
Yeah, like Prime said look at the positive improvement in Alex. This year he is actually completing all his warm up throws. Progress!!!
Is that what I said Jack? Or do you want to get into this again with me?
Oh Prime, I am shaking at my keyboard. Please don’t be a big mean bully…
Just what I thought kvetch!
Oh Prime Rib, my feelings are so hurt. Please don’t be such a big bad bully.
@Prime
Since I stopped conversing with Jack, he’s desperate for attention Seems as if Jack is getting along as good as he was before.
Maybe it wasn’t me that is the problem.
No one threatened you Jack, so stop playing the bully card. My comment to fitzbob had nothing to do with you but once again you twisted it in negative format, your bread and butter.
Just because you live that way, don’t bring that garbage here!
Prime Rib, you silly little oaf. Don’t get burned up trying to defend your hero.
Exactly what part of this post other than Alex dominating the QB warm up drills shows him in a positive light?
Was it the high throw to Moss or the low throw to Davis when going against the first team defense?
Oh, I see it, you are excited about the two TD passes he threw to Davis against the backups. Rock on!
Silly little Prime Rib. Please pass the A1.
@DS, ignoring people is more effective if you actually, you know, ignore them. Posting 3 or 4 times a day about how you’re “ignoring” a person is sort of the opposite.
It’s actually a bit creepy.
Jack you crack me up. Alex Smith the Nine million dollar warm up man. lol
It is Prime I hate gays Slime, formerly known as Prime I hate gays Slime lol. We know your man love is AS, you are nothing but a AS nut hugger. How is Momma Slime doing this nice evening?
@Neal
He’s the warm up champ, LOL
msc, it kinda reminds me of the funny commercial where the girl calls the boy to tell him she is ignoring him LOL.
Jack
Speaking of commercials, you know the beer ad from Dos Equis XX – the most interesting man in the world?
DS, OneAlex, Primer, and a few others have filed a class action lawsuit for false advertisement. Of course, the most interesting man has to be Alex.
That’s my guy Alex. He can warm up with the best of them. He’s undefeated when there is no defense. That’s how he fooled 32 GM’s back in 2005. Just wait until he learns the entire system in 3 more years. He is really going to bring it. He will be a 10 year veteran. He’s Elite Alex. He is the man. He’s my guy, we are going to the super bowl! Can you all say All Pro Alex!!! Moss shouldve jumped higher and Vernon should have dove for those passes. Not Elite Alex’s fault!
Jordan,
quit fake cheering for Alex. Alex is the man. I have proof. He lit it up in the 2nd half of the boo game against the eagles. He did it again this year against the eagles, Tampa Bay and had a good fourth quarter against the Saints.
Those are his only great games in 7 years, but at least he has some.
Remember, Harbaugh said he belongs in the Elite conversation and Harbaugh also said he was pro bowl worthy so he must be.
He is our starting QB and he is going to be great this year. You’ll see 23…..
I make a little comment about AS day and Prime Slime Fatnich, is up my arse. I have a new name for Prime Slime time, let’s call him thong.
Nothing on our mid-season starter JJ? Hmm! Oh, wait, I see it now! “Josh Johnson missed some passes low today”. Wow! I thought only Alex did that. Is that a misprint Grant?
Grant,
How is Chris Culliver coming along? Also heard Perrish Cox is playing well… the comp between our WR/TE and DB’s seems to be a good one.
It’s great to hear that Alex and CK are doing well in OTAs and let’s hope it transfers over to real game situations. AS needs to improve in the red zone, that’s one area of concern, and it sounds like he struggled a bit in that regard.
I’m more concerned about CK7′s apparent lack of progress. I know he was a project QB but I’d like to hear our QB of the future is improving rather continuing to have accuracy and touch issues.
By this point he should be challenging for the starting job if he is truly the QB of the future. He doesn’t have to beat out Peyton Manning after all. He only has to beat out a guy no one wanted.
MSC,
I’m not too concerned about ‘lack of progress’ regarding CK. let’s see how things shake out.
Whoa, Mscl.
Kinda harsh bud. CK is being groomed for 2-3 yrs. down the road. And that is in the event that AS hits his ceiling this season. CK had accuracy issues in college as well, but he also found a way to win with his arm and his legs. The kid had three (college) seasons of 2,000 yrds passing and 1,000 yrds running.
If Harbaugh can convert a Bruce Miller from a college DE/LB to a relative succesful NFL FB, he can work his magic on the QB he manuvered to draft last year.
Let’s see how TC/pre-season shakes out for CK before the disappointment settles in.
Hey now… I’m not counting CK out yet. After all, Harbaugh made Smith look like a competent QB so I’m sure he can get CK to look decent.
I’d just like to hear something more positive than he’s continuing to lack accuracy and touch. It doesn’t sound likes he’s progressed much from last year. By next year the 49ers have to decide whether to go forward with CK or go back to the draft for a franchise QB.
msc,
Look on the bright side. Although CK didn’t look like the “franchise QB” in warmups, he did beat the 1st team D for 2 TD’s in the red zone. Which do you think is more important?
So CK scored two Td’s in the redzone and Smith didnt? Im not trying to wear a Bears Jersey next season.
MD, true. But he didn’t receive this Grant accolade:
“During today’s drills he was the most confident and accurate QB on the field by far. He looked like the franchise quarterback.
So you are back on track…lol
Yeah, but those pesky Redzone problems are scary. Those are very important for Smiths great season. Maybe he should play like CK…..With nothing to lose. Oh wait he will be this season. LOL Let’s Go Alex! Wheeew
“Maybe he should play like CK…..With nothing to lose.”
CK doesn’t have anything to lose because he isn’t starting. 2014?
Hof.. He also doesnt have any pressure on him. Smith does. Thats basically what I meant. Reckless Abandonment!!!!!! lol
MD, i got it. I think AS has less this year than last. JH is in his court and he will make top 10 (top 7 for you – lol) with the help of the upgrades on offense. Stay tuned…
Top 10? Thats all your giving him with these weapons and Harbaugh? Cmon Hof, you cant have an ex doubter out doing you. lol
Homer,
Top 10? He was 9th last year, and now with all of these new weapons he is sure to improve. Surprised you don’t have him in the top 3, LOL.
MD, that’s what I projected a couple of months ago and I won’t flip flop out of it. Top 10 isn’t shabby. He could end up 5, 7, 9, etc. Not bad…I just gave him 3 more spots of flexibility than you did. All good. lol
It’s going to be an outstanding season…
Hack Jammer,
If you can’t figure it out I can’t help you. Check with Grant. lol
C’mon Homer, surely a man of your intelligence can do better than that. All arrows sideways for that effort… LOL ; )-
When I was in my youth, I had a good friend named Homer. He had a rough adult life and passed away several years ago. Not a bad name.
Gotta do better than top 10 Hof. Im going to start calling you a “Hater” Wheewlol
MD dont worry about wearing a bears jersey, I have the same feeling about this year as I did in 81. In 1980 you could tell that the Niners were in good hands even tho they had a losing record. Its the same thing here different players but its quite apparant the Niners are in good hands. There is destiny coming, we no it but the rest of the league only think they know it.
Hofer,
top ten at what? I hope you are not referring to top ten quarterback rating. We all saw that it doesn’t mean much.
I’d like to see top ten in yardage and scoring. I’d like to see where Smith will rank in 3rd down conversions. He was dead last in the league for full time starters in all three of those categories.
Where do you see him finishing in THOSE particular categories this year?
Tukuafu. Nice. I like the creativity from this staff. And who knows. We very well could see this in a blowout game in week 1. Wheeew
Call me crazy but I’m more impressed by Kaepernick’s TD’s in the red zone than Smith’s practice throws. Great to see Colin ad-libbing and making something happen.
Agreed.
Grant,
Harbaugh heaped a lot of praise on the DB’s today. From that group, who stood out to you today and why?
Culliver – I only saw him give up two receptions, and they were both for minimal gains.
Culliver = Pro Bowl Sleeper…
Thanks Grant. Other than Moss which receivers looked good, and who struggled?
Crabtree and Kyle Williams looked good. They were fast and they caught everything that I could see.
Williams beat Spillman deep on a seam route but Kaepernick didn’t throw it to him. I was standing behind the end zone. Williams flew right past me and yelled “Come on, Kaep!” Williams is feeling confident.
Manningham dropped a couple passes – one on a comeback and the other on a deep ball – but he looked sharp otherwise.
A.J. Jenkins practiced primarily with the backups. He almost made a diving catch, but other than that I didn’t notice anything he did that stood out today.
md,
It will be tough for Culliver to make the Pro Bowl as the 3rd DB, but I hear you. It is good to hear about the DB’s doing so well. They will have some tough matchups, and I am looking forward to seeing how they match up.
Hammergate……. lol He is going to be a starter sooner than later, and when he does. Pro bowl. =-) Thats why I put in the “sleeper” part. I like that kid.
Do you see the possibility of them keeping 6 receivers, with Ginn primarily as the return specialist and Jenkins not being on the 46 man early in the season?
I think so. Williams is making it tough for the Niners to cut him in my opinion. Still, it’s early. We’ll see how things shake out in training camp.
md,
Who do you see Culliver replacing as a starter, Rogers or Brown?
Thanks for the info Grant. Keep up the strong work.
Rogers… I think he will take a step back this season. Not to far, but after that I dont see him improving again. I dont want to jinx, but I think Culliver will get a good portion of playing time this season due to —— I wont say that word, but I got a hunch! =-(
I have VERY high expectations for Cully this year. Alot ppl forget he played FS for most of his college career. He’s still developing at CB but the talent is there. Once he understands the nuiances of the position, its lights out. And I have to admit I was against the Cox signing at first but the kid does have a ton of talent. If he can keep his nose clean and focus on his craft, he and Cully could be two young bookends for the future. And I think Brock has a chance to be one of the better nickelbacks as well. Love the young talent we have assembled at CBs. With all three, we have young, game-tested CBs to throw at all these elite offenses we face this year.
Grant
Did Ginn practice? If so, how did he do?
@Bee, regarding Cox – I think I know how Steelers’ fans feel about Rapistberger now.
If he can help the defense remain dominant I have to root for him but in the back of my mind I’m also hoping the folks of Santa Clara lock up their daughters.
Sounds like Crabtree, Moss and Williams have all had impressive off-seasons so far. Manningham too. Fingers crossed they look good when the pads go on as well. This season may be tough for Jenkins to make much of an impact with those guys ahead of him. Maybe later in the season or next year.
I said that a year in Harbaugh’ scheme would make AS better and more confident. Unless they keep 4 QB’ I think Tolzien may be out.
Starter : Alex Smith
Back-up : Colin Kaepernick
Third String : Josh Johnson
Love to hear that Moss is creating some oohs and ahhhs at the OTA.’
Look for Moss and Crabtree to make some ‘noise’ during the season.
“Go get us a Superbowl “Jimmy!”
Ck will be traded….
This is great and exciting, but wait until the pass rush shows up before you put these guys in the Hall of Fame.
Remember, these drills are in shorts and jerseys.
Mike,
Not sure if that comment was directed at me. But just for the sake of clearity.
Giving the QB’ my (IMO) pecking order does in no way ascend and crown them as HOF’rs. I would venture to say that if AS (49ers) win the Superbowl this season, that he still does warrant HOF recognition. AS will need to become a consistent winner for the reminder of his career given his early career numbers.
*not warrant*
Yes sir, thanks for the report Grant.
Tarell Brown dragged him to the ground? We know there isnt contact in OTAs. Just goes to show how that goes.
Not sure how that got there AES, sorry about that.
Good article on Vernon Davis and troubles back home.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82999859/article/vernon-davis-opens-up-about-trouble-back-home
Thanks for sharing that link Under
Undercenter,
No harm, no foul…
Grant at his best. Good story.
Hahaha! ‘oneniner’
No, you weren’t trying to set-up anyone with your comment.
C’mon dude, you know that you were sincerely ‘giddy’ with the ‘franchise’ statement.
But without your over-the-top exuberance, I too hope AS does become our ‘franchise’ QB. If he does, heck, I’ll be ‘giddy’ with you!
From the new kid at the Examiner, Christian Gin, the O-Line had quite a few false starts in practice (Harbaugh brought in refs for this round of OTAs).
We can all guess the only starter to have a false start: Anthony Davis.
btw – Christian seems like a nice guy but I really miss Samuel Lam.
oneniner says:
June 5, 2012 at 5:49 pm
…lol…..you shld know I was hoping to get a rise from ppl like you……when i wrote that…..
How can anyone take this clown serious?
So if I’m reading this correctly, Smith looked the best in warmups but Kaep looked the best in live action? That’s not what I wanted to read!
Houston,
Weapons mean nothing when you can’t find them and get them the ball with defenders on the field. Alex Smith does not see his receivers running free in the defensive backfield. His anticipation is not great. What difference does it make who the weapons are? He is just not accurate enough. I think we know that.
Yeah, I think that’s what is the most frustrating part for me. You know Smith has talent and can be an accurate passer because he looks great in warmups. Then when he plays against live defenses he makes the wrong reads and becomes inaccurate. Perhaps he’ll put it together this year with the confidence Harbaugh keeps trying to build in him.
Back when I coached in youth football we used to call the kids who were great at trying out but not great football players – coach killers. Coaches would spend high draft picks on these kids and it would ultimately cause them to be less than successful on the field. I remember one kid in particular who was the biggest kid in the league and the fastest kid in the league. He went on to become a very talented track athlete but football was not his thing. When he ran technique drills on tackling dummies, you’d think Oh my goodness we’re going to have to hold him out of hitting drills because he’s going to hurt someone. But as soon as we did live contact drills he was a shrinking violet. I have a play on film from our first game of the year where we put him at Mike LB. The other team ran a dive play right at him. He literally turned and ran away from the runner. The safety came up and made the play. We ended up moving him to DT and telling him to just stay low and don’t go backwards.
Well said Jordan / Houston
“well said”, yet somehow these internet critiques escape the Niners coaching staff.
Strange, that.
Just a little bit of an overreaction to a couple of plays in an OTA practice. Let’s at least see what preseason brings before analyzing every snap shall we?
Ahh who am I kidding? I know every postive/negative thing written for the next 3 months will be scrutinized as if it it was scientific research. At least try to pace yourselves.
@ ribicio,
I’m sure the internet critiques escape the coaching staff but their own critiques led them to “evaluate” another QB and let Smith get to the point of negotiating with another team.
Strange that.
houston neutral
While you’re at it, why don’t you bring up the players/positions we actually got?
Long snapper – the critical guy in ST which was our best unit.
OLB – Guess that means Aldon Smith/AB are in trouble now as well.
RB – We got 2 new guys. Guess that means the guys here leading our best part of our offense are in trouble.
You do know that HC’s/GM’s always evaluate players, right?
I believe CK will be traded. He was a panick pick imho. They reached up for him when all other qb’s were going. JJ should be number two and Tolzien number three.
He has all the skills for the future but hasn’t shown much in his second year. Unless he steps up big time in training camp, he might be the odd man out. He should have had serious off season coaching like Alex had to improve his mechanics and arm motion. I guess some players want it more than others.
I wish we would have heard better news, but a qb that can’t throw a WR open is a big problem we already have!! hopefully I’m wrong but only time will tell.
@big niner
I don’t think they panicked at all. But if they knew AS would pull out 6 comeback wins, they don’t trade up for him. That is for sure.
Trade bait…for who? Can’t trade a player sitting on the bench for more than a late (6,7th) pick like Taylor Mayes.
And I wonder if you really want to dump a wiz like Tolzein in the WCO. Brains and processing speed are way more important than arm strength. Tolzein to me is like Rich Gannon. A guy who you know can hurt you if you dump him, but teams still did so.
Big Niner,
How do you see it as a panic move? They had him on their radar and spent a lot of time with him leading up to the draft.
What about this post makes you worry about CK’s development? So he missed a couple of throws to uncovered receivers in warm ups. Seriously? Did you miss the part where he outperformed the starter in the red zone drill against the #1 defense by throwing 2 TD passes compared to 0?
Guess I am missing something, but I would put a lot more emphasis on his play in team or 7-on-7 drills than warm up drills.
What are you basing that on? All you have to go on is a blog post and 3 snaps last year. How do you know CK hasn’t been working like crazy on his mechanics all offseason? And what in the world do you mean he hasn’t shown much in his 2nd year. He’s had a handfull of OTA’s prior to his 2nd year even starting. Jumping to a huge conclusion aren’t you?
See above about overreaction.
Uh-oh. I also recall Braylon Edwards making a remarkable one-handed catch last pre-season. We saw how that turned out.
DS94everXev says:
June 6, 2012 at 7:27 am
@big niner
I don’t think they panicked at all. But if they knew AS would pull out 6 comeback wins, they don’t trade up for him. That is for sure.
Ds…. How is that for sure? You say smith has 6 comeback wins. Which has an * because he couldn’t generate enough points during the other 3 quarters, and the defense held opponents to basically nothing, and yet they pick up another qb, and went after manning after these “6 comebacks” last season. That’s a pretty big line to drop.
NEWS FLASH md
The reason why a team has any comeback wins is because they were losing. And it is just as accurate to say that the defense gave up more points as it is to say the offense didn’t score enough.
One of the traits I look for in a QB is comeback wins. No QB is going to make a bad team into a worldbeater by himself. Most games in the NFL are close. And you want a QB who finds a way to pull it out at the end. Comeback wins are what teams need to go from 6-10to 13-3. And guess where those 7 extra wins came from? 6 from the comeback.
AS did that. More than any other QB. Tying the great one himself in east coast road comebacks. There is no * next to wins md. Which other QB did they pic-up? JJ? You do realize that every team will pick up players at all positions, don’t you?
In 2010, AS did the same thing to NO. But the “elite” D blew it. AS has a way to comeback in games. Always has. Now he has a HC who knows something and a D that doesn’t crumble under pressure like they have until last year. Add in the best ST unit in the NFL, and…suddenly AS is good. Reality check md. Every good QB needs those kinds of things to win. AS finally has them.
The Niners didn’t draft a QB at all this year did they? And play it your own little convulated way. AS resigned here. As he has 4 times now.
If a blowout is going to happen in a game, no QB will stop it. Since most games are not blowouts anyway, you need to have a guy who can make the play when they have to make it. And comeback wins are the best measurement in observing if that happens or not. Over time, you’d hope the team isn’t in a position to have to come back, but Montana himself had the most comeback wins in history when he retired because, quite frankly, the team was losing a lot of those games.
MD,
Don’t take the bait. If the team was that impressed with the comeback wins they would not have tried to sign Manning. It sounds more heroic if you leave out the fact that the offense was horrible for 90% of the game.
>>tried to sign Manning
That has been emphatically discredited.
Are we still on the Harbaugh is a liar kick?
Ribico,
No, it hasn’t. It is obvious to anybody that isn’t a Smith cultist that is exactly what happened. If you want to believe the “evaluating” speech, you go right ahead. Everybody else is laughing like Jabba the Hutt when Luke tried a Jedi mind trick on him. If it makes you feel better, I don’t think Michael Crabtree has the greatest hands of all time, either.
@ribico
No. We are still at the “I am never wrong, therefore anything anything that discredits what I said is not true” phase.
It never ends for some people who think they know, but don’t.
This obsession that somehow the Niners were remotely going to offer PM anywhere near $20 million a year is ludicrous. I said so at the time, and JH said it now.
Someone has paid a mind trick on you – where is your evidence the Niners tried to “sign” Manning. Did you intercept the call to Condon? Are you in possession of the offer sheet?
You know what they say about assumptions, right?
*jedi mind trick* ribico.
Remember, it works on the weak-minded.
: – )
DS, add Big to the list of those I’d pay good money to see calling Harbaugh a liar to his face.
Jedi mind trick…Leia in slave girl outfit…what are we talking about again?
Your right. Alex visited Miami because he and Manning have the same agents, and it was an elaborate ruse aimed at driving up the price tag for Manning. Another point that supports your view is the fact that NFL teams frequently let their franchise QB test free agency. I applaud Smith for turning down the multiple, lucrative contract offers during free agency and returning to the Niners on a team friendly deal.
@rocket
I didn’t say anything about Leia slave girl outfit. What do you have on your mind?
: – )
Not quite BigP. Smith visiting Miami was set to increase the offer to Smith and it worked. They gave him an extra 1m.
Don’t try to convince the Smithers that the 9ers were active in discussions beyond an “evaluation”. Apparently someone misled Manning as well. Why else would he have felt the need to call Harbaugh to let him know he was choosing Denver?
Yeah, and Smith knew about the Manning situation the whole time and looked forward to competing, yet he still visited Miami. It’s like DS said, Jedi mind tricks only work on the week minded.
@Jack:
Manning calling Harbaugh to inform him of his decision is consistent with multiple scenarios. For example:
1. The 49ers were heavy into the Manning chase and told him that they would match whatever the Broncos (and Titans?) were offering.*
2. Same as 1, except that 49ers told Manning that they would not give him the reins of the offense.
3. The 49ers told Manning they wouldn’t pay him as much $ as the Broncos or hand him the reins of the offense, but the starting job was his, and the team offered him the best chance of winning another Super Bowl.
4. Same as 3, except that, instead of offering Manning the starting job outright, the 49ers offered him the chance to come in and compete for the starting job.
Of course, there are additional scenarios that fit the (few) facts as we know them. There are far too many unknown facts for anyone to say they “know” the 49ers’ level of interest in Manning.
*It’s unclear to me what form Denver’s offer took. If I remember correctly, Peyton announced he had selected Denver and then Denver negotiated with Condon for some time before announcing the signing of a contract. Based on that timeline, I had the impression that, at the time of Manning’s announcement, Denver had thrown out some general numbers, but not all the important details, like guarantees, injury protectino language, etc.
DS,
I come to that conclusion whenever anything Star Wars related is mentioned. One of those iconic images that has a lasting effect.
As to the never ending topic that is Alex Smith, maybe both sides are right in their own way as usual.
Maybe they wanted to see Smith improve and play well for more than one year before committing to a bigger contract, while at the same time understanding that he was the best option for them at QB out of the group they had on the roster.
One thing that is undebateable is that Harbaugh is his biggest backer and as long as that continues Smith is going to be the QB of the Niners. If he falters, I doubt Harbaugh is the kind of guy that will put personal feelings ahead of winning, but Smith is going to get a lot of rope to hang himself; so anyone expecting him to be pulled anytime soon is fooling themselves.
BigP,
Apparently Harbaugh is a Jedi then because it worked with the Smithers : )
Thank you for taking the time to respond Claude.
Exactly. Meanwhile, I still don’t believe Crabs has the best hands I’ve ever seen. :)
Jack, as much as it pains the hater crowd, Harbaugh is, and remains, head “smither”.
Re: Crab’s hands. I don’t doubt crabs has the best hands that Harbaugh has personally seen. How far hands go in getting separation remains to be seen. If he can use them for push-offs without drawing the flag, then just maybe ….
Yes, Harbaugh had Smither#11 on his hoodie when he was working out Manning in the dark. I can hear the Mission Impossible theme playing in the background as Harbaugh and Roman were approaching the field, rocking the fake eyeglasses/plastic nose & mustache.
Ribico,
As you know, Jedi mind tricks only work on the weak minded, and your above comment further proves that Harbaugh is indeed a true Jedi master.
>>your above comment
Jack, is it your contention that Harbaugh is not a big Smith booster? Oh right, it’s all a ruse to trick the fan base.
Tell us again, what team are you following?
@Jack:
Sorry, but I am somewhat distracted today and don’t have time to interpret the flow of this conversation. Was your “thank you” sincere or sarcastic?
Maybe it was Condon who performed the mind trick. LOL
Ribico,
Please show me one negative comment that Harbaugh has made regarding any of the players, Smith or otherwise. If you can find one you will prove your Harbaugh is a Smither point.
@Jack:
Wouldn’t ribico also prove his point by identifying players that Harbaugh has not gone out of his way to “overpraise”?
Not really Claude. Have you heard Harbaugh make a negative comment of any player, whether he brought it up or was asked about them?
Unlike his predecessors he keeps that stuff in house and does his best to insulate them from negativity. I am sure the internal discussions are quite different.
Jack, have you heard Harbaugh praise all 22 starters as pro-bowl worthy? Not even the “smithers” here claimed our QB was. Yet someone on the coaching staff did. hmm… who was that?
Again, what team do you follow? You seem to have gap in your knowledge of the 9er’s recent history.
@Jack:
You are correct that Harbaugh does not criticize any player in public. Nor should he.
But I believe that there is a significant difference between touting a player as “elite” and Pro Bowl worthy and merely refraining from public criticism of the player.
Claude/Ribico
Classic response. Change the criteria when you are wrong. Sure he said that Smith deserves to be in the Pro Bowl. He did even better when he said Crabtree has the best hands he’s ever seen. Again he likes to pump up his players, especially those that are getting knocked in the media.
And Claude, I agree with you on keeping things in house. That is part of why players respect him so much.
Jack,
You make a good point with your reference to the fact Harbaugh doesn’t criticize anyone publicly, but the difference between his praise for Smith and anyone else is the other things he does besides praising him.
Within days of being named HC and watching some film, he said he wanted Smith to come back to the Niners. All offseason he kept repeating it, he went to the hospital to see Smith’s wife after she gave birth, gave him a playbook without knowing for sure if he would be back, had Smith accept his Coach of the year award in Indy, played golf with him at the pro am and then had him caddy when Smith didn’t have time to stick around and play the whole tournament.
Then just this week he states the stuff about wanting Smith back even though they were evaluating Manning, which Smith then verified.
I’m as cynical as the next guy, but you’d have to have blinders on to think Harbaugh is not genuine in his support of Smith. That doesn’t mean he’ll stick with him if he struggles next season, but it’s obvious he likes Smith, sees something in him, and believes he can win with him.
Rocket,
You are correct. Harbaugh’s recruiting job on Smith last year was second only to him luring Andrew Luck to Stanford.
I am sure Harbaugh likes Smith, heck I like him too because right now he gives the 49ers the best chance to win.
Another thing I am sure of is that Harbaugh is not a Smither. Part of being a Smither is to never critique his play and discuss his shortcomings. Do you think that behind closed doors Harbaugh is all roses with Smith when they review the game or practice film or do you think he also shows him his flaws and what he needs to work on?
>>Change the criteria when you are wrong.
What are you talking about, Jack? You are the one that brought up the fact that Harbaugh heaps praise on his players (and he does, as well he should). Yet some are singled out more than others. Yes, he’s overboard in his praise of Smith, most likely a kneejerk counter-reaction to all the insane unfounded criticism leveled at Smith in the media and elsewhere. In that, I can totally relate to Harbaugh. While I think Smith is far, far from perfect, I get a perverse enjoyment in defending him against braying jackasses. I’m sure Harbaugh does as well.
Jack,
You’ll have to forgive me. I get confused with the criteria involved in being designated a Smither or a hater. If Smither means not doing anything but blowing smoke up his ass then you are right, Harbaugh is not a Smither
No doubt he critiques him and he also was pleased that Smith went to see the Pitching Coach about his mechanics.
I was referring to the fact his lack of negative sound bites doesn’t mean he views everyone the same way. There is an obvious kinship between he and Smith, and truly believe he thinks he can win with Smith.
Ribico,
Wrong again. You are the one who brought up Harbaugh’s praise of Smith, and I asked you to show me a time when Harbaugh did not publicly support one of his players.
Your response was that he doesn’t call all of them Pro Bowl worthy. That didn’t answer my question. Can you show me a time that Harbaugh did not publicy support a player? It is a simple yes or no question really, and if yes please include the quote.
And since you brought it up that you don’t see Smith as perfect, what do you see him needing to improve on to get closer to perfect?
@Jack:
What criteria did I change, how did I change it, and what am I wrong about?
If anyone is changing anything to suit his purpose, it is you changing the definition of “Smither” to exclude Harbaugh. As I have been referred to numerous times as a Smither, the term certainly is not limited to those who “never critique his play and discuss his shortcomings.” (Who meets that definition?) Harbaugh’s effusive praise of Smith goes beyond anything I have ever said or thought about Smith. If I am a Smither, Harbaugh definitely is.
Harbaugh clearly thinks more highly of Smith’s abilities than do 23welcher, Fitzbob Neal, msclemons, NickRow, Bay, BigP and, probably, you. You 7 probably are the most frequent users of the “Smither” label, and many of you apply the label to anyone who disputes one or more of your many criticisms of Smith. By that standard as well, Harbaugh clearly is a Smither.
Claude,
You can read my response to Ribico above regarding your first question.
Regarding the Smither definition, mine is probably slightly different from others but there are plenty on here that either cannot or won’t state areas where Smith can improve his game without blaming it on a lack of reps or the receivers/o line improving.
And I don’t consider you a Smither. From what I have seen of your comments you can go either way, but don’t care for the over the top criticism that is often without strong merit. Would I be correct in that assessment?
>>Can you show me a time that Harbaugh did not publicy support a player?
No.
But that is competely irrelevent to whether or not Harbaugh does over-lavish Smith with praise. The fact of the matter is that he absolutely does.
>>what do you see him needing to improve on to get closer to perfect?
You see, I don’t believe he needs to be perfect, even close to it, to be successful. Last season was ample proof of that. First of all, he needs to not turn the ball over. He made great strides last season, he needs to keep up that pace even as the attempts increase. Accuracy perhaps, but I can live with overthrown passes, that’s going to happen, it happens to every QB. If it’s an inaccurate pass, all I ask is that it not end up in the hands of the DB. Conversely, I’ve seen plenty of beautifully thrown balls to discern what he’s capable of, I’m not going to dissect him on every single pass. Better decision-making, getting the ball the player 7 yards downfield instead of 4 when we need 6 for the first down. But I’m not presuming to know who’s the primary, hot or checkdown on any given play. What looks like Smith’s problems could be the ones built into the play or how it unfolds.
I’m betting the full Harbaugh playboook, unveiled this season, will go a long way to improving Smith “closer to perfect”.
@rocket
“Maybe they wanted to see Smith improve and play well for more than one year before committing to a bigger contract,”
What does any of that have to do with supporting the starting QB? Contract stuff involves the players and ownership. Not fans. The contract a player gets has no bearing on whether I am loyal to the guy or not.
“One thing that is undebateable is that Harbaugh is his biggest backer and as long as that continues Smith is going to be the QB of the Niners.”
If true, why do so many here say that they don’t think JH backs AS? It sure isn’t coming from any reliable source. Only their own diluted imaginary world.
I said it mid way last year and maintain that it likely true. JH sees a lot of himelf in AS. How their career started (with HC’s who don’t know all 11 offensive starting positions names) and how resiliant each was.
If you have ever been a mentor for sombody who reminds you a lot of you, you know what I am talking about. If not, then you won’t.
@Jack:
Your assessment is accurate. I would add that I believe that what Smith did during the Nolan/Singletary years is not predictive of what he can do in Harbaugh’s offense and that it is small-minded to think Smith has shown everything he is capable of.
Ribico,
Thanks for the response on where he can improve. I agree with you that he has shown the ability to get it done. My only problem with Smith last year was the inconsistency, not only from game to game, but series to series.
It seemed as though there were times when he played terrible, but they kept it close and almost out of nowhere he would have a great series and they win. It is almost as if once he knows he HAS to make a play he does. I just hope to see more of that from him this year.
I think they will need it if they are going to be successful with the tougher schedule next year.
Claude,
I really hope to see Smith improve in year 2 in this system like Luck did. If you compare the first season for each of them in the system they are very similar. If Smith can come close to that kind of growth things will get very interesting.
http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/andrew-luck-1.html
>>It seemed as though there were times when he played terrible, but they kept it close and almost out of nowhere he would have a great series and they win.
Jack, I would not limit that evaluation to just Smith. Frank Gore, for instance. There were games where he’d be stuffed series after series. Then out of nowhere he’d reel off a critical 15 or 25 yarder. Those long gainers decreased as the season went on, I’m glad the team addressed that in the draft and FA. I can’t wait to see James in this offense. Now to get Gore onboard with sharing the ball.
Like I said upthread, the team’s familiarity with complete Harbaugh playbook will do more to achieve the “perfection” everyone is clamoring for, both on an individual and teamwide basis.
MD
Don’t sweat it. DS is not objective when it comes to AS. The 49ers QB situation is plug-and-play if you’re looking to duplicate last years QB performance. Any of the QBs on staff can duplicate last year’s production by AS given JH’s system.
@NickRow:
DS is not objective when it comes to AS.
Thank God we have objective commenters like you, 23welcher and msclemons on board to set things straight. Please demonstrate some of that objectivity.
The 49ers QB situation is plug-and-play if you’re looking to duplicate last years QB performance. Any of the QBs on staff can duplicate last year’s production by AS given JH’s system.
Yeah, that’s why the team re-signed Smith, because CK, JJ and Tolzien can do the same thing. Baalke purposefully wasted money for no reason.
Nice objective reasoning there.
claude, logic is in short supply in certain quarters. personally, I love another poster’s asterisks on last year’s comebacks because the offense didn’t give the defense enough of a lead. lol.
@ribico
Big P. We now have another “Big” here now. I think he is called “Big M”. Don’t know where he falls with the AS stuff.
@claude
: – )
Funny how we don’t just draft a 7th round pick QB, oh, heck, let’s pick up an UFA QB every year, plug him in, and have him run the offense. That is the definition of “Plug n’ Play” and that is what Nick is basically saying.
That way we can save money for over-priced FA’s.
There is Nickdoh, makes an outlandish comment only to vanish. That’s called the school of haterville!
When Claude Nuts talks nobody listens lol. He reminds of the EF Hutton spot.
Ds… I see your getting angry over what the truth is. News flash???? Ok. Let’s me continue to point out the fact of the defense being the best at giving up points. And the passing game not putting up any—- without our kicker. Ds no matter how you spin it I’ll leave you with this classic that went over yours and onelames head….. The defense gave up leads because the offense could score enough points” there you go that should give you a weeks worth of paste and copies. Just make sure you still don’t get the point when you use it. :-)
…Classic stuff ese…
“The defense gave up leads because the offense could not score enough points”…..lol
Keep it going onelame. There you go. Ha ha haaaaaaaa
@md
You and your like are the only ones angry over 13-3, NFC Title game.
Don’t bring me into it.
Would just like to say that these two have NO reasonable answers to facts. Thats all! Thank you. Come again
Funny.
Because please tell me how ofen the record books keep W-L records with *’s next to them.
Facts are facts. No matter how many times you want to see *. Nobody else cares.
Ds Record books dont keep * but coaches and front offices aaand fans do. Thats what really counts. Take your medicine and deal with it now. You cant spin the fact that they arent sold on Smith still. Waa Waaa Waaaaaaaa.
Excuse me……Not still* But Yet.
Funny.
Because please tell me how often the record books keep W-L records with *’s next to them.
Facts are facts. No matter how many times you want to see *. Nobody else cares.
Does GB get an * last year for playing the Bears when their starting QB/RB were out? Clearly playing/beating a team without their starting QB/RB is not equal to beating the same team with those 2 players. But is there an * next to that win? Or their Super Bowl without the Steelers with a functioning TP (By the way the team sucks so bad without TP, they lost to the Raiders in Pitt without him. That is how bad they are).
If the people who matter (AKA not you) put * on things like you reason, no game in history would be without an *.
Truly?
Are they the same people who believe that defenses lose late leads because the lead was not big enough? Please refer the HC/GM who believes this to me. Know where you’ll find him? Unemployed on a blog.
Medicine? You need a whole manufactoring plant to get you to see things straight.
Ds you are delirious if you really think SF Fans are going to be ok with the same play Smith had last year. Maybe you need to come out to N Cal sometime, and talk with 49er fans, intead of the 30 on here. Keep spinning Ds. Your way of thinking is hilarious. Laughing Stock. Hilarious
DS94everXev says:
June 6, 2012 at 5:33 pm
Truly?
Are they the same people who believe that defenses lose late leads because the lead was not big enough? Please refer the HC/GM who believes this to me. Know where you’ll find him? Unemployed on a blog.
Medicine? You need a whole manufactoring plant to get you to see things straight
Yep. Defense can only do so much. You like that huh? Isnt it about as ridiculous as your moronic post putting our defense down? And unemployed??? I know you consider State assisstance a job, but I couldnt afford my season tix without a CAREER! I would bet anything you have NO friends, No Job, and a man that wishes he could leave you for free. Your probably 50 overweight, with thick bottle glasses. And after seeing your xbox profile. Im probably right. Buahahahahaaa And you know this is true. I wouldnt believe any type answer you have for my outlook on you. Its to obvious. You were a nerd in HS, and you are a nerd now. Pulling for that underdog. No wonder you hate players with confidence, you never had it. Now your are just a cyber bully’ target. And you deserve every bit of it. On here you can be aaanything you want, a guy, a girl, hell even an alien. Pathetic!
Md,
That informercial on Bs was both accurate and painful. Careful BS, that left a mark! Ouch!!!!!!!!
MD, news for you – fans are the same everywhere. And you are delirious if you think SF fans wouldn’t be delirious over another trip to the conference finals, overtime away from the SB.
rocket says:
June 6, 2012 at 10:31 am
DS,
I come to that conclusion whenever anything Star Wars related is mentioned. One of those iconic images that has a lasting effect.
As to the never ending topic that is Alex Smith, maybe both sides are right in their own way as usual.
Maybe they wanted to see Smith improve and play well for more than one year before committing to a bigger contract, while at the same time understanding that he was the best option for them at QB out of the group they had on the roster.
Bingo!!!! Tried to explain this before, not ONCE have I EVER heard the smith fans critique his play, I HAVE heard J23, and BAy give smith his respect when he EARNED it. The smith fans believe that respect is given not earned and the “haters” want to see more out of someone they have to respect. See how close it is?
Good afternoon MD,
The only objective reads I’ve seen here on a consistent basis are from Rocket and Adam. Depending on the situation, it is either too much blame or over the top accolades. I keep hearing that AS is the best option today. Well the FO could have found *options* if they wished to do so. That is why they get paid the big bucks. Why didn’t they pursue MFlynn – he was basically the same money as AS. Why didn’t they get into a bidding war with Wash. for RG3? In the world of the NFL, some think that is the biggest most important investment is a (franchise) top QB and then everything else. Why not mortgage the farm to get a top QB? Wouldn’t it be interesting to see how well the team does with CK or JJ leading the way. If the play happens to be subpar, let’s see how the other QB’s fare. All in.
You make some good points hof, there wasn’t to many options out there this offseason. Matt Flynn as of right now wouldn’t be worth losing smith for. Manning was. Others points are if smith was the franchise/elite/pro bowler some say he was last season. Then why go after manning? N.O, NE, GB and the rest of the nfl teams with pro bowl qb’s didn’t go after him. The contract and the pursuing of manning speak volumes of the trust they have in smith. He did everything hatlrbaugh wanted him to do, and did it pretty well, the split between fans is the consistency. And the FO seems to feel the same. Bringing in a Free Agent Qb when you already have two doesn’t show confidence in the starting qb. That’s just flat out fact. Now. I don’t doubt smith will succeed this season, but again I refuse to make myself look like a moron by creating lies for Alex smith. Bottom line is. The defense and st got us to the NFC title game. Smith fans want to chip in with the “comebacks” we all know how I feel about those. Yes smith chipped in, with some good plays, but hof was he really constant with great qb play last season? No. Was the defense consultant? Yes. Without the way the defense played last season with that offense, do you believe they reach a 13-3 record? Or the title game? No way in hell. Some fans want more out of the passing game. Nothing wrong with that. It’s not like they were world beaters and some want more. That’s my point. Hof you know as well as I do, until smith gets out of the mediocre/inconsistent funk he’s been in since being drafted. The smith saga will continue. It’s just weird that a qb has that many lives with one team. Weird I tell you. Lol
Completly agree about the lack of objectivity Homer, err Hofer ; )
md
1. Other teams are not being coached by JH.
2. PM pursued the Niners more than the Niners were pursuing him. If the Niners pursued him like you want to think, they would not have signed CR/AB, knowing full well PM is here for the money.
This season is not only Smith’s to make or break. Bay, jordo, Neal etc, the usual crew have to do some deep down soul searching if the team continues to be successful with Smith QBing it.
Me? I’m getting sick and tired of whiny, sniping coming from fans constantly ragging on the trees when a beautiful forest is unfolding right before their eyes.
@ribico
Why is it AS’s make or break season? Other than VD, who else has proven themselves and look to have a long future?
Getting tired of hearing “It’s AS’s make or break season now.” If the offense sucks, the whole lot of them should look to be elsewhere. Not just AS. But as is the case so often here, only AS gets any press here.
For a guy so hated, people sure spend their time talking about him.
DS there are a lot of guys besides AS who have to prove themselves this year. I’m looking for solid years from Joe Staley who needs to stay healthy and have a probowl year. Another two guys who have to elevate their game on the oline are Iupati and Davis. It’s essential our oline starts off well this year and builds each week to be one of the best in the NFL.
Other guy who are under the microscope are Crabtree and Walker. They need to prove they are or can be legit starters in the NFL and be consistent each week.
Defensively Rodgers needs to earn the big contract an Bowman to prove he is not just a side kick.
Ptime I would add Tarell brown to that list as he will be tested often against some high scoring teams and also on D, Dashon Goldson.He wants big cake well again he will have to be the best player in the secondary to earn 8 million per.
On offense Roman needs to prove he can call a complete game, i think last year he went away from things that were working well so he is a guy that needs to step up.
Prime Time says:
June 6, 2012 at 3:06 pm
DS there are a lot of guys besides AS who have to prove themselves this year. I’m looking for solid years from Joe Staley who needs to stay healthy and have a probowl year. Another two guys who have to elevate their game on the oline are Iupati and Davis. It’s essential our oline starts off well this year and builds each week to be one of the best in the NFL.
Other guy who are under the microscope are Crabtree and Walker. They need to prove they are or can be legit starters in the NFL and be consistent each week.
Defensively Rodgers needs to earn the big contract an Bowman to prove he is not just a side kick
Well said Prime. Iagree 100%
DS94everXev says:
June 6, 2012 at 2:31 pm
@ribico
Why is it AS’s make or break season? Other than VD, who else has proven themselves and look to have a long future?
Getting tired of hearing “It’s AS’s make or break season now.” If the offense sucks, the whole lot of them should look to be elsewhere. Not just AS. But as is the case so often here, only AS gets any press here.
For a guy so hated, people sure spend their time talking about him.
You want to give him all the credit for the wins, and still fail to realize he is the only person who touches the ball every single play, Why is it his make or break season? Because he’s had 6 other tries at becoming a very good QB. You think it was bad for Smith when we sucked? Thats nothing compared to now. Superbowl expectations ARE BACK!!!!!! Nothing less will be tolerated. And average QB play wont be either. Thats why its his, MC’s, Staleys, and every other average players make or break season. AND AGAIN THAT ESPECIALLY INCLUDES ALEX SMITH!!!!!!
J23 It will just go around that question. It and Onelame vanish when faced with a question they cant lie about. Remember this moron gave credit to the passing game for the 13-3 record and blamed the defense for blowing leads.Leads that our fg gave us. Onelame will not answer the Smith question, whether he needs to improve ANYTHING about his game, or if he thinks Smith is a pro bowler or elite. They’re Pathetic Bleeding heart morons. PROPERTY OF NINERMD!!!!!
md
Please tell me when I said AS won all the games by himself? AS does not do anything (like all QB’s) if his guys don’t make plays for the team.
You’ll need a LONG time to find such a post.
“Alex Smith got us 14 wins” There you go. NEEEXT!!!!
AS led the team md. Do you even read interviews with players?
So, saying JM getting the team 13 wins means he did it all by his lonesome?
You’re not that bad, are you? You know that people always say the QB got them, or led them, don’t you?
Everybody. Even people who don’t watch football know that no one player did everything.
Did MLK get us Civil Rights? All by himself? Of course not. But people say it. Does not mean they think MLK ACTUALLY did it all.
@23welcher:
Not that your comments are worthy of a reply, but I’ll play your game.
1. Yes, according to his completion percentage and his throws to Vernon Davis, Josh Morgan, and other receivers not named Michael Crabtree.
2. Not that I can tell. He certainly did not show a lack of confidence against the Saints.
3. Doubtful. He plays in the same conference as Rodgers, Brees, and Manning. But, it is certainly possible.
4. How is his contract structured? AP and profootballtalk.com present one version; Maiocco presents another.
5. Barring injury, Smith will be the starting QB for 2012 and most likely, 2013. I was a Niners fan before Smith arrived; I will still be a Niners fan after Smith leaves the team.
I answered your questions. Now it’s your turn.
1. Didn’t you promise on September 20, 2011 to stop posting altogether if Alex Smith was a 49er this year?
2. Once the 49ers re-signed Alex Smith for 2012 (and 2013 and 2014), didn’t you keep posting?
3. If the answers to questions 1 and 2 are “yes,” aren’t you a welcher? If not, why not?
4.Weren’t you wrong when you said the 49ers (a) could not beat teams like the Saints with Alex Smith as QB, (b) were a QB away from the playoffs and (c) were a QB away from a playoff win?
5. Do you know as much as Jim Harbaugh about (a) the game of football and (b) how to evaluate and develop quarterbacks?
BONUS QUESTION. Before insisting that Josh Johnson was a better QB than Alex Smith, you insisted that Troy Smith (out of the league) and Nate Davis (out of the league) were better QBs than Alex Smith. Curiously, you never said that David Carr was better than Alex Smith. Are you racist in your evaluation of QBs?
@Grant:
Why did jordan’s 5 questions comment get deleted?
@MD
Thats not really true, about me anyhow. I am a Smither but I have critiqued AS quite a few times. AS is not elite, AS is not a pro bowler, AS just last year arrived at the good plateau. AS sometimes throws the ball into the ground, sometimes he throws it high, sometimes he hangs on the ball too long. And there is more for sure. I wont bring up the good stuff. I have been on Smiths side from day one, and when I choose a player to admire I expect more out of him then I do others. I have high standards and AS for the most part has not met them. Even last year there still was some issues. The anti Smithers called them excuses, I call them reasons. Excuses cant be fixed, reasons can. Well this year all the reasons have been fixed, and I, the Smither that I am expect AS to perform at a very good level nothing less is acceptable. If he doesnt perform at the very good level them maybe its time for the change. And if people want to know I am also on the Johnson and Tolzien bandwagon, then I will be knowen as a JJer or a Tolziener.
Under………No offense but when IIII say Smithers. I mean Claude, Ribico, Ds, and of course the leader of the Smithers Onelame. At least 2 of these 4 will NEVER admit Smiths faults. Thats why they are the laughing stock of this blog. Its actually kind of Pathetic. Im a huge Davis and Willis fan. Willis looked nothing like he did in years past, and I posted about Davis yesterday. Ds told me to judge a player by how they play. I always have. I love my team and pull for them to win, but if you stink you gotta go. RAISE YOUR HANDS IF YOU BACKED CHILO RACHEL…….. LOL
Under ,
Very well said. At least your loyalty is not blind.
Correction md
JH is the lead Smither. After all he is the one who convinced AS to come back last year and TB as well to take AS back. And JH is the lead guy this year after the PM stuff. Not TB.
So maybe oneniner is JH now. What does that say about how JH fels about fans who bash his QB?
Which QB ds? JH has 4 of them. What other elite passing attack have that many? Yeah looks like TB turned chicken salad into chicken *hit like onelame said. Before his GM of the year award.
Thats why they are the laughing stock of this blog.
Thank you for that example of irony.
Claud you just dont count. Bow out now. Unless you would like to answer on how Smith can be better.
DS
JH did not convince Alex to come back. AS came back on his knees begging.
@NickRow:
The additional guaranteed money says otherwise.
You don’t defeat assertions you consider unsupported by the facts by making counter assertions that themselves are unsupported by the facts.
Most say AS is the best option, then what is the issue? Should the 9ers start CK or JJ? Is AS elite, of course not, but I believe there is more upside. Why debate? If there are those questioning AS’s starting, then take it up with JH. JH has the credentials to choose the correct QB based on his credentials and background. He chooses AS. Why argue among yourselves when neither side has the power to make the change. That decision is completely up to JH. That is where the argument lies. Sounds like there is sour grapes with the wrong people (person). JH is an AS advocate. All in.
Hofe – I can’t believe you are even bringing this up. After reading/listening to J.J., CK & Tolzien’s interviews, it is clear to me that all three of them are intimidated by AS now. Those 3 guys are almost bowing down to AS, no way they challenge AS this year!!
I think AS has been an average NFL QB but he’s rapidly improving mentally and could put it all together this year.
23J, I respect you big time but these 3 backup QB’s don’t have the sack to challenge AS this year. Troy Smith had the balls but lacked the brains/talent!
Crab, I bring it up because the banter never ends. If they want to constantly bi*ch about the starting QB, it’s not a blog war. Take it up with the HC that makes those decisions. That is my point. BTW, I agree with you. Cheers and hoisting a beer to you! Take care bro!!!!
Crab15
You don’t get the most unified complete team if teammates are intimidated by one another.
I don’t know what the point you were trying to make was, but I don’t see it, or agree.
Was it sarcasm?
Hofe – The banter wants some brownie points!
23J should agree with me that J.J., CK & Tolzien are not ready to be pilots on an NFC championship caliber team yet!
23J – I’ve been disgusted with Alex Smith’s career so far (until last season) but we don’t have anyone else that can do better for at least one more year. We are good enough to win this thing with AS as our QB.
I will support AS this year, if he can’t be successful with this offensive talent & Harbaugh coaching, then it’s clearly time for a change. Hofe, I hope you would be the first to admit it.
Hofe- Thanks for hoisting a beer to me bro.
@ Crab
How can any QB be intimated by AS, maybe Eli, maybe Peyton, maybe Drew, maybe Aaron, but Alex. That is screwed up.
Hofe – Can you please explain/translate to DS what I’m saying/thinking?
DS – You always think I’m being pessimistic.
Hofe gets it, why can’t you DS? Do you enjoy starting trouble? Do you think I’m really not a die-hard Niner fan?
Help me Hofe.
Neal – I don’t know how they are intimidated but they are.
Nick
Just more proof you don’t know a thing about AS/Niners.
Look up AS leaving the Niners after 2010 season on the net. AS was leaving. AS didn’t want to be here. The GM wasn’t going to try to sign him. I believe Monte Poole wrote an article on it after talking to AS clearing his locker believe.
JH convinced both to give it1 more year. Good thing he did. Otherwise we are talking about rebuilding a dynasty instead of continuing one right now.
Probably because JH told AS he is a elite Pro-bowl QB, and have said nothing yet to the other guys.
DS, Crab isn’t trying to be controversial. In essence he is saying AS has the job to lose. If he performs well, we win and we’re all happy. Go with the flow and enjoy.
Crab15
1. Where did I doubt you being a fan in my last post to you?
2. How does “intimidating” mean you don’t care? The point is JH wouldn’t want anybody who is intimidated. Would you on your team?
3. Starting trouble? How? I didn’t insult you or any person in the organization. I said I don’t agree with you. Does anybody who does not agree with you starting trouble? Why don’t you tell 23J to stop starting trouble by always calling me BS? What he writes is a lot worse than anything in my last post to you. If I call you stupid names, does that gain me respect in your eyes?
Hofe – WWHD (What would Hofe do)? Hofe – I’m obviously trying with DS (Why? I don’t know) and look what happens.
DS -Hofe’s answer was perfect and you ignored it DS.
Hofe – Now you see why I won’t be so nice to DS next time.
DS – You should repect Hofe, he’s a legend in here and you just spit in his face. That’s some real B.S. D.S.!
Crab, sometimes it best to move along. Hey, are you drinking beer tonight? Lagunitas?
DS, CLAUDE
That was too harsh on my part. However, AS – being a smart guy – realized that Niners were the best place for him for the following reasons:
1. JH resurrected his career
2. Continuity in the same system would bode well for his career going forward
3. Few teams showed interest for his services as a free agent
Therefore, he was well motivated to return to SF.
By the way DS, I was not talking about 2010. Don’t know where you got that idea from.
Hofe – Thanks for asking, I had a Lagunitas IPA (22 oz.) Good stuff but Hofe I discovered a real gem IPA tonight bro!
“Point the Way” IPA, brewed & canned by Golden Road Brewing L.A. Ca.
True story Hofe – I thought I bought a 6 -pack of bottles tonight of this unfamiliar beer for $11.99 (pricey) but when I opened box at home it was a 6-pack of 16 oz. cans. This Beer taste almost identicle to Chimay beer! I even quized the wife, “what beer does this beer taste like?’ she said Chimay! (We love Chimay)!
I might have my wife make a (one-time) guest appearance in here soon as (crab15wife). She’s a Niner fan but she’s not as knowledgeable as you experts. :-) Don’t go easy on her!!
Go Niners!!
NickRow:
I generally agree with that comment. I would (a) add to your list the fact that Smith genuinely likes playing for Harbaugh and (b) suggest that the lack of interest from other teams may be explained in part by the fact that everyone expected Smith to return to San Francisco. It’s not like he let it be known during the run up to free agency that he wanted to explore his options. He only started looking around late in the process.
crab
Calm down man
1. I didn’t mention/think of hof in either post on this thread. Where is the dis-respect?
2. You do know that I can be writing a reply when I start before hof posts, thus never having read his post before startig my reply to you? Right? If one of us is trying to start trouble, it ain’t me. A vet such as yourself should respect/know this.
3. I respect others. Time-frame or legend here means nothing. How you treat me does.
Nick
How/why 2010 came up:
2010 was the year before last (2011 season). The season before JH.
Immediately after the 2010 season, TB said what he did and AS said what he said (in the year 2011, but not the 2011 season).
These events tie directly into last year events (2011). What JH did to bring the two together.
Hopefully that explains why I brought up 2010.
DS – Calm down???
You respect others? Give me some names then? Who do you respect in here and why?
I don’t give a crap if you like me or not, we had issues, then we were cool, then you disrespected me several times….. now I don’t know who you are.
What’s your deal?
BTW, Don’t ignore or be rude to Hofe like that man.
Crab
I never brought up or involved hof at all in this.
One of the ways I try to show respect for others is to not bring them into fights they weren’t involved in. That happens a lot where people bring me in. I don’t like it.
Since all explainations have failed, I’ll leave you with:
Have a nice evening.
“Is AS elite, of course not, but I believe there is more upside.”
Hofer, I first want to apologize for being rude with the Homer stuff the last 24 hours or so. Excuse me if it was ignorance on my part, but this is one of the few times I can remember something like this coming from you regarding Smith.
This is a statement that we both agree on. I too think that there is some potential for Smith to improve, and it is up to him to do it. Almost every excuse that has ever been used to forgive poor play from him in the past has been removed going into this year. Call me crazy, a fence-sitter or whatever but I really think that he can elevate his game to a top 5 rating this year.
DS – No answers to my questions and no response to Hofe’s post directed at you. (Rude) nobody ignores legends like Hofe. Trust me, Hofe has a good memory.
Good night now. Who’s the real hater?
Crab, thanks for being my wing man and vice versa. You’re a good dude! Now on to the season…80 days give or take. Dam*!
Jack, thanks. No worries…time to move on. Regarding my comments and constructive criticism, just need to know where to look. It’s been there many times, I just don’t list the weakness (for any player – MC or AS) since it is all still a work in progress. All in and arrows up!!
Crab
“DS, Crab isn’t trying to be controversial. In essence he is saying AS has the job to lose. If he performs well, we win and we’re all happy. Go with the flow and enjoy.”
Wher is the question to me I ignored in this post?
And I do respect hof. I’m not going to go around though and kiss his rear end. He is not a legend. He is a blogger. Just like everybody else here.
DS94everXev says:
June 6, 2012 at 2:19 pm
md
1. Other teams are not being coached by JH.
2. PM pursued the Niners more than the Niners were pursuing him. If the Niners pursued him like you want to think, they would not have signed CR/AB, knowing full well PM is here for the money
Your right Ds. I forgot that HE flew out here under the radar to see how he would fit in if he picked us. And remember MC has the best hands ever and Chilo was making progress and made Harbaugh VERY happy. I wonder if Smith gets cut or benched if you would believe Harbaugh then. pssshhhhht
People don’t need to be jerks md.
Hard for you “keep it real” dudes to believe, I know. But true.
Had JH said Chilo sucks, would that make you think better of him? Or the players of the team? If your boss told the whole world md sucks, I’m sure you’d be ok with it.
YES!!!! If Harbaugh was honest about it I would love it, because its the TRUTH!!!! IF a boss ever told me I sucked at my job, I would ask how and why. Then I would do my best to be better at that job. I wouldnt crawl up in a ball and cry about it. I would man up and do something about it. Thats the problem with people like you Ds. You feel that everything has to be fair in life. Always some excuse as to why it didnt work out. Its pathetic and I hope to God you dont have kids, because the more I see kids getting things handed to them without earning it, I want to puke, and Im tired of stepping over little ds’s whining in the grocery aisle’ because they dont get there way. So yes ds. I want someone to tell me Im not doing a good job if Im not. Anything else?
md
They can tell you without telling the world.
Mr. Tough Guy should want people to say it face to face. Not some wuss telling the media.
Did anybody read the tweets from B Jacobs about the kid who sent him $3.36 for him to saty with the Giants? Its on the NFL.COM Website. Thought it was a funny and good read.
Ds its been fun, but my hand hurts, and some of us have to get up and go to work. We can continue tomorrow. I have a feeling Ill be slapping two of you around tomorrow morning. Bring in your wittle ankle biter Onelame. Buahahahahahaaa
Grant – I’m with you 90% of the time bro but C’mon man, a one handed catch in practice? I make blindfolded one-handed nerf-ball catches in my backyard every day!
These are pro’s Grant…..a one handed catch is like breathing to a pro WR, same with high-schoolers.
Crab, totally agree. Practice, practice, and practice.
Hofe,
Hey Hofe, just looking at your post about the debate concerning AS as Starter.
I’ve seen a change over the past few months with the sentiment of fan support leaning toward AS.
There are a few anti-AS diehards still holding the forte, but the overwhelming majority seems content and confident with AS at the helm.
Also, you’re right, Harbaugh has already established AS as the incumbent. End of story!
The battles in TC will be for a DB position.
And for the ‘backup’ to AS.
LeMichael James may push TGjr for time at K/P returner, and also nip at K.Hunt’ heels for playing time in the backfield.
I need some football!
“I need some football!”
Everyone is getting antsy and grumpy. Once the season starts, then most of the bickering goes away. There will be some diehards on both sides, but I’ll just smile and enjoy. All good and for you, all arrows up! lol
Hear, hear!
@Hofer:
Once the season starts, then most of the bickering goes away.
You’re kidding, right? You were on this blog last season. 23welcher and Bay wouldn’t stop bitching about the QB during the entire 13-3 season. The best season in 10 years, and those two would not shut up about Alex Smith, even as he proved them wrong week after week after week after week.
What makes you think this season will be any different? Hell, jordan has already reneged on his promise not to post ever again and has even promised to be more of a d!ck this year.
“There will be some diehards on both sides, but I’ll just smile and enjoy.”
Then I followed up the line you quote with the above quote. Can’t help some…lol!
@hofer:
I think you misspelled dickhead.
That said, it’s a great time to be a 49ers fan. All arrows are indeed pointing up.
@Claude
Is that what you’re calling yourself these days? :)
@NickRow
Touché. I walked into that one.
AES
i think the battle at RB will be intense and fun to watch. I’m also interested in seeing the following:
1. Cameron Isaac “Cam” Johnson – is he legit?
2. Battle for depth chart and playing time in the secondary and WR
3. Chris Owusu – does he make the team?
C-Balls – What’s up?! Long time no talk!
You think we can win in Lambeau week !?
So Grant,what you seem to be saying is that when they were warming up (just playing catch),that Alex did the best and when they were actually playing offense against defense (7 on 7) and there was some pressure and the receivers were actually being covered,that Kaep was the best .
I hope Alex does well in practice (I hope they all do),but what he really needs to do is play better in games,when he needs to read defenses and dodge pass rushers and still keep his eyes downfield,etc,not just play catch well or not just do well when he is not allowed to be hit .
It is his 2nd year in the system,so I am guardedly optimistic for Alex and all 4 QB’s.