No one knows if Alex Smith will play against the Chicago Bears on Monday night – he was knocked out of the Rams game with a concussion.
While we’re waiting to find out about Smith, there are two big questions.
- Can the 49ers beat the Bears with Colin Kaepernick? Remember, we don’t know who the Bears’ quarterback will be, either. Jay Cutler got a concussion against the Texans Sunday night.
- Does Greg Roman have to change the offense this week for Kaepernick? If so, how? If not, why not?
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1.No
2.Yes. Pray to the heavens he does not turn it over. Colin K is not ready.
1. Yes they can if the TEAM plays like they have for most of the season. No turnovers, tough D and smart special teams. If they play like yesterday it doesn’t matter who is at qb. They’ll lose.
2. No. It didn’t look like it changed much, if at all yesterday and he’s been in the system long enough that he should be ok.
1. If CK hold the ball like he has the whole time I’ve seen him, no we won’t win. If he protects the ball and holds it properly, we can win the game. The Bears are a TO machine this year. I bet you that they are hoping to death that they play CK and his ball holding/positioning skills stick out in film.
2. Yes. CK up to this past game hasn’t shown an ability to play the offense AS plays. And he didn’t do anything this week to dispel that. W will have to be able to run the ball with 8 men in the box because the Bears will dare CK to beat them with the pass. If CK can, we’ll destroy the Bears.
BS declares BS again. Bears won’t put 8 in the box for Kap. They know he can and will throw the ball deep and beat them. 8 in the box is for the Checkdown king. He won’t or should not be playing this week. Imagine the apprehension mr caution will play with this week if he does play. We stand a better chance with Kap.
@ 23welcher
8 in the box is for the Checkdown king.
Tell that to Arizona, the only team that has tried it. If the Bears put 8 in the box for Smith, it means they didn’t watch the film from that game.
It’s interesting that you and Houston both keep trying to put forth the same two falsehoods, namely that (1) teams regularly put 8 in the box against Smith and the 49ers and (2) Smith is the checkdown king. It’s almost like you got together and created set of b/s talking points.
Do you two also call each other at night to go over what you’re going to wear the next day? That’s sweet.
PS – Your declaration that Kaep will play against Chicago pretty much guarantees that Smith will be cleared and will start.
Claude my Clown,
Stop begging. Your boyfriend is about to lose his job. What are you going to do? Who is going to play for next year? Better start packing son. Check the video for 8 in the box. Those Smith rose colored glasses won’t allow you to see the TV. Poor kid. 8 in the box and Alex Stops!
23welcher I thought we already covered stacking the box against GB, DET, BUF, Jets, and AZ? Your worse than Houston with that amnesia.
Axel Primate calling someone else a welcher? Thanks for providing the comedy, Monkey boy.
Kaepernick has all the tools to become a great QB. I am an Alex Smith supporter, but he is never going to be more than a good QB – and that only on alternate games.
I think the time is now. Make Colin Kaepernick the starter.
I’m very hopeful of CK but from what I saw yesterday, he doesn’t have all the tools. As of right now, he’s a run-first QB. 8 runs and 11 pass completions. History isn’t proving well right now for that kind of QB. As exciting as it is to see him run, he didn’t even see or throw to open receivers: Kyle Williams wide open for a TD and pulling down (twice on the same play) on the last drive instead of throwing to a wide open Kendall Hunter for 5 yards to make a more manageable 3rd down. We also lost crucial yards that could have been positive yards before the missed field goal in OT. Now, he definitely got more comfortable as the game went on – so more play time could make him more comfortable. But right now, I would say he doesn’t have all the tools to be any more than a “good” QB either.
Jeesh! In AS last 27 passes over his last 2 games he is 25 of 27 for 304 yards and 4 tds. and 0 ints. Thats over about 5 qtrs worth of play. And you want to replace him with a qb who can only run?
Montana
Well AS’s inaccuracy caused the drop to happen. And the other was 15 feet over the head of the WR.
As opposed to the Inc at the feet of VD that may have been for a TD had VD become a human pretzel to scoop it up and the non-pass to KW from CK.
Between the 2, CK is clearly better. He’s more exciting.
Yes, I see now!
Give me his stats against the good teams we have played..weve only beaten one good team(GB)we coudnt beat vikes gmen or the lambs
By the way GB is not as good as last yr
Stats are for losers. Look at win loss column. That is the only true measure. Right now Alex is a winner and CK played good enough for a tie. No contest.
Correct Prime
Add to that CK was fortunate to come in during a home game. And the Rams had a losing record coming in as well.
So a Tie against a team with a losing record at your house isn’t exactly earth shakingly great or good.
@ pete4mtx:
Give me his stats against the good teams we have played..
Perhaps you could do the work yourself.
Using passing yards/game, the 49ers have played four Top 10 defenses this season: Arizona (2), Seattle (4), NYJets (6), and Detroit (8). Smith played excellently in two of those games and meh in the other two. Feel free to look up his passer rating, QBR, or whatever metric you prefer in those four games. Oh, and the team went 4-0 in those games.
If we rank defenses by the passer rating given up to opposing QBs, the 49ers have faced four Top 10 defenses: Seattle (3), Green Bay (5), Arizona (6), and NYJets (10). Again, two excellent games for Smith and two meh games. Again, the team went 4-0 in those four games.
Actually a tie really sucks. The Rams should of been taken regardless of who the QB was. Something wrong with this team right now and its in all phasses of the game. One thing about it when the Niners stink man they sure stink.
The Rams came in with a 3-2 record when Danny Amendola plays. I had called this game on the nose until there was 1:06 left to go.
Instead of being upset about a tie, you should realize how lucky they were not to lose. A big thank you goes out to the Rams FG team for the delay of game in OT.
“I had called this game on the nose until there was 1:06 left to go.”
Here you go I think you could use one of these: http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f257/4evrnyt/pat.jpg
Thank you for the kind gesture Coffee ; )
All for fun Jack, been waiting to use that one for awhile now sorry it had to be you.
Coffee,
He deserves it! =)
Jack
That goes without saying a tie is better then a loss. In this particular game a tie is a loss in my mind. It was a game for the taking and the Niners didnt get the job done.
I understand the sentiment under. Big picture, the 49ers still are in the same spot they were going into the game, controlling their own destiny for the #2 seed.
Hofer,
The more you comment the more you sound like you were a defensive lineman : )
@ Jack:
With the way he protects the QB?
Claude,
In a thread last week I mentioned that offensive linemen are some of the brightest people on the team. Hofer acknowledged being a former lineman, hence the defensive line comment.
All in good fun.
1. Yes
2. No
That’s exactly what I was going to say. Sure they can win with CK. It will be interesting to see how Chicago will game plan against him. I expect the D to play a lot better next week. The Niners o-line was out physicalled (is that a word?) this week and I don’t see that happening next week. Look for the Niner offense to pound the ball on the ground and keep the same passing strategy (1st read shot plays, dump off, or run).
I agree Nick, we should of lost that game, many times over but the Rams shot themselves in the foot with dumb penalties. We will be better prepared with with either QB.
Harbaugh led a team with Alex Smith at QB to the NFCCG. I think he’ll do fine with CK or Tolzien or whatever.
Yeah, shoot, ANYONE can be the NFL’s offensive player of the week. ANYONE can have one of the best QB ratings in the league. ANYONE can suffer a concussion, get up and follow through with a TD pass before staggering off the field with blurry vision and a massive headache. What’s so special about that?
Sure. We’ll be fine with ANYONE at QB.
Meanwhile, back in reality, someone said it well: Alex Smith may not be the best player on the team (he’s not). But he IS the most irreplaceable player on the team. For those of us who love the Niners, I sincerely hope the haters don’t have to find out just how much Smith brings to the team this year.
1. No. It was questionable by some whether or not Alex Smith would be able to beat the Bears, I don’t think Colin has enough command of the offense to beat such a smart and fast defense.
2. Yes. If anything Alex Smith is a very very bright man and there isn’t anybody on this team other the Roman that knows this offense better then him. Smith has shown to be very wise in his play calling and audibles at the line and I have no reason to believe that Colin is anywhere near as adept. Usually Roman gives Alex two plays on each down and Alex decides which one to run at the line after reading the defense. With Colin either he wont give two plays or if he does they’ll be easier reads then what he gives Alex. I also imagine there will be more read-option plays then if Smith was playing as well. As to passing my guess is that would come down to how does Kaepernick look. If he’s showing poise and confidence then maybe he’ll open up the playbook and let him throw a bit more but otherwise I would expect a leash on the amount and the distances of his passes.
Wrong on both answers. Looks like your coffee is going stale :)
hilarious
It is hilarious considering Foster ran for over 100 yards and the Bears didn’t even score a TD last night. Sounds to me like a game the Niners could win.
Grant,
From what I understand, it is going to take at least 4 days until we know anything. At that time, AS needs to see a independent Neurologist, ( not a team DR.) get clearance and then he has to have two practices, one with pads and one without, if he gets through that with out incident, then he can play. If the process starts to get into practice time, CK might be the starter.
That being said, CK needs more snaps during practice, he is rough around the edges and he is careless with the ball, but AS had earlier fumbling issues as well. The Smithers were very critical of CK, but he did a admirable job, prior to this game, he threw only 14 passes in two years. I have a gut feeling that our defense will be playing alot better against the Bears, and that will help out our offense.
Good post Neal. Where did you hear about the process?
Thanks Jack,
I heard it from Kevin Lynch post 9er show on radio.
Good one Neal. Given that next game is on Monday night, the Niners will get an extra day. This may help the team go through the process of clearing AS to play. However, if they can’t, then I’d be happy to see CK get a full weeks practice and a full game under his belt.
Interesting how your spelling and grammar suddenly improves. You are a double poster, question is who now? Jerk o$$!
Alex will prob play vs bears so no need to answer questions. Even tho i would like to kap start a game.
It’s impossible to know until either QB is on the field. Smith and Kap are both capable of great games you just never know who is going to show up. I’m inclined to think it doesn’t make much difference at this point. Pick your pile of poop and start shoveling :)
Yes the Niner Team can beat the Bears if the Team shows up. Ck is raw we all saw that yesterday. Wasnt great by any stretch of the imagination, if we pound the ball we win, its a very simple solution – pound the ball. Of course the D has to cooperate to pound the ball.
No, zero changes need to be made, just use plays that fit CKs strenght. Dont have to make up any special plays.
Under, good post and I agree.
I know this will be controversial, but I think the best option against the Bears if Alex cannot go will be Tolzien.
Nothing against CK, but at this time, Tolzien seems to be able to read defenses better. I know Tolzien has a below average NFL arm, and cannot even dream of making throws that CK can make…. but I am afraid Lovie Smith and the Bears will throw a bunch of stuff on D to confuse CK into throwing a couple of costly picks. If the Bears have to go with Jason Campbell, I don’t see them scoring more than 13 points against us. Maybe a conservative game game plan led by Tolzien can put up 17 points which should be enough for a W.
In the end, both Smith and Cutler will most likely play, and this discussion (like most discussions in football blogs) will mean nothing.
Rick,
I kinda agree with this! I think CK is a very dynamic QB, but efficient he is not. I still think Tolzien is better pocket QB. That being said, I’m not sure if Tolzien will be ready in such a high-stakes game. Let’s just hope Alex is a go for Monday!
We need Alex back for monday night. CK needs to sit and continue to improve his game for at least another year.
chicago
Tell me if you think CK will be able to protect the ball from Chicago’s Defense.
All of this from 3 quarters. Wow you all should be fortune cookies. If Akers makes the damn field goal CK is a hero. because he didnjust enough to help win the game. like AS. Alex smith is going to play. So all of this talk is pointless.
And bs tell me is Smith going to be able to not turn it over? This is a turnover machine he will be playing.
MD, who right now has the better potential to not turn it over against the Bears? This is ultimaltey how the Bears win games, they turn you over but they also score off those turnovers. Do you think Alex or CK is the better QB in not turning it over?
FDM…. I don’t know. I’ve seen ck play 3 quarters and not turn the ball over. Who do I think is better fit to play Monday is a better question. And I think smith would be, because ck still needs to learn some more. I still will be a little worried with Smith playing. He doesn’t stretch the field and will have to rely on the YAC. Those bears defenders love to strip the ball on short passes. The recievers MUST take care of the football. AS MUST take some deep shots and hit them.
They will strip the ball on short, medium and long passes regardless. What is even scarier is they will feast on a QB in the pocket who holds the ball with one hand looking down field.
I re-watched the games last night. Im not super impressed by CK but he is going to be a good QB in time. I just don’t like run first QB’s. If he can become a passer first and use the run sparingly, we might have something special. Maybe playing against the Bears will tell us more.
1. Yes
2. Yes and noo. He has to try to get Davis and Moss involved nore but can also utilize the gameplan the Niners bc had against the Jets and Seahawks.
Don’t get me wrong Alex is obviously a much better qb than Kaepernick at this point but I almost feel it gives us a better chance because the Bears pass defense is historically amazing while their run defense is great but nothing special. I think like what happened with the Broncos and Tebow that our run offense might be a bit more dynamic with Kaepernick in at least for a couple games til defenses figure out to how to stop it.
1. Yes, but the D and special teams have to be much better than that disgrace I saw yesterday.
2. Of course. Defenses will tailor their strategy if they know it’s going to be Kaep. They’ll adjust for his mobility, and they’ll blitz the crap out of him. Teams don’t blitz Smith very much as he’s very good at beating the blitz. Roman’s going to have to game plan for a lot of blitzing. Those of you who have been screaming for screen plays, you’ll get lots in this scenario.
1. No. The Bears Defense produces turn overs with pressure and confusing coverages. Colin Kaepernick will be harassed, pressured, fooled, and confused. His inability to protect the ball when running is exactly what this Bears Defense feeds on.
2. Yes. In order to take the liability out of Kaepernick’s hands, you have to change the game plan to running more. Brandon Jacobs, Frank Gore, and Kendall Hunter are going to be the deciding factors in this game. It will be a matter of just how creative can Roman get with the running game. He has been resistant to throwing screens. I believe that should change against Chicago’s aggressive pass rush, but I don’t think it will. The only thing that will keep this game close is that Jason Campbell is worse than Kaepernick.
And the fact that the Bears offense, is offensive. The Bears cannot, and will not survive by gettting 3 plus turnovers per game either. Their time is just about up.
If CK can generate two TD drives and the defense and special teams show it, yes!
Show *up
If A.S. got his concussion on the QB sneak like i’ve read it might be an enormous red flag. He did’nt take a very hard hit and its his second within about a years time. I’ve been through a reasonable amount of training re: sports injuries and one big indicator of an athlete who might be headed toward concussion syndrome is getting concussed on what seems to be relativley light contact. Smith has taken way to many sacks and hits over his career I hope the nfl and the 49ers are very careful with this situation. I believe we may be seeing CK for a couple of weeks regardless of how the fans feel. I hope for Alex and his family that his health is’nt a long term issue.
1. Yes, if Colin avoids turnovers, which will be very difficult against the Bears Defense. Playing at home will help with that. He seems more comfortable with the deeper throws than the shorter ones. If he can complete some deep passes to Vernon and Moss that will force the Bears to drop deeper into coverage, which would open up the running game and Kap’s own runs. If the Bears can put 8 in the box all game long we will probably loss.
2. The game plan should emphasis Kap’s strengths; deeper passes and option runs. I think some wildcat type plays will probably be called. But, we win if we run for over 150 yards so we need to stick with the running game unless we get down by 17 or more points.
3. None of the above will matter if the Defense plays as poorly as it did yesterday and the ST can’t control Hester.
Everyone likes to make AS comparisons to Deberg, but he is actually a little better. He doesn’t make too many mistakes and does play smart. He’s just not that inspiring. AS is more like Drew Bledsoe. Pretty good overall, but never lived up to his potential. IN 2001, Drew got hurt, bruised ribs, and then Tom Brady stepped in and the rest is history.
If AS has to sit, then CK has to step up. He has tons of potential. Could be better then CN and just as exciting as RG3…
Alex Smith is more like Tommy Maddox. Like Smith, Maddox struggled for years, finally got going and the Steelers to the playoffs, got a contract extension, got hurt, Roethlisberger came in and the rest is history.
Yes they can win with ck. but smith will be back under center come Monday. I’m more worried about the bears backup over cutler. Since the 49ers like to keep their hearts on the bench when they have an advantage or are favored.
There is no dilemma with the qb situation. Ck is still to green and smith hasn’t lost his job. Smith will come back and play fine. I still think the bears are overrated and they really don’t scare me. They can’t stop the pass and no one has stopped our run. I watched Houston run it at will last night. The 49ers will do the same. The only thing that worried me about the Bears are their knack to cause fumbles. Our recievers hold on to the balls and we win.
1) Yes, whether Cutler plays or not.
2) No. Who doesn’t look a little rough/unsettled when thrown into your first opportunity at any significant playing time in the middle of the season with a miniscule number of practice reps heading into the game? Technically, that was his first rookie regular season game. I think he’ll be fine if he gets all of the 1st team reps this week providing that AS is still out. Us fans should probably hold off critiques until then.
http://ninerchatter.blogspot.com/2012/11/time-for-kaepernick.html
Good post, totally agree. I hope he does get his opportunity against the Bears and plays well. From there, we’ll see what happens.
Fair enough, Jack.
I’m a bit more sceptical than you perhaps as to whether he can ever be an effective passer in the NFL. There’s only one way to find out though!!
I like Kaepernick, but the one thing that still bothers me is his elongated throwing motion while passing out of the pocket. I don’t like it because it leads to two very bad things, strips for fumbles and giving DB’s that extra split-second to break on the ball which can lead to INT’s. An example of this is with a QB like David Garrard who also had an elongated throwing motion which led to lots of turnovers that way. The funny thing is that Kaepernick has a nice short quick-release with velocity while on the move like we saw in the San Diego preseason game (this was noticed by the announcers) but back where QB’s earn their living in the pocket, he reverts back to it. I’m sure they have worked with him to correct it, but this is something very hard to change in a QB. See Tebow. I really hope they can because the one thing we know is that the best QB’s in the league are all known for having shorter quick releases.
I would agree with those who say that right now Alex is the better QB. But if I were in the organization I would be willing to risk a couple losses to see what I have with CK, or anyone else who is worthy of giving a try. I just feel like we know what Alex’s remaining upside is, mainly that he has finally reached close to his ceiling.
I also feel like his ceiling does not give the team much margin for error, especially in the playoffs. I say this because in the playoffs, you play completely different teams. Teams are much more focused and difficult to beat. Last year, our defense was phenomenal, but didn’t bring it after the first half in the game against New Orleans. Our formula last year was to shut down opposing offenses, special teams and win by not committing turnovers. Basically, we played the field position game to perfection all year.
This year is different, and the defense is not quite as dominant.
With another QB at the helm, you do risk more turnovers. I can’t really argue that fact about Alex protecting the ball. However, he did fumble himself in the playoffs last year so he isn’t immune. Furthermore, we need an extra ability to widen that margin of error for ourselves. We can’t go into the playoffs hoping everything works out perfectly just to have a chance to be in games. Super Bowl teams generally have good abilities on both sides of the ball. I don’t think Alex has that little extra to keep opposing defenses honest, and more times than not, you would be surprised that while your offensive strength might be to run the ball, come playoffs a team might completely shut the run game down and we need to be able to go to the passing game at times.
I just feel like we know what Alex’s remaining upside is, mainly that he has finally reached close to his ceiling.
I find it interesting that you reach such a conclusion at a time when Smith is playing better, by far, than he has ever played before. What have you seen that would even suggest he has plateaued?
That’s a fair question Claude. I don’t think he has nor will ever possess natural instincts. He is very robotic in his approach to the game. That is both a strength and a weakness.
That throw he made to VD for the late touch down against the Saints- it’s something he and the coaches were working on all week in case they needed a critical completion against one of the Saints typical looks on defense. I pick this play because to the casual observer, it looked like a very instinctual, bang-bang type of play. But it was well documented that is was rehearsed.
I’d like to see him feel the play as it is evolving and be able to improvise, even make a play through improvisation. He is always running through an algorithm in his head. It’s almost as if in the progression of a play he is literally going through a flow chart in his mind’s eye.
I’m not averse to the idea that this method has helped him avoid costly turnovers, but there is no extreme method that works well in the NFL. As a QB you have to find the sweet spot with being just enough gun slinger and just enough safe, and the ones who are elite find the right mix.
Going back to the question you posed- I haven’t seen anything that would lea us to believe he has much in terms of instincts. He has to go by the book to succeed and being a robot doesn’t translate to being a great QB.
@ Fourth:
And yet he keeps getting better. I am sorry, but I don’t see any basis for concluding he has hit his ceiling.
Harbaugh “a lot of positives and handled himself well due to the circumstances” “solid performance” minimal prep time for ck in that situation”
pretty good job defending the run after the first”
“Yes we defend the run as well as
This is why I take his answers with a grain of salt. Sometimes you have to be real with the fans, your team and especially yourself.
Kaep is a young and inexperienced QB that will make mistakes. He isn’t the best QB on our roster at this point in time, and I don’t believe he offers the 49ers the best chance of winning this season. Against the Bears defense, which thrives on forcing turnovers (in particular forcing fumbles, which Kaep has shown he is not immune to), I think Kaep will struggle if he starts.
Kaep does however have the most upside. And he is getting to the point in his career where he won’t develop as a QB by keeping the bench warm on Sundays. By next season if he isn’t starting then he’s stagnating. Yesterday he demonstrated both his potential and his inexperience, and it is game time he needs to move past staring down the pass rush and seeing the whole field. If Alex is out, then this will be another good opportunity for Kaep to learn. But it could be brutal.
Good points. I think I am willing to take the brutal to see if we have a diamond in the rough or cubic zirconia. With our current starter in his 8th year already, I don’t see there being much potential for improvement. And if there is room to grow, I’m not sure it’s a good idea to wait another 2-3 years to see if he can develop some instincts at the position.
I would say the same thing about CK. I would not give him more than 2 years of significant playing time to determine whether there is something there or he’s just a dud.
You simply cannot wait this long in the NFL and hope all your stars line up when your QB starts paying dividends almost a decade after drafting him.
The real question is this.
Is it better to start Kap than to start a recently concussed even more cautious Alex Smith? Is there any shorter pass you can throw than a Checkdown??? All that is left is a handoff! Lol
Kap is my choice. The concussion won’t have Smith comfortable enough to play any better than Kap. If Smith runs into sack when he’s not concussed, what will he do now that he’s coming off of one? I say Kap should play. If Smith stinks it up against the bears????
Alexcuse # 115- He wasn’t over the concussion.
What makes you think this concussion would make him more cautious? Didn’t happen last year when he sustained a concussion. The biggest issue right now is what happened to the lights out defense and solid special teams. I think either qb can lead this team to a victory over the Bears if the other 2 phases play up to there capability.
If Jason Campbell starts for Chicago, I think it’s an easy SF win. All they have to do is stop the run.
I might even be able to start at QB and beat Chicago.
Thank you, Dr. Welcher.
@ 23jordan:
No, the real question is this.
Why do you keep posting comments on this blog when you made the following commitment last year?
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.
You keep running away from the question, but it’s still there. Why are you welching?
Here’s a bonus question: Why aren’t you ashamed of being a guy who can’t be trusted to keep his word?
YES. We are a better TEAM than the Bears – If our defense plays like our defense and we win the turnover battle.
Yes. CK is a beast. He runs like a gazelle and literally glides around the field. When he throws the football, his motion looks like he’s throwing a dart – and the ball zips through the air on a line. Yes, he is green – and yes he will make mistakes. But Alex is a robot who is incapable of “Making a Play” I have tremendous respect for Alex. He is a smart guy and a great athlete, but he’s very mechanical. CK will glide around and make something out of nothing. I’ve been a Niner/Football fan for 40 years, and mark my words – CK is special. He is Russell Willson or RG III or Randall Cunningham from back in the day. Of course Roman should put some plays that showcase his unique speed & strength and take the pressure off Gore. It’s CK time baby
Uh, Mr. Robot……
Kaep’s throwing “motion” is terrible. It’s exposes the ball too long, increasing the likelihood of forced fumbles, and it takes too long to finish. DB’s get that extra 1/4 second that can make all the difference. That’s been a knock on him since he was drafted.
The ball does come out like a lazer though, you at least got that part right.
Its funny how i see posts regarding CK throwing motion..that a cb has 1/4sec more to react…wut u all fail to realize is that he throws with much more velocity than AS..therefore the ball gets there alot quicker…
It looks to me that CK has cleaned his throwing motion up a little. Its still not picture perfect but it looks better than it did a year ago.
@pete
What you don’t realize is that a ball thrown with more velocity is harder to catch.
Given our WR’s are not reminding me of JR’s hands (who by the way always had a soft touch passer throwing to him especially with JM/RG) I want to minimize the possibility of drops as best as one can do. That means a QB who doesn’t throw it as hard.
Pete, what you don’t realize is that it is not about the velocity after release, but the throwing motion itself. An elongated motion gives DB’s the “tell” of where the ball is going to be thrown a split-second sooner than a QB that brings it back just behind his ear and releases it. It may not seem like much time, but it is enough for the better DB’s to break to the ball. Why do you think so much has been made about QB’s with short quick releases and why the better ones share this trait? Because it gives DB’s less time to react and also is better against a blitz when the ball needs to come out quick. Those fractions of seconds often make huge differences between completions, INT’s and sacks. Pretty basic football concept for QB play.
I’m hoping there’s a glimmer of a chance that this week’s practice will elevate S. Tolzien. as good as ck-7 looks at times, he still looks too nervous and that will lead to turn overs as it did.
too many other Rookie QB’s look more poised than CK, Tolzien included.
I like Tolzien. He looks more like a pro QB. Once again I will defer to JH to make the decision. He is a little better qualified, but I know he reads this to see what my opinion is.
+1, Maven.
It bodes well for future starting Kap..u gotta know what u have goin forward..If Kap is the guy or isnt.. U gotta see.. If not Tolzien or upcomin draft is an option.These kids comin out of college last six seven yrs ready to play Now.Im tired of waitin on Alex..ive seen enuff to know what he can do..
Apparently not.
Alex has got nine lives and has been the QB virtually by default. Went from Rat tay to him mid season in 05. played Whole season in 06.Played four five games in 07′ due to to shoulder injury.Missed whole 08 season..09′ sean hill pulled for him..10′ In and out for troy.Lockout…Last yr Peyton not signing…The niners front office..didnt have a plan in place for qb…i think til now..
19-5. Good plan
Yeah..but how many of those wins can u really attribute to Alex honestly? Maybe two..three.Defense was damn good last yr..special teams..running game
Yeah..but how many of those wins can u really attribute to Alex honestly? Maybe two..three.Defense was pretty good last yr..special teams..running game
Defense isn’t so damn good this year, and we are 6-2-1
6-2 with AS playing the whole game.
Last year at this point we were 7-1. Not a big dropoff at all considering how tough our schedule is. Not to mention, 6 times last year the defense didn’t gave us with a lead in the 4th and AS came back to win those games.
19-5. Good plan.
Alex plays a part in that 19-5.. But not a major major one..To say or suggest Alex is the sole reason for that 19-5..Does a disservice to Frank Gore,Vernon Davis,Crabtree,Willis,justin,Aldon,Goldson,Rogers,Whitner,
Wins and Losses are on the QB. When a big game comes between Eli and Drew Brees, they don’t say “We have a great matchup between the Saints D and Eli.” They say “Eli Manning vs. Drew Brees.” Even though the two never actually face each other on the field.
Teams win games by managing them. The job of the QB is to manage the game. If the QB does that, they will win the game. The same can’t be said of a WR catching a pass or getting a TD. The single most valuable trait for a QB is to manage the game. That means you are in control of it. And if you control the game, you win it. Joe Theisman and Steve Young have both said that. Joe T. says it is 70% of the QB’s job. The stuff fans are obesessed with (deep passes, strong arm,etc.) is the remaining 30%. 70% vs. 30%…hmmm…which is more important? Which between the two pretty much assures me a win?
Look at the 19 wins, and you’ll see AS controlled those games. Look at the 5 losses, and you’ll find he generally didn’t do that at all. So we lost.
Not to mention Bowman,harbaugh and fangio
Okay ds9..So i guess by that same token..He sole responsible for the losing…well..the games he started at least. In nolan and singletary era.Why does he keep his job then? See what im saying? Lot of these players were here then too.. Its coaching but more skilled players moreso than Alex.
>>Why does he keep his job then?
Because his current winning record is at the very top of the league.
Or do you mean why didn’t he lose his job under Nolan and Singletary? If you recall, he did. Turns out those he lost it to didn’t really do a whole lot better than him, but ultimately you’ll have to ask those coaches.
No ribico.. My point is -Alex is not soley responsible of our resurgance or 19-5 record..Im saying our skilled playmakers on offense and defense..has had a bigger impact on that record than Alex.Props also to coach Harbaugh and staff
To me..A Qb responsible for his teams success..Is bein able to make plays more often than not..When needed or at will..Scoring ..when u have chance..Making throws all over the field.Managing means youre not really doin a whole lot to win.Complacency,nonchalant,tryin not to lose
I think you put your finger on an important distinction, Deezy; to fans, “managing the game” means just what you said…complacency, nonchalant, no sense of urgency, just tryin’ not to lose. That’s why it’s considered a negative description. But to coaches and players, it means keeping things under control, doing what it takes to win, regardless of stats, or anything else but the win. And that’s a huge positive.
As for the rest of it, I don’t understand the argument. Looks to me like you were saying that it’s a TEAM sport, and the QB doesn’t get or deserve all the credit or blame. Exactly right!