Posted By: To ninerindallas (13/08/2008 2:07:33 PM)
Comment: Agreed, while there are a lot of dickwads on here, you stand out head and shoulders above them all. It's fitting that a team with such a loser of of a coach should have such a loser of a fan. Keep up the "good" work...my whole office love laughing at your idiocy, top drawer stuff.

Posted By: McCain2008 (13/08/2008 11:41:03 AM)
Comment: I apologize for my dumb comment. I totally have lost my BEARINGS. I am so wrinkled and old, I thought Y.A. Tittle was the QB.

Posted By: TDilvr (13/08/2008 10:49:04 AM)
Comment: Nick I do not find it ridiculous that Smith and Hill are not getting any 1st team reps because clearly neither of them will be starting anytime soon. Martz is clearly not impressed with Hill's impotent cannon and he's not too impressed with AS's indecisiveness while he's digesting the playbook. The offense needs to start clicking soon and JTO is the only one who knows it at this moment. Where Nolan falls down is in his arrogance that he's actually fooling anybody with the ridulous words that come out of his mouth on a daily basis. I'd be okay if he just came out and said "JT is the starter for now. We are learning a complex offensive sytem and at the moment he is the most qualified to run it. We are not only trying to get the QB's up to speed but the rest of the offense up to speed as well. I am finally realizing that it is hard to get continuity with the foolish 3 way QB competition I was trying to ram down everybody's throat. I apologize"

Posted By: ninerindallas (13/08/2008 10:40:41 AM)
Comment: hey McCain2008 -- You sound really cute. Maybe me you and Houston9er can all get together and wrestle amonst the cow dung!!!

Posted By: Nick (13/08/2008 9:51:16 AM)
Comment: Does anybody else find it ridiculous that Nolan and Martz aren't giving any reps to Smith or Hill with the first team??

Posted By: Dean (13/08/2008 9:33:43 AM)
Comment: ninierindallas - I liked your post. A bit of advice, don't trade jabs with some of these knuckleheads. In a battle of wits it's like fighting an unarmed man.

Posted By: Houston 9er (13/08/2008 9:33:07 AM)
Comment: Good post Randy in SR. I'm not optimistic about the season but I do hope the 9ers win every week. Anyone who hopes for losses or injuries so the Yorks will make a coaching change should STFU and support a different team.

Posted By: http:// (13/08/2008 9:30:40 AM)
Comment: Randy- Grow up. We all love the Niners. We root for them to win, JTO or not. But when the team keeps slipping and falling on its face, you eventually tell Nolan to stop tossing banana peels in the path.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (13/08/2008 9:30:24 AM)
Comment: I am not a York hater. When they signed Nolan, I was OK with it, I am glad they gave a guy a chance instead of using one of the recycled NFL coaches that have proven they can't do crap. But let's look objectively. The incumbant coach when they took over was Mooch, who was fired because of power problems. They immediately go out and hire an unproven offensive "genius" in Erickson. When he's fired, they hire a defensive guy in Nolan. Nolan shows up after the season expecting to be fired and the YORKS KEEP HIM! Nolan is one slick character. Beyond the stadium issue, the Yorks have not done the fans any favors with their great ideas. I am not bagging the season. If Nolan doesn't get fired this year, he'll have to sign an extention. NO coach goes to the final year of his contract and is let go, make that change early. If that happens, instead of going to another unproven guy, let's hope they do one of 2 things, bring in Holmgren or my favorite...let the Cowher era begin.

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (13/08/2008 9:24:35 AM)
Comment: Time to man-up ladies and support your team. The season is upon us... We are The Faithful for a reason. All this whining and blind hating is getting old. This place has more whiners and haters than the 49erswebzone. Either support our team this year, or STFU already. Some of you fans wishing for a bad season so Nolan gets canned are no fans at all. Damn, will the real Faithful please stand up?

Posted By: Jed (13/08/2008 9:17:23 AM)
Comment: McCain - Listen to NFL scouts, not drunks on this page. In addition to game film, longtime scout Gil Brandt called Alex's workout the best he's seen in decades (i.e., better than Peyton). Maybe everyone in the NFL is wrong (Tim Couch), but none of them would make that judgment based on Nolan's tenure. What we easily saw in the Raiders game (not practice stats) is that Alex had two bad throws and several good throws (on 3rd down), made plays with his feet, came closest to scoring a TD, and had another drive end with WR fumble. Why is anyone thinking JTO (TOs and slow feet) will do better?

Posted By: the taconator (13/08/2008 9:15:44 AM)
Comment: can't wait till next year for the "Nolan, Smith Saga part V" -you know, the one where Smith gets to really say what he wants to about Nolan cuz he's the QB for another team. -And the one where Nolan gets to say whatever he wants to about Smith -from the confines of his couch- and we don't have to be subjected to this idiotic egotistical nightmare blah blah blah blah gettin the "JYOBBB" done crap

Posted By: Cody Pickett (13/08/2008 9:07:41 AM)
Comment: "Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here." We already know that neither JT O'Sullivan nor Jason Hill is a starting caliber NFL QB, or they wouldn't have been released by so many NFL teams. Alex Smith may turn out to be a failure too, but at least he offers hope in that he is still young enough to get it all together. If Smith is NOT the QB, then there is not even hope, and once again the season ticket holders will have wasted their money. Will we fans never learn?

Posted By: shobbrobb (13/08/2008 9:06:20 AM)
Comment: Hey oneniner,Who hired Mike Nolan who had no head coaching experience(which meant he had no staff history)and gave him total control of once proud franchise.It goes deeper than just Nolan,the front office is suspect and i am hoping that Jed has some of Uncle Eddie in him and raises the bar back to where Eddie had it

Posted By: ninerindalllas (13/08/2008 9:06:05 AM)
Comment: what an honor, to be single-out like that amoungst such of a large pool of qualified dickwads to choose from

Posted By: To ninerindallas (13/08/2008 9:02:04 AM)
Comment: Congrats on taking the title of "dickwad of the day." Your name will now be forwarded to the draw of "dickwad of the week"...and you're odds on favorite

Posted By: ninierindallas (13/08/2008 8:53:55 AM)
Comment: it's been one week into the preseason, and there are question that need to be answered. but some of you people just make me absoutly disgusted. a rpo football team is more complex than your tivo's and ipods. instead of obsessivly yammering bout who should be blamed, fired, or forced to sell THIER property. someone was even retard enough to say something like because they pay for the tickets , it their RIGHT to a winning franchise {btw the only RIGHT you have in this context, is which team to support}. i see people throwing out stats from last year {which mean nothing} and stats from practice{ which mean nothing } and then they say look at the game {preseason....means nada}. the only kudo's i give on this post are the ones to people asking about other aspects of camp. settle down people, IF jto wins the job it will be because he earned it. and we should be happy the team took the time to find out who the best guy for the job is. personally i think AS will come through by the end of preseason. so the only thing we will gain is seeing how quickly some of you are willing to jump ship if you do not get your way. most of you are acting like 2 year old who can't have no ice cream. grow up you kids, it's time to put your big boy pants on...........

Posted By: shobbrobb (13/08/2008 8:49:09 AM)
Comment: McCAIN2008....We need more realist like you.You are 100 percent on point!

Posted By: McCain2008 (13/08/2008 8:28:56 AM)
Comment: Why are so many people tossing in the towel for this season just because Smith may be benched in place of JTO? Face reality....Smith NEVER should have been drafted in the 1st round. The argument that Smith has been wronged by all the OC changes can also be put forth for JTO and his musical teams. Go Niners.

Posted By: Houston 9er (13/08/2008 8:23:25 AM)
Comment: Jon in Socal, I totally agree with what your saying. Nolan frustrates the hell out of me with the way he needs to appear to be in control. Everything with Nolan is a facade. I'd like someone covering the team to expose Nolan as a chairman of the board coach who has absolutely no idea what he's doing as a head coach.

Posted By: Jon in Socal (13/08/2008 8:11:36 AM)
Comment: Houston9er: Nolan always states thing like he is still the "face of the franchise". He needs to be completely in control and wants to put forth that appearance. They've already stated that it will be a combination of Martz, McCloughin and Nolan to make that the final QB decision. Martz doesn't want to get caught in QBgate and won't throw his players under the bus (how refreshing). If Martz is smart, and he is, he'll just pull the strings behind the scene and let Nolan take credit and eventually all the blame. He can only win in this situation. If the offense takes off, Martz reaffirms himself as a genius and savior of a once proud franchise. When the whole thing sinks, he jumped on trying to bail with a bucket when he needed a firehose.

Posted By: 49ersKing (13/08/2008 7:59:26 AM)
Comment: Time to breakout the paper bags. This is embarassing.

Posted By: Indiana Jim (13/08/2008 7:55:04 AM)
Comment: oneniner - you assume Mike Nolan is capable of getting a point. That's a dangerous assumption :)

Posted By: Rafael (13/08/2008 7:19:35 AM)
Comment: Man, it's obvious Martz is in charge. That's the only reason JT is getting all the Reps. Martz even admits the other quarterbacks will get the system. So why aren't they doing anything to help them understand it more quickly! They're going to settle with JT just because he gives them the most emmediate chance of winning! I've never seen a more obvious and pathetic attempt to save ones own job. Fire Nolan now! End the circus and give Smith the reps he needs and deserves.

Posted By: oneniner (13/08/2008 7:14:40 AM)
Comment: All this drama could have being avoided if NOLAN DID NOT HIRE HUSS LAST YEAR.....IT WAS NOLAN WHO HIRED HUSS, HE HIS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MESS.

Posted By: Houston 9er (13/08/2008 7:08:06 AM)
Comment: Matt, In all the Nolan quotes on the qb controversy I don't think he's ever even mentioned that Martz is doing the evaluation. Nolan keeps saying something like, "I want to get a better look at JTO..." Nolan makes it sound like the decision on who to start is mostly his own. Nolan sounds totally clueless in this whole circus. Is Martz letting Nolan hang in the wind? Can someone ask Nolan who's making the decisions on which qb practices with the 1st string and if Nolan has any say whatsoever?

Posted By: steamroller49 (13/08/2008 6:52:58 AM)
Comment: Hey Matt - thanks for all of the great work! This is just a personal request (I think we all need a break from the QB drama including you), but would you mind putting a post together listing all of the McNolan draft picks of the last four years, and where they currently are - maybe a grade for each pick, each year, and overall? I thought of it when I saw Patrick Estes' name mentioned in a Bills piece....thanks!

Posted By: oneniner (13/08/2008 6:51:26 AM)
Comment: Indiana Jim - why don't you start a "A.Smith is the fan's choice at QB" petition website......maybe nolan will get the point.

Posted By: Has to be Nolan's last year (13/08/2008 6:25:30 AM)
Comment: Indiana Jim......... "AMEN"

Posted By: oneniner (13/08/2008 6:22:16 AM)
Comment: Matt - i keep hearing sport pundits saying if JTO is the starter, that is the end of A.Smith aka the "franchise" in ninerland, I just don't see Scotty given up on the "franchise" just yet. Can you please give your % chance of the "franchise" not playing for the niners again?

Posted By: Indiana Jim (13/08/2008 6:19:53 AM)
Comment: Aaron Rodgers is a better quarterback because he's spent three years with the same coach, a GOOD one, an OFFENSIVE one, and has studied from a HALL OF FAMER. Put Smith and Rodgers in reversed roles, and everyone would be asking why we didn't draft Alex Smith. A player is a product of his environment.

Posted By: Dean (13/08/2008 5:14:34 AM)
Comment: Matt, Martz sounds just like Nolan the #1 will be picked by them once they decide, let it be...It's like the Favre saga,,,,beaten to death by the media. Can we get some news about the other competitions in camp? Where's Balmer, who is struggling in camp? Anything besides the QB competition

Posted By: PT Barnum (13/08/2008 4:54:30 AM)
Comment: 49erGuest --" I hope O Sullivan gets injured. I'm really hating this yoyo! GO Packers, crush our QB to the ground" I can't think of a more ignorant post that I have read on this blog than yours, and there are lots. Are you retarded or just stupid? Go Away! ps. "You're a frickin clown!"

Posted By: Traj (13/08/2008 3:20:14 AM)
Comment: Yeah York, all we need is more McCain right to solve the solutions of the world. He is such a diplomat. I rather have a president who wasn't a POW: he was so smart that he got himself caught. Look in the mirror and see who the real turd is. Traj.

Posted By: mike in MD (13/08/2008 12:40:49 AM)
Comment: I can't help myself...but so far I like Oher/RT, Maualuga/TED LB (will be a star next to Willis & start INSTANTLY. 6-2/260 lbs, perfect size. Mauauluga might be the BPA when it comes to our pick. TED LB DONE for the next 10 years & we would OWN THE MIDDLE.) NT's can wait until 2-3rd RD. #1 WR..everyone talks about Michael Crabtree but watching clips he always gets tackled from behind. Darrius Heyward Bey/Maryland is BLAZING fast but was still really only a track guy. Question is can this guy play football & be a REAL WR in the NFL? There's a pretty good #1 corner available but I think someone will emerge for us out of the young ones. Is it ever too early to talk about the Draft? Man, that's stuff's addicting.

Posted By: mike in MD (13/08/2008 12:26:38 AM)
Comment: 2009 QB prospects: http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2009QB.php

Posted By: mike in MD (13/08/2008 12:24:12 AM)
Comment: I'm not too impressed with the QB prospects for next year's Draft. It's still early yet though. 1 QB caught my eye...Sam Bradford/Oklahoma, 2nd year. 6-4/214 lbs. Last year as a freshman he threw for over 3000 yards/36 TOUCHDOWNS/& ONLY 8 INT's. Are you kidding me?? Does anybody know anything about this guy? Somebody chime in if they do, this guy sounds too good to be true.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (12/08/2008 11:52:56 PM)
Comment: I'm also wondering whether Nolan has the stones to put Alex on display against Aaron now? Perhaps this is a calculated move to avoid any comparisons between Choice A and Choice B? Preseason or not, the questions will be asked if the results are pro Aaron. It'll be interesting to see this play out.

Posted By: York (12/08/2008 11:48:18 PM)
Comment: Nolan reminds me of Obama. He says nothing but stupid statements that make no sense. He tries to appease everyone to make himself look better, yet he has no solutions to fix anything. Obama and Nolan...two turds that need to be flushed.

Posted By: Medford (12/08/2008 11:45:54 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt this is a off the subject question. Will any 49ers wear the C on there jerseys this year? I noticed almost all teams last year had a player on offense and a player on defense have one.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (12/08/2008 11:41:44 PM)
Comment: 4th and G2G, Nolan has 3 QBs learning 'The System', he elects to take the sure 3, because, he's in the 'NED Zone'. Let's go Defense....The Beauty of NFL Sunday Ticket, when it's too painful to watch, find a real game. God I hope this circus proves to be just a good laugh before the real games that count. I seriously think this Division is up for grabs and if it takes a Cleveland Browns-like QB carousel to pull it off? I'm in. So long as we get the Ws it won't matter. All we can do is blog and pray. Thanks Matt, it's more entertaining then politics and about as predictable.

Posted By: Toby (12/08/2008 11:17:24 PM)
Comment: OK, for everyone defending Alex Smith as a guy who hasn't gotten a chance, let me point out a few things. First, you say he was a rookie QB on one of the worst offensive teams in history. He wasn't just on that team, he was part of it, so to blame the entire offense means you need to blame Alex for his part. Year two, a step up, yet he still wasn't able to put up a 300 yard game and had 12 games where he accounted for 1 TD or less. Year 3, bad coordinator and injured. Fine. But how about the fact that he came from a system in college that was not conducive to the pro game. Although he was outstanding on the wonderlic that doesn't help if you can't apply the teaching to the field. And I know a lot of people refer to the Seattle game, that was one game in 3 years or 16 starts, which ever you prefer. You really only expect 1 game you can hang your hat on? And for being such a "great athlete" he got hurt by a huge lineman that came right up the middle. Why didn't he side-step him or spin away from him? Why did he just stand there and take the sack? Where was the mobility and athleticism? Finally the numbers don't lie. For his career he has an average yards per game is under 150. His TD to INT ratio is 2/3. And his "7-9 record when health" is still below .500. With all that, you still want to hand him the keys to your team without question? Is JTO or Hill a better answer? No, but to simply say Smith should have it, is bogus. Go out and Earn the damn job.

Posted By: The truth's the truth (12/08/2008 10:54:59 PM)
Comment: Jed -- It's hard not to knock Nolan based on his BS rambling double-talk. Sorry but he sounds totally retarded in these Q&A's where his answers change from the morning to nightshift & from camp interviews to Radio/TV sessions. I guess I'm more old school. I'd rather have a Parcell's type & tell it like it is. If your good say so. If you're teams'improved say that. This guy is in the lead or they're tied, etc. when competing for a job. And if they suck Parcell's will tell you we stunk it up in this game or that practice. If he ill prepared the team he'll tell you that coach & their staff we're better prepared than we were. Sorry the truth is the truth. There's no denying it, Nolan is an idiot.

Posted By: TDilvr (12/08/2008 10:48:38 PM)
Comment: Nolan used to sound so smart, so confident with all of his rehearsed answers. Problem is he's cycled through all of them now a dozen or so times and it's wearing thin. Now he sounds like a bafoon just about everytime he opens his mouth. His style over substance manifests itself in just about everything he has to do with. He's never won a game after a bye indicating that he didn't really do the work to prepare his team. He has never won an Eastern Standard Timezone game. He's never won more than two games in a row. Him wearing a suit so he can 'look' like a coach seems very fitting. JTO will be named the starter and by week five he will be on IR. AS will probably last 3-5 games and be placed on IR as well. Weinke will be back on our roster at some point as Shawn Hill's backup and may play the last game or two. It will be a hauntingly familiar season I'm afraid.

Posted By: http:// (12/08/2008 10:39:41 PM)
Comment: Yikes..., go packers crush our QB... a fine example of a 49er fan...

Posted By: http:// (12/08/2008 10:39:39 PM)
Comment: Yikes..., go packers crush our QB... a fine example of a 49er fan...

Posted By: Jed (12/08/2008 10:37:31 PM)
Comment: And one item in Nolan's defense: the Yorks and media thought well of him based on interviews, and now he's being mocked based on interviews. Let's limit the mockery to short yardage incompetence, pitiful 1st half gameplans, squandered timeouts, wide receiver scouting, etc.

Posted By: Jed (12/08/2008 10:31:32 PM)
Comment: Dear Alex Haters and JTO/UCD Jackers: If you're going to ignore Alex's progress with Turner and the team-wide bust under Hostler, please look at Jeff Garcia. He thrived with Mooch, then floundered with Erickson, Cleveland, AND Detroit, and then looked like a Jedi in Philly's 2006 playoff run and last year's Tampa revival. Schemes should be tailored to strengths. Coaches matter. Alex is better. Nolan is too proud to understand why.

Posted By: E (12/08/2008 10:00:12 PM)
Comment: Just read the Brooks & Murph interview on Barrows's site. Hilarious & a tragedy. Our HC is so retarded. How do you walk around the Bay Area or around the team with your head up without feeling like a moron after interview after interviews like that one??? Does Nolan know what he's even saying anymore? Martz & all the assistants must be sitting in their offices & laughing their a**** off about this guy. Unbelievable. First Bush for our country, now Nolan for our beloved team. Unbelievable.

Posted By: Dirk (12/08/2008 9:48:36 PM)
Comment: The way our OL played against the Raiders our starting QB does not matter. Noone will move the ball well. Last year our OL's pass blocking got three QBs injured. Expect the same this year.

Posted By: 49erGuest (12/08/2008 9:38:30 PM)
Comment: I hope O Sullivan gets injured. I'm really hating this yoyo! GO Packers, crush our QB to the ground.

Posted By: M.Martz (12/08/2008 9:36:46 PM)
Comment: Nolan wants JTO to start against Green Bay so it is not glaringly obvious to the world how idiotic it was to pick Smith over Rogers....which all we all know anyway. Smith sure was smart getting those millions up front.

Posted By: Nortz ? (12/08/2008 9:34:36 PM)
Comment: I like that . . . Nortz . . . or McNortz . . maybe McNortzletary?

Posted By: Christopher Milk (12/08/2008 9:06:33 PM)
Comment: Matt, we won't expect to see you on NFL Total Access, since it's talking about the Green Bay Packers/Aaron Rodgers/Brett Favre 24x7.

Posted By: Realfan-Spend $ (12/08/2008 8:59:22 PM)
Comment: As a real fan that pays for tickets and the NFL package I have a right to expect a great product. When I purchasing something and am not happy with the product I return it or complain to the company. This company has put a poor product on the field for too many years. Because I criticize does not make me a hater. Give us what we pay for a winning product!

Posted By: Parker (12/08/2008 8:09:50 PM)
Comment: It's one of those rare times that I agree with Nortz to stick with JTO - if you don't agree, watch the post-Raidas press conference. JTO was pissed (as he should be), Hill was clueless, and Smith was acting like a demoralized teenager. Hold your head up Smith and act like you care about your performance and team!

Posted By: Realfan49 (12/08/2008 7:53:35 PM)
Comment: My guess is that Smith will start the Green Bay game and if he moves the offense well, he will be named starter Monday morning. If he doesn't then Sully's our man. Whatever the result, real fans will get behind the starter, the coaches and team and will root as hard as they can for a great season. Haters will continue to hate. That's all they know. I feel sorry for them.

Posted By: shobbrobb (12/08/2008 7:39:39 PM)
Comment: SHANEO...U make a good point and its fair.but its gets old hearing excuse after excuse.I think its pretty simple JTO knows the offense ,when and if Smith learns it. if hes better hes starts BUT! (after so much failure our standards have hit rock bottom)We should expect excellence not fight over mediocre players,Alex will be average at his best,are u accepting of mediorce?

Posted By: Rathman (12/08/2008 7:36:36 PM)
Comment: Are the fans blowing this out of proportion, because this is only pre-season and practice??? I would think you have to look at history for your answer. Under Nolan the 49ers blow chunks. Historically, they win 1 or 2 and lose 6 in a row. Now will somebody please take a look at the schedule and circle the expected wins vs. the expected losses and tell me JT OSULLIVAN gives them hope....We are doomed for a 6-10 season. Guaranteed. Look at the facts, the best receivers are not even practicing consistently due to injuries. Looks like this is going to be up to Frank Gore to put us on his back. If we're lucky we will be a respectable team as opposed to last year we were a laughing stock. Now the real question is can Roger Goodell force the Yorks hand and force them to sell to investors. The Yorks are cheapening the 49ers brand by the second. We went from a model franchise in 1994 to a franchise that is an eyesore to the league. These clowns even changed our historic uniforms for a pile of maroon and sparkling gold garbage.

Posted By: Go JTO (12/08/2008 7:29:23 PM)
Comment: And JTO only had a legitimate shot at one of those teams, it would've been two if Tice wasn't canned in Minnesota. At all the others he was so buried down the depth chart he never really had a chance to show anything. I trust Martz enough to let him have a shot. Give everyone at least a couple more weeks of time.

Posted By: Jason (12/08/2008 7:22:20 PM)
Comment: Alex Smith is 7-9 as a healthy starter on a team with no #1 WR and below average O-line. JTO is on his 8th team (Bears twice, and we know how spectacular their QB's have been the last few years) in six years.

Posted By: Jesse (12/08/2008 7:02:27 PM)
Comment: Matt, it seems like a bunch of our guys keep pulling hammy's and other muscles. Could it be that they're not doing good enoug warm-ups before practice? It seems to me like the staff should start making them warm up better.

Posted By: ShaneO (12/08/2008 6:55:31 PM)
Comment: shobbrobb/ all alex smith haters: all im sayin his give the guy a chance how does he suck?? year one, first o cord. and he plays with statistically one of the worst offenses of all time, disaster. yr 2 he gets a new o cord. (a good one) still very little talent on offense and has a good year(for basically a rookie qb even for a 2nd yr guy). yr 3 ANOTHER NEW o cord. who SUCKED.. an offense whos best WR is Battle (no offense to him but hes not a 1) and then played when he shouldnt have due to injury (gutsy) now here we are in yr 4 ANOTHER NEW o cord. and he is involved in this circus!! my point is this guy was NEVER given a chance to be good... how can you argue that? how can u say he sucks

Posted By: ninerbob (12/08/2008 6:55:24 PM)
Comment: Other competitions? Yes...Goldson can play his butt off, but Roman's gonna play because he is the veteran (nevermind that he is not a playmaker). Wide-receiver competition, Morgan may beat out some of the veterans because he is a better reciever, but it looks like we will never know since the veterans keep pulling hammies (Yoga guys...try it). Well, this first week of looking at the season ahead is bad for my blood-pressure; my doctor say blogging may be bad for my health. I have gotten so worked knowing that the same thing that killed us last year is gonna screw us this year. I am going to stop blogging, relax and hope I am wrong about everything, especially JTO since he is the new QB (Smith will be gone by the end of the pre-season). Remember fans, complain or not each loss we endure cements us as Niner fans.

Posted By: Spike (12/08/2008 6:49:45 PM)
Comment: SPIKE DEPUNCH, award winner journalist, interviews Mike Nolan in this exclusive interview for Instant 49ers - SPIKE: Coach, we're only three weeks away from the season opener; when do you expect to name a starting quarterback for that opening game against Arizona? NOLAN: From the standpoint of winning games in the NFL, we've got three guys who can win games in the NFL. SPIKE: But you've got one guy who was a first round draft choice and two other guys who have been perpetual journeymen and backups. NOLAN: Don't read anything into that. SPIKE: Huh? NOLAN: The door is open to any player who makes us better. SPIKE: But at some point you have to make a decision as to who is going to be your first team QB. When will that happen? NOLAN: Somewhere down the road; we're focused on getting prepared for things going forward. SPIKE: Let's change the subject; a couple of days ago a couple of your players got physically sick on the field. What was that all about? NOLAN: I'll have to look at the film. SPIKE: Many of us are confused about the rotation of the QB's with the first team in training camp. You and Mike Martz have said that JTO is getting more reps because he's ahead of the other guys in knowing the offense. Wouldn't it be a good idea to let the other guys 'get to know the offense' while working with the first team? NOLAN: You go through a process to get to be where you want to be.

Posted By: A. Smith (12/08/2008 6:49:42 PM)
Comment: Thank god The Idiot is starting JTO. JTO can get creamed with the O-line. I can stay healthy and move on at the end of the year.

Posted By: Jason (Stockton) (12/08/2008 6:40:16 PM)
Comment: Matt I don't know about the other readers, but I don't think it's in the best interest of the 49ers for you and Barrows to spend so much time on the quarterback competition. There are many other competitions going on in training camp and I can't remember how long it's been since we've heard anything about the defensive lineman or the nickle corner. Thanks for your time and dedication.

Posted By: Jason (12/08/2008 6:23:34 PM)
Comment: Matt, any chance Smith and JTO split snaps with the first team on Saturday? Can they do that in the NFL? Can they rotate QB's per series?

Posted By: SonocoNinerFan (12/08/2008 6:22:02 PM)
Comment: Matt . . . connect the dots with me here on an explanation for JTO's increased repetitions. 1. O'Sullivan is by all accounts currently the most competent operator of Martz' sysetm. 2. Except for O'Sullivan and Bruce, this offense is new to everybody. 3. The best way for the rest of the #1 offense to learn Martz' preferred choreography and timing is to take their reps with the smoothest QB most familiar with Martz system. Meanwhile the #1 pick and his now well paid back-up catch up on their knowledge and comfort in the Martz system while JTO keeps the seat warm. It's either that, or Smith is a bust and extending Hill was a mistake and an organizational melt down is surely on the horizon.

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (12/08/2008 6:18:14 PM)
Comment: Martz has a way with QBs... Warner, Bulger, Kitna, etc... Pretty obvious he's calling this one. I'm fine with JTO starting, as long as he produces. Until Alex shows some fire, confidence,leadership, etc. he'll be riding the pine, or cut.

Posted By: shobbrobb (12/08/2008 6:08:41 PM)
Comment: Hey OLDFAN.Where the hell u been? Its nice to read some common sense and a true call it like it is mentality,This blog is truly idiot driven!

Posted By: shobbrobb (12/08/2008 6:00:58 PM)
Comment: Everywhere i read on this blog its never Alex Smiths fault,when Alex Smith is cut,the rest of u should leave with him and Nolan

Posted By: LodiGrapePicker (12/08/2008 5:59:56 PM)
Comment: Personally, I am glad to see JTO (possibly) start. Let's see what he can do. I don't think Alex Smith will last long in the NFL unless he can control his "happy feet" and learn how to read the field. If this season does become a winning season, then obviously Martz should get the credit and bumped to Head Coach. If JTO struggles, then don't be surprised to see Smith get the starting nod.

Posted By: pastglory (12/08/2008 5:54:40 PM)
Comment: Another day in the Niner Universe of Nolan being Nolan. Does it really matter who is declared winner of the QB circus? This season's schedule is brutal and unless the OL blocks better and the front seven on defense can muster a pass rush, it is likely to be another 5-11 campaign.

Posted By: PD (12/08/2008 5:51:29 PM)
Comment: Nice work on ESPN. Just heard you on TV. Matt - Add indications to me now is that it's a two man race. JT has more experience in the Martz offense but made some huge mistakes. Alex is relaxed, but needs to throw the ball more accurately on the routes. I notice he tends to throw the ball behind the receiver. If you had to make a drop dead decision today on who the starter will be in the season opener, would you be leaning towards Sully now?

Posted By: gw2 (12/08/2008 5:48:39 PM)
Comment: no no no, riqroq. The 49ers save $25 mil if they cut Brandon Moore! geeesh, get it straight..

Posted By: NJM (12/08/2008 5:38:54 PM)
Comment: While the Cowboys are on ESPN (Hard Knocks), the 49ers appear to be auditioning for a show on The Comedy Channel... I've seen a few posts here where fans ask the "Faithful" to step up. But here's my question: What are you faithful to? Is it the franchise (York's toy and Nolan's ploy)? Or is it the glorious history and those who created it (too numerous to name)? Because what's truly sad about all of this is that a once proud franchise has been reduced to such an absurd state of ineptitude. Frankly, it just makes me sad.

Posted By: riqroq (12/08/2008 5:23:47 PM)
Comment: Yep it's official. I saw it on ESPN and the NFL channel. The niners save 25 mil if alex doesn't start. Why cant they just be real and say thats what they are doing. jeez

Posted By: Hoss (12/08/2008 5:17:54 PM)
Comment: If you seriously think Alex Smith can't read defenses, you need to check yourself. You think you know, but you don't know, and you never will. It's more about having recievers that run good routes and find seems, receivers that help rather than hurt the QB.Yes, he has been off the mark or behind some receivers. But he is young and needs game time to get in the groove.

Posted By: BrodietoParks (12/08/2008 5:15:02 PM)
Comment: Matt in case you forgot there are 21 other positions on the field.

Posted By: m (12/08/2008 5:13:41 PM)
Comment: matt, is it possible the 49ers are babying smith until he gets "a hold of the offense" just in case the 1st team offense keeps stinking in the preseason, so they can say well that was JTO playing our guy has always been Smith or is that too crazy of a psych job to pull off

Posted By: Sean, PA (12/08/2008 5:05:35 PM)
Comment: I was really hoping Alex Smith would win the job in the begining mostly because of his age and the thought that he would be the starter for the next 10 years plus. But for whatever reason it didn't work out. I think its time to just embrace J.T. as the starter and hope for the best. With the talent this defense has they have a chance to finish in the top 10 or maybe even 5 overall defensively. If the offense can average 20 points a game just 6 more than last year I gaurantee a atleast 9 wins. Also with everybody caught up in the QB comp people are forgetting about Josh Morgan and how good he could be, and the fact that they could have found a number 1 wide out in the 6th round.

Posted By: scasmflop (12/08/2008 5:00:06 PM)
Comment: I wonder why our line has some talent but so much trouble with cohesion. Oh, maybe it's because they can't even practice together for two straight days. Has there been even 7 days combined in the last 3 years where our starting line practiced together as a unit for a full day's practice? Same goes for the WR core, someone out with a hammy or knee or ankle or "veteran privileges" and the squad is completely different in practice than in game...goodbye chemistry. The fact that the coaches are promoting a hack to the starting qb position with nothing more than a horrible preseason outing on his 49er resume is ridiculous but this team offense is incoherent from all sides.

Posted By: OldFan (12/08/2008 4:51:55 PM)
Comment: Bones, You're right on. I can't believe these sicko whiners. They bitch about Smith for the last several years. Now they treat him as the next coming and complain he is not the lead dog. When if ever he can learn to read defenses and not constantly throw behind the receivers, then he may be ready to play. He can get all the experience he needs in that regard taking snaps with the second team

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (12/08/2008 4:44:52 PM)
Comment: GO JTO!! HE'S GONNA WIN THE JOB! I LOVE EM'! HE'S GOING TO LEAD US TO SUPER BOWL THIS YEAR! SEE U IN TAMPA!!

Posted By: Joe, NJ (12/08/2008 4:41:35 PM)
Comment: OK, it is obvious Alex Smith doesn't have a chance to start this season. But at this point is there even a chance that he will see action with the first team again during camp?

Posted By: Bones (12/08/2008 4:37:44 PM)
Comment: Hamstrings have to be in balance with quads...Jt has the strongest arm, quickest release, is the most accurate, reads the D best, throws before the break almost always on the money. No, he's not Joe Montana, & neither are you, or any of us. There may never be another QB as great as Joe or Steve with the Niners. They're still great to watch! Whiney people threatening to walk away can do just that. I was a fan for over 25 years before SF won a superbowl, & continue to be.

Posted By: Rob (12/08/2008 4:36:48 PM)
Comment: If nothing else Nolan has brought the expectations for the upcoming 49er season to an all time low.

Posted By: MarcCab (12/08/2008 4:35:28 PM)
Comment: I was a big supporter of Nolan (willing to overlook the numerous errors that he had made), but I am now convinced that the dude IS clueless. The only other explanation could be that he is being vindictive (towards Alex for pulling Nolans covers last year). My question is for Scott Mc. & the Yorks "How can Nolan be allowed to remove any hope of offensive improvement? Naming JTO the starter?. Nolan should be arrested for robbing Smith of the reps that he obviously so desperatly needs. If JTO is named the starter for the Green Bay game, then it will only prove that Nolan IS actually clueless, and our season will have no hope (what so ever). If you have read any of my posts you'll know that I had only been supportive for Nolan, the Yorks, and Alex Smith, but theres only so much a fan can take. At least the Niner will have a great (but very tired) defense for all of us to watch when they're out of town, because at this rate they'll be blacked out (just like Oakland) whenever they're at home. NOLAN...DON'T BE A DUM BASS...NAME SMITH AS THE STARTER! He may not be ready to win us a Superbowl (you probably couldn't coach us to one anyways), but he (Smith) will Win us games. BTW if you're relying on Martz opinion ask yourself who's likely to get your job once you've been proven to be inept? Smith if you do get into the game and they call for another round of hand-offs when inside the redzone change the play and go with what you know. If you score then Nolan will just take the credit for it, and if you don't you won't lose anything anyways. I still can't believe that we lost to the Oakland Raiders, or that the HC decided that it was important that we score an insignificant field goal in a glorified scrimmage. To the York's; if you want the Bay Area to embrace you then manage your Head Coach like Eddie Debartola would have, and spank his as#.

Posted By: Johnny V (12/08/2008 4:30:47 PM)
Comment: Thanx, now I'm gonna be late to work because I have to watch First Take

Posted By: DaveInDavis (12/08/2008 4:29:59 PM)
Comment: At this rate we're going to have three equally "caught up" QBs at the start of the regular season, but none prepared enough to win the opening game.

Posted By: KG (12/08/2008 4:29:09 PM)
Comment: Jonas, hurt? No.....

Posted By: Razoreater (12/08/2008 4:28:12 PM)
Comment: This is ridiculus.

Posted By: Razoreater (12/08/2008 4:26:33 PM)
Comment: Let Alex go so he can play for a franchise that knows what the hell they are doing.

Posted By: mv49ers (12/08/2008 4:25:01 PM)
Comment: i'm a die hard niner fan but just thinking of sullivan running our offense doesnt pump me up. Also i think Moore was never given a fair shot for some reason, i dont understand how he had a breakout season in 06 and not be a starter the next year next to WILLIS

Posted By: John Taylor (12/08/2008 4:24:52 PM)
Comment: I'm with Goat Father, give Alex a shot. At least then we have a chance at a future. A Detroit Lions scrub from UC Davis ain't a future. FYI, Jamarcus Russell was 2 of 5 for 13 yards, completed just 40% of his passes and had 2.6 yards per attempt last week. Nobody's trying to bench him. If this is not an attempt to motivate Smith, and they do start JT, Nolan has proved he is not up to the job.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (12/08/2008 4:24:09 PM)
Comment: Face facts, JTO is the starter. Unless something happens, he'll start the next game and a "decision" will be made. A.Smith will sit and learn how to lead a receiver and Shaun Hill will thank god everytime he cashes a paycheck. Don't worry, JTO (or any QB) is going to get dinged during the year and ASmith will get a chance. It's not like we have an All-Pro OL

Posted By: Darius (12/08/2008 4:21:57 PM)
Comment: What's up with all of the pulled hamstrings in camp? Are they not stretching?

Posted By: Andy from HB (12/08/2008 4:21:54 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, Off topic but is there any word on Melvin Oliver picking up with a team? I thought he did really great his rookie season and I'm surprised I haven't heard that he caught on with a team that runs a 4-3 by now.

Posted By: Razoreater (12/08/2008 4:21:42 PM)
Comment: The only guy I know for certain who could clean up the mess in San Francisco is buying the groceries in southern florida. Bill "the tuna" Parcells. I'm glad I cancelled my NFL ticket cuz it is gonna be another embarrassing long season with the only bright spot being that Nolan will be fired. Now if we could get an owner that knew what he was doing instead of splashing around like a drowning fool.

Posted By: Indiana Jim (12/08/2008 4:21:18 PM)
Comment: If that's the case, Matt, then JTO is our starter, and Nolan is completely gutless that he can't come out and say so.

Posted By: http:// (12/08/2008 4:13:48 PM)
Comment: Matt, any chance you know of an email address for the owners we fans could send our opinions? Obviously if JTO becomes the next Martz reclamation MVP all will be forgiven and Nolan will probally be looking for a job, short of the 49ers playing in a championship game. I know it is only training camp, but what happened to the importance of preseason games for evaluation? Sincerely, very tired of the Nolan mind games

Posted By: Goatfather (12/08/2008 4:08:57 PM)
Comment: JTO? If this guy is our QB at the start of the season I may have to take a break from the 49ers this year, as it will be too painful to watch. What is so bad about Smith? He seems uncomfortable? 4 different systems, new coaches, receivers, schemes. The last time I saw all three play Smith looked like the only Professional football played . I think I can throw harder than Hill and JTO, and I just broke my arm. What a joke. Start Smith and teach him. He's having problems with progressions? Indecisive? Gees I wonder why. GET HIM ON THE FIELD WITH THE STARTING OFFENSE AND KEEP HIM THERE!!!! Lets go do or die with Smith, JTO and Hill will always be backups. Let Smith play from game 1-16 and if that doesn't work goodbye Nolan, goodbye Alex. Its that simple. The only indecisivenesses is going on in Nolan's head. One more thing If Nolan kicks another GD field goal on a fourth and two(especially with Alex in the game) I will walk down onto the field and remove Nolan myself.

Posted By: nekst (12/08/2008 3:57:19 PM)
Comment: Matt, do you think Mike Martz may be including the OTAs as practice time? If so, I believe his statement about getting O'Sullivan caught up makes sense. Thanks.

Response: Minicamp, OTAs, the first week of training camp. Regardless of getting a person "caught up" or not, at this stage of training camp you want your starter working with the No. 1 unit. --Matt M.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (12/08/2008 3:55:17 PM)
Comment: Watch Moore dominate now. I think Martz just likes the underdog. Very professional notto throw his QB's or Nolan under the bus.

Posted By: CC (12/08/2008 3:55:01 PM)
Comment: Hell guys, pick a horse and ride him. Nolan's too conservative. If it isn't a sure thing he procrastinates. Make a decision and live with it. The whole offense needs to practice and play 3/4 of the preseason to get ready. What's the use of having 11 healthy starters if they play like crap?

Posted By: ninerguy (12/08/2008 3:49:06 PM)
Comment: Is Culpepper still available? What about Jeff George? Testaverde?

Posted By: Thomas (12/08/2008 3:46:12 PM)
Comment: This season will be ugly no matter how you slice it...I can't believe we have such idiots managing the team...

Posted By: turnip truck (12/08/2008 3:32:32 PM)
Comment: 2 words: we're screwed.