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Cohn's Q&A with Martz a fascinating character study

Here's a rare opportunity to read tomorrow's news today. Since there was nothing new - really - in the quarterback situation, I decided to change gears a little.

Tully Banta-Cain has had a strong training camp, as he fights for a roster spot. He is running with the 49ers No. 2 defense, and he's beating up pretty good on the 49ers backup offensive line every day in practice. Banta-Cain says he's hungrier this year. No wonder. After all, he reported to camp about 15 pounds lighter than a year ago.

Also, the 49ers receivers are a bit thin with all the injuries this summer.

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If you haven't read it yet, I strongly suggest checking out Lowell Cohn's Q&A with 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz. There was a lot of insight to be gleaned from this interview. What he had to say about Bill Walsh was interesting. Also, I think it's fascinating how Martz grinds at his players and tries to put as much pressure on them as possible during training camp. He wants to test them to see how they're going to respond. It's interesting psychology. He tries to make practices and the exhibition season as challenging as possible. He creates as much pressure as possible for the players this time of year. Then, once the real games begin, he tries to take the pressure off of them.

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I've taken a few questions that have been asked the last couple days to piece together a 49ers Q&A.

QUESTION: I thought it would have been nice if Lowell had asked Martz how long he thought it would take the team to learn and semi-master his O and be reasonable productive. We all know it will take time, but is his expectation they will virtually be up to speed by week 1, week 4, week 8 or next year? Secondly, it seems to me that implied in what is discussed in Lowell's interview is a belief, though, maybe a conclusion, that smith does not have the toughness, resiliency, and leadership qualities Martz thinks are necessary. I know neither Martz nor Nolan would come out and say it, but, Matt, is it possible, with all the hints, that is what they are thinking - or have concluded? (Frank)

INSTANT 49ERS: Lowell is one of the great interviewers I've been around. That question would not have fit within the context of this character study. Plus, Martz regularly says that all players are different. As Martz told a gaggle of reporters a day earlier, "You can't choreograph this. They take you where you're going." As for your question about Smith's toughness, resiliency and leadership, I don't think there's any question that Martz likes what J.T. O'Sullivan is - energetic, aggressive, self-confident. Yesterday, Martz talked about how he liked the energy he saw from Jon Kitna, his QB with the Lions. I connected the dots and pointed out to Martz that O'Sullivan shows similar characteristics. I did not understand at the time why Martz shut off that line of questioning. It dawned on me much later that Martz probably did not want me to hold up O'Sullivan as the template for what he wants, attitude-wise, when he exhibits such a contrast to Smith.

* * *

Question: Matt - Who exactly is Alex Smith working with on the second team unit? Since we have had some injuries to the line & WR I would imagine it would be a lot of young and unproven guys. Might Smith look better if he was working with more experienced players around him? Did JT look just as bad when he was running with the 2nd 3rd teams? (Ian M)
INSTANT 49ERS: The players Smith work with on the second team are, generally, LT Joe Toledo, LG Brian de la Puente, C Cody Wallace, RG Chilo Rachal, RT Barry Sims, FB Moran Norris, RB DeShaun Foster or Thomas Clayton. His passes are being caught by the likes of Jerard Rabb, Dominique Zeigler, Cam Colvin and Robert Ortiz. Might Smith look better working with the ones? Perhaps. As for O'Sullivan and how he looked working with the reserves . . . I don't know. O'Sulllivan has almost exclusively worked with the first unit.

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Question: Matt, How much of a hit will it be to McCloughan's rep as a talent evaluator if Smith can't beat out a 6th year scrub? If all the football experts are correct and the 9ers are one of the five worst teams in the league this year will Nolan and McCloughan be gone or will it just be Nolan who's fired? (Houston 9er)
INSTANT 49ERS: Technically, Nolan had the "trigger" in that draft. McCloughan wanted Smith, but so did Nolan. We'll have to let this thing play out. If Smith never gets another chance with the 49ers, McCloughan's rep will be determined by what Smith does in his next place of employment.

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Question: I know you can't say whether you think Nolan will get fired after a couple games, but which coach on the coaching staff do you think would be the first to get promoted? (Shaun F)
INSTANT 49ERS: You're right, I prefer to let things play out before making any guess what's going to happen. But if things don't work out with the QB situation, then you can rule out Martz for a promotion. Keep an eye on Greg Manusky.

* * *

Question: Matt, do you think you could elaborate on Smith's demeanor? Is he losing patience with the way he has been handled so far this offseason? Has he become discouraged like many of us fans have? (Big M)
INSTANT 49ERS: I think Alex is frustrated, sure. He knows this season represents his last chance to forge a long career with the 49ers.

* * *

Question: Matt, It's being reported that Miami's putting Beck on the trading block. Why wouldn't the 9ers be interested? It's still early in camp, Beck could watch all year as #3 QB, learn the system, then compete in '09 against Sully. Maybe Sully hangs on to the #1 spot for a couple of years while Martz grooms Beck...what's your take? (Kelseyville9er)
INSTANT 49ERS: I can't say what the 49ers or Martz thought of Beck when he was coming out of college a year ago. Wouldn't raise eyebrows that, if the report is accurate, that Bill Parcells doesn't have much use for Beck? Also, if the 49ers went out and got a QB, shouldn't they try to get someone who can help them now? Beck is a project.

* * *

Question: Has everyone forgotten about our rbs? How is Frank Gore's health? Robinson's? Is Foster picking up the system? Will Clayton make the team? If the rbs have issues with the line this year, it doesn't matter who our qb is. So naturally, the most important question is, how is our starting offensive line? (Rb Guru)

INSTANT 49ERS: Consider it a good thing that people aren't talking about the running backs. Gore is healthy and excited about the prospect of having a good season. Robinson is coming along from his knee injury. He should definitely be ready for the start of the regular season. Foster looks good. He'll give the 49ers a proven backup that they've lacked for a while. Clayton is a definite longshot to make the team, but he still has p-squad eligibility. I think the right side of the offensive line will be the strength of the run game. I've really been impressed with RT Jonas Jennings and RG Tony Wragge. When David Baas is healthy again, I would not rule out the possibility that Wragge holds onto a starting job at RG or at some point is switched to LG.

* * *

Question: Wouldn't you think that they know what they have in Smith, even if he doesn't start? What I mean is that if he can't beat out JTO as the starting QB then Nolan is signaling that they think Smith is a total bust. (ChrisB)
INSTANT 49ERS: Yes, Nolan would be signaling that Smith is a bust, but GM Scot McCloughan is far from waving the white flag.

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Question: Hi Matt, I think Martz had a good up close look at Smith and deceided he wasn't worth the money. Let's face it the guy knows qbs. Nolan is incapable of making this call and he wants Alex out so he's in a win-win situation for his ego. If there is a trade,true to the Nolan mystique, the team will give way more than it gets. My question where is the GM? Is he part of any decision process? (Andrew from Rishikesh)
INSTANT 49ERS: Nolan has stated that McCloughan will be involved. Sure, McCloughan will voice his opinion, but it's the head coach's decision. And the head coach has to go along with Martz says. In my opinion, nobody knows what Martz wants from a quarterback as well as Martz. Whichever QB Martz wants is whichever QB Martz will get.

* * *

Question: Hey Matt,i Seldomely post any Questions but i'm finally making a trip out west from the east coast. I got tickets to go see the 49ers vs Lions, Since i'm flying more than 3000 miles away i figured i would pick a team we have a chance of beating. Anyway what is the best way to seek players autographs? before? after the game? and where? Keep in mind it's my first trip to the sanctuary so i don't know my way arounf at all. Thanks!!! probably asking for to much but is there anyway you can get me some field passes? (Skydiver from NJ)
INSTANT 49ERS: Yes, you're right, it is asking too much for a field pass. (But, hey, I'll give you full credit for trying.) As for autographs, you're talking to the wrong person. I can't say I've ever seen a football player sign an autograph on a game day. My guess would be going to the player's parking lot after the game. But maybe some fans can offer a suggestion.

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Question: What if they play JTO for the first couple of games until Alex gets caught up? (Matt)
INSTANT 49ERS: Once the regular season begins, the No. 1 quarterback takes all of the practice snaps. There is no way the 49ers will enter the season with the plan to start O'Sullivan for the first, say, four games and then bring in Smith. However, there might be circumstances in which a change is warranted. If that's the case, it could work to Smith's advantage. After all, that stretch of games, Weeks 4-7 at New Orleans, at home against the Patriots and Eagles, and on the road against the Giants, is brutal. Whichever 49ers QB is at the helm at that stage might be piling up some L's.

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Question: Matt - In hindsight, do you get the impression that Nolan's Questions (or lack thereof) this week concerning the QB situation were in any way influenced by his non-public knowledge of Alex's personal situation this week? Thanks, and I'll take your answer off the air. (949er)
INSTANT 49ERS: I don't know. But, certainly, everyone who was aware of Alex's situation had to take that into account this week. (Smith's best friend and former roommate committed suicide.) Nolan did go out of his way Tuesday to praise Smith. He said Smith was more calm and showed better command in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage. "I'm encouraged by what Alex has done (in practice) as well as in the game," Nolan said.

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Posted August 13, 2008 6:04:05 PM
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Comments | Add Comment

Posted By: Joe from San Jo (14/08/2008 2:04:03 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, Read your article and a couple of questions came to mind. #1 You said if AS does not start then YES he can be considered a bust. But an earlier answer you said McCloughan's talent evaluation won't take a hit, untill AS next stop. For what ever the reasons, why wouldn't AS get the same kind of pass? If AS is A bust then McCloughan should take a hit right? #2. Has there been another QB to get drafted 1st rd or not, that was thrown into the fire his first year and had four different O-Cords in 4 years and had anything close to success. I'm having a hard time coming up with just one. And if one can't be found, then how much can we really blame AS for being utter cr@p? taking all emotion out of it it seems a smidge unfair, but this is the NFL, Not For Long, when you play like he has no matter what the situation.

Posted By: scasmflop (14/08/2008 11:01:32 AM)
Comment: Matt, have you seen any indication yet in practices that Martz is adapting his offense to this team's strengths? The big question that is still hanging out there is that Martz has built offenses geared towards big play wr and a strong qb. We have neither as our wr core is manageable but our real advantage is rb and athletic te. Alex is obviously the most gifted of the QB's, but he is just not really a fit based on his mechanics for a Martz style offense either. Obviously they were desperate for anyone with a pedigree for offense at the time because they did not have a clue, but are there any signs that the offense is actually adjusting to this odd fit?

Posted By: lionel (14/08/2008 10:56:49 AM)
Comment: Mr Maiocco, since Justin Smith is expected to be the starting ROLB in the 3/4 D how many 3/4 DL do you think they will keep on the 53 roster?Could they just keep 5? thank you

Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (14/08/2008 10:50:00 AM)
Comment: MM - As the be all know all man, can you please provide any more insight into this report: "John Clayton of ESPN is reporting that if Smith doesn't start, he doesn't reach his incentives and that could save the 49ers over $20 million". Thanks and keep up the great work. P.S. Niner Fans - as per Scotty D below - I too don't understand why this is all Nolan's fault? Martz has picked his guy, JTO, and you all want to blame the wrong Mike. Let's try not to kill the messenger. This has Mike Martz's finger prints all over it.

Posted By: Andrew from Rishikesh (14/08/2008 10:36:32 AM)
Comment: Matt,thanks for the Lowell Cohn article. The really good coaches are like chess players, they are 4 or 5 moves ahead. Coach Walsh was a master. My question is do you think Martz is putting himself in position to become indespensible.

Posted By: Kelseyville9er (14/08/2008 10:33:30 AM)
Comment: Looks like Beck's been cut. 9ers should sign him, it wouldn't hurt a thing. I'd rather have Beck (with his still unknown upside) and his approx. $500,000 salary vs. Hill (who's hit his ceiling) and his $6 mil salary as our #3. '09 camp could feature a journeyman and 2 unknown, young guns (Beck and Wright). Not much worse then what we have now...a journeyman and 2 overpaid, known quantities. We know what Smith and Hill can and can't do. Beck and Wright w/ 2 years in the Martz system, small salaries...it could be a good fit.

Posted By: ScottyD (14/08/2008 10:22:53 AM)
Comment: Everyone calls for Nolan's head when clearly this is all Mike Martz. I don't get it? Is it because Nolan has to give the interviews regarding the situation so you are all holding him accountable? The old "kill the messenger" technique. Martz comes to town and begs McNolan to bring JTO with him. JTO is now becoming our starting QB. Why don't the fans hold Martz accountable for this? It doesn't take a football genius to see what is at work here. The Offensive Coordinator of your 2008 San Francisco 49ers clearly has preferred JTO since his days in Detroit. Suddenly its Nolan's fault? I can assure you this is all Martz behind the scenes. In fact, I will be my season tix on this very fact. Not sure why do many of you fans are missing this or if you have just allowed your distain for Nolan get in the way of the obvious. You guys love the Martz hiring but now hate his decision on who gets to run HIS offense. Odd isn't it?

Posted By: Craig (14/08/2008 9:42:38 AM)
Comment: Let's all lay off Smith for a bit. A person's life is more important than football. Let's start focusing on our impressive defense and other things. We have outblogged the qb situation far enough. Whatever happens, happens and we know Nolan will make the wrong move anyway. How about that allpro d?

Posted By: GW from Santa Rosa (14/08/2008 9:37:41 AM)
Comment: Matt - Thanks for your detailed coverage. I have been so frustrated by the way that Nolan has handled this QB situation that I haven't had much to say. But I do have one question about JTO. There is consistent reporting that he is less talented/athletic than Alex Smith. It is continually said that he is limited in his abilities as a QB. Yet in some of your coverage (and BeeRow's), he has hit on some long plays that were described as "the best" or one of the "better" plays in scrimmage. So what doesn't he have that Alex Smith does have?

Posted By: oneniner (14/08/2008 9:15:03 AM)
Comment: jgwindsor- I thought about the same thing earlier....

Posted By: jgwindsor (14/08/2008 7:35:07 AM)
Comment: hey let's be clear here....i would give both matt's a ton of credit for the depression you all feel at this time with the team. He was the one who started the blog and fosters this atmosphere with his shallow report of QB reps...he might say it is his observation....but is he a journalist or an analyst...it is clear he is not the ref....nor should he be....it is pretty clear a lot of wasted energy from these blogging fan base. Like looking at a diamond....many facets and when looking into a facet it shines a bit differently then the another facet...oops i see a inclusion in the facet titled QB.

Posted By: JB in MI (14/08/2008 7:27:29 AM)
Comment: This whole situation makes me sick. Nolan is a joke as a headcoach. Cancelled the Sunday Ticket already. Not wasting my Sunday afternoons watching this circus!

Posted By: Ryan (14/08/2008 7:03:18 AM)
Comment: I'm sick and tired of the back and forth regarding Alex, particularly when he was injured after game 3 in 07/08 and surrounded by subpar talent prior to that. Has he been perfect? Absolutely not, but I would love to see him get a FAIR shot. Everybody can admit that we expected him to climb into the upper crust of NFL qbs after season 1 with Norv. Whatever Nolan has against him needs to be ironed out for the sake of the 49ers. It would burn my heart to see Alex leave the 49ers and then fulfill his potential elsewhere. Either way, I was once in favour of Nolan's staying, but with the way things have transpired, I am thinking he needs to GO! I've been following these blogs faithfully for the entire summer - since mini-camps even - and cannot BELIEVE I'm feeling discouraged when the season is yet to start. Needless to say, I'm hoping for better. Maiocco, your blog is awesome man, keep it going. 49ers forever.

Posted By: LodiGrapePicker (14/08/2008 6:59:45 AM)
Comment: Zach, if Martz is able to correct this sinking ship, then I can see your fears coming true. The Niners best option would to be to dump Nolan and promote Martz.

Posted By: Dirk (14/08/2008 6:26:52 AM)
Comment: Zach, your scenario can indeed happen. It's a reason to keep Alex as a benchwarmer no matter what.

Posted By: Zach in NY (14/08/2008 5:15:27 AM)
Comment: Matt - How likely is this situation: JT wins the quarterback competition, we have a decent season (7-9 or 8-8), Martz gets hired somewhere else as a head coach, and JT follows him (since he only signed a one year contract)? That has to be scary, having our starting QB and another OC leaving us after a decent season, leaving us high and dry yet again. Could this be another reason to start Smith, or am I being a bit too scared?

Response: If O'Sullivan has a good year and Martz is hired somewhere else, then it goes to reason that O'Sullivan would follow Martz. One other thing, as long as Smith does not win the starting job, the 49ers will go after a long-term starting QB in the offseason. --Matt M.

Posted By: mike in MD (14/08/2008 5:02:41 AM)
Comment: Interesting read on the Offense by Mike Lombardi. He sees a moderate improvement by the Offense. LINK: http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcwest/0-2-206/Diving-deeper-into-the-49ers--offense.html

Posted By: Dean (14/08/2008 4:45:06 AM)
Comment: Matt, you stated: Yes, Nolan would be signaling that Smith is a bust. Then you state: it's the head coach's decision. And the head coach has to go along with Martz says. In my opinion, nobody knows what Martz wants from a quarterback as well as Martz. Whichever QB Martz wants is whichever QB Martz will get. My question is this, Is it Nolan or Martz pulling the trigger on Alex? You can't have it both ways!

Response: The head coach is responsible for making the call, but there's no way he's going to veto what Martz wants. --Matt M.

Posted By: Medford (14/08/2008 1:11:38 AM)
Comment: Matt I would just like to say sorry to Alex Smith about the loss of his friend.

Posted By: Dirk (14/08/2008 12:12:11 AM)
Comment: Which salary cap implications does cutting A. Smith have for the next years if he a) gets cut after camp this year b) in january or c) next year declared a post june 1st cut?

Response: If he's cut now or in January, he would count $5.3 vs. the '09 cap. If he's designated as a post-June 1 cut (which would not happen because the team is in good shape under the cap), he'd count $2.67 in '09 and the same amount in 2010. --Matt M.

Posted By: Rich, San Ramon (13/08/2008 11:53:01 PM)
Comment: I thought Martz was using toughness as a synonym for resilient, almost like a QB has to have a CB's mentality, a short memory so a setback on one play does not blunt your aggresiveness on the next play. What I don't get about the bust talk is that this kid, Smith I mean, showed something in 2006. A win in Seattle, a win in Denver, heck, he almost brought them back for a win in the opener in Arizona...It is as if the 2007 seasons simply ruined him.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (13/08/2008 11:47:51 PM)
Comment: Good stuff Matt, I can't help but feel that the '08 Season is all about changing the status quo. Martz takes control of the weakness on Offense and as you stated, Manusky puts his stamp on the Defense. Nolan is a lame duck, it serves no purpose IMO to have him serve out the year. He either takes his best shot early or I see him gone by the BYE week. Alex almost looks as though the bust tag will fit, he's struggling to learn the position despite plenty of natural athletic ability. Given the enormous salary obligations, I'd almost bet he's looking at the waiver wire if he isn't under center against Chicago next week. My hopes lie with the Defense this season and perhaps a weakened NFC West to give us a slim shot at a winning record. Plenty can still happen after camp cuts come, but I'm thinking JTO earned the shot and Alex may be watching from the sidelines and hoping Nolan is shown the door.

Posted By: Medford (13/08/2008 11:32:51 PM)
Comment: Nolan is a lying piece of garbage. Matt please tell him that most of the fans hate him as a coach.

Posted By: TonyM (13/08/2008 10:20:04 PM)
Comment: wow, what a bummer for Smith. He is a good kid, works hard, is always on site tudying and practicing, he has never been givena real chance to succeed in SF with all the change. This might end up being a really bad year for Alex.

Posted By: ninernutt (13/08/2008 10:02:37 PM)
Comment: Both JTO and Shaun Hill have super quick releases. Alex Smith does not - and will not. Neither JTO or Hill came into this situation with the same "mind-set" baggage Alex has of "...having to 'see' it unfold in his mind.." before he can react. In defense of Alex,something (a style of mechanics)that you have believed in and relied on that has worked for you up until now, is not something you can just abandone or just 'walk past' simply because you're being asked to. That, in my opinion is what is wrong with Alex Smith. Add in four coordinators in four years, and his own dad lamenting how he'd never been coached-up up until now. Unfortunately, I think this system of Martz is never going to work for Alex Smith. The very basic principle on which this system is predicated (per Martz) is exactly where Smith's major weakness lies. Somethings gotta give and I don't think for a minute it will be the system changed to fit Alex Smith's tendencies.

Posted By: mastahyee (13/08/2008 9:17:11 PM)
Comment: Le Premier (1ere, 1st, etc.)

Matt has MOVED! Check out the NEW 49ers blog at pressdemocrat.com/49ers

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