Posted By: art e. sanchez (18/08/2008 5:21:52 PM)
Comment: one important thing to note in this 'the summer of q.b. who?" is the fact that the niners have fielded some respectable talent obviously missing over the last few seasons. this is ambitious thinking at best (but i'm crazy like that) if the defense can keep teams to 10-14 points per game maybe we win ugly but i'll take it. could o'sully be our second coming of trent dilford in baltimore during their playoff and superbowl run?

Posted By: jgwindsor (17/08/2008 11:46:28 PM)
Comment: mike of marin....your opening statement was semi-childlike, my run-on post was written as i watched the game the second time just to keep track of the chronological record of QB competence displayed because in a way i don't trust matt's review of how the events transpired, but in matt's defense he is trying to be succint while i am just blubberling along in my german beer....rest of your comments i can respect and agree to varying levels especially smith's unfortunate set of circumstances....but the game spoke for it self....JTO including his raider's game last quarter and this game's 2 quarters had just about 3 quarters worth of minutes in a row showing me and the world little.....so on this QB point we will agree to disagree everything else i share approx the same level of agreement...

Posted By: Mike in Marin (17/08/2008 7:34:51 PM)
Comment: jgwindsor, no one cares about your opinion, because thats all you just said. Now you probably dont care about my opinion but here it is and by the way I was there and Im always there at the stick. O Sullivan started off rough no question and he does make some scary decisions sometimes. The team as a whole sucked in the first quarter. The oline picked it up a bit in the second. Run game went well and set things up, I can agree with that because thats the way it usually works. OSullivan mde some nice throws to Vernon Davis, Jason Hill and our new hopefully starting wideout, Josh Morgan. He showed he can get us in the endzone on long drives or explosive big plays. Dont get me wrong I dont think he is a going to be a top 5 qb or even top 10, but if he can get the ball out quickly to the wideouts and Vernon, let them make plays that works for me right now. Smith will never be our guy and its Nolans fault. $ system in 4 years stunted his development. Its not the 4 ocs, its that they all ran different systems. Smith missing to Hill in the endzone was ridiculous. Smiths overthrow to Delanie Walker, Smiths throw into the ground and once again he still doesnt look comfortable back there. So say what you will but for now my vote goes for JT. Ray Mcdonald looks like a beast out there.

Posted By: Dear jgwindsor (17/08/2008 3:13:37 PM)
Comment: Are you a chick or do you want to be writer?

Posted By: jgwindsor (17/08/2008 2:43:30 PM)
Comment: Now for Smith....yep really really underthrew morgan no doubt. I really didn't get a good read on distance covered...was that a 55yd pass in the air in the opposite field direction of JTO's pass which was I am guessing approx 40yd pass in the air. Matt would you please confirm this...with slingbox i don't have luxary of recording and rewinding. I know u will say there was very little wind on the field (not like the parking lot) but i have been in that park a lot and it does gust and swirl. Of course I am setting up the excuse (haha), i.e. with the wind vs against the wind and actual distance thrown (and why not I'll throw in the surgically limited repaired shoulder as well). Smith did manage the drive with a few good passes one slightly behind zeigler but hey WRs are professionals also and if it hits the hands they gots to catch it, just a question of YAC but, like that age old argument you need reps with the new offense and decision making to make it all come together timing wise and smith is not throwing it into double and triple coverage, at least he sees that which JTO has shown a propensity not to do. His first series he gets team into FG range. (JTO did have 14 points in his 2 quarters of work). Smith has been efficient with throws to ziegler, morgan, and now Hill for good chunks of yardage i.e. 20 yds to Hill. and the next throw to hill was perfect out throw but hill seemed to be falling down and the ball still hit him in the hands...would have been in FG range...but the drive stalls when smith overthrows on a 3rd and 10. GB fumble on GB 15 yd line...i will be looking for that locked leg i keep hearing about...Niners running game remains very effective in this game this time clayton ( here you have to wonder what 1st team running game would have done) yep smith locks his front leg up but damn the rcvr didn't jump 6 inches....if that was dwight clark jumping on montana's throw the ball would have hit him in the face mask....so i put this all on the rcvr not getting any hops not on smith, gonzalez would have had this catch.....Smith followed this up with a excellent read and threw the ball to the left knowing either a TD or penalty was going to happen...I consider this good QB awareness and throwing to the correct area for success...So on this drive Smith kept his poise and managed the redzone opportunity into a TD, because after all this is a football TEAM. So on three opportunities albeit a gift from GB on the fumble Smith comes up with 10 pts in 1 quarter of work with 2:49 left in the 3rd. As far as Shawn is concerned he was very journeyman like, no further comment. I do think the offense grew up a little bit last night so i remain hopeful of future success no matter who the QB is. special teams is clearly a work in progress and the D needs to shore some DLine work up

Posted By: jgwindsor (17/08/2008 1:55:59 PM)
Comment: I will say this upfront...I am not going to apologize for this long post because i need it to make the point at the end the QB competition remains alive in my estimation... first quarter was pretty much shaky the whole way for the niners on all three squads...no offense, JTO threw behind the receivers was generally not accurate (3/8 20yrds)...defensive line jumping offsides 4 or 5 times....and damn lucky Driver didn't hold on to the pass which would have really improved rodgers stats...and special teams return squad couldn't get unhitched...and then of course the interception of JTO at his own 20yd line....and then rodgers throws perfect pass for TD and it was dropped (he could have really had an OK night if he had gotten any support)...niners could have easily been down 10 zip going back to the driver drop that was in FG range at the 36 of SF so end up only down 3 zip. Bright spot to this point was Gore. JTO is scrambling a bit...seems to take off a bit early and the Oline is not quite totally porous but GB defense is getting into the back field even on Gore's 1st good run....and then almost a blocked punt after GB razzle dazzle that was a do over. (an intersting tidbit...maybe bruce wore 80 in training camp because he couldn't find himself on training room films because he was so use to wearing 80...I can give a guy a break on this no problem) So the first quarter was night so i guess this means the 2nd quarter must be day, starting with justin smith for the 3rd sack of rodgers. H the atere the niners are approx the 4th received punt by the niners and not much of a return and possibly a bad decision on one punt not to let it bounce into the endzone. JTO does not pass any test at this point and looks to be deep into the hole. 2nd quarter basically starts off with a few nice workhorse like foster runs. Oline looking good on run support and martz is lulling the secondary...i wonder if sweeps are not going to be an effective big yardage weapon except to keep defenses honest... i have lost track, have the niners even crossed midfield yet this game with 9 minutes left in the half?...and oh yeah the two time out in a row call should have been a penalty on the niners...then JTO has a couple of nice throws to Hill out route and Morgan's corner to inside the 10 yd line...so in my estimation JTO is being very smith like in this particular drive. OLine cannot blow GB off the line and foster scoring TD was a desperation reach....but a TD it was on a 9+ minute drive wear the running game (12 rushes on this drive) set up the passing game. So my evaluation of JTO to this point remains unimpressive how could anyone see it any other way with 3 1/2 minutes left in the half, be serious....not out of the hole by a long shot...but he managed this last drive OK even though he was lucky on his time out call that should have been a penalty which would have created a 3rd and long but fortunatly allowed morgan to sitdown in open space just a few yards off the line of scrimmage for a 1st down. Niners defense seems to be susceptable to well designed screens on the right side of the defense....niners get ball with 1:35 left in half and the return team still hasn't been impressive this preseason....then BOOM TD to morgan only very slightly under thrown forcing morgan to come to the middle of the field instead of straight fly type route....GB #24 lined up on morgan falls off to cover an out route by another niner and #36 27 and #20 (are these guys #1 defense guys? you tell me) only just in the vincinity (was this a martz scheme creating this or GB miscommunication not that it matters it was a great great long developing read with plenty of OLine protection by JTO)....but in my estimation even this doesn't bring JTO out of the gameplaying hole he was in with just 3 1/2 minutes left in the half...and therefore just like in olympic gymnastics JTO made a whole lot of mistakes and leaves the door wide open for smith.....JTO shows resilency no doubt but he feeds into the whole martz history thing of 3 and out and if it wasn't for the niner running game this would be a totally different halftime aura. If you disagree with this JTO assessment who care i just watched and talked the game and it was clear....with 3 1/2 minutes to go JTO only on one drive managed the running game and had a couple of nice passes to hill on an out and morgan on a corner throw. JTO has not really shown he is the answer and even if smith doesn't wrestle the competition from JTO with his turn doesn't mean to me that JTO should be annoited the #1 QB...IMO the competition remains alive and there is not enough proof in the preseason games that i have watch that settles the issue.....

Posted By: jgwindsor (17/08/2008 12:08:24 PM)
Comment: gee i am lucky i get to see the game again on KBCW right now thanx to slingbox...maybe i will see JTO differently

Posted By: jgwindsor (17/08/2008 12:04:52 PM)
Comment: sorry i should have proof read..."i don't think smith did anything to take the job"

Posted By: jgwindsor (17/08/2008 12:02:37 PM)
Comment: mild euphoria....is that what i was experierencing at 4:30 this morning? I don't think JTO did anything to win the job, i also tink smith did anything to take the job from JTO. On what other team with this kind of performance would JTO have been a leg up on anybody? But it is what it is. My opinion I still need to see smith with the #1's probably a couple of times. It would be the first time he would be working with talents and and a system....imho i think smith had quicker releases on a couple of occassions...i also think he got excited and didn't lock his leg up on the throw to morgan or that would have never been short (that was a joke)....I also think JTO's throw was a bit short instead of to the outside forcing morgan to break inside and make sort of an awkward catch...but these things are neither here nor there....i was interested in the Oline performance....it appeared much improved...funny thing though i am not sure how resilient the GB defense was last night on a short week....how will this bear game be also on a short week? Have to admit it was an entertaining game yet it didn't resolve basic issues imo. Can't wait 'til friday morning.

Posted By: mike in MD (17/08/2008 11:39:23 AM)
Comment: As we get closer to cut time watch out for Parcell's. He's got a close watch on the PS players. Because of Miami's record last year they get top dibs & they need just about everything. I'm nervous about our guys like JMoore, LHolmes, WR's Zeigler & Colvin. Same w/our CB's. We just have so much better overall talent. I wish Lelie would get his a** out there. He's a legit deep threat & would help Martz's offense. I'd just like to see him for a few plays & see if he makes an impact & if he fits. I can't believe he let himself disappear.

Posted By: Blind supporter of Alice Smith (17/08/2008 10:58:37 AM)
Comment: You Smith lovers are entertainment at its best!But but but year four..Its Martz fault.Nolan hates alex..Smiths shoulder still hurts...His friend died...This is blasphamy!I cant understand how you guys dont like a QB with no pocket presence,happy feet, slow decision making,no type of leadership abilities and the accuracy of a high school QB.So O'Sullivan throws touchdown passes ,moves the ball downfield and is a leader on the offense.We won the game and had the best offensive output in years but JT threw an interception!Alex wont get us down the field or score us touchdowns but he wont turn it over..That JT guy stinks,hes wreckless.Just give Alex a chance at a few more wide open receivers hes bound to hit one of them!Would you guys just give it up already?

Posted By: Jake (17/08/2008 10:50:46 AM)
Comment: Nolan is just a face on the sideline at this point, when it comes to offense this team will BE ALL MARTZ! Still trying to figure out why Nolan even wanted to come back to SF, he has zero power and will get no credit if things go well. ScottyMac and Martz will get all the credit and well deserved!!! Nolan is invisible at this point and WELL DESERVED!!

Posted By: Jake (17/08/2008 10:47:54 AM)
Comment: Cut Smith, make JTO the guy this season as a stop gap until you can either sign/trade for a guy in the offseason or draft a QB. The #1 pick of Smith was a Complete Failure and it's time to end it instead of re-living it everyday. If this team had a good QB this team could contend in the NFC, without one, this team is 5-11 at best.

Posted By: 9er faithful in Reddin,Ca (17/08/2008 10:46:40 AM)
Comment: Well, Lelie looks to be down the road (9ers never utilized him correctly anyway); and if Morgan continues to shine the next two games, Battle--last years leading receiver--won't be starting. I'm wondering if anyone else noticed last night on the sidelines when Martz came lumbering by Nolan and the "head coach" looked at him and stepped aside? I found that kind of interesting.

Posted By: http:// (17/08/2008 10:39:34 AM)
Comment: Well heres my take anyone beleiving Nolan and Martz are crazy should jump off the bay bridge.Thats the best offense weve seen in a long time!Alex never could lead a team like that nor has he in three years.OSULLIVAN isnt great but he can get it done,we havent seen a bomb like that since Garcias days!I dont know how anyone could want Alex running with the ones right now!Like it was said before we dont need a pro bowl QB just one who has confidence and moves the chains and that is JT not Alex.Morgan is the real deal!6th rounder thats came out and looked better than any receiver weve had since T.O.!Great route running,gets seperation and great awareness to get that first down!Someone said goobye A Lelie..More like goodbye to Johnson as Morgan should definitly be considerd for a starting spot with Bruce!Lelie will be cut though now.Our defense is for real fellas!Pass rush great coverage held them to 100 something yards in the first half!Ray McDonald has really stepped it up and loooks like his ready to play with the big boys now and all the people that said J Smith was finished or overrated should put down the pipe!If we get any kind of offense our d is easily top 10 if not better!

Posted By: CK (17/08/2008 10:36:35 AM)
Comment: Matt - great blog, keep up the good work. Aaron Rodgers looked like he was having an Alex Smith game from our first three games last year - poor blocking, receivers dropping well placed passes... It took JTO a qtr and a half to get going last night, and we've yet to see him in a full game...does he keep getting better or does he wear down and get more mistake prone? We know Alex Smith gets better as the game goes on, and honestly, he wasn't looking THAT bad last night all things considered. He seemed to make all the right reads and just needed some more time (like JTO got) to settle in and get the passes there. JTO definitely has people talking but i don't think the door is completely closed on the alex smith era just yet...

Posted By: shobbrobb (17/08/2008 10:35:18 AM)
Comment: Im relieved to see that theyre is less of the Alex Smith is the second coming of Joe Montana B.S. Now its time to cut the fat,we cant afford to keep Alex and that big contract and the money could certainly be used on the offensive and defensive lines,plus now we can draft a QB of the future for M.Martz to develope.Can u guys imagine what Martz could do with a talented Qb,considering what he's done with the QB's of the past.

Posted By: Wilson (17/08/2008 10:33:48 AM)
Comment: What I remember about Alex Smith the past two years, when the offensive line was a sieve, was that he was taking way too much time to make decisions, but that when he did pass, he was very accurate. His short touch passes in particular were excellent. This year he seems to have the opposite problem. He's making pretty quick decisions but his throws, while strong, are usually not on the money. So unless there's still a mechanical problem with his delivery (stiff leg or whatever), it must be that he's still feeling the aftereffects of his surgery. All that is correctable. What JTO brings to the table is quick decisions, quick release, medium arm strength, good pocket presence, fair foot speed, and so far at least a tendency toward recklessness and turnovers. What Alex offers is slower decisions, slower release, excellent arm strength, fair to poor pocket presence, excellent foot speed, and less likelihood of turnovers. Shaun Hill has quick decisions, quick release, excellent pocket presence, poor arm strength, fair foot speed, and good turnover avoidance. I think the three are all pretty close in ability to win games. If Alex can regain his accuracy, he would be my first choice. Until then, JTO gets the nod, but his tendency to make stupid mistakes is worrisome. If he can overcome that problem, he could be a good QB for years. And if it comes down to Shaun Hill, I have a lot of confidence in him. You people who think one of those guys is head and shoulders above the others are nuts. Any of them can win as long as the offensive line gives them some time - and that's the key.

Posted By: Cody Pickett (17/08/2008 10:18:57 AM)
Comment: Matt, when Alex Smith under-threw that long pass to Morgan, the TV announcers suggested that his surgical shoulder was not yet fully healed. Have you heard any scuttlebutt around camp to this effect, or (as I suspect) were the TV guys just blowing smoke?

Posted By: Graham (17/08/2008 10:08:33 AM)
Comment: Being in Russia, I missed the game. Fell asleep at 5AM when JTO was 3 for 10 with 1 INT, and the score 3-0. Basically, the worst feeling in the world set in again, which is the same feeling I had all last season. We stink. Never would have thought we'd spank the Pack so badly (though I did dream Frank Gore would break off a 60-yd TD run behind big Jonas Jennings). My first thought after watching the highlights: JTO has an incredibly quick release. Much quicker than A Smith. It's not about how long he takes to size things up, it's just that once he makes the read, the ball is gone. Some of his throws (specifically the 27-yrd completion to J Hill) looked like they had a nice zip, too. I would just point out that JTO led the 49ers to back-to-back TD drives. When was the last time that happened? This is silly, but I'm very excited. We rocked the GB first unit 17-6 over the course of a half. And I bet that INT should have been a sack, but it's clear that JTO was trying to dump it off to his safety blanket, V-Davis. I like that JTO relies on VD, and I bet VD likes it, too. He's getting some respect. On a side note, I find it hilarious that Kawakami chalked this victory up to the Pack being just so tired after a monday game. Poor guys! Now it's our turn to play a road game on 3 days rest (by Kawakami's bizarre math). Will this fact show up in his breakdown? Doubtful. More gloom-and-doom from that idiot, I bet.

Posted By: Max from BayArea (17/08/2008 10:03:03 AM)
Comment: That's exactly why you don't name Smith as #1 before training camp like Lowell Cohn wrote. Smith is not having the added pressure with a label on him and can progress at his own pace. And only Martz can make sound judgements on QBs and not rocking chair QB posters. In a couple of plays on which Smith misfired, at least he found the right receivers and it meant some progress. Rocking chair QBs are rating JTO, Smith and Hill based on preseason stats, passing %, it's like blind men and the elephant. LOL. If the final product is Martz finding the right QB to start, then all these "chaos" are worth it. Anyway, see any "chaos" in camp yet, Matt, like receivers choosing sides, divided alliances , QBs complaining about unfairness? LOL.

Posted By: SF_Dan (17/08/2008 10:01:11 AM)
Comment: MDM - The issue with these Alex Smith lovers is the only way JTO would get any love would have been to go 6 for 6 on his drives with 6 td's. Unrealistic. Even a dramtic team improvement giving the niners a 14-3 lead against a good packers team and it's not enough. Interesting that those who cover the game objectively seem to all have good things to say about JTO. Alex had his chances and he chocked it up. ANYONE THAT THINKS SMITH WILL START AGAINST THE BEARS HAS NO CLUE WHAT IS GOING ON. Nolan has made his decision, it'sa the right one and he's handling it well. Give JTO the time to get the stupid plays out of the way. News Flash: JTO might throw another pick this year so beware. Pretty sure Manning threw a couple picks last year too.

Posted By: Sean, PA (17/08/2008 9:58:40 AM)
Comment: Well its Mr. optimistic again and like I said last week the defense will be in the top 10 maybe even 5. If the offense can average 20 points a game this will be atleast a 9 win team. The Niners don't need a pro bowler at QB to be a contender look at Eli Manning's stats from last year passer rating of 73.9 with 23 touchdowns and 20 INT's. J.T. is more than capable of putting up those numbers.

Posted By: mdm (17/08/2008 9:49:54 AM)
Comment: Mike in Sac: Thanks for having the sack to call a spade a spade. I love how many are pouting how A.S. should get the start Thursday and how if HE had time with the 1st team, he'd get to show more. Um,yeah....what effing game were you watching! I saw A.S. underthrow a Josh Morgan who had blown by his man. I saw him overthrow a wide open Jason Hill in the end zone. I saw him throwing behind receivers, telegraphing his throws and taking waaayyyyy to long on his reads. This is the same kinda shyte we've been watching for years. And more time with the 1st team is the cure for what ails him. Get effing real! I'm not on JTO's jock but I do know that he put 14 points on the board for us and managed to hit his receivers in stride. A.S. patiently, carefully, and methodically led the team to fewer points, including a field goal. Yay, break out the champagne.

Posted By: Transporter (17/08/2008 9:46:55 AM)
Comment: Dan in Seattle - Great Post. I agree we have not seen this type of collective coaching and player execution and from all levels including 1st, 2nd and 3rd string in a long time... I'm really excited that our 2nd and 3rd players are stepping up and making plays... Maybe we are seeing the strength of SM unfold... The QB that gets the starting role and my guess is JTO, he will due well in part due to the new system (Martz) and part due to the fact of his intangibles that he brings to the field...

Posted By: SF_Dan (17/08/2008 9:44:36 AM)
Comment: People on this board are not smart. JTO is your QB. Martz knows it so does Nolan. He is getting all the time now to work out the bonehead TO's b/c he's never been in this situation. The deep out to Morgan (best pass all night by any QB) was a thing of beauty and something Smith could have never done. If Smith wants this job you HAVE to hit two wide open passes that would have been TD's. Everyone on this board is looking for JTO to fail. It wont happen guys. THIS JOB IS JTO'S TO LOSE AND HE DIDNT DO ANYTHING TO LOSE IT AND SMITH DIDNT DO ANYTHING TO IMPRESS ANYONE. With as pathetic as this team was last year, the fans here are still complaining about the QB play even though JTO's half was excellent, save the TO. This is the NFL - we arent scoring every drive. I'll take a first team scoring offense that was on pace to put up 28. That would have been double anything the niners did last year. Stop with the SMITH BS. Defense was awesome. Rodgers sucks. Best QB on the field last night was JTO. Anyone that says otherwise is blinded by a man crush on Alex Smith.

Posted By: Vienners (17/08/2008 9:33:22 AM)
Comment: Good bye Ashley Lelie. Welcome Josh Morgan.

Posted By: RK in LA (17/08/2008 9:24:55 AM)
Comment: It was great to see the Niners keep scoring points as the game went on. With the Nolan offensive philosophy, you (hopefully) get a 3 point lead and then are afraid to do anything more. IMO, any QB with limited experience will make some ugly mistakes, so to me the question about JTO is, will he learn and get better. No matter what the coaches say, their actions are very clear that he is the starter. I like Alex, but what I really care about is winning and I'm okay with Martz making the decision. Again, I think he already has.

Posted By: http:// (17/08/2008 9:19:18 AM)
Comment: hey, I am an expert. At least I think am. Hey, your right.

Posted By: mike in MD (17/08/2008 9:17:38 AM)
Comment: The game replays on NFLN @ 1PM this afternoon, in 45 minutes. Already have the timer set & ready to burn. Is this DLine going to be for real? Looks good so far. What's with the big dropoff on ST's? C'mon Coach Everett get on it.

Posted By: Dan in Seattle (17/08/2008 9:13:35 AM)
Comment: The first difference I see with the 49ers this year versus last is that the Off. Coordinator knows what he's doing. That's a huge difference. We can debate Coach Martz' ego, etc, but to me that's unimportant. What is important is that he understands the NFL, from an Off. Coordinators viewpoint, from a very high level. He understands how to create mismatches, is extremely detail oriented, and demands precision. While the X's and O's are different, the three traits above are the same traits that he learned apparently from Coach Walsh. And you can clearly see the difference in the team's level of execution. Now, addressing the QB situation is a different can of worms, but at least we have a system in place where success can occur. We didn't have that last season.

Posted By: Mattdingo (17/08/2008 9:07:45 AM)
Comment: Because everyone thinks that they're an expert.

Posted By: nekst (17/08/2008 9:00:02 AM)
Comment: Why are people writing essays in place of "comments"?

Posted By: Berger (17/08/2008 8:58:54 AM)
Comment: I did not see the game, can somebody tell me if Alex had his old hitch bogging him down during the game?

Posted By: Berger (17/08/2008 8:56:45 AM)
Comment: To paraphrase Elton John, The hitch is back. I was watching some hilites from week three of the 49er camp. Alex was dropping the ball down to just above his hip before he threw. Norv had taken this out of his delivery, and he didn't have it for the first three games last year. But unfortunately, "The hitch is back". If he doesn't get rid of it he will never succeed in this league. JTO does the same thing sometimes, but he has a much quicker release. Alex's release is too long to allow him to be succesful with this hitch. For him to be successful he will need to take the ball from his chest to his ear and out. Alex is very accurate when he does that and not very accurate when he doesn't. Just my opinion.

Posted By: Mike in Sac (17/08/2008 8:55:03 AM)
Comment: Hmmmm...why do all of you keep screaming for Smith? He has not shown even average talent for the last three years. This is a tough comparision because he is a HOF guy, but did anyone see Farve yesterday? Been in a new system for what a few days and he went 5-6 48yds and a TD. Smith has rarely demonstrated this type of ability. When he played prior to the injury did he ever inspire that "it" feeling? No. This guy has been dealt a crummy hand but lets face it...the talented guys find a way to make plays when nothing is available and Smith can't deliver. Dammit it is football and he supposedly has been playing to for a while. It is time to look for something differnet. Good or bad we have to hope Martz is making the decisions and we must support those decisions. Martz is pretty good at his job. For Nolan, he is still a double speaking MORON.

Posted By: Rich, San Ramon (17/08/2008 8:54:02 AM)
Comment: Matt: When you watch the overthrow Alex made when Hill was open in the end zone, take a look at Alex's left knee. He's still locking the knee and throwing a fastball, and it still makes the ball sail high.

Posted By: Frank (17/08/2008 8:53:57 AM)
Comment: I think having a strong opinion, at this point, is ludicrous. Having an impression? sure. Taking the position that "you are positive?" Silly. You haven't seen the practices, you haven't reviewed the game tape, over and over again, therefore you don't know, for example, when an incompletion is the QBs fault or the reciever's fault. My impression is that JTO is slightly ahead of Alex, and I say this even tho Alex lead the team to scores more often than did JTO. I will say, at this point, I can understand why the team would go with JTO, while giving Alex plenty of time to master the playbook and his timing and accuracy issues. To me, Alex shows plenty of tools and plenty of potential. He does not look to have mastered his position just yet. It looks like he is making good progress, but is 2nd at this point. Who can say when he will reach the necessary level of mastery. Anyone who says he either will or won't is a fool, as that can't be known at this point

Posted By: Mike in SF#2 (17/08/2008 8:41:40 AM)
Comment: This quote sums up our options at QB. The real questions is which would we rather have this season (The answer isn't always easy): "Quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan was hot and cold, while Alex Smith was lukewarm".... Do you go with the average/steady hand that won't win or loose games for us, or do you go with the riskier gun slinger that we will love and hate at least 3 times a game. Its a tough one. As Ray Ratto said in today's Chron: Either way I think we so both of these guys starting at some point this year.

Posted By: Fire_Mike_Nolan (17/08/2008 8:20:29 AM)
Comment: If you guys think Alex Smith is an NFL caliber QB, I ask you to look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2-dgl64bq8 starting at 6:32. I think y'all have forgotten what an NFL QB looks like and need a reminder.

Posted By: BrodietoParks (17/08/2008 8:18:12 AM)
Comment: The quaterback situation still sucks. For a quaterback that is suppose to know the system JTO 8-17 one TD and one interception. That is going to be our starting quaterback - give me a break. Out of 17 passes he only looked good on five of them. His passes fell short and short again. Smith he didnt look much better and Hill looked out of place. Yes we won against a good team but we still dont have a quaterback. The defense looked good and with our scores their offense was taken out of their game plan. Rogers didnt play well either by the way. No way is JTO a starting quaterback and I now am having doubts about Smith. I do think tho that if Smith had as much time with the offense that JTO has had from last year and this year I think Smith would do much better then JTO. But better then JTO isnt saying much so what do we have - no quaterback as of yet. It is nice to see the wide receivers finally stepping up to the plate expecially Morgan. J Hill looked good also as did Davis. Foster will be a fine backup to Gore. The O line had a good game also. The Defense looked very good most of the game. A win is a win but still we arnt going anywhere till a quaterback steps and plays with smarts and leadership and can throw the ball. JTO might have the leadership but he doesnt play smart and his arm sucks. Smith doesnt seem to have the leadership and isnt up to smart as of yet and Hill doesnt have any of the qualities to start. All in all we won against a talented Packer team. Its only a exhibiton game and only the second one. We have a long ways to go.

Posted By: jimpooba (17/08/2008 8:15:19 AM)
Comment: Smith is more of a Nolan-type QB - capable of not turning the ball over and winning a 9-6 game. O'Sullivan could help us score 28 points, but he will drive Nolan bonkers with the bonehead turnovers. This will boil down to Martz vs. Nolan on the decision - friction city already in SF.

Posted By: MARCO from New York (17/08/2008 8:13:18 AM)
Comment: Jed makes excellent points. Alex Smith should get the start against the Bears. JTO is the definition average/journeyman QB. Defense should be top 10, but we are still in the Tim Tebow sweepstakes.

Posted By: Andrew from Rishikesh (17/08/2008 8:12:34 AM)
Comment: Hi Matt,A breath of fresh air. I liked the way the offensive line played. Ball carriers were lunging forward for 5 yards at a clip in traffic. Like alot of fans I'm pulling for Alex, don't worry he'll get his shot.

Posted By: Jed (17/08/2008 7:37:45 AM)
Comment: Seems like JTO and Alex are inconsistent, have different strengths. The cloud ahead for JTO is those horrendous, bonehead TOs and mistakes (as well as less ability to escape sacks). Guys who can overcome TOs and sacks with their arms are in the Hall of Fame - Marino, Favre, et al. The rest? Pumping gas. Alex should start v. Bears for at least one decent chance to compete. Whatever the knocks this preseason. He has not turned it over, showed his legs, has a much higher % of scoring drives, and doesn't give the field away. We can't win shootouts this year.

Posted By: mike in MD (17/08/2008 7:37:36 AM)
Comment: I liked seeing Martz on the sidelines coaching up the QB's. These young guys need that & Martz looked poised & in command down there. That's a tough choice..better view of the D & game from a playcalling standpoint in the booth vs giving the QB's the coaching they need. If we had a Veteran QB that already knows the system with the Offense already established I think Martz would prefer the booth as an OC because he could strictly concentrate on playcalling & strategy on adjusting on what the Defense is doing. But these our young QB's learning a new offense & it might be better that he's down there for now. The Offense looked more professional & disciplined for a change. A few penalties as to be expected. I think Smith needs a lot of work but he can come around with Martz. He stares down his receiver, has a big wind up when throwing, & throws only lasers. He still looks unsure of the Offense which is understandable at this point. I'm no coach but I don't think you mess with a guy's natural delivery. Maybe make a few tweaks. He'll always have that long motion. It will be interesting to see how he develops under Martz.

Posted By: Mike in SF#2 (17/08/2008 7:24:51 AM)
Comment: What I love about Josh Morgan is that this was a calculated find by McNolan. They flew him out to Santa Clara secretly 3 weeks before the draft when he met with the team, saw the facilities, and had a private dinner in Santa Clara with Couch Sullivan. Its hard to contend the Niners got "lucky" which is tempting when any 6th round pick preforms like this, but they targeted this kid early and drafted him right where they thought other teams had him valued. Great move by this front office. They had announced all pre-draft player visits except for this one. They knew something, which we are all learning about now as fans. I wish Matt would repost the fans going balistic about not drafting a WO until the 6th round.

Posted By: niners! (17/08/2008 7:23:52 AM)
Comment: Collins, JTO did really well against the starting corners on that first TD drive.

Posted By: diggity (17/08/2008 7:13:38 AM)
Comment: I've noticed something that is worth sharing. Last season in the one game Hostler called from the sidelines, the teams offense performed relatively well. After that - it was in this blog that Hostler was quoted as saying that "He preferred to call the games from the booth." From that point on the 9ers offense remained in the depths of the gutter. This year in this blog, Martz makes the same comment about preferring to be in the booth. Now in todays blog he comments about how it is better to be on the sidelines and he offers his reasons - all of which are valid. My point, I think most OC's would prefer the sidelines for all the reasons Martz outlined. After 4 seasons of watching and listening to Nolan it's pretty clear that he prefers his OC's in the booth and that is him talking no the OC's when they say they prefer being upstairs. Nolan likes t project an image that he's running things. But when you see a guy on the sideline, surrounded by players making plays like we saw last night, it goes to show how anything that is going well on this team has less to do with Nolan and more to do with two competent coordinators. Nolan's a funny guy for trying to project an image that simply isn't there.

Posted By: Jake (17/08/2008 7:11:44 AM)
Comment: Josh Morgan may end up being the best Nolan/ScottyMac draft pick ever considering where they got him and how desperate the team need was. If this kid isn't Starting Week 1 something is wrong.

Posted By: Collins (17/08/2008 7:09:08 AM)
Comment: Matt, Is it just me, or didn't JTO struggle mightily against the Packers starting corners?

Posted By: jjjj (17/08/2008 7:04:23 AM)
Comment: Smith is a QB with no confidence. He made bad throw after bad throw last night. The Wr's made some real nice adjustments to make tough catches. As much as i am pulling for Alex, it just isnt working for him right now

Posted By: Mike Lucas (17/08/2008 7:01:05 AM)
Comment: Enough JTO already. Time to stop screwing around and let Alex Smith develop the timing he needs with the faster more talented route runners of the first string. It was nice to see JTO throw the one nice pass for 59 yd td to the seemingly very talented Josh Morgan (He looks like the real deal), but JTO still sucks. His sidewinder delivery is ugly. His mobility is limited. His ability to read defenses is extremely limited ask woodson. Hell Mr. Mcgoo could have seen the two packers blanketing Vernon Davis on that throw yet JTO throws it anyway. We don't have any QB's that are very good but the best one we have is Alex. He has the upside that the others do not, he is fast and mobile, his arm is stronger, and he can read defenses. What he really needs to do as the others need also is to use a little misdirection and stop looking at the damned recievers. JTO almost got Foster killed staring at him and throwing yet another stupid throw. Winning will make you giddy and you will forget alot of potentially bad things but Alex gives us the best chance to actually win and win big down the road. JTO perhaps could win 6 while he loses 6 or so on his own mistakes. The defense deserves our best QB to get the starting reps. Come on Nolan stop the QB experiment

Posted By: mike in MD (17/08/2008 6:47:20 AM)
Comment: Damn that felt good to get a W for a change. The players/coaches needed that one even though it's preseason to shake off the losing karma. RMcDonald was a beast. I hope he keeps developing & has the energy to play like that the whole game. Have to check it again but I think that was mostly a 4-man rush. Sweeeet. Good sign for Rossum, I was beginning to wonder about him. He still has it, nice moves & good pickup for us. Josh Morgan is looking like a stud. Keasey doesn't look good to me, Norris looks better. Hey Berger..I checked out your boy Painesworth. OMG..that man is a monster, unstoppable. Any team would love getting their hands on him. Good W tonight. Go Niners!

Posted By: Crency (17/08/2008 4:51:24 AM)
Comment: Maurice, check the live blogging thread, our good friend Randy posted a link to watch the game live on, and it worked a treat...up 'til the 4th at least!

Posted By: jt from nj (17/08/2008 4:13:16 AM)
Comment: well as bad as everyone is making it out to be for GB, honestly, i think they may be ok pending how fast Brohm can pick up the offense. Despite being picked after a handful of other QB's, i felt he was the best one on the board, he can blame the play of Louiseville for why he was selected in the draft so late. I really don't think they're in that bad of shape because if Louiseville went to a bowl game, Brohm would have been a top10 pick in the draft. His team suffered because of the defense, he played great in every game.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (17/08/2008 2:19:08 AM)
Comment: ninerindallas, as bad as our issue is at QB, look at GB? If Aaron goes down then what? I just wish Alex would get the big picture and stop being so damn girly about everything. Fight my son, it's the NFL, not the golf team. Packer fans BTW are pretty laid back and will likely support Aaron no matter what happens, figuring he couldn't develop much because Lord Favre ran the show for so long. Us? We've got high expectations, and until the next Montana arrives, no one will be good enough until he holds up Lombardi Trophy #6.

Posted By: ninerindallas (17/08/2008 2:00:59 AM)
Comment: i just got done reading a packer-blog of the game. as we crushed and dominted them in many ways, there is still more fighting amoungst fans here {the team that won} then there was in the packer blog{sqished team}.....and alex smith WILL start on thrusday mark my words people.......btw the packer fans found themselves in a trend i see alot of teams are going to find themselves in this year......there where asking each other "who the hell is josh morgan?".......

Posted By: ninertom (17/08/2008 1:48:29 AM)
Comment: you guys have lost ur minds if you think that AS has a chance to start the next game. Sully had a couple of killer throws, and more importantly, looked dangerous... for once the niner's offense looked dangerous! the 13yd slant to ziegler on the blitz was so fast, so quick... sully knew it, zeigler knew it and nobody else was even close...that type of pass is deadly against blitzing defenses. Dont bother with the AS vs Sully arguement, as it only exists here on the web... its done in the niners coaching staff, they are sticking with sully!

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (17/08/2008 1:09:46 AM)
Comment: It's a big picture assessment esco, we realize that Alex has obvious weaknesses, and we too are tired of making excuses. It comes down to fish or cut bait. He's carrying a huge cap number and is again faced with a new offensive system. If he's done here and the team wants to move him, you'd better try to show his upside in the next couple of weeks. Chicago/MN maybe Miami could be interested, but with his contract, I'd find it next to impossible to expect someone to take that off our hands. It's a tough call, we as fans wanted the best for him, it's up to him to want it enough to wrestle it from the competition. Martz knows what he wants and expects from the QB position, Alex appears not to have it right now.

Posted By: jt from nj (17/08/2008 12:56:49 AM)
Comment: esco- that is an unfair assessment of A. Smith. As Matt pointed out in various posts, the thing with A. Smith is that he never really had a real chance to develop at the NFL level. He's had 4 different coaches coaching him 4 different ways. Any player regardless of position progresses at a different pace, A. Smith is one of those players that needs times to make sense of things because he's not big on the improvising side as was stated by Urban Meyer. I think A. Smith is a very capable starter. His games against the hawks while under Norv Turner were very fun to watch even with Gore hogging most of the spotlight. I hope he gets a fair chance to develop because to be honest. The only time he had a similar system following a previous season, he had a really poor OC calling the plays.

Posted By: Dino (17/08/2008 12:56:20 AM)
Comment: -Matt, with the way J. Morgan is playing, will Nolan start B. Johnson when he's healthy and back on the field or will it be Morgan's job to lose?

Posted By: esco (17/08/2008 12:36:29 AM)
Comment: It's been four years people. We known what we have in Alex Smith. Perfect wonderlick scores, an inability to win consistently, and zero evidence that he is ever going to be a great QB. Did any of you REALLY believe A. Smith was going to continue the 49er Legacy of QB greatness?? Seriously. Have you seen him do anything truly Magical? It's funny cuz I recall people calling for Dilfer to start last year (even before Alex got hurt). I'm so tired of people moaning about how Alex Smith should start, and he isn't getting a fare shake. Get real. This is the NFL.

Posted By: Cody Pickett (16/08/2008 11:53:06 PM)
Comment: I'm surprised that in comparing JTO & Alex, no one has mentioned that regardless of individual passing stats, the offense as a whole seems to succeed better under Alex. Tonight, for example, JTO started 6 drives & got 2 scores (both TDs), 14 points on 6 drives (ie, 2.3 points per drive), whereas Alex started 3 drives & got 2 scores (1 TD, 1 FG), 10 points on 3 drives (ie, 3.3 points per drive).

Posted By: Rick (16/08/2008 11:51:33 PM)
Comment: Matt, I just got home from the game and am convinced mre than ever J.T.O. is not the man and there is a very good reason he as been a back up. His interception was inexcuasable. I think he will be a lot like Steve DeBerg, play just well enough to lose. The defense baoledhim out this game. Alex continues to have a big upside and Nolan need to make the decision now so Alex and the offense can continue to grow.It was nice seeing a lot of bright spots and I got a good laugh watching Martz work over the officals. Why after being so good last year are special teams giving up the gig run? Thank you, Rick

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (16/08/2008 11:43:58 PM)
Comment: Nolan should start Alex on Thursday. Week 3 of the Preseason is pretty much a game situation for most teams. It's a great opportunity to say 'make it count and save your job'.

Posted By: colonel (16/08/2008 11:26:50 PM)
Comment: It was nice to see the 49ers push around someone else for a change. Good all around team game. 3rd preseason game is usually full speed; I dont know if that changes with the game on Thurs. I agree with your assessment of JTO-v-ASmith...best/best & worst/worst. JTO looked so-so to poor in 1st qtr, great in 2nd qtr. Has to learn to avoid TO's. Leads receivers well (although he almost got Foster killed) and recognizes opportunities (JMorgan TD). JTO may throw sidearm but he gets it out fast. If Oline is strong,like tonight, and running game is going well==>less pressure on QB to make plays. JJennings looking good...stay healthy !

Posted By: Berger (16/08/2008 11:26:23 PM)
Comment: I just saw some pass rush plays on ESPN. Mostly 4 man rush. I think I saw a LB blitz on one play? I'm not sure. Awesome! Last year we had to overload and entire side of the line to get a pass rush. Of course, that leads to being nailed by hot reads. Not going to happen when you can rush with 4. My happy emotions are overpowering this Tylonol PM. I might need a cocktail.

Posted By: jeremy (16/08/2008 11:20:32 PM)
Comment: It was nice knowing you Smith. Find a realtor!

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (16/08/2008 11:17:14 PM)
Comment: Matt, we never have gotten to see Smith play in a game with the 1's. While I think that it would be fair to see him get action with the first team, do you think that Nolan and Co. are just going to give JTO a third start or name him the starter?

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/08/2008 11:17:09 PM)
Comment: Has anybody noticed that when Josh Morgan catches the ball either for a firstdown or touchdown he reacts the same,like hes been there before,no celebrations or showing up anyone.This kid is the real deal in many ways,maybe Vernon Davis should take note.Speaking of VD,He did look more fluid and less mechanical today.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (16/08/2008 10:57:17 PM)
Comment: Maurice, got NFL Network? They normally replay the PS Games, times are never easy though, but you have the option to TiVo. I would love for Nolan to showcase Alex in Chicago on Thursday. If they are really looking to attract a trade partner, he needs to see 1st team time. I honestly can't see a trade with the money he has attached to him however, but who knows?

Posted By: Maurice (16/08/2008 10:48:18 PM)
Comment: The one time the 9ers win big I dont get to watch it :-( I recently moved to WA and all i get is stupid SHEHAWK games...any chance u can send me the game tape??or youtube it???lol

Posted By: Dirk (16/08/2008 10:47:45 PM)
Comment: No injuries? That's rare news. Good news but rare news.

Posted By: Joe, NJ (16/08/2008 10:39:32 PM)
Comment: Matt, Does Alex have a chance? JTO's game wasn't perfect but still better that Smith.