Who would have thought Michael Crabtree’s strained neck would cause Alex Smith so much pain?
After Crabtree missed most of training camp with his injury, his connection with his quarterback has been crippled in the season’s first three games.
In fact, the numbers are stunning.
On Smith’s 19 passes targeted at Crabtree, he has six completions for 81 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions. Quarterback rating: 6.6.
On Smith’s 100 passes targeted at other receivers, he has 66 completions
for 651 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Quarterback
rating: 86.7.
In other words, throwing to No. 15 has cost Smith, who has a 66.2 rating, about 20 points.
It’s
been assumed that Crabtree is one of the “playmakers” the Niners will
want to do a better job of “getting into open space” under Mike Johnson.
Not saying that’s a mistake – it’s clear Crabtree has Pro-Bowl
potential – but it’s worth monitoring how much longer it takes Smith and
the second-year wideout to get on the same page.
Here’s a look at Smith’s numbers when targeting Niners receivers this season (minimum 5 targets):
To WR Josh Morgan
Smith: 10 of 17, 114 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
QB Rating: 98.7
To TE Delanie Walker
Smith: 6 of 8, 59 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
QB Rating: 95.3
To RB Frank Gore
Smith: 22 of 29, 203 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
QB Rating: 91.6
To TE Vernon Davis
Smith: 15 of 25, 173 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
QB Rating: 80.9
To WR Dominique Zeigler
Smith: 5 of 8, 50 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
QB Rating: 80.2
To WR Michael Crabtree
Smith: 6 of 19, 81 yards, 0 TD, 4 INT
QB Rating: 6.6
And, absolutely free today, Smith’s numbers when targeting running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. :
To RBs
Smith: 26 of 35, 216 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
QB Rating: 87.3
To TEs
Smith: 24 of 36, 252 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
QB Rating: 86.8
To WRs
Smith: 22 of 46, 264 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT
QB Rating: 36.9
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