Day 3, practice 5: QBs hit the mark

Day 3, practice 5: QBs hit the mark

 

Here is one clear observation through the first five 49ers practices of training camp: The team’s passing game is far ahead of where it was a year ago at this time.

Shaun Hill and Alex Smith continue to throw the ball very well in practice, and the receivers continue to make all the catches.

 

Who knows how (or if) this is going to translate to when the team starts playing games, but Hill and Smith look infinitely better than a year ago when they seemed paralyzed by the complexities of the Mike Martz offense.

 

In today’s 11-on-11 work during the team’s two practices, Hill completed 16 of 20 passes, while Smith connected on 14 of his 18 attempts. Smith had an interception when blitzing defensive back Marcus Hudson got his hands on a pass at the line of scrimmage and outside linebacker Jay Moore gathered it in. After that interception, Smith completed his final 10 pass attempts of the day.

 

Here are some of the particulars from the afternoon workout:

 

–Takeo Spikes and Marvel Smith were afforded the luxury as vets of sitting this one out. Justin Smith returned to practice after resting in the morning. Patrick Willis (ankle), Parys Haralson (hip flexor) and Tarell Brown (toe) also sat out.

 

–Tight ends coach Pete Hoener is really working on rookie Bear Pascoe. He rode him pretty hard during a pass-protection session, going into umpire mode when Pascoe whiffed on three pitches vs. Jay Moore, Marques Harris and then the punch-out against Manny Lawson. But Hoener also showed his warm and fuzzy side when he gently instructed Pascoe on how he wanted a certain corner route executed.

 

–Right before 11-on-11, Willis told cornerback Dre’ Bly that he wanted to see an interception. Bly nearly got it when he jumped an “out” route by Micheal Spurlock and got his hands on a Hill pass.

 

–Delanie Walker and Vernon Davis continue to catch a lot of passes. Walker made an amazing left-handed catch of a dart thrown by Hill on a slant. Davis and Walker caught four passes apiece. Davis had been flawless before failing to hold onto a low pass from Hill.

 

—Moore had a strong day. He made a nice inside move against Joe Staley, then recorded an interception on the next play. Later, he tipped a Hill pass at the line of scrimmage. He injured his left hand on the play and was taken inside for medical attention. The team says he sustained a cut finger.

 

–Glen Coffee shows some good hands out of the backfield. He has caught all six passes thrown his way during 11-on-11 work this training camp. Likewise, Kory Sheets has hauled in all four passes to him.

 

–Dominique Zeigler was used as an emergency punt-returner late last season. He got a shot during the afternoon practice, and flubbed it.

 

–Back at it tomorrow morning. The 49ers have practices scheduled for 8:30 a.m., and 4:20 p.m.

 

* * *