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Without a Doubt, these Four will Decide

Nov 3, 2012 at 6:13 PM • 67


From a distance, things look fine.

At the midway point, the 49ers are six-and-two, two games up in a division that's quickly come back to earth. Their defense is ranked #1, and their offense, so often the source of so much dismay, is ranked a respectable #11. And as for #11 himself? No need to worry; he's ranked #4.

So no, the issues aren't visible from a distance. Stand back far enough, and you'd swear that the Niners are Super Bowl locks. But as with most things, the devil's in the details. Look a bit closer, and you might just see that the Niners are running barely ahead of the Football Fates, who are so fiercely determined to punish them for the chance they squandered in 2011.

The question for the second half is whether the Fates will finally catch up.

Individually or as a group, these four men will provide the answer.

1. Alex Smith (of course)

As I'd predicted, he put up a gaudy stat-line in Arizona (though I'd predicted 350—only half-jokingly—not 18 of 19). I'm tempted to point out his throws' generally low degree of difficulty, with his receivers gaining most of his yards by running past corners unwilling to tackle. But I'm not looking for another exhausting debate. By now, I get it: when Smith is great, it's because he's great; and when Smith is awful, it's because of someone or something else. It's all there in the Smitheists' bible—read it at Alex 3:16.

Let's just agree on a larger point. Last year, Smith was steadily good; his rating was below 85 in only 5 of 18 games. This year, Smith has already had four such games. Indeed, in the last six weeks, he's exceeded that rating only twice; in each of those games he went over 150, and it's those two outlandish showings that are largely driving his fourth-place ranking. So obviously, there's a deeper issue. Despite the offseason commitment to consistent explosiveness—or maybe even because of it—Smith has gone from steadily good to wildly inconsistent. Call that what you like, but I call it regression.

In the second half, one of two things will happen. Either Smith will remain inconsistent, or he'll once again be steadily good. If it's the latter, the Super Bowl will be a distinct possibility (though not as distinct as it'd be if he could somehow summon that consistent explosiveness). But if the inconsistency remains, a playoff defense will surely exploit it. There isn't any doubt about that.

2. Aldon Smith

Let's ignore the disturbing fact that he can't seem to go two weeks without landing himself in some kind of trouble. Let's stay on the field, where the Niners' pass-rush has been spotty at best: after notching 42 sacks last year, it's now on pace for only 30. The issue isn't with Smith's production—his 7½ sacks are tied for fourth. Yet the teamwide drop is attributable to Smith, or specifically the way he's used. Last year, when he was almost exclusively a part-time pass-rushing defensive end, he was such a disruptive force that usually he either got the sack or opened up opportunities for his linemates. This year, he's a full-time rush/coverage outside linebacker. So now, by and large, either he's getting the sack or there's no sack at all.

When Smith was drafted, my concern was that he'd be much more effective as the 4-3 DE that he was in college than the 3-4 'backer the Niners envisioned. Nothing since has changed my mind. I know it'd be easier to put Smith back on the line if Parys Haralson were around to play 'backer. But it might be the only way to inject some life back into the rush, which obviously is vital. The Niners' coverage has been amazing, but if their rush stays like this, a playoff QB will surely exploit it. There isn't any doubt about that.

3. David Akers

As great as he was last year, no one wanted to see him kick 44 field goals again. So though this year he's on pace to drop all the way to 28, there's nothing inherently wrong with that. What's more disturbing is his drop in accuracy. After missing only eight times last year, this year he's already missed five. Accordingly, his percentage has plunged from 85 to 74. And shockingly, only three kickers are worse.

Akers was so automatic last year, it's easy to forget why he was driven out of Philly. In a playoff game against the Packers, he missed on tries from 41 and 34, and the Eagles ended up losing by five. And that was after a good season, with a percentage of 84.

Though we're not as much a field-goal O, we're still not quite a touchdown O. There will be a playoff game where Akers must make a crucial kick. And unless he comes up with a huge second half, we will be nervous. There isn't any doubt about that.

4. Jim Harbaugh

Though he remains the perfect coach for this team, his season's been a bit choppy so far. Whereas last season's magic was such that it never seemed like the Niners would lose—and they never did lose by more than 10—here they've already been blown out twice. That the Niners could ever look so lifeless—much less twice in the span of a month—put a serious dent in Harbaugh's motivational mojo.

Meanwhile, his tactical maneuvering hasn't been as smooth either. After loss one, when it was obvious that his O was still lacking that explosive dimension, he started using Colin Kaepernick. But then, when our offensive implosion during loss two was widely pinned on Kaepernick's appearances—see again Alex 3:16—Harbaugh retreated, in a surprising concession to popular belief.

Yet strangely there's even a bigger concern: whether Harbaugh is losing his mind.

It's no secret that there's a very fine line between genius and insanity, and Harbaugh seems to be dancing on it. In the preseason, he embarrassed himself by denying his interest in Peyton Manning, incoherently. While defending the honor of A.J. Jenkins—who still hasn't played, it must be observed—he almost challenged the press to a fight. And once the games began to count, things only got worse. He literally foamed at the mouth in Green Bay. Before the Giants game, he unloaded on Kevin Gilbride for publicly trying to influence the refs, yet the very next week, he himself did exactly that. Despite his constant chiding of those who use stats to evaluate players—as Justin Smith put it, "stats are for losers"—he asked the league, baselessly, to award Alex a meaningless record. And last but not least, he gave us "gobble gobble gobble turkey from jive turkey gobblers," which will live forever as the craziest thing a coach ever said.

Some of this is coachspeak, and some of it is gamesmanship. But none of it bodes particularly well for Harbaugh's long-term stability, and thus his long-term effectiveness.

As we begin a second half that threatens to test him like never before, there isn't any doubt about that.
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.


67 Comments

  • onemoretime
    Lots of people think Kap looked good. Kinda reminds me of Roethlisberger, showed great instincts on when to run and pass. He could be the guy to fix the problem. Why continue to overwork and abuse the defense. Our offense has some real talented players, lets use them.
    Nov 13, 2012 at 3:23 PM
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  • Rob
    You commented that Harbaugh would be "foolish" not to throw more if we could extrapolate Smith's stats if he threw more. Harbaugh has always, ALWAYS, preached a balanced attack. The running game controls the clock. A good running game wears down the opponent. A good running game is essential to be a balanced football team. Frank Gore is averaging almost 6 yards a carry. Using your own logic, Harbaugh would be "foolish" not to run the ball more. Like it or not the point is that they have achieved the balance they are striving for.
    Nov 13, 2012 at 11:27 AM
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  • Terry B.
    Don't get me wrong--I have no problem with AJ's disclaimer on its face. What I DO have a problem with is AJ putting the disclaimer on his column but then creating alternative identities so that he doesn't have to live by his own rules. (See the fake Terry B. comments below.) If AJ shows an ability to live by the same rules he prescribes for others, I will have no problem complying either. Until that time, however, I will have to emphatically disagree with your belief that AJ is attempting to "clean up the mess around here."
    Nov 12, 2012 at 11:40 AM
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    Response: Disagreement noted, Terry. Let's move on, without any personal attacks by anyone, real or imagined.
  • Terry B.
    If everyone wants a giant laugh, check out this new disclaimer that AJ puts on his column: "We enjoy your comments, however please be advised that personally attacking people instead of their point of view will not be tolerated." So, in other words, AJ just creates alternate identities so he doesn't have to play by his own rules. Nice, AJ. Real nice. And, pray tell, what do your wife's thoughts on your penis have to do with your "point of view"? That doesn't seem especially on topic. And doesn't AJ allow his mom to attack other people? We'll see how long AJ can play by his own rules. Judging by the comment below, my guess is not very long.
    Nov 12, 2012 at 8:39 AM
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    Response: Actually, Terry, I think I like AJ's disclaimer. I've tried to tolerate the personal attacks in this space--even those against ME, and there have been many--but enough is enough. I join AJ in his effort to clean up the mess around here. Please, no more personal attacks, through impersonation or otherwise.
  • Terry B.
    You fools all need to step aside and let daddy do the talking. I'm not impressed by all you imposters. Lets face it, the 49ers showed their true colors yesterday as did the Saints. If you want to see some real football stop watching the Jim Harbaugh - Alex Smith clown show and tune in to some Cajun style butt whooping. Those guys know what they're being paid to do. The 49ers have become nothing but a bunch of big mouth punks as far as I'm concerned. I'm embarrassed for this team and you homer fans.
    Nov 12, 2012 at 8:20 AM
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    Response: Again, the "other" Terry. Please, friend, can you go by something else?
  • Ken
    And the fake Terry B. turns out to be...drum roll please...AJ Bolino! Was there ever any doubt? Sad. Very sad. The person who creates alternate IDs to trash fellow columnists and has his wife post comments about how much she likes his penis is now arguing that other people lack integrity. Pathetic.
    Nov 12, 2012 at 8:19 AM
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  • Terry B.
    Hey guys...in case you haven't figured it out, I'm actually Jeff. I use this identity (or one of my others...Ken, Barry T., etc) to talk trash about people I don't like so that I can maintain a veneer of integrity. Just thought you should know. I have to go rub one out while fantasizing about a season without Alex Smith. Remember, winning is nowhere near as important as arguing the negative in perpetuity until the law of averages makes me right...even if its just for a little while.
    Nov 11, 2012 at 9:19 PM
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    Response: For the record, I am not Terry B. or any of his alter-egos. I don't have nearly as much time as he seems to. (And I have no personal grudge against AJ Bolino, whereas he and Terry have been going at it for years--you could look it up.) And if you think I'd rather see the Niners lose than be proven wrong about anything, then you really don't know who I am.
  • Terry B.
    That splashing sound you hear? The sound of AJ Bolino officially jumping the shark. If AJ had even a shred of credibility left after slobbering all over Mike Singletary's coaching genius and Alex Smith's quarterbacking ability, having his wife post comments about how much she likes his penis, and having his mom post comments defending him, surely it is now gone for good. It is beyond me how anyone could pay attention to a word AJ says.
    Nov 11, 2012 at 6:40 PM
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  • AJ Bolino
    On the contrary, Jeff...I believe that Smith gives the 49ers the best chance to win, and I have continually maintained that, regardless of your claims to the contrary. Smith is not perfect...but he's been good enough to win instead of just good enough not to win. Kaep is a better athlete, has a stronger arm, and plays "street ball" better than Smith. But Kaep was given about 10 plays to run today...and when it really mattered, he couldn't move the team (or wasn't trusted to move the team). Make no mistake...Kaep is not ready to be a starter in this league (not if you want to win, anyway). Smith represents the best chance to win, "game manager" or no. Refusing to see that is the apex of obstinance. The offense was non-existent when it mattered, and Kaep missed a MOUNTAIN of opportunities today. Will he get better? Probably. Is he good enough to win week over week against the better teams in the league? No way.
    Nov 11, 2012 at 6:24 PM
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    Response: AJ, in the comments section of my previous article, I wrote the following: "I don't deny that Smith gives us our best chance to win the Super Bowl this year." I also said that "I still have complete trust in Harbaugh, so I've gotta believe that the reason Kaepernick isn't starting is that he isn't ready to start." So I don't know who you think you're arguing with. But to be so critical of Kaepernick, when he came in cold, understandably struggled early (though why don't you ever comment on the MOUNTAIN of opportunities that Smith misses virtually every week?), and gave us a golden chance to win, is just insane. Under very tough circumstances, I thought he played heroically. Indeed, half the time, even under much BETTER circumstances, Smith himself doesn't play any better.
  • AJ Bolino
    Congratulations, Jeff. You got your wish. Here comes Kaep. And there goes our chance of a win today. Maybe after this epically awful offensive effort (easily the worst we've had since 2005), you'll come to understand why Smith gives us the best chance to win.
    Nov 11, 2012 at 3:37 PM
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    Response: First off, AJ, I'd like to point out that I have NEVER argued that Kaepernick should be starting over Smith. I've argued only that he should continue to contribute to the offense. In any event, it's amazing to me that after seven years you're physically unable to criticize Smith, yet you're perfectly willing to jump all over Kaepernick when he doesn't light it up immediately, even though he wasn't even expected to play. And I'm sure you noticed that Kaepernick went on to have a fine second-half, indeed giving us a "chance of a win," which Akers botched (see above article). On the whole, I think you'll agree that the offensive effort turned out not to be "epically awful"; we've looked worse at several points THIS year, never mind 2005. So you might want to withhold judgments like this while the game is still going on. And people say I'M always jumping the gun. Sheesh.
  • Rob
    From Jeff's comments on a reader's comment: "Smith either sees the open man and overthrows him, sees the open man and doesn't pull the trigger, or doesn't see the open man at all. That's not the WCO I was advocating for." This was written at the same time Alex Smith leads the NFL in completion percentage and is 4th in yards per attempt. The only thing wrong with Alex Smith in terms of the statistics fans like you want him to have is that he does not throw enough passes per game.
    Nov 9, 2012 at 8:59 AM
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    Response: Of course, you're assuming that those stats would hold even if Smith were to throw more. And if that were a valid assumption, then Harbaugh would be foolish NOT to throw more. So either Harbaugh is foolish, or that's not a valid assumption. And I don't think Harbaugh's foolish.
  • onemoretime
    Shaun Hill was 5-2 with all the same circumstances as A.S. Then he was given the hook. What excuses did he have. 7 years is a long time to develop to a top flight q.b. Some things about this picture are clearly wrong and as in the past there will be a price to pay. I hope not. Will there be more excuses?
    Nov 8, 2012 at 4:05 PM
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  • overthemiddle
    Jeff you were a strong advocate of the WCO. The philosophy of the WCO is a strong running game and high percentage passes. Alex is doing that just fine so what is the problem? Aldon on the other hand needs someone from the team to mentor him. Hopefully that happens real soon as it seems trouble finds him. Akers is in a slump, so be it, it happens. After 10 years of crap, and Harbaugh has this team winning, you have the gall to unleash your tantrum on him. If you look back, Gilbride did his thing before the game and Harbaugh did his after. Big difference there. Bring back Nolan or Sing, would that make you happy? I understand the Niners are not perfect but they are a lot better then they were two years ago. I think a much better complaint would be Roman and his play calling and how slow he is to make adjustments. I think youre a little harsh on Alex and Harbaugh but keep being critical it is needed. gobble gobble gobble turkey from jive turkey gobblers.
    Nov 7, 2012 at 12:31 PM
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    Response: The WCO's trademark might be high-percentage passes, but it's still an explosive offense. Granted, a lot of the explosive plays are made by receivers on short passes, but there are also plenty of deep shots. This isn't news, but time and again, Smith either sees the open man and overthrows him, sees the open man and doesn't pull the trigger, or doesn't see the open man at all. That's not the WCO I was advocating for. As for Harbaugh, please don't misunderstand me. The man is a genius, and I wouldn't trade him for any other coach. But to me, his constant belligerence is a genuine concern. At this rate, I think he's headed for a serious burnout. I wish he'd just settle down and keep his focus where it belongs.
  • Celticraider
    I am always amazed at how much anger and negativity gets thrown at Kaplan for being honest and insightful in his personal evaluations. I have been a 49er fan since watching the 9ers at Kezar as a kid and I find no offense in Jeff's critical assessments. I find it healthy and informative - a goad to ever greater achievement. If you are unable to see the flaws or weaknesses, you can never correct them. The niners are a good team, but they aren't great yet. The postseason will reveal how good and until then they need to improve in a number of areas. I laud Jeff for calling it like it is and still being a huge fan!
    Nov 7, 2012 at 6:50 AM
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    Response: You're one of my favorites, Celt. Thanks.
  • ENZO
    Should the 49ers have to face the inevitable of colliding against the Giants again in the Playoffs, all facets of our TEAM (Offense, Defense & Special Teams) need to bring their A Game. Because anything less, our Championship hopes go in the toilet again. How important is it for Alex Smith to carry this team should our Defense falter against Eli & the G-Men? HUGE, because we've thrown pretty much everything but the kitchen sink against Eli and he seems to have our number just like Favre in the 90's. He has potent receivers (whom he trusts dearly) and doesn't get easily rattled. Eli takes his game to another level when it comes to the playoffs, backed by his reliable Defense. So going back to Candlestick park isn't really an advantage anymore for us. This is where I feel Alex Smith should play the best game of his life. There's nothing much in the AFC that worries me, facing the G-Men deep in the playoffs to me is our ultimate test if we truly deserve to be crowned as the Superbowl Champs.
    Nov 6, 2012 at 3:53 PM
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  • Ceadderman
    Jeff I have to say that you can't be more wrong about Arizona. Are they an awful team? Or are they just bad in one or two areas? Their Line is patchwork right now. Can't get much worse for them in that regard than having 3 Starters down. The same guys that kept Warner clean in the pocket are now sitting on the Sideline. All teams have this happen at one time or another. I don't care who their QB is. If he can't stay standing longer than 2.5 seconds he's gonna look like Caca. Fitzgerald is a BEAST but Doucet doesn't help take the coverage off him like Boldin did. Not that it matters much because the Line can't keep anyone upright. Don't dismiss the Win as a Lock based on the level of competitiveness. Cause Arizona is much tougher than you give them credit for. In fact as I pointed out earlier if Roman hadn't gotten cute with the play calling in Minnesota and at the Home Game against the Smurfs this team could be 7-1 or 8-0 right now. Game plan is very important in this league. Either you stick to your identity and give yourself a chance to Win or you abandon it completely and increase the chance of a Loss. This is what happened so while I will not hate on you, I'm not buyin.
    Nov 6, 2012 at 2:12 AM
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  • louie
    I don't agree with everything Jeff (or anyone else) says, but I absolutely agree that 49er fans should be judging the 49ers as relates to the Super Bowl. The only way to get there is to decide that's where you're going. The NFL is full of teams that never really get close, and I'll bet that their fans are so used to not being there that they have a different tier of satisfaction. I'm sure that Harbaugh has only one indicator of success, and it's winning the Super Bowl. There is no way to diminish the loss to the Giants. The coaching stunk and the play on the field stunk because the players could sense the plan wasn't organic to their strengths. Top tier teams have bad/off days but that home loss was truly an embarrassment. The offensive game plan was an insult to a team as good as the 49ers. When you have a really good team you don't need a game plan full of tricks. Hopefully the 49ers will see the Giants again this year.
    Nov 5, 2012 at 8:09 PM
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  • J.G.
    Jim Harbaugh took a 10 yr losing team that so-called experts said had little talent and went 13-3 with them and got them two fumbles away from a Super Bowl berth and has them 6-2 in his 2nd year. Youre reaching with the comments on him burning himself out, if you followed Harbaugh before the Niners got him he's the same guy wherever he's been. The comments and concerns about Alex are justified but to call this year a regression, that's out of bounds no pun intended. Last year was basically Alex's first year with an actual pro coaching staff so they started him from scratch and know he's taking a few more chances and with that will come mistakes but also good throws like the one he made to Crabtree. The 2nd half and playoffs will determine whether Alex will be back next year. As for your comment about Harbaugh retreating on Colin it wasn't retreating it was common sense, it wasn't working, it was smart, there isn't any doubt about that.
    Nov 5, 2012 at 5:02 PM
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  • M. Horner
    Let's look at this in relation to Norv Turner. Question: has Norv Turner been a successful coach in San Diego? My guess is that many of the commenters below would say yes. In his first five years, he posted a 49-31 record and had three first-place finishes and two second-place finishes. My guess is that Jeff would say no. He lost in the playoffs whenever he made them, and he failed to reach--let alone win--a Super Bowl. Neither answer is correct. They just represent two different ways of looking at the same thing.
    Nov 5, 2012 at 12:22 PM
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  • Ken
    Phil, I don't think you have to worry about that. Say what you want about Jeff's stuff, but he does respond to his critics on the merits. Contrast that with AJ, who, when he can't respond to your point, will either (a) have his wife post about how much she likes AJ's manhood; or (b) have his mom tell you to stop criticizing her son.
    Nov 5, 2012 at 12:05 PM
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  • Matt
    I get you, Jeff, and improvement is always important. However, perfection is not required for a Superbowl win. All of the recent Superbowl winners were flawed teams that won because they were able to compensate for the flaws. I think you are being presumptuous when you say something like "the 49ers can't win a Superbowl unless they fix X, Y, and Z" because you really have no way of knowing that. It may very well be that SF does A, B, and C so well that X, Y, and Z are not as important as you think. In my opinion, the only major pitfall the 49ers need to look out for is Freddie P. Soft. If you are looking for someone to blame for SF's 2 losses this season, Freddie is it. Otherwise I think the 49ers have everything they need to win a Superbowl. They just have to work hard, be humble, and stay focused.
    Nov 5, 2012 at 11:59 AM
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    Response: There, now THAT was a reasoned response, sensibly articulating disagreement with my position. Thanks, Matt, for contributing something meaningful to this debate. I wish there were more readers like you.
  • Terry B.
    As a follow up to what Jeff just wrote, I would point out that there are other columnists here (who shall remain nameless) who will provide you with all the meaningless cheerleading and homerism you could possibly want. Now, some would say they lost all credibility during the Mike Singletary era, but if that doesn't bother you, just confine yourself to their stuff. But don't try to ruin things for the rest of us who don't just want to read "Arrow Up!" because we beat the Cardinals and got our asses kicked by the Giants.
    Nov 5, 2012 at 11:56 AM
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  • Matt
    I don't think you are a hater, like some here, but you are obviously a pessimist. I actually feel sorry for you. If you are looking for perfection, good luck! There are no flawless teams in the NFL and there is no such thing as a Superbowl lock. Tom Brady and Eli Manning have bad games and throw picks in bunches just like Alex does. Every NFL kicker misses field goals and every defense has lapses. Every coach feels the stress of the job and says silly things sometimes. There is no need to wear rose colored glasses and try to whitewash the flaws, but I also see very little point in wasting energy handwringing about problems that may or may not prevent the team from reaching its potential down the road. The 49ers are a very good team with as good a shot at the Superbowl as any other team. That's something to be excited about. If they had no flaws there wouldn't be much drama, would there? Half the fun is watching to see if they can overcome their imperfections.
    Nov 5, 2012 at 9:38 AM
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    Response: Matt, I appreciate your comment, because it gives me a nice chance to try to explain myself. I've tried this several times over the years, and I never seem to get anywhere. But in light of what seems to be a pretty substantial backlash this week, I'll try it again. Let me begin by saying that there is no one alive, anywhere on earth, who wants the Niners to win more than I do. The Niners have been my obsession since I was nine years old. I will not indulge readers who question the legitimacy of my fandom. But as I've acknowledged in print, my fandom is complicated. It's not any better or worse than yours; it's just different. Even after a near-decade of misery, I'm not satisfied with winning seasons or division titles. I'm like Eddie DeBartolo: the Super Bowl is all that matters. So, as I assess the team, it's always in reference to what I think it needs to do in order to achieve that goal. As a result, when we beat an awful team like Arizona, I don't particularly celebrate the win. Instead I ask: to win the Super Bowl, what do we need to do from here? What issues do we need to fix? You might think that's "negative," but I can't imagine that Harbaugh isn't asking the very same question. (Indeed, it's his JOB to ask it!) And that's what this article is about. You'll note that nowhere do I say that Smith is more likely to remain inconsistent than to become steadily good. I don't assert that our pass-rush is doomed, that Akers sucks, or that Harbaugh is necessarily going to start dropping his pants during halftime speeches. All I say is that these are issues we'll need to address if we want to win the Super Bowl. I think we'll need more consistency from Smith and Akers, we'll need a better pass-rush, and we'll need Harbaugh to stay focused and not come unglued. Seriously, how could anyone disagree? But to be fair, most of you aren't really disagreeing: you're just saying that I'm being "negative" because I refuse to just sit back and celebrate how good we are. Well, Harbaugh says that if you're not getting better, you're getting worse. I agree, and I want the team to get better. If you're not interested in joining me in a discussion of how the team can get better, then by all means, please see yourselves out. And a little anger-management therapy wouldn't hurt either.
  • EVBeezee
    One issue I have with this commentary (Or the biggest issue, I should say): You have it wrong about Alex. The real perception out there is when the 9ers are good it's because of the defense and when the 9ers are bad it's because of Alex. Look it up. Read the commentary. I love our defense but as a result of their reputation and Alex' reputation it always defaults to the defense winning games and Alex losing them which, more often than not, is not an entirely true perception.
    Nov 5, 2012 at 9:15 AM
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  • Adam
    How can you downplay a loss by no more than ten last year as staying competitive but we lose by eleven to the Vikings and you consider that a blowout loss? Come on dude, give me a break.
    Nov 5, 2012 at 9:15 AM
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  • Formerlurker
    I got to the line about Alex Smith being great when he's great and other people being to blame when he's not (delivered with patent sarcasm) and you lost me. No need to read any more. You lost your journalistic credibility at that moment and I didn't need to know anything else you might have to say.
    Nov 5, 2012 at 6:28 AM
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  • PhillyNiner
    Typical negative article from Kaplan. All you seem to be is a soapbox for reinforcing all of your own negative opinions. You arent a sports writer...youre just a biased anti-fan who shows up when the chips are down to yell I told you so for anyone who will listen.
    Nov 5, 2012 at 5:44 AM
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  • TURKEY MAN 3002
    Allow me to translate, 'cause I speak the language. Alex Smith: GOBBLE GOBBLE JIVE TURKEY
    Nov 5, 2012 at 5:41 AM
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  • Joe Montana
    Why do you write articles? I don't get it. You seemed to be whining more than making good points. There are a lot of examples of good sports writing, maybe we can study them first before writing again. Do you have an editor? If not, you should get one.
    Nov 4, 2012 at 9:42 PM
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  • Alex
    I hope you're better at your day job than you are at sports writing. But just to be safe, I'll be sure that I never retain you for any reason...I would be better off representing myself than having you and your skewed point of view represent me in any courtroom.
    Nov 4, 2012 at 8:34 PM
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