Arguments for Alex Smith and Shaun Hill to Start | Page 9

MadDog49er · 2009-06-25T06:03:44-07:00

The most difficult decision of the Mike Singletary administration will soon have to be made: Who to start at QB. In an attempt to be fair to both parties, I present arguments for both Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. According to Matt Barrows, Alex Smith has looked healthier, stronger, more accurate this past month than in the previous two years. He was the unquestioned starting quarterback two years ago before his shoulder injury, and was a player who seemed to have a strong upside to his game. Did his shoulder injury two years ago affect his ability to play at a high level? Surely. The question is: How much? Smith presents the best long-term QB answer for the Niners, when stacked against Hill. Alex is four years younger, possesses a stronger arm, and has greater mobility in and out of the pocket. Supporters of Smith will state that the Niners' OL has never given Alex the chance to develop his game, as he has been running for his life the moment he stood behind the center. Critics will say that: He simply doesn't get it; although intelligent, he simply has not been able to transition from the shotgun to playing under the center; that he lacks the characteristic of being a strong leader. Critics will argue that he slumps his head too much, isn't a guy who can rally the team effectively, doesn't inspire confidence. All of these statements would be true to some degree. Even the most strident Smith fans would have to admit that these are specific areas of improvement that must happen for Smith to have a starting role in this league. Shaun Hill has been the super-sub the previous two seasons. His high winning percentage, and strong QB rating in 2008, point to a guy as a winner. He is a terrific leader, and even though he doesn't have a dynamic arm, he gets the ball in most places at most times (although it surely isn't pretty). He is consistent, and does a solid job at limiting turnovers in most games. Hill is a solid game manager. Players rally behind him, more so than Smith. Hill has the necessary confidence that Smith has lacked at times. Finally, while Smith has struggled to adjust to four OC's in four years (as predicted last season, the 2009 season would make for a fifth OC), Hill seems to assimilate each offense with greater ease. Critics will state that he has limited upside to his game due to sub-standard arm strength, that he cannot make a number of throws on the field, that he doesn't have the ability to stretch the field. They will state that while Hill must be a game manager to win, Smith can post points on the board, that the offense can be more dynamic. The Niners have a tough call. Outside of the first month of his rookie season, Smith has never come off the bench in his career, and this could be a good thing or bad thing. In one sense, it might take the pressure off of him to produce right away. However, it might also hurt his confidence to be a backup to a NFL journeyman QB. The momentum this spring has been with Smith. How would he react to not getting the starting role? On the flip side, Hill has been outstanding in a backup role. The team would have tremendous confidence in Hill if Smith went down with an injury in a game, or simply was not producing. However, he has never gone into a season as the starter, and the expectations for greater offensive production may not match his skill set. Entering the season as a starter is a far different animal than coming off the bench. And yet, when Hill plays, the Niners win. Would that change if he started the season at QB, instead of a relief pitcher? In the end, the Niners will have to answer the question: Which QB gives us a better chance to win? And the answer could be based upon their thoughts on the offensive line and defense. If the Niners have confidence that they will be able to run the ball efffectively, limit the QB to 20-25 throws a game, and have a studly defense, Shaun Hill would appear to be the better option. However, if the Niners really want to open up the offense in 2009, and feel like the defense will not be strong enough to carry the team this season, Smith may be the better option. There will certainly be more than 1,000 Smith-Hill/Hill-Smith threads once training camp emerges, and the daily drama will surely stoke fires. Ultimately, the team needs to strongly endorse one guy as the starter, or else risk a tough year. Teams with training camp battles at QB, and uncertainty entering the season, struggle to win games, and generally have sub-500 seasons. The goal should be to announce the QB as soon as possible so that everyone is on the same page. Bold 2010 Prediction: There will not be a QB controversy for the Niners in 2010. Either Hill will show that he is a starter in this league, or not. Smith will show that he is a stable franchise QB to build a team around. Or, the Niners will target a QB in free agency or the draft, to start right away. Cheers. [ Edited by MadDog49er on Jun 25, 2009 at 09:30:42 ]

Oct 14, 2009 at 1:56 PM

#121

dirtysouthniner
Veteran
Posts: 960

Originally posted by maximill15:
I could understand a Nate davis over hill and smith argument, as idiotic as it sounds because he possess all the tools, except experience, but smith over hill is sorry! He had ONE good game in seattle and thats it!

How can you say such a thing??? It was a good quarter in one game.

[ Edited by dirtysouthniner on Oct 14, 2009 at 13:56:47 ]

Oct 14, 2009 at 1:58 PM

#122

Memphis9er
Veteran
Posts: 12,696

What is really funny is how people are making excuses for Hills poor performance that they called alexcuses when applied to Smith. If you are going to criticize one for something, it should also apply to the other, right? I expected more from Hill, I was very happy with the way he played last year other than the St. Louis game @ St. Louis. Now he seems to have regressed, no pocket presence, poor accuracy, under throwing dump offs...etc. Then these people have the nerve to criticize anyone that has enough depth of thought to realize that the teams Smith played on weren't nearly as good as the one Hill has been sucking it up on. Then we get the certified "football geniuses" that want to use Flacco/Ryan/Sanchez as a measuring stick, like the 2005 Niners roster had anywhere near the talent as either the Ravens/Falcons or the Jets. It is this kind of ignorance that makes these peoples arguments not only invalid, but laughable.

Oct 14, 2009 at 1:59 PM

#123

maximill15
Veteran
Posts: 11,734

Originally posted by dirtysouthniner:
Originally posted by maximill15:
I could understand a Nate davis over hill and smith argument, as idiotic as it sounds because he possess all the tools, except experience, but smith over hill is sorry! He had ONE good game in seattle and thats it!

How can you say such a thing??? It was a good quarter in one game.

you are right!!

im sorry

Oct 14, 2009 at 2:01 PM

#124

pantstickle
Hall of Fame
Posts: 3,602

Originally posted by maximill15:
Originally posted by dirtysouthniner:
Originally posted by maximill15:
I could understand a Nate davis over hill and smith argument, as idiotic as it sounds because he possess all the tools, except experience, but smith over hill is sorry! He had ONE good game in seattle and thats it!

How can you say such a thing??? It was a good quarter in one game.

you are right!! im sorry

Starting Davis means we've given up on the season. It's all about winning now.

Oct 14, 2009 at 2:01 PM

#125

maximill15
Veteran
Posts: 11,734

Originally posted by pantstickle:
Originally posted by maximill15:
Originally posted by dirtysouthniner:
Originally posted by maximill15:
I could understand a Nate davis over hill and smith argument, as idiotic as it sounds because he possess all the tools, except experience, but smith over hill is sorry! He had ONE good game in seattle and thats it!

How can you say such a thing??? It was a good quarter in one game.

you are right!! im sorry

Starting Davis means we've given up on the season. It's all about winning now.

exactly and starting smith means we want the first pick in the draft if you catch my drift!

Oct 14, 2009 at 2:08 PM

#126

RedWaltz24
Veteran
Posts: 4,121

NEWS BREAK: Singletary says that Smith got reps with the 1st team because Hill's arm was sore from throwing so many punts (I mean passes).

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/10/singletary-talks-o-line-sheets-rossum.html

Oct 14, 2009 at 2:10 PM

#127

dirtysouthniner
Veteran
Posts: 960

Originally posted by Memphis9er:
What is really funny is how people are making excuses for Hills poor performance that they called alexcuses when applied to Smith. If you are going to criticize one for something, it should also apply to the other, right? I expected more from Hill, I was very happy with the way he played last year other than the St. Louis game @ St. Louis. Now he seems to have regressed, no pocket presence, poor accuracy, under throwing dump offs...etc. Then these people have the nerve to criticize anyone that has enough depth of thought to realize that the teams Smith played on weren't nearly as good as the one Hill has been sucking it up on. Then we get the certified "football geniuses" that want to use Flacco/Ryan/Sanchez as a measuring stick, like the 2005 Niners roster had anywhere near the talent as either the Ravens/Falcons or the Jets. It is this kind of ignorance that makes these peoples arguments not only invalid, but laughable.

I think you are right. Each player should be judge by what they accomplish on the field. What I am still waiting for is someone to give me some statistic or any data that shows why Smith is the better choice for this team. I know a lot of people are knocking Hills arm and passes, but I can clearly remember Alex having a lot trouble with his accuracy. There were many times where receivers were running wide open and he would over throw them. I know you like me don't believe either one of these guys is our future, but at least we know Hill is capable of leading this team. Throwing Smith out there just to see what happens is a sign of desperation. Especially for a guy who has never shown the ablility to make things happen.

Oct 14, 2009 at 2:10 PM

#128

Memphis9er
Veteran
Posts: 12,696

Originally posted by maximill15:
Originally posted by dirtysouthniner:
Originally posted by maximill15:
I could understand a Nate davis over hill and smith argument, as idiotic as it sounds because he possess all the tools, except experience, but smith over hill is sorry! He had ONE good game in seattle and thats it!

How can you say such a thing??? It was a good quarter in one game.

you are right!! im sorry

Smith has had a few games with a rating over 100, so obviously you are just talking out of your ass. Statements like this, which you think are cute, just show you for what you are. You have to bring more to the table than inaccurate rhetoric if you want grown men to take you seriously.

Oct 14, 2009 at 2:13 PM

#129

BETTERDAYZ9ERS
Veteran
Posts: 3,078

“I think we’ll be fine. When we get everyone on the page and stop making small mistakes – the offense will be fine,” Gore said.

If Frank says we'll be fine then I believe him.

Oct 14, 2009 at 2:14 PM

#130

maximill15
Veteran
Posts: 11,734

Originally posted by Memphis9er:
Originally posted by maximill15:
Originally posted by dirtysouthniner:
Originally posted by maximill15:
I could understand a Nate davis over hill and smith argument, as idiotic as it sounds because he possess all the tools, except experience, but smith over hill is sorry! He had ONE good game in seattle and thats it!

How can you say such a thing??? It was a good quarter in one game.

you are right!! im sorry

Smith has had a few games with a rating over 100, so obviously you are just talking out of your ass. Statements like this, which you think are cute, just show you for what you are. You have to bring more to the table than inaccurate rhetoric if you want grown men to take you seriously.

I can't waste solid arguments on a subject that is a dumb as calling for smith to start I'm sorry! The guy is a bust, as much as i wanted him to succeed, he finds a way to fail!

Oct 14, 2009 at 2:15 PM

#131

brhokla
Veteran
Posts: 266

Originally posted by Memphis9er:
Originally posted by maximill15:
Originally posted by dirtysouthniner:
Originally posted by maximill15:
I could understand a Nate davis over hill and smith argument, as idiotic as it sounds because he possess all the tools, except experience, but smith over hill is sorry! He had ONE good game in seattle and thats it!

How can you say such a thing??? It was a good quarter in one game.

you are right!! im sorry

Smith has had a few games with a rating over 100, so obviously you are just talking out of your ass. Statements like this, which you think are cute, just show you for what you are. You have to bring more to the table than inaccurate rhetoric if you want grown men to take you seriously.

Nice, I agree... Smith can't do any worse than what we have seen.

Maybe we can trade Smith and Hill to Oakland for Russell... That guy is awesome!

Oct 14, 2009 at 2:18 PM

#132

dirtysouthniner
Veteran
Posts: 960

Originally posted by Memphis9er:
Originally posted by maximill15:
Originally posted by dirtysouthniner:
Originally posted by maximill15:
I could understand a Nate davis over hill and smith argument, as idiotic as it sounds because he possess all the tools, except experience, but smith over hill is sorry! He had ONE good game in seattle and thats it!

How can you say such a thing??? It was a good quarter in one game.

you are right!! im sorry

Smith has had a few games with a rating over 100, so obviously you are just talking out of your ass. Statements like this, which you think are cute, just show you for what you are. You have to bring more to the table than inaccurate rhetoric if you want grown men to take you seriously.

I'm sorry but there are just as many people calling for smith who are talking out of the a**es. And everyonce and a while I get caught up with the crowd. I am such a loser

Oct 14, 2009 at 2:25 PM

#133

maximill15
Veteran
Posts: 11,734

Originally posted by dirtysouthniner:
Originally posted by Memphis9er:
Originally posted by maximill15:
Originally posted by dirtysouthniner:
Originally posted by maximill15:
I could understand a Nate davis over hill and smith argument, as idiotic as it sounds because he possess all the tools, except experience, but smith over hill is sorry! He had ONE good game in seattle and thats it!

How can you say such a thing??? It was a good quarter in one game.

you are right!! im sorry

Smith has had a few games with a rating over 100, so obviously you are just talking out of your ass. Statements like this, which you think are cute, just show you for what you are. You have to bring more to the table than inaccurate rhetoric if you want grown men to take you seriously.

I'm sorry but there are just as many people calling for smith who are talking out of the a**es. And everyonce and a while I get caught up with the crowd. I am such a loser

yeah didn't you know its cool to want someone with sub 70 passer rating to take you to the promise land!

Oct 14, 2009 at 2:25 PM

#134

brhokla
Veteran
Posts: 266

Lets trade Hill & Smith for J. Russell.. He looks like a keeper! Just Joking.

Actually, I think any QB is going to suck in this offense. Until the OLine problems are handled we are doomed on offense.

Oct 14, 2009 at 2:25 PM

#135

Mospeed
Veteran
Posts: 522

http://www.viddler.com/explore/J77vids/videos/5/

Heres a link of Smith his sophmore season under Norv Turner. Keep in mind the players he has around him this year. Derrell "Bricks for hands" Jackson was his #1 receiver, Arnaz Battle is his number 2 receiver. Mike Nolan got rid of Eric Johnson, the TE who caught 82 passes two years before and started Vernon Davis who was the root cause of at least two or three interceptions and even more fumbles. At right tackle we had Kwame Harris and Jim Hostler was still the quarterbacks coach

. Even with the lack of talent he still managed to win 7 games and teams couldn't stick 8 in the box for Gore because of Smiths mobility. I know all you stat whores will try and say that he's an inaccurate passer but as I said before he consistently puts the ball at the face of his receivers and it's their job to put two hands up and catch it. Because of our lack of receiver talent in the past we had a lot of dropped passes/passes that were tipped and intercepted because they were incapable of catching with their hands. Now that we have better talent it would be nice to see how he's improved on our team rather than a rivals.