Originally posted by backontop:
Originally posted by Joecool:
Originally posted by backontop:
Originally posted by Joecool:
Originally posted by backontop:
Originally posted by Kolohe:
When was the last time Alex Smith was without Frank Gore??
If Alex Smith tears it up without Gore would it be safe to say that Singletary's mancrush on Frank Gore was holding Alex Smith back?
Gotta do it 3 games in a row. That was my measurement on Troy and he disappointed. The first team won't know what hit them. The second team does and we counter. The third team has seen both and is the true test.
I was joking. But in all honesty I think Gore being out might actually help Alex Smith out. Singletary and company won't be able to just rely on running the ball 10000 times up the middle with Gore, so they have to turn to the other playmakers on the field being VD, Crabtree, Walker and Westbrook.
I don't think it will help. Alex has had plenty of 30+ attempt games this year and we get the same result from him: dig route here nd there with a curl route and nothing anywhere else.
And don't worry, they wil start out running Dixon and Westbrook down the middle, get us slightly behind and then predictable trying to catch up with mostly passing.
the number of attempts is irrelevant. What is relevant is the play calling. When majority of the 3rd downs are 3rd and long due to a crappy run game it doesn't exactly make it easy on the QB. Also the play calling doesn't exactly allow for a QB to get into rhythm. Usually Alex Smith gets into rhythm on the first drive, scores a TD then play calling turns into run run run/screen punt.
I wouldn't say "usually" like its the norm since we only have 3 out of his 7 starts leading to first drive TD's but under MJ, it is 3 out of 4 so that is a huge step in the right direction. I agree though, as hard as it is to imagine someone getting better without their best player, I do think the play calling might change and Westbrook can be just as effective as a checkdown receiver as Frank Gore was. They are both very talented RB's and although two different styled RB's, Westbrook is no slouch when it comes to the passing game. I am hoping Alex has picked up a COUPLE traits from Troy in a sense of AT LEAST throwing the ball down the field to give his guys a chance and to use his athletic ability, to extend some plays. As bad as it has been watching Alex over the years, I really think he will put together a solid game this week and keep us in the race
[ Edited by Sims84 on Dec 8, 2010 at 11:24 PM ]