Originally posted by dtg_9er:
Harbaugh's system is QB smart, not QB hiding. He puts the QB in a position to make plays when necessary but not every play. He also sets up plays within the game and from game to game much as Walsh use to do. This is so great to see.
I can see the tackle eligible play being run as a ruse to throw deep for instance. Everyone and their brother will be keying on Staley or Sopoaga and it will go fifty yards to Edwards. It is still mind boggling how much difference a coach can make! I've always believed the coach is the biggest difference but from last year to this year is even too much for me to comprehend!
I was watching the end of at Stanford and USC game and came away with the same conclusion. More than anything, Harbaugh develop his QBs to have smart decision making during the game, especially late in the game. The very basic need of any good QB. That pick 6 aside, Andrew Luck made some very good decision late in that game. His decision making was on par with NFL type QB. I think he will struggled with speed of the NFL. But having that basic fundamental will carry him a long way, and have success quicker.
Don't want to go into Alex Smith. Much have been talked about already. Smith is playing with the same smart way, but I think it was already in Smith before Harbaugh got to him. Harbaugh just enhance that in Smith. The thing that I see Harbaugh do with his QBs, and people have misinterpreted as 'hiding his QB'. Harbaugh have played the position. He does not want to put his QB in bad situations, by his play calling, by putting pressure on his QB to bail the team out on bad plays and get a win. As a former player he was good but doesn't have an abundant of abilities or talent. He realized most QB in the NFL aren't Cam Newton, Dan Marino, Michael Vick, John Elways, Brett Favre. Guys with strong arm and awesome abilities. These guys can take risks because they have the abilities to. Most guys are like himself as a player. In essence Harbaugh is teaching his QB that they don't have to be these guys to win the game. No more pressure of that degree.
Smith said it himself that there's less pressure on him compare to previous years to make the plays to win the game. And for that ease of mind what did he do for the team.... calmly made 3 come from behind wins on the road. The last one was a 4th and goal. And against the Browns, a touch pass to Soap to seal a field goal win.
Simple and efficient way to get the most out of his QB.
[ Edited by qnnhan7 on Nov 3, 2011 at 9:09 PM ]