Originally posted by merm49:
I'd been mentioning this quote every time I discussed our QB situation in the run-up to and early stages of FA with other non-Niner fans.
While I'm not going to hold my breath, I will admit the possibility does exist that he comes out like a whole different player. He certainly has the ability to make big throws in the moments that matter most, and I can't think of a better coaching staff for Smith to have his first offseason in the same system with. The good news is he proved last year he can be a solid, good-not-great, game managing QB who doesn't lose you games; the question now is if he develops into the kind of QB that can CONSISTENTLY win you games (the comebacks were great and are great for the future, but remember that we often ended up needing comebacks only after the O faltered).
That said, I just feel that it's his personality, his nature, to be overly cautious--especially after the beating he took in his rookie year and 2007. I don't think that's gonna change, though I hope it does and that Urban Meyers until now prophetic words (i.e., struggles until he knows an offense) prove true.
I think he can be better than what we have seen. I don't know how much better. But this year will tell you more than what we have seen in all prior years.