Originally posted by aTx49er:
Originally posted by dtg_9er:
Originally posted by SofaKing:
Originally posted by dtg_9er:
Same old crap from Cosell. He evidently missed the passes threaded between defenders last week...and he always seems to miss those doesn't he? So sad that he has to recycle this nonsense. Safe? Yes, Smith plays it safe. But when he needs a third and long? Either runs for a first down or completes an excellent pass for a first down. Why folks still listen to Cosell is...easy to understand...it agrees with their misconceptions.
Cosell does make some valid criticisms. I didn't find anything inaccurate in his analysis, other than he can't win more than 9 or 10 games. Alex proved he can win more than that.
Cosell and Jaworski in particular put a huge emphasis on arm strength and throwing downfield. They don't appreciate Alex's skill set even if it produces wins. I think Alex is a good QB, but at the same time I'm not going to pretend he doesn't have limitations. Alex does a great job playing to his strengths. I think he has great anticipation for the short routes, makes quick decisions, and has confidence throwing into tight windows in that area.
I have to question your assessment of Alex on 3rd and longs: "But when he needs a third and long? Either runs for a first down or completes an excellent pass for a first down." I don't think that's true. He rarely challenges the defense in those situations, instead choosing to check down and accept punting on 4th down. That was a constant criticism during his entire career in SF.
What he does do extremely well is throw on 1st and 10, creating great down and distance situations to run, use play-action, or continue to dink and dunk methodically up field.
Cosell says early in the piece that Smith will not throw into coverage and yet there were two very good completions last game with defenders bracketing the receiver. According to Cosell Smith won't make those throws...so who was wearing #11 for KC last week? That was an error in his article and he perpetuates this myth with every comment on Smith.
Smith doesn't take unnecessary risks and so he is less likely to throw into coverage but that's a style, not an inability. My assessment of Smith's 3rd and longs--he did both things in the last game. I'm not saying he always does this...no QB does. So you can question my memory if you like but go watch his games from this year and you will see him do this. Very important plays and he kept the chains moving.
What's with the tendency of posters to take a straight comment on a few plays and call it bull because it isn't the case 100% of the time? Good grief, are we so addled that we can regard comments in any other way than general truisms?
As you can tell, I have little respect for Cosell's opinion when it comes to Smith...your point that he likes a downfield QB says it all...he's prejudiced.
I listen to Greg Cossell all the time and can say that he definitely has a love for strong armed QBs and a dislike of Alex Smith's "style". He's actually backed off of some of his harsher criticisms of AS. He does make some valid points about AS though.
An example of his love of strong armed QBs is his pre-draft evaluation of Jamarcus Russell. He love how Russell could just flick the ball 50 yards down the field while on the move. He thought that Russell should definitely be the first pick in the draft that year. 
you know AT, I think ummm, whats his name, Marshall Faulk said it after Smith was interviewed on the set of Thursday night football. " Many don't like the way Smith plays because we are so enamored with the high octane scoring offenses, but at the end of the day, the guys wins games."
And I have to say credit to you for actually saying u listen to Cossell. He has never been a big fan of Smith, but it was hilarious when he said some negative things about kaep, and Oh Lord, you would of thought someone was gonna get killed. Now he's crap, he doesn't know what he's talking about, crappy articles.... was just too funny.
