Originally posted by LasVegasWally:Originally posted by WRATHman44:Originally posted by Young2Rice:Originally posted by genus49:Originally posted by ayleswbj11:Criminally underused? Please, he was a 4th round pick who isn't particularly fast an was injured. He has played like a 4th round pick. I like Quinton, but realize he is what he is. One thing you can't argue is Harbs is about competition an the best player plays. Quinton was not that. He will get his chance as you say to prove everyone wrong including me.
I don't buy that. Not from what we saw. Harbaugh and his coaches were very much favoring vets and the young guys weren't getting much of an opportunity unless it was clear they were better or there was nobody ahead of them to hold them back.
Crabtree was terrible last year yet he kept starting. Stevie Johnson was hardly used despite playing very well when given the chance. Vernon Davis was awful last year and he kept starting. Brandon Lloyd who was an old one trick pony got playing time over Patton as well..and that's with Harbaugh claiming that Patton was going off in practice.
So how exactly is that about best players playing?
I disagree.
Harbaugh put a young Bowman out there, rookie Bruce Miller converted DE started as a rookie, a very raw second year inexpeprienced Kap was thrust into the starting role in a super bowl run took over ffor a solid Alex Smith, Culliver got lots of playing time as a rookie, Hunter got lots of playing time as a rookie, Reid started as a rookie, Aldon got considerable playing time as a rookie and made an impact. And there are more. The best players played.
Patton has some work to do to get playing time this year also. Just because Patton couldn't beat out the WRs we had, blaming that on JH is unfair.
Bowman was a GM decision, as Baalke chose not to re-sign Spikes, who had started the previous year.
Miller didn't play until Norris got injured, then Baalke cut Norris once he was healthy.
Kap played because Smith was injured. He proved IN GAMES to be more dynamic than Smith. Harbaugh was paraphrased as saying that Kap play surprised him.
Cully played because Brock was hurt.
Hunter played because Frank was beat up throughout the season, and they wanted him rested for the post season. Hunter took his few initial reps and earned more time IN GAMES.
Reid started because Goldson walked, and there was not a single other FS worthy of starting an NFL game on the roster (Craig Dahl?)
Aldon was a top 7 pick athletic freak, and he didn't start as a rookie.
IIRC ,every rookie who played has either been a first round pick or has been thrust into a role by injuries. The look they got in practice never seemed to fortell the work they earned on the field.
Spot on WRATH!
Agree with all except the Kap comment.
I think Harbaugh was looking for a way to insert his QB into the starting lineup. Smith was playing very well until he got concussed. You just don't bench a guy like that after 1 game. That was intentional in my opinion.
