QB Competition

Originally posted by CorvaNinerFan:
I'd agree preseason stats don't mean a lot...but leadership and consistency do. That's where Hill has an advantage over Alex...getting rid of the ball quickly, making good decisions, and being "the guy" in the huddle are important. I can appreciate how far Alex has come...but, I don't think it's far enough to be the starter. He's still too indecisive, holds the ball too long, and overall just isn't in control consistently enough. He's got a better arm than Hill...but that's not enough. Hill's no gazelle out there, but still makes plays on a consistent basis. He's also not afraid to tuck the ball under his arm and run with it. I keep flashing back to that game in Arizona...where he made that tough run, got his 1st down, and pumped up the whole team with his effort. He's a gritty QB...and the guy we need under C.

truth be told hill will never get us to a superbowl, he is good for 10 wins the most, if alex can wake up and get the nfl speeddown he has all the tools to lead us

That's possible...but, as the team improves and he gets more PT, it's hard to say where he can lead the team. It's widely recognized he's not our QB of the future...but then, Alex may never be, either. Right now, he's the best hope we have. We keep saying "if" Alex does this or that, he can lead us to the promised land. Maybe, and I hope he can, but until he shows the right stuff, Hill's our best option.

Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:

Originally posted by Leathaface:
So going into this weekends game vs the Raiders (and post Napa practices), it seems as if Shaun Hill is starting to take control of the job.

As soon as this game on Saturday is done, I'm hoping Singletary names Hill the starter and we can all move on.

I don't see any scenario (other than a Hill injury) in which Smith will move past Hill on the depth chart. IMO, this "competition" was simply to light a fire under Hill. Again, IMO, it's not nearly as close as it's being broadcast.

What I'm interested in is seeing Smith vs. Huard. I still honestly believe that Huard is our best option to backup Hill. Huard is a veteran who has been successful at the NFL level (on a sorry team, mind you).

People might think I'm just hating on Smith but I'm just calling it like I see it. This game will reveal a lot more in the Smith vs. Huard debate, though.

I agree that if Smith doesn't make any huge significant strides, then it's time for Singletary to name Hill the starter for the benefit of the rest of the offense.

I absolutely disagree with your assertion that Singletary only has the quarterback competition to light a fire under Hill. And how do you know that "it's not nearly as close as it's being broadcast". Really? I want to know. Special press pass? Or do you think that BOTH of the Matt's are simply lying?

While you may think that Huard may be a better backup to Hill, i'm sure as hell glad that Singletary doesn't see it that way......

-9fA

I thought I was being as clear as possible when I said IMO. IMO = in my opinion in case you didn't know. I'm entitled to believe what I want...and what I believe is that Singletary put Hill way ahead before the competition started knowing that this would help Hill get better in the offseason. Smith was a long shot from the start.

If you think Alex Smith is leaps and bounds better than Huard, you're as confused as Alex Smith vs. a zone blitz. Huard is not a pushover. He could be a legit backup for a lot of teams.

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:

Originally posted by Leathaface:
So going into this weekends game vs the Raiders (and post Napa practices), it seems as if Shaun Hill is starting to take control of the job.

As soon as this game on Saturday is done, I'm hoping Singletary names Hill the starter and we can all move on.

I don't see any scenario (other than a Hill injury) in which Smith will move past Hill on the depth chart. IMO, this "competition" was simply to light a fire under Hill. Again, IMO, it's not nearly as close as it's being broadcast.

What I'm interested in is seeing Smith vs. Huard. I still honestly believe that Huard is our best option to backup Hill. Huard is a veteran who has been successful at the NFL level (on a sorry team, mind you).

People might think I'm just hating on Smith but I'm just calling it like I see it. This game will reveal a lot more in the Smith vs. Huard debate, though.

I agree that if Smith doesn't make any huge significant strides, then it's time for Singletary to name Hill the starter for the benefit of the rest of the offense.

I absolutely disagree with your assertion that Singletary only has the quarterback competition to light a fire under Hill. And how do you know that "it's not nearly as close as it's being broadcast". Really? I want to know. Special press pass? Or do you think that BOTH of the Matt's are simply lying?

While you may think that Huard may be a better backup to Hill, i'm sure as hell glad that Singletary doesn't see it that way......

-9fA

I thought I was being as clear as possible when I said IMO. IMO = in my opinion in case you didn't know. I'm entitled to believe what I want...and what I believe is that Singletary put Hill way ahead before the competition started knowing that this would help Hill get better in the offseason. Smith was a long shot from the start.

If you think Alex Smith is leaps and bounds better than Huard, you're as confused as Alex Smith vs. a zone blitz. Huard is not a pushover. He could be a legit backup for a lot of teams.

So you believe Singletary has been lying, then?

Regarding Huard, three other NFL teams have taken a long look at him and decided in their opinion, that they are not convinced. Further, it is not really possible to argue the case based on potential, as is done with Smith. Huard at 36 is on the downslope.

Originally posted by English:

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:

Originally posted by Leathaface:
So going into this weekends game vs the Raiders (and post Napa practices), it seems as if Shaun Hill is starting to take control of the job.

As soon as this game on Saturday is done, I'm hoping Singletary names Hill the starter and we can all move on.

I don't see any scenario (other than a Hill injury) in which Smith will move past Hill on the depth chart. IMO, this "competition" was simply to light a fire under Hill. Again, IMO, it's not nearly as close as it's being broadcast.

What I'm interested in is seeing Smith vs. Huard. I still honestly believe that Huard is our best option to backup Hill. Huard is a veteran who has been successful at the NFL level (on a sorry team, mind you).

People might think I'm just hating on Smith but I'm just calling it like I see it. This game will reveal a lot more in the Smith vs. Huard debate, though.

I agree that if Smith doesn't make any huge significant strides, then it's time for Singletary to name Hill the starter for the benefit of the rest of the offense.

I absolutely disagree with your assertion that Singletary only has the quarterback competition to light a fire under Hill. And how do you know that "it's not nearly as close as it's being broadcast". Really? I want to know. Special press pass? Or do you think that BOTH of the Matt's are simply lying?

While you may think that Huard may be a better backup to Hill, i'm sure as hell glad that Singletary doesn't see it that way......

-9fA

I thought I was being as clear as possible when I said IMO. IMO = in my opinion in case you didn't know. I'm entitled to believe what I want...and what I believe is that Singletary put Hill way ahead before the competition started knowing that this would help Hill get better in the offseason. Smith was a long shot from the start.

If you think Alex Smith is leaps and bounds better than Huard, you're as confused as Alex Smith vs. a zone blitz. Huard is not a pushover. He could be a legit backup for a lot of teams.

So you believe Singletary has been lying, then?

Regarding Huard, three other NFL teams have taken a long look at him and decided in their opinion, that they are not convinced. Further, it is not really possible to argue the case based on potential, as is done with Smith. Huard at 36 is on the downslope.

Do you think everything the coaches tell the media is the absolute truth? I'd be upset if it was. Like I said, this is what I take out of it, personally.

Mentioning how many teams a guy has been on is not really pertinent to the argument of who our backup QB should be. Moreover, he has found some success in this league.

Potential is also irrelevant to the issue since we're talking about the backup position--normally given to the QB most able to come in and perform in an emergency situation. It's not about building for the future as much as it is performing in the present. This is why I'd take Huard over Smith as the backup. I'm more confident that he can come in and get a W if Hill has to miss a week (I know this is a long way to be thinking about). Not a total knock on Smith--I'm sure in due time he'll develop into a fine backup QB.

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by English:

Originally posted by Leathaface:

Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:

Originally posted by Leathaface:
So going into this weekends game vs the Raiders (and post Napa practices), it seems as if Shaun Hill is starting to take control of the job.

As soon as this game on Saturday is done, I'm hoping Singletary names Hill the starter and we can all move on.

I don't see any scenario (other than a Hill injury) in which Smith will move past Hill on the depth chart. IMO, this "competition" was simply to light a fire under Hill. Again, IMO, it's not nearly as close as it's being broadcast.

What I'm interested in is seeing Smith vs. Huard. I still honestly believe that Huard is our best option to backup Hill. Huard is a veteran who has been successful at the NFL level (on a sorry team, mind you).

People might think I'm just hating on Smith but I'm just calling it like I see it. This game will reveal a lot more in the Smith vs. Huard debate, though.

I agree that if Smith doesn't make any huge significant strides, then it's time for Singletary to name Hill the starter for the benefit of the rest of the offense.

I absolutely disagree with your assertion that Singletary only has the quarterback competition to light a fire under Hill. And how do you know that "it's not nearly as close as it's being broadcast". Really? I want to know. Special press pass? Or do you think that BOTH of the Matt's are simply lying?

While you may think that Huard may be a better backup to Hill, i'm sure as hell glad that Singletary doesn't see it that way......

-9fA

I thought I was being as clear as possible when I said IMO. IMO = in my opinion in case you didn't know. I'm entitled to believe what I want...and what I believe is that Singletary put Hill way ahead before the competition started knowing that this would help Hill get better in the offseason. Smith was a long shot from the start.

If you think Alex Smith is leaps and bounds better than Huard, you're as confused as Alex Smith vs. a zone blitz. Huard is not a pushover. He could be a legit backup for a lot of teams.

So you believe Singletary has been lying, then?

Regarding Huard, three other NFL teams have taken a long look at him and decided in their opinion, that they are not convinced. Further, it is not really possible to argue the case based on potential, as is done with Smith. Huard at 36 is on the downslope.

Do you think everything the coaches tell the media is the absolute truth? I'd be upset if it was. Like I said, this is what I take out of it, personally.

Mentioning how many teams a guy has been on is not really pertinent to the argument of who our backup QB should be. Moreover, he has found some success in this league.

Potential is also irrelevant to the issue since we're talking about the backup position--normally given to the QB most able to come in and perform in an emergency situation. It's not about building for the future as much as it is performing in the present. This is why I'd take Huard over Smith as the backup. I'm more confident that he can come in and get a W if Hill has to miss a week (I know this is a long way to be thinking about). Not a total knock on Smith--I'm sure in due time he'll develop into a fine backup QB.

I think most 9er fans who expects us to make the playoffs this year as well as wants our 9ers to go deeper into the post season would want Huard as our backup.

where as, I believe others still see Alex as QB of the future and don't want to hurt his feelings or should I say confidence if we move Huard past him on the depth chart.

I say that if Alex is worthy of being our QB of the future then he needs to earn it....which I think is fair.

He has been spoiled by this franchise since we drafted him.....he hasn't really legitimately beat any (legit)QBs out in training camp to earn the starting job so far in his career....but has been giving the job on more than one occasion. I don't feel he should be given the important roll of backup QB for a playoff caliber team like our 49ers.....I feel he should earn it......that would only be fair for our team and to us fans....

Originally posted by yoyo49:

Originally posted by abowers1984:

Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:

Originally posted by abowers1984:

Originally posted by 49erWill:

Originally posted by abowers1984:
JTO Stats tonight: 10/13 149yds 1td
Total Preseason Stats: 19/24 249yds 2td 0int

FYI...

Good point...


Preseason stats don't mean much

I hear you and completely agree... just letting everyone know. But lets be honest, if he was doing poorly and throwing picks you would be throwing it in my face... Or if Smith put up numbers like this, all of his supporters would be pissing their pants on this site with 'I told you so's'.

Im really only curious to see how he performs in terms of the maintaining control of the football without Martz calling the plays... So far, he has been fairly impressive.

Hill supporters would say the same thing if Hill was doing the same, so what's your point?

And yeah i agree with you on the last paragraph. I've also wondered how JT would do without Martz calling the plays. So far he hasn't done bad, but you gotta put it into perspective.

-9fA

I was just responding to 49erWill's contention that the preseason doesnt matter at all... Just stating that had any QB on the 9ers performed like this, that players supporters would most certainly celebrate.

I just feel that Smith's bandwagon might be a bit more ecstatic because to this point, all they've had to support their arguments are excuses as to why he has yet to perform like a starting caliber QB.

Actually I think Smith has performed extremely well. Most people dismissed the idea of Alex even being competitive during the competition. Some even believe that he is the worse player to ever put on a niner uniform. But even in the face of extremely harsh criticism, Smith has been almost on par with Shuan Hill, forcing the competition to last this far into preseason. Not bad for a guy who basically hasn't played in almost 2 years. Especially against a guy who many believe is light years ahead him.

I'm just happy knowing that the better QB is going to be named the starter. Shaun Hill will do a great job. However, I guarantee you that Alex Smith will be the 49ers starting QB sometime within the next 2 years. For what ever reason.

So you don't think dumping a pile of money into Smith's lap over the last couple of years had anything to do with this "QB Competition"? Smith will be lucky to be in the NFL in two more seasons.

Just name Hill he starter, already. Smith looks too spooked by there to be our starter. Hill is the best choice for right now. And this is coming from a long time Smith supporter.

Ive come to the conclusion that Shaun Hill will be our starter on opening day, but Singletary will not be afraid to bench if he is not playing well in favor of Smith somewhere down the line.

I had no idea Shaun had been playing with an injury to his throwing hand the past 2 years. May have had alot to do with his limited arm strength.

From John Clayton:

Quote:
What surprised me is the physical problem he played with the past two seasons. He dislocated a joint at the top of his right index finger. A quarterback needs that index finger to generate a spiral. Hill had an index finger that bent with the shape of the ball. Without being to put extra pressure on the ball with that finger, Hill couldn't throw a quality long pass last season. Doctors grafted a small bone from another part of his hand to fix the problem, and now he can throw a longer pass.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp09/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=4411536

It's very possible that Alex Smith will never amount to anything in the NFL. Then again -- never say never. I've been one of the biggest Alex critics on this board. I don't think he has it. I still don't think he has it.

But -- those who argue that he's never had a settled situation to begin with -- have a point. This is your San Francisco 49ers. There's a revolving door at the OC position. We haven't put a winning team together in nearly a DECADE. You can't put that all on Alex. He's part of the problem. But he's not all of it.

This case -- and what has happened to Alex -- strongly remind me of what happened to Jim Plunkett. The man came out of Stanford as a "can't miss" prospect and just got nailed for five years as the QB for New England. When he was shipped to the 49ers -- his right shoulder was the consistency of hamburger. He was in terrible shape.

His time with the Niners was no better. The team was changing head coaches every eight games. He didn't have much of a line, or many weapons, and just got KILLED for two years. I remember watching it. It wasn't a pretty sight. And soon -- he got shipped off to Oakland.

And there Jim Plunkett sat. On the bench. Behind Ken Stabler. Behind Dan Pastorini. And he sat and sat and sat.

But -- that gave him some new perspective. He got to see a class organization (and the Raiders were a class organization 25-years ago). His shoulder finally healed. And when he finally got a chance to see the field again? It was a different Jim Plunkett. He had finally arrived. He was older and wiser, but his time finally came and he made the most of it.

Today -- Plunkett is celebrated as one of the better QB's to ever play in the NFL. But nobody remembers his first seven or eight seasons -- which were AWFUL. They only remember the championships.

So -- because of what happened with Plunkett? I have to say that Alex still might amount to something. But it won't be with San Francisco. I think his time here, like Plunkett's time, is done.

Originally posted by billbird2111:
So -- because of what happened with Plunkett? I have to say that Alex still might amount to something. But it won't be with San Francisco. I think his time here, like Plunkett's time, is done.

Wow, man, that was so beautiful. . . .

Was there really ever a competition? All we have heard is how Alex will do this and Alex will do that. And the only thing the boy has done is stink! Even his best effort the fabled 2006 season was barffably bad. His B.S. 2-1 start in 2007 was some of the worst QBing the league has ever seen. The only thing he has done with any success is get injured. And he always seems to get injured at exactly the right time. When the wolves are closing in you better believe smith will have an injury. Then the alecuse mutton heads come out and tout what he "MIGHT HAVE DONE". Hopefully smith will be released the day after the raiders game and cure us of the nightmare that has been his time with the 9ers. Huard number 2 and Davis number 3. Smith holding a clip board in the arena league,,, naw he's too rich for that


Dirty

AS starting tomorrow per MM's twitter

I find this to be a formality by the coaching staff, as I believe Shaun looked better in the 1st game and thru practice this week, and I'm a Smith supporter.

That being said, Alex has a chance with this start and he's gonna need to make the most of it, and I mean the most to put himself ahead in the competition. He may even need a bad game from Shaun.

Originally posted by Dirty9er:
Was there really ever a competition? All we have heard is how Alex will do this and Alex will do that. And the only thing the boy has done is stink! Even his best effort the fabled 2006 season was barffably bad. His B.S. 2-1 start in 2007 was some of the worst QBing the league has ever seen. The only thing he has done with any success is get injured. And he always seems to get injured at exactly the right time. When the wolves are closing in you better believe smith will have an injury. Then the alecuse mutton heads come out and tout what he "MIGHT HAVE DONE". Hopefully smith will be released the day after the raiders game and cure us of the nightmare that has been his time with the 9ers. Huard number 2 and Davis number 3. Smith holding a clip board in the arena league,,, naw he's too rich for that


Dirty

I agree. It has even been reported that he's still slow on releasing the ball in practice. If it hasn't changed by now, it won't.

Alex Smith starting against the Raiders. Hill will light it up but "it's against 2nd stringers" and Smith struggled because he didn't have Gore and was up against the first D.