Making Changes: A Quarterback Change Will Not Help us.

Originally posted by Joecool:

Originally posted by backontop:

Originally posted by WillistheWall:

Originally posted by jcs:

Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:

Originally posted by crzy:
The opening post completely ignores the current progression of the NFL toward high-powered passing offenses. The days of Trent Dilfer and Jim McMahon winning ANYTHING in this league are over.

The only quarterback in playoff contention with a sub 90 QB rating on the year is Carson Palmer, and he's a guy who has had multiple years of throwing for more than 4000 yards, so his down year statistically is mostly an anomaly.

The only team with an elite quarterback who is NOT currently in playoff contention is the Texans with Matt Schaub, and they're basically a few choked games away from being a playoff team.

You're only as good as your quarterback in this league, and as long as Alex Smith is here, we're a team that's not good enough to make the playoffs.

Even with the 2000 Ravens defense, Alex Smith would not succeed.

And yet, what you fail to recognize is that there's nobody greater than Smith available.

-9fA

I'd say Campbell out of washington if they let him taste F/A is better than alex smith

I'd say you're wrong. They're practically the same player.

except one is black and the other is white. but other than that at this point they are both full of potential. Whether or not they ever reach it is up to them.

I think you have seen too much ratatouille because in the NFL, anyone can't cook.

Originally posted by backontop:

Originally posted by Joecool:

Originally posted by backontop:

Originally posted by WillistheWall:

Originally posted by jcs:

Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:

Originally posted by crzy:
The opening post completely ignores the current progression of the NFL toward high-powered passing offenses. The days of Trent Dilfer and Jim McMahon winning ANYTHING in this league are over.

The only quarterback in playoff contention with a sub 90 QB rating on the year is Carson Palmer, and he's a guy who has had multiple years of throwing for more than 4000 yards, so his down year statistically is mostly an anomaly.

The only team with an elite quarterback who is NOT currently in playoff contention is the Texans with Matt Schaub, and they're basically a few choked games away from being a playoff team.

You're only as good as your quarterback in this league, and as long as Alex Smith is here, we're a team that's not good enough to make the playoffs.

Even with the 2000 Ravens defense, Alex Smith would not succeed.

And yet, what you fail to recognize is that there's nobody greater than Smith available.

-9fA

I'd say Campbell out of washington if they let him taste F/A is better than alex smith

I'd say you're wrong. They're practically the same player.

except one is black and the other is white. but other than that at this point they are both full of potential. Whether or not they ever reach it is up to them.

I think you have seen too much ratatouille because in the NFL, anyone can't cook.

You would have to see the movie. Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

Originally posted by Joecool:

Originally posted by backontop:

Originally posted by Joecool:

Originally posted by backontop:

Originally posted by WillistheWall:

Originally posted by jcs:

Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:

Originally posted by crzy:
The opening post completely ignores the current progression of the NFL toward high-powered passing offenses. The days of Trent Dilfer and Jim McMahon winning ANYTHING in this league are over.

The only quarterback in playoff contention with a sub 90 QB rating on the year is Carson Palmer, and he's a guy who has had multiple years of throwing for more than 4000 yards, so his down year statistically is mostly an anomaly.

The only team with an elite quarterback who is NOT currently in playoff contention is the Texans with Matt Schaub, and they're basically a few choked games away from being a playoff team.

You're only as good as your quarterback in this league, and as long as Alex Smith is here, we're a team that's not good enough to make the playoffs.

Even with the 2000 Ravens defense, Alex Smith would not succeed.

And yet, what you fail to recognize is that there's nobody greater than Smith available.

-9fA

I'd say Campbell out of washington if they let him taste F/A is better than alex smith

I'd say you're wrong. They're practically the same player.

except one is black and the other is white. but other than that at this point they are both full of potential. Whether or not they ever reach it is up to them.

I think you have seen too much ratatouille because in the NFL, anyone can't cook.

You would have to see the movie. Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

I agree that our O line isnt perfect but I dont think it is a total bust either. This line is filled with 1st and 2nd round picks. There is talent there. I think there are serious problems with coaching, schemes, playcalling that are not helping this situation at all. I dont see why the niners would waste a 1st round pick on a RT. First round Tackles should only be on the left side and even if we do is this guy going to be instantly better than Snyder or Simms??? I dont really think so. Throwing the O line under the bus as our only problem makes as much sense as saying Alex is our only problem.

Originally posted by 9er2631:
I agree that our O line isnt perfect but I dont think it is a total bust either. This line is filled with 1st and 2nd round picks. There is talent there. I think there are serious problems with coaching, schemes, playcalling that are not helping this situation at all. I dont see why the niners would waste a 1st round pick on a RT. First round Tackles should only be on the left side and even if we do is this guy going to be instantly better than Snyder or Simms??? I dont really think so. Throwing the O line under the bus as our only problem makes as much sense as saying Alex is our only problem.

The OLine is the main problem on Offense. When it comes to defense there are a few more problems as well.

Originally posted by 9er2631:
I agree that our O line isnt perfect but I dont think it is a total bust either. This line is filled with 1st and 2nd round picks. There is talent there. I think there are serious problems with coaching, schemes, playcalling that are not helping this situation at all. I dont see why the niners would waste a 1st round pick on a RT. First round Tackles should only be on the left side and even if we do is this guy going to be instantly better than Snyder or Simms??? I dont really think so. Throwing the O line under the bus as our only problem makes as much sense as saying Alex is our only problem.

#1 -- yes, I do believe a 1st round talent coming out this year is better. The schemes? The playcalls? That's what's hindering them? I think it's completely the other way around. And they cannot execute blocking at all. Slow footwork, not strong enough, misreading the rush.

#2 -- I am not saying the o-line is our only problem, but it (and arguably the 2ndary) is above and beyond is our most glaring hole. If the detroit lion defense can get that much pressure consistently, we would get absolutely throttled in a playoff game.

The talent you speak of is not consistent from snap to snap, seems to fail year to year, and needs to be replaced. It's time for our front office to say "you know what? he's not doing his job -- he needs to be REPLACED." If they don't realize this after the years of our line sucking so badly, they shouldn't be our coaches.

Originally posted by WillistheWall:

Originally posted by SanDiego49er:

Originally posted by SJniner7:

Originally posted by SanDiego49er:
I'm fine with Alex as starter for QB next season. Nate Davis is not starter material at this point and probably never will be. But he looks good against 4th stringers in Preseason. Shaun Hill has proven arm strength limitations. A rookie will have a huge and steep learning curve.

Face it. Like him or not. Alex WILL BE OUR STARTER in 2010.

While it is probably our best option, we are still entitled to not like it one bit. His mediocrity will eventually limit this team if all other areas improve. While I would never suggest that he is the sole source of the problem, his in abiliity to make plays when it really matters will probably cost us some games sometime in 2010. Here is to hoping that our defense improves and our special teams becomes decent in 2010!

1) Have you not seen improvement in his game this year?

2) If he has the same offensive coordinator for 2 years in a row and the same system for 2 years in a row for the first time in his career why would it not be reasonable to assume he can continue to improve more?

Yeah I mean he has shown an improvement from 2006 even, after not playing for 2 years. He didn't do much to convince me today, but he didn't do anything to really upset me either aside from missing a few throws. I think after 2 years of being in the same system, and we can throw in a few wrinkles to our vanilla plays, we'll be able to do better offensively. Once a QB knows a system that really helps them out. I mean he has 5 more TDs than picks, and he has a QB rating of 80, which isn't great, but with all the changes we've made and the improvisation it's not that bad either IMO. I mean I definitely think we can win with him. Maybe not because of him, but with him sure.

agreed! but his improvements have been marginal at best. My question is, if it takes this guy 2-3 years to learn a system, do we have to start all over when a new OC comes in? A team should not need a 2-3 year restart because their offensive philosophy may shift from what the QB is used to...

Originally posted by chico49erfan:

Originally posted by 9er2631:
I agree that our O line isnt perfect but I dont think it is a total bust either. This line is filled with 1st and 2nd round picks. There is talent there. I think there are serious problems with coaching, schemes, playcalling that are not helping this situation at all. I dont see why the niners would waste a 1st round pick on a RT. First round Tackles should only be on the left side and even if we do is this guy going to be instantly better than Snyder or Simms??? I dont really think so. Throwing the O line under the bus as our only problem makes as much sense as saying Alex is our only problem.

#1 -- yes, I do believe a 1st round talent coming out this year is better. The schemes? The playcalls? That's what's hindering them? I think it's completely the other way around. And they cannot execute blocking at all. Slow footwork, not strong enough, misreading the rush.

#2 -- I am not saying the o-line is our only problem, but it (and arguably the 2ndary) is above and beyond is our most glaring hole. If the detroit lion defense can get that much pressure consistently, we would get absolutely throttled in a playoff game.

The talent you speak of is not consistent from snap to snap, seems to fail year to year, and needs to be replaced. It's time for our front office to say "you know what? he's not doing his job -- he needs to be REPLACED." If they don't realize this after the years of our line sucking so badly, they shouldn't be our coaches.

Why do you believe a 1st or 2nd round Tackle is going to be instantly better than the 2nd round Tackle (Snyder) with several years of pro experience under his belt? The niners have been paying attention to their O Line and drafting that way in early rounds in recent years but we have no payoff? Obviously Scotty M can't evaluate O line talent or our O line coach isn't doing the job. Id rather find a RT via free agency that wont cost us a boatload of money.

Originally posted by Twister68:

Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:

Originally posted by crzy:
The opening post completely ignores the current progression of the NFL toward high-powered passing offenses. The days of Trent Dilfer and Jim McMahon winning ANYTHING in this league are over.

The only quarterback in playoff contention with a sub 90 QB rating on the year is Carson Palmer, and he's a guy who has had multiple years of throwing for more than 4000 yards, so his down year statistically is mostly an anomaly.

The only team with an elite quarterback who is NOT currently in playoff contention is the Texans with Matt Schaub, and they're basically a few choked games away from being a playoff team.

You're only as good as your quarterback in this league, and as long as Alex Smith is here, we're a team that's not good enough to make the playoffs.

Even with the 2000 Ravens defense, Alex Smith would not succeed.

And yet, what you fail to recognize is that there's nobody greater than Smith available.

-9fA

Well, the haters are sure that we could send Mark Roman to the Bolts and get Philip Rivers and a first round pick in return. See, that was easy! It's cool to be a virtual GM. Everything is possible!

A sad, sorely sad state of affairs isn't it?

Originally posted by Blitz:

Originally posted by Twister68:

Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:

Originally posted by crzy:
The opening post completely ignores the current progression of the NFL toward high-powered passing offenses. The days of Trent Dilfer and Jim McMahon winning ANYTHING in this league are over.

The only quarterback in playoff contention with a sub 90 QB rating on the year is Carson Palmer, and he's a guy who has had multiple years of throwing for more than 4000 yards, so his down year statistically is mostly an anomaly.

The only team with an elite quarterback who is NOT currently in playoff contention is the Texans with Matt Schaub, and they're basically a few choked games away from being a playoff team.

You're only as good as your quarterback in this league, and as long as Alex Smith is here, we're a team that's not good enough to make the playoffs.

Even with the 2000 Ravens defense, Alex Smith would not succeed.

And yet, what you fail to recognize is that there's nobody greater than Smith available.

-9fA

Well, the haters are sure that we could send Mark Roman to the Bolts and get Philip Rivers and a first round pick in return. See, that was easy! It's cool to be a virtual GM. Everything is possible!

A sad, sorely sad state of affairs isn't it?

Wow, what a great idea. I was just about to write about this possible trade.

I have an idea, lets mix peanut butter and chocolate. Lets call the haters chocolate and the ever so loving homers peanut butter. There is probably some reality and some truth to the criticism of both Alex and our o line. The problem lies with all of the above. The hope of replacement does not have to be Alex or some of the o line.

I am here to let everybody know that in this situation a paradox can exist and both elements (Qb and O line) can be blamed and replaced like a woman who is no longer young.

Originally posted by Icelandic49er:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Changing the QB going into 2010 will absolutely not fix this team, nor will it whatsoever help this team reach the playoffs next year. We will continue to suck until we address much higher priorities that are contributing to this team's failure.

If we can pass for 300+ yards and 2 TDs or 250+ yards and 3 TDs and still lose, QB is not the problem.

Examples:
Carson Palmer vs. SD -- 27/40 for 314, 2 TDs, 1 INT -- 27-24 Loss to SD
Ben Roethlisberger vs. OAK -- 18/24 for 278, 2 TDs, 1 INT -- 27-24 Loss to OAK

People are whining and crying over a season that has been lost due to, really, simply a lack of a kick/punt returner than can protect the ball. Three losses can just about entirely be attributed to that. Smith's play has been plenty good enough to get us into the playoffs, but unfortunately other areas of the team have let us down.

I am not concerned about QB whatsoever, because we have a contingency plan already in place.

1. Smith plays out this year and next. With success, he is extended, we've got a QB.
2. If unsuccessful, Smith walks via Free Agency, Nate Davis replaces him and we draft insurance for Nate.

What am I more worried about? Getting some dang protection for ANY QB WE HAVE so they don't have to spend all day on their back. Smith is lucky he's been able to avoid as many sacks as he has lately. A less mobile QB would be getting plastered out there. I can't tell you how many times I've seen defensive linemen literally hanging on Smith's back as he's trying to drop back and pass.

This board is hilarious. They say they want to win now, yet in absolute tunnel-vision, they think replacing the QB will somehow immediately get us into the playoffs. Some individuals are calling for us to trade our first rounders for a quarterback -- awesome -- then we can use our 6 remaining picks (or less, depending on the trade) to get mediocre-to-garbage level players, almost certainly not enough to fill our needs, as we continue towards another season of suckage.

The overall intelligence level and inability to think things through by some here is utterly disturbing to say the least.

If guys like Dilfer, Eli Manning, Brad Johnson, Ben Roethlisberger, and Jim McMahon can win Super Bowls, and if guys like Rex Grossman, Kerry Collins, Matt Hasselbeck, Jake Delhomme, and Chris Chandler can get their teams to the Super Bowl... I have zero doubts that Smith, if he can grow in his first off-season marked by continuity in his entire history of the league, could very well possibly do the same.

This board is incredibly frustrating. As fans, all we can hope for is for our team to be successful. I'd love it if Alex can wrap up this year with 20+ TDs (doing so in only 9 starts), giving us a 20+ TD passer for the first time since Jeff Garcia in 2002 (Rattay never had more than 10 in a season). If he can't do anything next year, especially with some continuity, he won't be back and those who hate him can gladly see him go. Then the "draft a QB" and "start Nate Davis" crowd can both be appeased... Win-win scenario for all 49er fans.

Until then, we can only let things play out. In the words of Singletary, "Just watch."

You are a brave man OTC for posting this in Niner Talk.

Fearless.

Originally posted by VA49er:
I liked this post. Alot of people are bashing smith here in response but I don't think it was the intent of this post to "praise" smith. On the Clock is essentially saying that smith is "good enough". Which isn't exactly calling him the franchise QB. I doubt that On The Clock would argue if Smith were replaced by a HOF calibur guy. I am in agreement about there being plenty of other areas to adress especially punt returning. This is just dreadful. It turns my stomach to watch the rotation of disasters fielding punts for this team since Rossum was let go. We can't even field half of the punts much less get a return. I have not looked at the stats and I don't know if anyone tracks "unfielded punts"; but I'd wager a bar tab that if you called every yard the ball travelled backwards after hitting the ground as negative punt return yardage due to the inability of the returner to catch the ball then we probably have negative punt return yards on the season. this is tremendous when you consider how close we were in most of our games and how much field position helps/hurts. I watched Mike Spurlock run one back against the Saints yesterday and I almost puked. I've supported Arnaz Battle for a long time. But it is mind boggling to me that we keep guys like him and MRob over guys like spurlock and rossum who could break a game in the return arena. P/R needs to be a priority in the offseason.

Bingo.

Originally posted by jb49ers80:
Ahh, OTC, so wise.

Sticking with Alex is the best bet short term and long. He definitely gives us the best chance next year. If he plays well, he's the long term answer. If he doesn't, we turn to Nate Davis who has had additional time to learn in the same system and is ready to start firing.

We all wish we could easily get a Peyton Manning or Drew Brees as our QB next year. We all ackowledge that Alex is a mediocre at best QB right now. But there are no better options. If you want to draft a QB and sacrifice next season in the hopes of being better in two or three years, that's a valid opinion to have. It's not my preference, but if that's what you want, then argue your case.

If your only argument is that Alex sucks, you are contributing nothing.

Also, everyone that thinks it's so easy to get a top 10 caliber starting QB, you should take a look at teams like Miami, Detriot, KC, Cleveland, the Jets, etc. They haven't had good quarterbacks for a long time. It's not easy to just pull a pro bowl quarterback out of your ass.

And if you think we'd be better off with Jason Campbell, Matt Hasselbeck, David Garrard, etc...Ask fans of those teams how they feel about their QBs. The grass isn't always greener on the other side.

If you hate Alex and are convinced that he'll always be terrible, then think of our approach as keeping the seat warm for our Savior, Nate Davis. Like the Bengals did with Carson Palmer.

And I know a lot of you are just pissed that we missed the playoffs again, and you need to let some anger out. And that's cool too.

Many excellent posts I'm seeing here in response. I applaud you guys. Great stuff, fellas.

Originally posted by fister30:

Originally posted by Blitz:

Originally posted by Twister68:

Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:

Originally posted by crzy:
The opening post completely ignores the current progression of the NFL toward high-powered passing offenses. The days of Trent Dilfer and Jim McMahon winning ANYTHING in this league are over.

The only quarterback in playoff contention with a sub 90 QB rating on the year is Carson Palmer, and he's a guy who has had multiple years of throwing for more than 4000 yards, so his down year statistically is mostly an anomaly.

The only team with an elite quarterback who is NOT currently in playoff contention is the Texans with Matt Schaub, and they're basically a few choked games away from being a playoff team.

You're only as good as your quarterback in this league, and as long as Alex Smith is here, we're a team that's not good enough to make the playoffs.

Even with the 2000 Ravens defense, Alex Smith would not succeed.

And yet, what you fail to recognize is that there's nobody greater than Smith available.

-9fA

Well, the haters are sure that we could send Mark Roman to the Bolts and get Philip Rivers and a first round pick in return. See, that was easy! It's cool to be a virtual GM. Everything is possible!

A sad, sorely sad state of affairs isn't it?

Wow, what a great idea. I was just about to write about this possible trade.

I have an idea, lets mix peanut butter and chocolate. Lets call the haters chocolate and the ever so loving homers peanut butter. There is probably some reality and some truth to the criticism of both Alex and our o line. The problem lies with all of the above. The hope of replacement does not have to be Alex or some of the o line.

I am here to let everybody know that in this situation a paradox can exist and both elements (Qb and O line) can be blamed and replaced like a woman who is no longer young.

Just like the wise old timer's say: "Why f**k one when you can f**k em' all."

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Changing the QB going into 2010 will absolutely not fix this team, nor will it whatsoever help this team reach the playoffs next year. We will continue to suck until we address much higher priorities that are contributing to this team's failure.

If we can pass for 300+ yards and 2 TDs or 250+ yards and 3 TDs and still lose, QB is not the problem.

Examples:
Carson Palmer vs. SD -- 27/40 for 314, 2 TDs, 1 INT -- 27-24 Loss to SD
Ben Roethlisberger vs. OAK -- 18/24 for 278, 2 TDs, 1 INT -- 27-24 Loss to OAK

People are whining and crying over a season that has been lost due to, really, simply a lack of a kick/punt returner than can protect the ball. Three losses can just about entirely be attributed to that. Smith's play has been plenty good enough to get us into the playoffs, but unfortunately other areas of the team have let us down.

I am not concerned about QB whatsoever, because we have a contingency plan already in place.

1. Smith plays out this year and next. With success, he is extended, we've got a QB.
2. If unsuccessful, Smith walks via Free Agency, Nate Davis replaces him and we draft insurance for Nate.

What am I more worried about? Getting some dang protection for ANY QB WE HAVE so they don't have to spend all day on their back. Smith is lucky he's been able to avoid as many sacks as he has lately. A less mobile QB would be getting plastered out there. I can't tell you how many times I've seen defensive linemen literally hanging on Smith's back as he's trying to drop back and pass.

This board is hilarious. They say they want to win now, yet in absolute tunnel-vision, they think replacing the QB will somehow immediately get us into the playoffs. Some individuals are calling for us to trade our first rounders for a quarterback -- awesome -- then we can use our 6 remaining picks (or less, depending on the trade) to get mediocre-to-garbage level players, almost certainly not enough to fill our needs, as we continue towards another season of suckage.

The overall intelligence level and inability to think things through by some here is utterly disturbing to say the least.

If guys like Dilfer, Eli Manning, Brad Johnson, Ben Roethlisberger, and Jim McMahon can win Super Bowls, and if guys like Rex Grossman, Kerry Collins, Matt Hasselbeck, Jake Delhomme, and Chris Chandler can get their teams to the Super Bowl... I have zero doubts that Smith, if he can grow in his first off-season marked by continuity in his entire history of the league, could very well possibly do the same.

This board is incredibly frustrating. As fans, all we can hope for is for our team to be successful. I'd love it if Alex can wrap up this year with 20+ TDs (doing so in only 9 starts), giving us a 20+ TD passer for the first time since Jeff Garcia in 2002 (Rattay never had more than 10 in a season). If he can't do anything next year, especially with some continuity, he won't be back and those who hate him can gladly see him go. Then the "draft a QB" and "start Nate Davis" crowd can both be appeased... Win-win scenario for all 49er fans.

Until then, we can only let things play out. In the words of Singletary, "Just watch."

love the post man!

Originally posted by 9er2631:

Originally posted by chico49erfan:

Originally posted by 9er2631:
I agree that our O line isnt perfect but I dont think it is a total bust either. This line is filled with 1st and 2nd round picks. There is talent there. I think there are serious problems with coaching, schemes, playcalling that are not helping this situation at all. I dont see why the niners would waste a 1st round pick on a RT. First round Tackles should only be on the left side and even if we do is this guy going to be instantly better than Snyder or Simms??? I dont really think so. Throwing the O line under the bus as our only problem makes as much sense as saying Alex is our only problem.

#1 -- yes, I do believe a 1st round talent coming out this year is better. The schemes? The playcalls? That's what's hindering them? I think it's completely the other way around. And they cannot execute blocking at all. Slow footwork, not strong enough, misreading the rush.

#2 -- I am not saying the o-line is our only problem, but it (and arguably the 2ndary) is above and beyond is our most glaring hole. If the detroit lion defense can get that much pressure consistently, we would get absolutely throttled in a playoff game.

The talent you speak of is not consistent from snap to snap, seems to fail year to year, and needs to be replaced. It's time for our front office to say "you know what? he's not doing his job -- he needs to be REPLACED." If they don't realize this after the years of our line sucking so badly, they shouldn't be our coaches.

Why do you believe a 1st or 2nd round Tackle is going to be instantly better than the 2nd round Tackle (Snyder) with several years of pro experience under his belt? The niners have been paying attention to their O Line and drafting that way in early rounds in recent years but we have no payoff? Obviously Scotty M can't evaluate O line talent or our O line coach isn't doing the job. Id rather find a RT via free agency that wont cost us a boatload of money.

Have you watched Snyder? I'm too lazy to look up the facts, but I'm pretty sure he's either #1 or damn close to the top of the amount of sacks he's given up. Have you not seen the success of the guys that are deemed good talents at the o-line? Joe Thomas, Jake Long, Jeff Otah, Ryan Clady, hell, even Michael Oher started this year and upgraded the Raven's line. These are all 1st round picks that have instantly upgraded their lines respectively. So, in the fact that Snyder has been full of suck the entire time he's been in SF and considering how much trouble we have containing defensive pressure, I am going to say 100% YES, we should waste (as you put it) a 1st round pick to get a book-end that will finally solve our most glaring issue for the years to come.

And what RT would be an upgrade that is coming out in FA? It's the same ol' same ol' 49er signees -- old, mediocre RTs that have been a backup on another team and are released because they are not needed.

Originally posted by chico49erfan:

Originally posted by 9er2631:

Originally posted by chico49erfan:

Originally posted by 9er2631:
I agree that our O line isnt perfect but I dont think it is a total bust either. This line is filled with 1st and 2nd round picks. There is talent there. I think there are serious problems with coaching, schemes, playcalling that are not helping this situation at all. I dont see why the niners would waste a 1st round pick on a RT. First round Tackles should only be on the left side and even if we do is this guy going to be instantly better than Snyder or Simms??? I dont really think so. Throwing the O line under the bus as our only problem makes as much sense as saying Alex is our only problem.

#1 -- yes, I do believe a 1st round talent coming out this year is better. The schemes? The playcalls? That's what's hindering them? I think it's completely the other way around. And they cannot execute blocking at all. Slow footwork, not strong enough, misreading the rush.

#2 -- I am not saying the o-line is our only problem, but it (and arguably the 2ndary) is above and beyond is our most glaring hole. If the detroit lion defense can get that much pressure consistently, we would get absolutely throttled in a playoff game.

The talent you speak of is not consistent from snap to snap, seems to fail year to year, and needs to be replaced. It's time for our front office to say "you know what? he's not doing his job -- he needs to be REPLACED." If they don't realize this after the years of our line sucking so badly, they shouldn't be our coaches.

Why do you believe a 1st or 2nd round Tackle is going to be instantly better than the 2nd round Tackle (Snyder) with several years of pro experience under his belt? The niners have been paying attention to their O Line and drafting that way in early rounds in recent years but we have no payoff? Obviously Scotty M can't evaluate O line talent or our O line coach isn't doing the job. Id rather find a RT via free agency that wont cost us a boatload of money.

Have you watched Snyder? I'm too lazy to look up the facts, but I'm pretty sure he's either #1 or damn close to the top of the amount of sacks he's given up. Have you not seen the success of the guys that are deemed good talents at the o-line? Joe Thomas, Jake Long, Jeff Otah, Ryan Clady, hell, even Michael Oher started this year and upgraded the Raven's line. These are all 1st round picks that have instantly upgraded their lines respectively. So, in the fact that Snyder has been full of suck the entire time he's been in SF and considering how much trouble we have containing defensive pressure, I am going to say 100% YES, we should waste (as you put it) a 1st round pick to get a book-end that will finally solve our most glaring issue for the years to come.

In evidence to your argument...a guy named Joe Staley comes to mind. Solid from day one for the most part. So easy to do it in the first round....even the caveman Nolan could do it.