The Alex Smith Experiment - Uncharted Territory?

Originally posted by Brazilian49er:
I think Kevin Lynch nailed it:

Quote:
The bottom line - even without Tebow, the quarterback position might be in much better shape than many think. Even though Singletary's support of Alex Smith was tepid after the season, the 49ers will likely have him as the starter heading into training camp and say what you will about Smith, he has improved every year he's had a chance to perform.

Just something to consider - Smith threw 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last year. Does anyone believe that his TD-int ratio will go down next season with a full training camp and a second year with the same offense and the same receivers, particularly Michael Crabtree? So lets say in a full season he'll throw 23 or 24 touchdowns and keep his interceptions at 12 or less, that should be enough for a fairly successful passing game. Then throw in an even better defense and a tough-minded running game and now you can seriously talk playoffs.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=55860#ixzz0dSJrEbvK

I like this thinking.

I hope kevan lynch nailed it.

Originally posted by Psinex:

Originally posted by WillistheWall:
Its definitely unchartered territory. We're going to find out what he can do with a better OLine, and with 2 years in the same system, with time to work with his weapons. I think that's going to be enough for him to succeed personally.

2005 - Brandon Lloyd, Arnaz Battle, Rasheed Marshall, Otis Amey



Nuff Said

2010 - Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Brandon Jones, Jason Hill

Agree

Originally posted by Brazilian49er:
I think Kevin Lynch nailed it:

Quote:
The bottom line - even without Tebow, the quarterback position might be in much better shape than many think. Even though Singletary's support of Alex Smith was tepid after the season, the 49ers will likely have him as the starter heading into training camp and say what you will about Smith, he has improved every year he's had a chance to perform.

Just something to consider - Smith threw 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last year. Does anyone believe that his TD-int ratio will go down next season with a full training camp and a second year with the same offense and the same receivers, particularly Michael Crabtree? So lets say in a full season he'll throw 23 or 24 touchdowns and keep his interceptions at 12 or less, that should be enough for a fairly successful passing game. Then throw in an even better defense and a tough-minded running game and now you can seriously talk playoffs.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=55860#ixzz0dSJrEbvK

Even without Tebow? Why is he eve in the conversation. This is why I don't read
much by Lynch.

Originally posted by nvninerfan1:

Originally posted by Brazilian49er:
I think Kevin Lynch nailed it:

Quote:
The bottom line - even without Tebow, the quarterback position might be in much better shape than many think. Even though Singletary's support of Alex Smith was tepid after the season, the 49ers will likely have him as the starter heading into training camp and say what you will about Smith, he has improved every year he's had a chance to perform.

Just something to consider - Smith threw 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last year. Does anyone believe that his TD-int ratio will go down next season with a full training camp and a second year with the same offense and the same receivers, particularly Michael Crabtree? So lets say in a full season he'll throw 23 or 24 touchdowns and keep his interceptions at 12 or less, that should be enough for a fairly successful passing game. Then throw in an even better defense and a tough-minded running game and now you can seriously talk playoffs.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=55860#ixzz0dSJrEbvK

Even without Tebow? Why is he eve in the conversation. This is why I don't read
much by Lynch.

There was speculation by some that Tebow might be an attractive pick to Singletary because of his attitude and beliefs...personally I think Singletary is smarter than to draft someone on those merits alone.

Originally posted by nvninerfan1:

Originally posted by Brazilian49er:
I think Kevin Lynch nailed it:

Quote:
The bottom line - even without Tebow, the quarterback position might be in much better shape than many think. Even though Singletary's support of Alex Smith was tepid after the season, the 49ers will likely have him as the starter heading into training camp and say what you will about Smith, he has improved every year he's had a chance to perform.

Just something to consider - Smith threw 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last year. Does anyone believe that his TD-int ratio will go down next season with a full training camp and a second year with the same offense and the same receivers, particularly Michael Crabtree? So lets say in a full season he'll throw 23 or 24 touchdowns and keep his interceptions at 12 or less, that should be enough for a fairly successful passing game. Then throw in an even better defense and a tough-minded running game and now you can seriously talk playoffs.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?blogid=45&entry_id=55860#ixzz0dSJrEbvK

Even without Tebow? Why is he eve in the conversation. This is why I don't read
much by Lynch.

Read the whole article. He is just answering some media speculation.

Originally posted by Psinex:

Originally posted by WillistheWall:
Its definitely unchartered territory. We're going to find out what he can do with a better OLine, and with 2 years in the same system, with time to work with his weapons. I think that's going to be enough for him to succeed personally.

2005 - Brandon Lloyd, Arnaz Battle, Rasheed Marshall, Otis Amey



Nuff Said

2010 - Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Brandon Jones, Jason Hill

everytime i see this i still cant believe it

Originally posted by Wubbie:
So we've watched Alex Smith ever since he was drafted in 2005.

2005 = Terrible season, though expected for a rookie.
2006 = Vast improvement over rookie season. Still had a way to go, but improvement.
2007 = Battled through injuries before being placed on IR.
2008 = Injured all year.
2009 = Made a comeback and looked like at least a decent NFL QB
2010 and beyond = Unknown if he's a starting QB or merely a serviceable QB

Alex's career in San Francisco has been unusual, even by NFL standards. 5 different coordinators and 2 huge injuries in 2007 & 2008.

But the STRANGEST part about his career is that the 49ers have had patience and faith in him. In thinking of QBs drafted in the first round that didn't pan out (David Carr, Ryan Leaf, Kyle Boller, etc.), it seems like they only made it to the 3rd or 4th year and the team moved on.

Can you guys think of ANY other QB situation in which the QB made it so far into their contract and still have a shot at being the starter? Because I can't...

I don't think it's our organization being foolish or anything. I simply think that the organization realizes that 2 season-ending injuries and 5 different QBs could ruin a QB. Had Alex not been injured in 2007 and 2008, I think we would've known what we had at QB, and would've planned appropriately.

Or do you think it was us being stubborn, not willing to admit there was a chance we made a mistake?

OR... do you think it was that we didn't have a great alternative? We tried, unsuccessfully to bring in a veteran QB, and drafting a rookie might've taken some time to produce results.

One way to look at it is the woe is me approach and say look at all the bad things that have happened to the kid... But, what separates the winners and losers is what the guy makes out of the opportunities that he's presented with.

2005 Alex was presented an opportunity to learn on the job. He was given the chance to start his rookie year and learn the speed and timing of an NFL O.

2006. Had the whole off season as the dedicated starter to learn the O and master a QB friendly system.

2007. Unfortunate injury; but, provided an opportunity to sit and learn from a (not all that great, but still) Superbowl winning QB and great team leader.

2008. Given an opportunity to win a starting spot; but, suffered injuries. This gave him the opportunity to study and learn from the creator of the greatest show on turf.

2009. Given the opportunity to win the starting job and show us all what he has learned the past few seasons. Did not win the job in TC; but, acquired the job when Shaun Hill lost it during the season. With his opportunity to start once again, what did he show us?

So, does Alex's performance this past season look like a 1st overall pick that was given the chance to start his rookie season, study and learn behind a SB winning QB, and study under and play for 3 very successful NFL OC's?

I don't see any better options than Smith right now (unless Nate steps up his game), so were probably stuck with this kid; but, I'm not impressed with what he's made of his NFL opportunities.

Originally posted by D_Niner:

Originally posted by Wubbie:
So we've watched Alex Smith ever since he was drafted in 2005.

2005 = Terrible season, though expected for a rookie.
2006 = Vast improvement over rookie season. Still had a way to go, but improvement.
2007 = Battled through injuries before being placed on IR.
2008 = Injured all year.
2009 = Made a comeback and looked like at least a decent NFL QB
2010 and beyond = Unknown if he's a starting QB or merely a serviceable QB

Alex's career in San Francisco has been unusual, even by NFL standards. 5 different coordinators and 2 huge injuries in 2007 & 2008.

But the STRANGEST part about his career is that the 49ers have had patience and faith in him. In thinking of QBs drafted in the first round that didn't pan out (David Carr, Ryan Leaf, Kyle Boller, etc.), it seems like they only made it to the 3rd or 4th year and the team moved on.

Can you guys think of ANY other QB situation in which the QB made it so far into their contract and still have a shot at being the starter? Because I can't...

I don't think it's our organization being foolish or anything. I simply think that the organization realizes that 2 season-ending injuries and 5 different QBs could ruin a QB. Had Alex not been injured in 2007 and 2008, I think we would've known what we had at QB, and would've planned appropriately.

Or do you think it was us being stubborn, not willing to admit there was a chance we made a mistake?

OR... do you think it was that we didn't have a great alternative? We tried, unsuccessfully to bring in a veteran QB, and drafting a rookie might've taken some time to produce results.

One way to look at it is the woe is me approach and say look at all the bad things that have happened to the kid... But, what separates the winners and losers is what the guy makes out of the opportunities that he's presented with.

2005 Alex was presented an opportunity to learn on the job. He was given the chance to start his rookie year and learn the speed and timing of an NFL O.

2006. Had the whole off season as the dedicated starter to learn the O and master a QB friendly system.

2007. Unfortunate injury; but, provided an opportunity to sit and learn from a (not all that great, but still) Superbowl winning QB and great team leader.

2008. Given an opportunity to win a starting spot; but, suffered injuries. This gave him the opportunity to study and learn from the creator of the greatest show on turf.

2009. Given the opportunity to win the starting job and show us all what he has learned the past few seasons. Did not win the job in TC; but, acquired the job when Shaun Hill lost it during the season. With his opportunity to start once again, what did he show us?

So, does Alex's performance this past season look like a 1st overall pick that was given the chance to start his rookie season, study and learn behind a SB winning QB, and study under and play for 3 very successful NFL OC's?

I don't see any better options than Smith right now (unless Nate steps up his game), so were probably stuck with this kid; but, I'm not impressed with what he's made of his NFL opportunities.

A bit of revisionist history and friendly reading on behalf of the 9ers organization. By your account of Alex's time with the 9ers you would think that the team had a plan for developing a young QB instead of it being the cluster f**k that it was.

Originally posted by taney71:

Originally posted by D_Niner:

Originally posted by Wubbie:
So we've watched Alex Smith ever since he was drafted in 2005.

2005 = Terrible season, though expected for a rookie.
2006 = Vast improvement over rookie season. Still had a way to go, but improvement.
2007 = Battled through injuries before being placed on IR.
2008 = Injured all year.
2009 = Made a comeback and looked like at least a decent NFL QB
2010 and beyond = Unknown if he's a starting QB or merely a serviceable QB

Alex's career in San Francisco has been unusual, even by NFL standards. 5 different coordinators and 2 huge injuries in 2007 & 2008.

But the STRANGEST part about his career is that the 49ers have had patience and faith in him. In thinking of QBs drafted in the first round that didn't pan out (David Carr, Ryan Leaf, Kyle Boller, etc.), it seems like they only made it to the 3rd or 4th year and the team moved on.

Can you guys think of ANY other QB situation in which the QB made it so far into their contract and still have a shot at being the starter? Because I can't...

I don't think it's our organization being foolish or anything. I simply think that the organization realizes that 2 season-ending injuries and 5 different QBs could ruin a QB. Had Alex not been injured in 2007 and 2008, I think we would've known what we had at QB, and would've planned appropriately.

Or do you think it was us being stubborn, not willing to admit there was a chance we made a mistake?

OR... do you think it was that we didn't have a great alternative? We tried, unsuccessfully to bring in a veteran QB, and drafting a rookie might've taken some time to produce results.

One way to look at it is the woe is me approach and say look at all the bad things that have happened to the kid... But, what separates the winners and losers is what the guy makes out of the opportunities that he's presented with.

2005 Alex was presented an opportunity to learn on the job. He was given the chance to start his rookie year and learn the speed and timing of an NFL O.

2006. Had the whole off season as the dedicated starter to learn the O and master a QB friendly system.

2007. Unfortunate injury; but, provided an opportunity to sit and learn from a (not all that great, but still) Superbowl winning QB and great team leader.

2008. Given an opportunity to win a starting spot; but, suffered injuries. This gave him the opportunity to study and learn from the creator of the greatest show on turf.

2009. Given the opportunity to win the starting job and show us all what he has learned the past few seasons. Did not win the job in TC; but, acquired the job when Shaun Hill lost it during the season. With his opportunity to start once again, what did he show us?

So, does Alex's performance this past season look like a 1st overall pick that was given the chance to start his rookie season, study and learn behind a SB winning QB, and study under and play for 3 very successful NFL OC's?

I don't see any better options than Smith right now (unless Nate steps up his game), so were probably stuck with this kid; but, I'm not impressed with what he's made of his NFL opportunities.

A bit of revisionist history and friendly reading on behalf of the 9ers organization. By your account of Alex's time with the 9ers you would think that the team had a plan for developing a young QB instead of it being the cluster f**k that it was.

Not quite... I think successful players have a plan for their own success instead of waiting for success to happen to them. It's kind of a go out and take it approach instead of a wait for it to come to you one.

I think what several people on here miss is that Alex had just as big of a part in his development (if not bigger) than the organization had.

[ Edited by D_Niner on Jan 23, 2010 at 11:43:15 ]

Originally posted by D_Niner:

Originally posted by taney71:

Originally posted by D_Niner:

Originally posted by Wubbie:
So we've watched Alex Smith ever since he was drafted in 2005.

2005 = Terrible season, though expected for a rookie.
2006 = Vast improvement over rookie season. Still had a way to go, but improvement.
2007 = Battled through injuries before being placed on IR.
2008 = Injured all year.
2009 = Made a comeback and looked like at least a decent NFL QB
2010 and beyond = Unknown if he's a starting QB or merely a serviceable QB

Alex's career in San Francisco has been unusual, even by NFL standards. 5 different coordinators and 2 huge injuries in 2007 & 2008.

But the STRANGEST part about his career is that the 49ers have had patience and faith in him. In thinking of QBs drafted in the first round that didn't pan out (David Carr, Ryan Leaf, Kyle Boller, etc.), it seems like they only made it to the 3rd or 4th year and the team moved on.

Can you guys think of ANY other QB situation in which the QB made it so far into their contract and still have a shot at being the starter? Because I can't...

I don't think it's our organization being foolish or anything. I simply think that the organization realizes that 2 season-ending injuries and 5 different QBs could ruin a QB. Had Alex not been injured in 2007 and 2008, I think we would've known what we had at QB, and would've planned appropriately.

Or do you think it was us being stubborn, not willing to admit there was a chance we made a mistake?

OR... do you think it was that we didn't have a great alternative? We tried, unsuccessfully to bring in a veteran QB, and drafting a rookie might've taken some time to produce results.

One way to look at it is the woe is me approach and say look at all the bad things that have happened to the kid... But, what separates the winners and losers is what the guy makes out of the opportunities that he's presented with.

2005 Alex was presented an opportunity to learn on the job. He was given the chance to start his rookie year and learn the speed and timing of an NFL O.

2006. Had the whole off season as the dedicated starter to learn the O and master a QB friendly system.

2007. Unfortunate injury; but, provided an opportunity to sit and learn from a (not all that great, but still) Superbowl winning QB and great team leader.

2008. Given an opportunity to win a starting spot; but, suffered injuries. This gave him the opportunity to study and learn from the creator of the greatest show on turf.

2009. Given the opportunity to win the starting job and show us all what he has learned the past few seasons. Did not win the job in TC; but, acquired the job when Shaun Hill lost it during the season. With his opportunity to start once again, what did he show us?

So, does Alex's performance this past season look like a 1st overall pick that was given the chance to start his rookie season, study and learn behind a SB winning QB, and study under and play for 3 very successful NFL OC's?

I don't see any better options than Smith right now (unless Nate steps up his game), so were probably stuck with this kid; but, I'm not impressed with what he's made of his NFL opportunities.

A bit of revisionist history and friendly reading on behalf of the 9ers organization. By your account of Alex's time with the 9ers you would think that the team had a plan for developing a young QB instead of it being the cluster f**k that it was.

Not quite... I think successful players have a plan for their own success instead of waiting for success to happen to them. It's kind of a go out and take it approach instead of a wait for it to come to you one.

I think what several people on here miss is that Alex had just as big of a part in his development (if not bigger) than the organization had.

Hold on a minute... You can have a plan for your own success, but when offensive coordinator after offensive coordinator come alongs and changes the way things are going to be, your plan doesn't mean s**t anymore.

Look, I'm no more sold that Alex the answer at QB than the next guy. He has progressed, but yet is still inconsistent.

That being said, there are very valid points that some make in regards to Alex's situation being unique. The changes and the injuries would have hurt any new QB coming into the league.

You don't have top be an "Alex supporter" to understand the logic in the points being made.

Originally posted by D_Niner:

Originally posted by taney71:

Originally posted by D_Niner:

Originally posted by Wubbie:
So we've watched Alex Smith ever since he was drafted in 2005.

2005 = Terrible season, though expected for a rookie.
2006 = Vast improvement over rookie season. Still had a way to go, but improvement.
2007 = Battled through injuries before being placed on IR.
2008 = Injured all year.
2009 = Made a comeback and looked like at least a decent NFL QB
2010 and beyond = Unknown if he's a starting QB or merely a serviceable QB

Alex's career in San Francisco has been unusual, even by NFL standards. 5 different coordinators and 2 huge injuries in 2007 & 2008.

But the STRANGEST part about his career is that the 49ers have had patience and faith in him. In thinking of QBs drafted in the first round that didn't pan out (David Carr, Ryan Leaf, Kyle Boller, etc.), it seems like they only made it to the 3rd or 4th year and the team moved on.

Can you guys think of ANY other QB situation in which the QB made it so far into their contract and still have a shot at being the starter? Because I can't...

I don't think it's our organization being foolish or anything. I simply think that the organization realizes that 2 season-ending injuries and 5 different QBs could ruin a QB. Had Alex not been injured in 2007 and 2008, I think we would've known what we had at QB, and would've planned appropriately.

Or do you think it was us being stubborn, not willing to admit there was a chance we made a mistake?

OR... do you think it was that we didn't have a great alternative? We tried, unsuccessfully to bring in a veteran QB, and drafting a rookie might've taken some time to produce results.

One way to look at it is the woe is me approach and say look at all the bad things that have happened to the kid... But, what separates the winners and losers is what the guy makes out of the opportunities that he's presented with.

2005 Alex was presented an opportunity to learn on the job. He was given the chance to start his rookie year and learn the speed and timing of an NFL O.

2006. Had the whole off season as the dedicated starter to learn the O and master a QB friendly system.

2007. Unfortunate injury; but, provided an opportunity to sit and learn from a (not all that great, but still) Superbowl winning QB and great team leader.

2008. Given an opportunity to win a starting spot; but, suffered injuries. This gave him the opportunity to study and learn from the creator of the greatest show on turf.

2009. Given the opportunity to win the starting job and show us all what he has learned the past few seasons. Did not win the job in TC; but, acquired the job when Shaun Hill lost it during the season. With his opportunity to start once again, what did he show us?

So, does Alex's performance this past season look like a 1st overall pick that was given the chance to start his rookie season, study and learn behind a SB winning QB, and study under and play for 3 very successful NFL OC's?

I don't see any better options than Smith right now (unless Nate steps up his game), so were probably stuck with this kid; but, I'm not impressed with what he's made of his NFL opportunities.

A bit of revisionist history and friendly reading on behalf of the 9ers organization. By your account of Alex's time with the 9ers you would think that the team had a plan for developing a young QB instead of it being the cluster f**k that it was.

Not quite... I think successful players have a plan for their own success instead of waiting for success to happen to them. It's kind of a go out and take it approach instead of a wait for it to come to you one.

I think what several people on here miss is that Alex had just as big of a part in his development (if not bigger) than the organization had.

For real, how dare Smith not be a perennial pro bowler? I mean Mike Nolan obviously knew how to develop a QB. Here is the sure fire way to get it done...

1) Draft a QB whose coach in college says will take time to develop into a NFL QB.

2) Ignore said coach because you know more about the guy than the man who coached him already.

3) Surround said underclassman QB with all pro caliber weapons like Kevan Barlow, Brandon Lloyd, Johnny Morton, Terry Jones, and Jason McAddley.

4) Make sure to change OC's every year to keep him on his toes and help develop the kind of atmosphere that every NFL player needs to succeed.

5) Throw the kid under the bus when your poor decisions lead to a Grade three shoulder separation that he tries to play through even though his clavicle isn't attached to his shoulder anymore.

There you have, in a nutshell, Mike Nolan's guide to building an all pro QB in 5 easy steps...hope you found it educational and entertaining.

Originally posted by D_Niner:

Originally posted by taney71:

Originally posted by D_Niner:

Originally posted by Wubbie:
So we've watched Alex Smith ever since he was drafted in 2005.

2005 = Terrible season, though expected for a rookie.
2006 = Vast improvement over rookie season. Still had a way to go, but improvement.
2007 = Battled through injuries before being placed on IR.
2008 = Injured all year.
2009 = Made a comeback and looked like at least a decent NFL QB
2010 and beyond = Unknown if he's a starting QB or merely a serviceable QB

Alex's career in San Francisco has been unusual, even by NFL standards. 5 different coordinators and 2 huge injuries in 2007 & 2008.

But the STRANGEST part about his career is that the 49ers have had patience and faith in him. In thinking of QBs drafted in the first round that didn't pan out (David Carr, Ryan Leaf, Kyle Boller, etc.), it seems like they only made it to the 3rd or 4th year and the team moved on.

Can you guys think of ANY other QB situation in which the QB made it so far into their contract and still have a shot at being the starter? Because I can't...

I don't think it's our organization being foolish or anything. I simply think that the organization realizes that 2 season-ending injuries and 5 different QBs could ruin a QB. Had Alex not been injured in 2007 and 2008, I think we would've known what we had at QB, and would've planned appropriately.

Or do you think it was us being stubborn, not willing to admit there was a chance we made a mistake?

OR... do you think it was that we didn't have a great alternative? We tried, unsuccessfully to bring in a veteran QB, and drafting a rookie might've taken some time to produce results.

One way to look at it is the woe is me approach and say look at all the bad things that have happened to the kid... But, what separates the winners and losers is what the guy makes out of the opportunities that he's presented with.

2005 Alex was presented an opportunity to learn on the job. He was given the chance to start his rookie year and learn the speed and timing of an NFL O.

2006. Had the whole off season as the dedicated starter to learn the O and master a QB friendly system.

2007. Unfortunate injury; but, provided an opportunity to sit and learn from a (not all that great, but still) Superbowl winning QB and great team leader.

2008. Given an opportunity to win a starting spot; but, suffered injuries. This gave him the opportunity to study and learn from the creator of the greatest show on turf.

2009. Given the opportunity to win the starting job and show us all what he has learned the past few seasons. Did not win the job in TC; but, acquired the job when Shaun Hill lost it during the season. With his opportunity to start once again, what did he show us?

So, does Alex's performance this past season look like a 1st overall pick that was given the chance to start his rookie season, study and learn behind a SB winning QB, and study under and play for 3 very successful NFL OC's?

I don't see any better options than Smith right now (unless Nate steps up his game), so were probably stuck with this kid; but, I'm not impressed with what he's made of his NFL opportunities.

A bit of revisionist history and friendly reading on behalf of the 9ers organization. By your account of Alex's time with the 9ers you would think that the team had a plan for developing a young QB instead of it being the cluster f**k that it was.

Not quite... I think successful players have a plan for their own success instead of waiting for success to happen to them. It's kind of a go out and take it approach instead of a wait for it to come to you one.

I think what several people on here miss is that Alex had just as big of a part in his development (if not bigger) than the organization had.

Well, I wonder how Joe Montana and some other great QBs would have progressed with a change in offensive systems, OCs, no great offensive talent, etc. in their first few years in the league.

I doubt Montana would have won the 81 SuperBowl after three years in the league even if he had a "plan".

Originally posted by Memphis9er:

Originally posted by D_Niner:

Originally posted by taney71:

Originally posted by D_Niner:

Originally posted by Wubbie:
So we've watched Alex Smith ever since he was drafted in 2005.

2005 = Terrible season, though expected for a rookie.
2006 = Vast improvement over rookie season. Still had a way to go, but improvement.
2007 = Battled through injuries before being placed on IR.
2008 = Injured all year.
2009 = Made a comeback and looked like at least a decent NFL QB
2010 and beyond = Unknown if he's a starting QB or merely a serviceable QB

Alex's career in San Francisco has been unusual, even by NFL standards. 5 different coordinators and 2 huge injuries in 2007 & 2008.

But the STRANGEST part about his career is that the 49ers have had patience and faith in him. In thinking of QBs drafted in the first round that didn't pan out (David Carr, Ryan Leaf, Kyle Boller, etc.), it seems like they only made it to the 3rd or 4th year and the team moved on.

Can you guys think of ANY other QB situation in which the QB made it so far into their contract and still have a shot at being the starter? Because I can't...

I don't think it's our organization being foolish or anything. I simply think that the organization realizes that 2 season-ending injuries and 5 different QBs could ruin a QB. Had Alex not been injured in 2007 and 2008, I think we would've known what we had at QB, and would've planned appropriately.

Or do you think it was us being stubborn, not willing to admit there was a chance we made a mistake?

OR... do you think it was that we didn't have a great alternative? We tried, unsuccessfully to bring in a veteran QB, and drafting a rookie might've taken some time to produce results.

One way to look at it is the woe is me approach and say look at all the bad things that have happened to the kid... But, what separates the winners and losers is what the guy makes out of the opportunities that he's presented with.

2005 Alex was presented an opportunity to learn on the job. He was given the chance to start his rookie year and learn the speed and timing of an NFL O.

2006. Had the whole off season as the dedicated starter to learn the O and master a QB friendly system.

2007. Unfortunate injury; but, provided an opportunity to sit and learn from a (not all that great, but still) Superbowl winning QB and great team leader.

2008. Given an opportunity to win a starting spot; but, suffered injuries. This gave him the opportunity to study and learn from the creator of the greatest show on turf.

2009. Given the opportunity to win the starting job and show us all what he has learned the past few seasons. Did not win the job in TC; but, acquired the job when Shaun Hill lost it during the season. With his opportunity to start once again, what did he show us?

So, does Alex's performance this past season look like a 1st overall pick that was given the chance to start his rookie season, study and learn behind a SB winning QB, and study under and play for 3 very successful NFL OC's?

I don't see any better options than Smith right now (unless Nate steps up his game), so were probably stuck with this kid; but, I'm not impressed with what he's made of his NFL opportunities.

A bit of revisionist history and friendly reading on behalf of the 9ers organization. By your account of Alex's time with the 9ers you would think that the team had a plan for developing a young QB instead of it being the cluster f**k that it was.

Not quite... I think successful players have a plan for their own success instead of waiting for success to happen to them. It's kind of a go out and take it approach instead of a wait for it to come to you one.

I think what several people on here miss is that Alex had just as big of a part in his development (if not bigger) than the organization had.

For real, how dare Smith not be a perennial pro bowler? I mean Mike Nolan obviously knew how to develop a QB. Here is the sure fire way to get it done...

1) Draft a QB whose coach in college says will take time to develop into a NFL QB.

2) Ignore said coach because you know more about the guy than the man who coached him already.

3) Surround said underclassman QB with all pro caliber weapons like Kevan Barlow, Brandon Lloyd, Johnny Morton, Terry Jones, and Jason McAddley.

4) Make sure to change OC's every year to keep him on his toes and help develop the kind of atmosphere that every NFL player needs to succeed.

5) Throw the kid under the bus when your poor decisions lead to a Grade three shoulder separation that he tries to play through even though his clavicle isn't attached to his shoulder anymore.

There you have, in a nutshell, Mike Nolan's guide to building an all pro QB in 5 easy steps...hope you found it educational and entertaining.

Not to mention, throw in a Head Coach Nolan, who questioned his toughness and kept him in there while he was injured

I seriously think next year Alex Smith will post number similar or better to Aaron Rodgers this year.