Originally posted by NineFourNiner:
Originally posted by Shaj:
Originally posted by oldman9er:
Originally posted by Shaj:
My biggest fear is that Alex plays *just good enough* to get a multi-year extension that again financially forces us to keep him as the starter. If he lights it up like he should have many million dollars ago, then we should absolutely sign him up. He's still young. If he teases us with inconsistent performances again, getting a low to mid 80's passer rating that's comprised of eggs on the field against good teams and high ratings against the worst teams in the league, we ought to let him go play for the Bills.
Yes, that would be troubling if he shows only glimmers but ultimately doesn't make a convincing case for himself. We could argue that it could or could not happen, but no one really knows for certain. What we all can probably agree on is that he has never been set up better for success... so I think we will definitively know by season's end. Singletary and Co. have shown that they don't simply look at QB rating to make their determinations. That said, it will likely be clear whether his failures this season (should he fail) are that of his own poor play or the efficiency around him (whether that be OL suckage, playcalling suckage, etc).
I agree with everything you said. When I see Alex Smith, I think of Bill Walsh's quote regarding Steve DeBerg: "he's just good enough to get you beat". The problem is, Smith will show some flashes of really good play, normally against bad teams or against teams that have nothing to lose at the end of the year, and then these unrepresentative examples are used as evidence of his potential, and we just keep getting strung along. What we need from him are a bit more yards per pass, a bit higher completion rate, a 2:1 ratio of TD's to INT's (he had this last year I believe) and CONSISTENCY. He had a decent (not great) passer rating in 2009, but, as usual, it was comprised of wild fluctuations throughout the year. That's just not going to cut it anymore. I just hope the decision isn't made based on flashes of potential. He either shows consistently solid results or he doesn't.
Completely agree with the bolded.
Same.
But I also think there are about 4 or 5 members in this thread that seriously need a hug.
It is what is. F*&K fearing the guy will only do well enough to appease fans. If you fear that then go away. We can fill your spot with other fans. Just like everyone on the team is replaceable so are you. Generally speaking of course.
I think that too much emphasis has been put on the QB position. Other positions of need were and have been greater for a LONG time. If you think that Rattay should have been given a chance(I am one of these people so don't
) then right NOW is where you put your money where your mouth is as a fan. Smith is in almost the exact same position only now we have targets for him to throw the ball to. Rattay didn't have that either.
And people people people. Let's not get wrapped up in Smith's 1st season. He was a Rookie thrown into an unreasonable situation. The man had to Start after our 1st two QBs' on the depth chart were nuked. Or had you forgotten this?
The people
'in out they ass about his first year have no business even talkin football imho. A 1st year player picking up the WCO is impossible. Joe never did it. Steve never did it. Jeff sucked in his first year as a WCO QB. Or don't you all remember whining about how much he sucked and booed the man onto the Bench?
It's not unreasonable to expect greatness for this team. Only unreasonable when you completely disregard the history of the players that came before the ones that play on the field now.
This is what I have a problem with. Everyone acts like Joe and Steve instantly became great players when they first donned the Red and Gold togs. It's this type of fan that pisses me off more than anything. I guess nobody remembers when Joe got benched. Or Steve for that matter. Every QB has some kind of issue.
And enough is enough with the DeBerg comments. I never ONCE heard or read a quote where Coach Walsh was openly critical of SMITH. F&^K the DeBerg statement. Two completely DIFFERENT eras and two completely different QBs' and once again we're squarely back to the WCO. DeBerg couldn't play in the WCO. Which prompted that statement. Smith hasn't seen the WCO since his rookie year. Rodgers sure as I'm sitting here right now, didn't even get any playing time until what his 3rd year where he got to soak it all in and pick the brain of a consummate WCO professional?
My personal take is this. If he plays well enough to own the job you should be happy. If he plays poorly enough to be replaced you should be happy. If he plays only well enough to be considered then you should be happy.
1st reason is obvious. Smith owned the position and that's what many of us want.
3rd reason is obvious. Smith played to your expectations and now will be gone. You'll be able to pound your chests and say "see, tole you"
It's the second reason that is not so obvious. Which is this... It will force management to take a hardline stance and bring other QBs' in to see if they are our future. It all depends on who will be available at the end of the season as to whether or not Smith is brought back for another go round. But at least they'll HAVE to do something.
Now get off your damn violins, I'm getting a friggin migraine from all the damn whining going on.
Peace.
~Ceadder
I think my Alzheimers is acting up. Better see the Doc for a refill on my scrip.