Originally posted by GNielsen:well you can say I have "bashed" Alex play on the field...you won't see me use the word "suck" or whatever.
Hey Afrikan, my recollection is that you've never been much of an Alex Smith supporter. In fact, I seem to recall a lot of Alex Smith bashing coming from your direction over the years. Maybe I'm wrong about that. If I am, you have my apologies. But, I stand my my sense that it seems to be very difficult for a lot of Niner fans who have hated Alex Smith over the years to give him credit when he does something right. Personally, I felt coming into the season that if Smith couldn't be successful with a committed QB-oriented coach like Harbaugh, I would at last admit that he is a lost cause. I've always liked Alex Smith and hoped for the best. That's part of the reason this season is turning into such a special one for me. But, I know that it's going to take more, though, for people to give him his due. He's got to take the next step. We've got to see some plus-300 yard, 2-3 touchdown performances from him. It's tough because the defense is so damn good this year that it's not clear to me that Harbaugh will ever even call a game like that. It's just hard to imagine a shoot-out at this point because of the Niner defense.
Now, on your last note, Magini's record as a coach is 33-47. If I remember correctly, he took a 10-6 Jets team and turned them into a 4-12 team the year after that. So far, Harbaugh has taken a team that was 6-10 last year and with largely the same cast, has a 5-1 record so far. That doesn't make me smarter than Magini, but it also doesn't fill me with a lot of confidence in his analysis.
this year, we are winning...and although I don't think Alex is playing at his best every game (I felt he played his best for all 4qtrs against the Bucs), he has came through at the end. I'm still not satisfied with our 3rd down conversion percentages. But we are winning, and so imo, that buys us time to fix things each week. I would be more vocal if we go 2-3 weeks of losses or almost losses thankx to the same type of mistakes. As far as this case, I said he made a perfect throw...imo, as well as Mangini, it wasn't the best decision. That's Mangini's job to point out. I just pointed it out because (since I still believe it was not the best decision) I hope if we are in that type of situation again, Alex goes to Crabtree.
I'm used to our offense for years, throw 2-3 yards short of the first down and expect out receivers to pick up the first down....especially if they are not able to catch the ball in stride. So for a 4th and goal situation, against Zone.....I'd hate, REALLY hate, if we got stopped just short of the TD....just like we have in the past regarding 1st downs.
but its ok, I think some feel all folks who "bash" Alex think the same....just like some of Alex bashers probably think folks who defend Alex, are more fans of his than the team....I don't think its that black and white however.
If Alex helps take us to the SuperBowl, (and IMO I think its possible this year with the combination of our schedule, our defense, running game, special teams, and mistake free play from Alex).....anyway if Alex helps get us to the SuperBowl, and even a win.....if that happens, I'm not going to act like I'm some of the few who have been here who have stuck by his side these past 7 years. I'd be EXTREMELY HAPPY, its not like I'd act like I never doubted him. I know the few here who have stuck by his side all this time, and I'd be happy for them first and foremost.
besides Valrod of course, I distinctly remember him jumping off the ship in Gameday threads here and there last year.....only to see him haul arse and swim his way back to catch up with the boat later in the thread.
[ Edited by Afrikan on Oct 22, 2011 at 11:26 PM ]
