Great Alex Smith Interview

Originally posted by HearstFan:

The biggest difference with JH for Smith (and the team) - coaching 100% of the time. No time to dwell on the past mistakes, no time to hold grudges, no time to worry about personalities and manhood, etc. Coach, Coach (teach), Coach. Get better everyday and quit worrying about people's feeling and perceptions. Love it.

Also, Smith mentioned when they reviewed film, they "put it all out there." What went right and what went wrong. Everyone is held accountable to everyone else. No hiding players lack of performance or execution based on "favorites" or worrying about someone's feelings. I heard that about the old 49ers under Walsh and Siefert, that the players felt a tremendous amount of pressure to be accountable to each those teams "put it all out there" after each game as well.

On the right track.

Good post, I remember in an interview with Steve, he was saying the same kind of thing about how everyone played their hearts out because they didn't want to let the guy next to them down. When guys are playing like that, it is a powerful thing. This team is on the right track.

Originally posted by Memphis9er:
Good post, I remember in an interview with Steve, he was saying the same kind of thing about how everyone played their hearts out because they didn't want to let the guy next to them down. When guys are playing like that, it is a powerful thing. This team is on the right track.

That's 100% right. Coaches have to know how to motivate the players to play for each other. Yes, not wanting to let their coach down can motivate some. But not wanting to let your teammates down is huge - similar to bravery in combat. In the heat of the moment, asked over and over to various warriors about how/why they exhibited bravery, the only thing they say is to "not let their buddies down." When a coaching staff can instill that in a team, it is HUGE.

The second step is instilling a culture of players not only holding themselves and each other accountable, but equally important is a culture of bracing up players that are struggling -- and that has to be tailored to what can help and motivate each player. Some it requires "getting in their face," others it takes encouragement, and others it takes subtle coaching tweeks. You have to avoid players blaming and scapegoating others.

JH and staff have done a tremendous job of creating this culture in such a short period of time. Most coaches have to start over by purging a roster to get their culture bought into. This speaks volumes to the coaching staff, but as JH always says, it also speaks volumes to the character of the players on this team. Its amazing this team was able to maintain this character despite years of inept coaching. If it wasn't for their high character, this could have been a really ugly multi-year rebuilding effort (and maybe JH would never have signed with us if he though that was going to be an issue).

Originally posted by HearstFan:

Originally posted by Memphis9er:

Good post, I remember in an interview with Steve, he was saying the same kind of thing about how everyone played their hearts out because they didn't want to let the guy next to them down. When guys are playing like that, it is a powerful thing. This team is on the right track.

That's 100% right. Coaches have to know how to motivate the players to play for each other. Yes, not wanting to let their coach down can motivate some. But not wanting to let your teammates down is huge - similar to bravery in combat. In the heat of the moment, asked over and over to various warriors about how/why they exhibited bravery, the only thing they say is to "not let their buddies down." When a coaching staff can instill that in a team, it is HUGE.

The second step is instilling a culture of players not only holding themselves and each other accountable, but equally important is a culture of bracing up players that are struggling -- and that has to be tailored to what can help and motivate each player. Some it requires "getting in their face," others it takes encouragement, and others it takes subtle coaching tweeks. You have to avoid players blaming and scapegoating others.

JH and staff have done a tremendous job of creating this culture in such a short period of time. Most coaches have to start over by purging a roster to get their culture bought into. This speaks volumes to the coaching staff, but as JH always says, it also speaks volumes to the character of the players on this team. Its amazing this team was able to maintain this character despite years of inept coaching. If it wasn't for their high character, this could have been a really ugly multi-year rebuilding effort (and maybe JH would never have signed with us if he though that was going to be an issue).

I agree and also was surprised at how good the team is with minimal turnover, and I was one of the guys that.thought that was the main problem with the team. We had a few guys being severely held back by the poor coaching. I also love the character of the team, more so sine they have been through hell together already. Every experience that they have had to endure has only made them believe in each other, I am excited to see where this leads the team.

Originally posted by 305Niner:

Originally posted by AXEGRINDER:

why has he been a backup if he is 32-19 as a starter. Think about your answer carefully.

Vince got a bad rap with Jeff Fisher. In laymens terms, you are at a your job and your boss(who didnt hire you) is constantly on you for no reason if you do good whatever if you do bad its a major castrophe. I think over some time you would explode on him. Thats what Young went through. Lets not forget Fisher is got axed because of the egotistical behavior. Not to mention no superbowl rings after 17 years.

So no team is taking a risk with you. It was actually smart to go Philly and be a back up. He saw how Vick flourished under reid. The WCO is a very popular offense in the NFL. This season he is learning and actually not playing bad. He will be a starter once again next year. Too bad we are wrapped up in a Tommy Maddox type QB to snag him.

Vince Young...really? He is kicking ass for Philly this year isn't he? This ain't madden bro and Vince ain't fit to carry Alex's sweaty jock. He has been all hype and no substance since he came into the league, you must be one of his relatives if you are seriously saying you'd rather have that nutcase on the Niners.

Originally posted by 305Niner:

Originally posted by HessianDud:

wow. Collins actually had several good years, and Maddox was 31 years old when he had his one ok year in Pittsburgh. You should llook up his stats and compare them with Smith and see how foolish you are being.

You are missing the point. Both QB's had a good season and faltered the next season. Kerry Collins just did with multiple teams.

Ok so what's your point now after watching thursdays game?

Originally posted by gamechanger:

Originally posted by 305Niner:

Originally posted by HessianDud:

wow. Collins actually had several good years, and Maddox was 31 years old when he had his one ok year in Pittsburgh. You should llook up his stats and compare them with Smith and see how foolish you are being.

You are missing the point. Both QB's had a good season and faltered the next season. Kerry Collins just did with multiple teams.

Ok so what's your point now after watching thursdays game?

he never had one

An even better interview.




This explains why Nolan and McCarthy liked him so much.