Is "lack of WRs" the latest Alexcuse? (and other thoughts)

Blake_Fever · 2012-01-28T10:27:38-08:00

First off, as gut wrenching a loss it was to the Giants, the Niners gave us all 2 more phenomenal games that we thought we'd get before the season started. And Alex Smith played a decent part in that but he's still a middling QB. Sure, you can look at the lack of INTs and say, "He protected the ball and kept his team in games" but he was never a difference-maker or the reason the Niners won games (Saints game aside even though that was huge). I just want to pose a few issues and leave it open to the zoners for some answers: WR DEPTH The Niners were thin at WR all season, but it didnt prevent them from winning 13 games or beating the Saints. Only after the NFC Championship games were people stating, "If we had WRs we would've won." Now that may be true, but the Giants played defense the was SF does--rush 4 and cover 3 or 4 WRs with 7 defenders. When that happens, even a trio of very good WRs will struggle (as did the Giants in the 2nd half), so it's up to the QB to make some gutsy throws. Alex basically never did. 1 for 13 on 3rd down, 1 catch by a WR, and more throws out of bounds or to a receivers feet than I care to count. CONSERVATIVE ALEX OR CONSERVATIVE OFFENSE? Probably a little of both. Harbaugh's offense is power running with short safe passes and a few deep throws off of play action sprinkled in. But I think Alex is doing ALMOST everything asked of him. I wasn't at any Niners games this year and TV doesn't show the whole field on every play, but Id like to think on any given play, at least 1 receiver is running an intermediate to deep route. But time and again, it seems like Alex doesnt challenge a defense. Perhaps in year 2. But Alex is the trigger man and I think we'd all like to see him pull the trigger more often BAD 4TH QUARTER PLAY CALLING From basically the 6 minute mark on, I was appalled by the play calling. After tying the game at 17 (a drive that featured more runs than passes), Harbaugh/Roman decided to put the game in Alex's hands on a day in which he was struggling. What was most disappointing was getting the ball at their own 35 with about 1:30 left, throwing 3 incompletions (running like 15 seconds off the clock), then punting. Inexcusable. Run the ball on 1st down, maybe even on 2nd as well, but make 3rd down more manageable. Even their 1 OT possession, I think they threw one 1st and 3rd down. It seemed like Harbaugh was forcing the issue. They just needed a sustained drive, but they operated like it was the 2 minute warning. Very disappointing. Feel free to add anything to this (other than the obvious Kyle Williams stuff). I dont think being a top 15 or top 20 passing offense is out of the question, I just question if Alex is the one that can lead a more dynamic attack. Blake_Fever

Jan 28, 2012 at 10:32 AM

btthepunk
Veteran
Posts: 23,325

We went 13-3 with average WR's, that was our weakness all season though. Our passing game was the biggest reason we lost to the Giants, even with Kyle Williams' fumbles, if we could have converted even just one more 3rd down, we might have won.
Basically we dont have good enough offensive playmakers to make up for mistakes that happen. Teams like the Patriots, Packers, Saints, and Giants do.

Jan 28, 2012 at 10:34 AM

sincalfaithful
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Posts: 27,712

Another Alex Smith thread!

Jan 28, 2012 at 10:36 AM

305Niner
Member
Posts: 340

Yes. There will ALWAYS be an excuse for Alex Smith. No matter what.

Jan 28, 2012 at 10:41 AM

vaden
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Posts: 4,026

Originally posted by sincalfaithful:

Another Alex Smith thread!

Jan 28, 2012 at 10:58 AM

rk1642
Veteran
Posts: 1,324

This needs to be locked up!

This has already been discussed in the Alex thread.

Jan 28, 2012 at 11:03 AM

MarkD
Veteran
Posts: 2,611

Ugghhhhhhhhh another one. Where were all you hater this season after week 3. Everyone shut up because they were winning. They lose and here we go again. My thoughts are this. With any team your QB needs a solid two to three years in that system to be effective. This is assuming you have a supporting cast of a running game, good receiver and good coaching. If you continually have change at anyone of those positions you are setting yourself back. That is my opinion based on looking at the obvious crappy teams in the NFL over time. Give it time we have the main pieces. Now lock this sh^t up

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Is "lack of WRs" the latest Alexcuse? (and other thoughts)