No Guarantees
Head coach Mike Nolan was part of NFL Network on Wednesday and during the show he talked about the quarterback situation. Nolan made it clear that there will be an open competition for the team’s starting quarterback position in training camp and the preseason between Smith and Shaun Hill.
“It will be an open competition,” Nolan said before an appearance on NFL Network. “It’s no one’s job to lose. It’s both guys’ job to take.”
Nolan said there are no more excuses for Smith with Mike Martz in place as offensive coordinator. He added that Martz, who was hired to replace Hostler, was the best gift he could have given his embattled quarterback.
“I’ll do everything I can to make sure that he’s got the best opportunity to be a good player,” Nolan said of Smith, whose contract was extended through 2010 after the 49ers excercised a “buyback” clause in February. “There’s not much more I can do for him right now than giving him Mike Martz as the offensive coordinator. That’s a pretty damned good gift. That’s like giving your kid a Maserati. ‘Here ya go, buddy. You know you wanted a nice car, I just gave you one.’
“We’ll see if he can drive it.”
Full Story: Nolan: Smith not guaranteed starting QB job with 49ers
About the Author: 
It really is time to fire Nolan, there should be no question at all about that. 
As it stands right now, Nolan is a malignant tumor that is killing this franchise. The challenge fiasco says it ...
Manusky? hahah.. thats a fucking joke. Thats not upgrading at all. I say let Singletary be interim for this season ...
sf49ers | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
Wow,i cant believe Nolan has finally gotten off his chair and finally realised that he needs to win games and make it to the playoff…NOLAN strong words….Fingers crossed ,For Alex to hav a damn good year
Indiana Jim | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
One thing’s for sure, Nolan is absolutely right. He can’t do anything for Smith, and never really could. Martz is indeed the best gift he could’ve given him.
R,Craig33 | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
That goes to show that the beloved Alex Smith is not secured of the starting spot more so could very well be on the bubble which still doesn’t make since to me why they picked up his option if the starting QB position is up in the air which also means that they will draft or pick up another QB or atleast they should.
Our niners need to address this situation now because if we’re going to win games the QB position needs to be resolved which is saying I didn’t lose my mind because Hill had a couple of good games more so that’s the only games he played WE NEEDED TO SEE MORE!
Rob | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
While I agree that bringing Martz in is a help to Alex, and personally believe that Alex will do well in his system, I’m not sure he is “the best gift he could have given” him. The best gift would have been to figure out a way to keep Norv around…
ninerfaithful | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
this is alex’s team always has been i dont care what they say about open comp in camp with QB’s i just dont see shaun starting all 16 games … i mean hell after just two starts he was to sore to play the last game against the browns Martz will bring alex out and we will have a great season …. so can we get off this subject and talk some draft
redandgold | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
i agree with you ninerfaithful, and if any of you smith haters know anything about football, you would know why smith did as bad as he did… If he doesnt play for the niner next year, i hope they let him go, so he can show all you cool guys that think you know football, that you dont know shit!
z Doc z | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
A: Norv Turneris not that great in my opinion. Case-in-point the Pats vs. the Chargers, AFC title game with under 4 minutes to go on the pats 42, in a 4th and 2yrds to go situation, down by 9 points. What does he do down by two scores against the pats? He punts it away..wow he never saw the ball again boo hoo. He should have stuck LT in the game for 1 play even as a distraction an gone for it.
B: In shaun Hill’s defence he had a broken finger on his throwing hand from the get go, and the game against Tampa Bay(was there) he was hit so hard it fractured one of his spinal proceses, he was out 1 play then came back in for a touchdown throw, and he finished the game.
redandgold | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
Dont get me wrong, i like shaun hill, Im just sick of hearing all this negative talk about a QB that has not had a O-cord for more one year. He is been in the nfl for three years, and he had three diff o-cord, believe me even if Manny was in smith’s shoes he wouldnt do shit either. People just need to understand that this is the NFL!! not the NBA!! you cant win a game by yourself!
Mike Mitchell | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
It really does not matter if you are a Smith lover or Smith hater. The fact of the matter is that the NFL is a business. Either you produce or you are gone. Period. After suffering through the last 5 years of losing seasons and 2 season ticket price increases I want production! I am not saying playoffs or a superbowl at this point. How about a respectable season? I don’t care much for who gets the starting job as long as they produce. I am tired of watching all of our other players who are bustin their collective asses every Sundy not getting a chance to celebrate once in a while.
So to Smith, Hill and whoever else…..Produce or get out of town! No more excuses!
Forensics187 | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
This does two things,one it lights a fire under Smith’s ass, and two, it puts the best QB on the field. Hell P. Willis should even have to compete for a starting job. Nobody should be given anything.
Ryan the 1st | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
I am glad this website at least talks about something more relevant than what jersey number the new WRs are going to wear……as long as they don’t wear #80 then I DON’T CARE!!! Move on!!! http://www.49erswebzone.com is talking about NUMBERS ON JERSEYS…..man they are struggling for something to talk about. I NEVER thought Johnson would be allowed to wear it and it was questionable if Bruce was either. SO, what do you guys say CUT MR. GLASS or NO? I say keep him for now, but if he isn’t going to work hard like I know the rest of the linemen will be doing….even Heitman, then he needs to go. He IS an asset at right tackle, there is no denying that, but why does he have to be such a whiny little softy? ALSO, what do you guys think of SAM BAKER? IF we were to draft him he could take Heitman’s place at starting center. I am not saying draft him with our first pick, but his stock is slipping. If he were to be there for the 39th pick we would be stupid not to pick him up.
Joe Gomez | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
So if Alex sucks again this year now what? Why would we want to extend his contract if this is the last year to prove himself?
West | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
z Doc z…nice point…..
Forensics187 | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
Joe, my guess would be that he now has some solid weapons around him,Davis, Gore,Bruce and Johnson… Martz is a good guy to have on the sideline because he uses players natural talents and their own personal strengths. Extending his contract shows we have confidence in him. Smith did well with Turner calling the plays and I would say we have an even better team this year then we did when Turner was here. I say he does well and we finish @ 9-7. 10-6 with help from our bad ass D.
red&goldforlife | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
Ok, for those of us who dont know football!!! Here is a question if Smith is so talented, what Great! Hell just good Quarterback do you think he is Comparable too?
redandgold | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
i really dont think the 9ers problems are on the o-line, i think it was all on the play calling, everyone knew it was going to gore… mike mitchell your right, i too just want to see production. But im just saying that it takes more then just a qb to win the BIG one, just ask Dan Marino. Im not saying smith is like marino, but it just takes more then the qb spot to see production in the NFL
redandgold | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
you cant compare Smith to any of the greats, because he really hasnt had the chance to prove himself like all the greats, i said earlier why. I sorry people i know you want to win, but in this league it takes time to see production especially at the qb spot, Favre said it toke him four years to even get used to the speed of the game
Chalden | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
Smith will start. He gives us the best chance to win. (when he’s healthy) Nolan just wants him to earn the spot rather than give it to him like he did when he was first drafted. Competing with Hill with only make Smith better. That and he has Martz now. If anyone can Smith look like a number one pick Martz can!
Samra | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
A Cameraman gave away the cowboys draft board and #1 on their board is Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6846/draftboardky0.jpg
niner_junkie | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
That’s only the DB board. They could have another player from a different position no. 1 overall
Mike | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
If you look closer at that pick of board it says DB. DEFENSIVE BACKS. Read a little more after that. It has cromartie then Mckelvin then Philips then Jenkins then Talib.
Thats not #1 on there overall board but how they rate there DB’s in the draft.
Samra | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
hahaha…yea i just noticed that….well neways i doubt we’ll get cromartie
P-WILLIS_69 | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
does anyone know status of Smith?Is his arm doing better or what?
ninaz | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
What does it matter what Nolan says? Nolan is stupid and doesnt know jack shit about offense, even in defense he guaranteed Tully Banta-Cain a starting role and he sux more nuts than Derek Smith. Alex Smith will start because Mike Martz says he will start if Nolan fucks up with his stubborn calls we will see his ass get kicked out earlier.
Ryan the 1st | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
Now come on, Ninaz…..why would you say that when both D. Smith AND TBC are equally worthless? Good to see you back on site. TBC should NOT be allowed to start. However, I think that our wr core is as it WILL be at the end of the season….Battle, Bruce, and Johnson….so why mess with that. We need O line help BAD, a pass rusher, and a TED….possibly a corner. I think they should really look at the most talented player available (based on those needs) in the draft. The things that will chap a lot of people’s asses is that WILL be O LINE in both cases. Groves MIGHT be there and if he is fine, but I STILL think that Haralson and Jay Moore will pleasantly surprise everyone if we were to rely on them. SURE UP THE O LINE!!!! If we make the o line work then everything on offense will fall into line. The running game will be great, Vernon will be able to get down and dirty with the 15 yard gains (this is what Martz will have him do), and then the QB will be given time to find a target. I understand that it is HIGHLY unlikely that they will do this, but IF we got Cherilius in the first and Sam Baker is available in the second then WHAT SHOULD WE DO? I think Lawrence Jackson is someone we might want to keep an eye on because he just might fall to us as well. The d tackle from Notre Dame might do the same. Lastly, I saw something on the scout.com site for the niners that made me sick……DON’T TALK ABOUT POSSIBLE TRADES THAT DON’T HAVE A SNOWBALLS CHANCE IN HELL OF EVER HAPPENING!!! Guys were talking about trading for Boldin, Deangelo Hall, and all sorts of crap. THAT IS RIDICULOUS BECAUSE IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!!! Hell, lets talk about trading for Reggie Wayne while we are at it….it could happen. You lose all credibility when you speak in hypothetical nothingness. The draft is one thing, but trading for a marquee franchise player that isn’t going anywhere sounds stupid.
Medford | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
I like Alex Smith but if we have a Marc Bulger on r bench then we have to do what we have to him.
Ryan the 1st | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
Yeah, I agree, IF we indeed have a Marc Bulger. Remember, just because Martz coached him and Warner doesn’t mean that every other QB he touches are going to be Bulgers in disguise. I still think ALex Smith is going to emerge as the starter. The difference is……if Smith screws up in the middle of the season you can bet that NOlan (who is on the hot seat) will then let whoever Martz wants to start get their chance. Nolan doesn’t want to be jobless so I think he might make some desperation moves in the draft and possibly during next season. HE KNOWS that if the niners don’t produce a winning record then he is screwed.
West | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
Dallas is going after Pac Man….if dat go’s….Dallas wont need Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
sf49ers | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
well i dont think niners biggest weakness last year was either WR or The QB’s ,it was the offensive line wahich was horrible compared to the past years..if they dont do something bout the O-line neither will smith nor hill would survive for the entire season…i believe thats one of the major reason why Smith got injured..no protection and in martz’s offense,Qb’s are pushed around quiet a bit…so we Need O-LINE Ppl
West | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
I hear what a lot of you are saying about Smith starting, based on his extension, but I personal feel that when its all said an done Hill will be our starter….Hill will beat out Smith in preseason…..A big plus I feel for Hill is that he has a quick release which you need n Martz Offense an goes through his reads quickly ……Another is that the ball is accurately placed and a main decision could come from his teammates….they like Hill causes he moves the ball, takes control and distributes the ball…..”Long as we win I’m good”
West | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
The 49ers and Jets are competing to sign Donald Strickland
red&goldforlife | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
Ok, let me rephase my question! if Alex Smith is our future starting quarterback,franchise quarterback. Who of any past great or successfull franchise quarterbacks does he remind you of? I cant think of one and he certainly doesnt remind me of any of our past good quarterbacks. At this stage he should be way more developed at least just mechanics wise, decision making, intangibles everything it takes to be a franchise quarterback. That’s why Nolan is saying if your not ready by now sit on the bench or wait on the bench somewhere else because our first to 5 superbowl winning franchise is not going to wait around for you to develop. The time is now and I think Alex is still too green and what I see out of Hill reminds me of some of our past quarterbacks a whole lot more than smith does. I think Hill has what a takes to be winner you can tell this guy has fire he wants to win, we remember seeing that in the eyes of our past quarterbacks right! In Smith I dont see that he goes out there and its like he is confused, not comfortable or scared i mean the guy has happy feet!! I dont know what the hell that guy is thinking out there all I know is that his head is not clear. And I dont want to hear this shit about Hill not having a strong ARM! well so did Garcia and you guys would take Garcia over Smith in a heartbeat! Im sorry I am all about patience but if you dont have that “IT” than you never will. Just ask former first pick “Bust” Ryan Leaf which who by the way does remind me of Alex Smith!
R,Craig33 | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
Really? hey west where is this information I would like to read the article but it sounds like a good move.
Mike | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
Do a lot of people realize that Hill only used 60% of play book last year when he played? Or fact that he focused on only one half of field each time he dropped back.
“The 49ers limited their QB, Shaun Hill, to about 60 percent of the playbook and half-field reads that allowed him to be more decisive and get the ball out quickly. It also helped that his receivers did a great job of limiting the dropped passes that have haunted the club all season.
– Doug Kretz, Scouts Inc. ”
And you can try to compare Garcia and Hill by arm strength and out of the 2 Garcia has the stronger arm. If notice on most of Hill’s balls that are over 20-25 yards they float b/c he can’t get zip on them due to lack of arm strength. While I think Hill is good backup as a starter he is AVERAGE AT BEST.
Now want to talk about how Smith should have better mechanics and everything. He has had a different OC and has had 2 or 3 QB coaches. When your Offensive coaching staff isn’t the same every year. Kind of makes it hard to learn.It is after all the coaching staff that teaches you what your doing wrong and how to fix it. One year we had a SOLID AND GOOD OC. Smith played pretty well. Give Martz a chance to work with him. As far as release. It can be fixed and quikened up with a fixture of his mechanics. Martz did it with bulger and warner and started to do it with drew stanton from lions last year after he was drafted by them and it put a better spiral on ball and picked up speed of his release.
As far as having the “IT” factor. WE DON’T KNOW IF HILL HAS THAT. It’s not something that you see in 3 games. It’s something you see in a season. Everyone THINKS he has it. But no one knows for sure. After playing 3 games in what 5-6 seasons. People are jumping on him like he’s going to be a superstar or the “savoir”. Wait and see. I still think Smith wins competition out of camp. He has skills just hasn’t put in completely together yet. Started to when Turner was here. Then turner left and the dumbass who replaced him knew nothing.Played first 2 games decent then got hurt and can’t help that when no one could block last year. Now with Martz I think he gets back on right track again. Big thing is GET HIM AN OLINE. otherwise I don’t care if its smith hill or sullivan no one is going to do anything without time to look down field and throw.
Forensics187 | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
Wow red&gold, Leaf and Smith don’t even belong in the same sentence. Leaf was a bust, Smith on the other hand (when healthy) has a decent track record.7-9 2 seasons ago including an away game in Seattle, Denver who needed a win to get in the playoffs (in Denver) by the way, and he won 2 games to start the season this past year. No Smith is no Montana but with some help around him he could win some games. Plus give him the same coordinator for more then one year, and a dependable go to WR like many of the consistent QB’s in the league and let’s see what he does.
209er | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
shaun hill is the AJ Feeley of our team he’ll play good coming in to releive however defenses will tear him up if he’s a starter all they’ll have to do is key in on the 25 yeard range that hill can throw in…i mean if ashley lelie tears off and gets completely behind the secondary 50 some yards deep i doubt hill will get the ball to him
Ninaz | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
Ok i must admit that i love and have a man crush on Shaun Hill for his one man show in the last games last year. But i feel that 49ers have not been fair with Alex by not getting him a personal mechanics coach or by changing offensive coordinators every year and that all of them have sucked. Even if Alex plays bad this year i must say he is still the future because hes very young and hes got the heart for the game. I’m pretty damn sure Martz will make Alex Smith look like philip Rivers atleast. Expect a great season guys! If not, Expect a great offseason with Nolan gone. Now let us talk about Shaun Hill, Shaun is a natural instinct QB. If he woulda walked to USC i bet he woulda started because hes a team player and an awesome athlete but i feel that his age is getting steeper and his chance has past, he makes for a good backup but id rather the team focus on Alex because hes still got alot of years in him.
webehighrollin | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
Shaun Hill tore up a backup prevent defense from minnesota in the second half of a game outta hand, a Cincy defense that just about every QB in high school coulda tore up and then the 2nd and 3rd string tampa bay defense in the 2nd half. The one half that he faced a decent defense? Tampa bay in the first half and we all know how that went…How in gods name do u have a mancrush on Shaun Hill because of that???????????
Eli | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
Get Chad Johnson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A True Niner Fan | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
everybody thought Ryan Leaf was the answer for San Diego back in the day…hahaha look how that turned out…just cause you pay a guy a shit load of money doesnt make him your franchise QB by default Alex is a Bust cause he choked his ass off last season…that seattle game was embarassing on monday night and all he could do was blame an excuse on injury ….Shaun Hill will be our QB just watch
Medford | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
No to Chad Johnson he only thinks about himself! Why would we want that in a couple of years he would want out of here also he will never be happy. Maybe the Raiders will get him they always get the idiots of the NFL look at Meangelo Hall they traded for him.
Mike | Mar 22, 2008 | Reply
All he could do was blame it on an injury are you serious. HE SEPERATED HIS THROWING SHOULDER.Not a minor injury at all. I guess its something you have never done or have never had any shoulder injuries. Well I’ll let you know its something that hurts all day long. It hurts to even lift your arm no less to throw a football with any strength behind it. Takes time to heal. With Nolan being a dick about it and trying to have him throw through it just hurt it even more. Inflamed everything more and caused him to have to look at surgery options.
I don’t care if both making same amount of money. Smith has more talent then Hill does. There was a reason Smith was choosen #1 overall and Hill never played in a game in his 5-6 year career until last season.
Now Ryan Leaf comparisons have to go. B/c Leaf was a bust from first season on and never put it together. Smith did for a season there with turner.ONLY LEGIT OC we’ve had. Smith has also had 4 diff. OC in 4 yrs. Thats 4 new playbooks thats 4 new ways of calling plays. Hard to get anything straight Also keep in mind Smith is still the youngest QB in NFL. Even though he was drafted 3 years ago.
Smith played first 2 games, when he was healthy, pretty decent. Smith also played well when he had a good OC. Now he has another good one. Lets see what he can do.
Shaun Hill is a BACKUP. He will push smith in camp b/c now Smith has to earn the job over Hill.This will be first year its not handed to him. I like the competition b/c it will bring out the best of everyone. They want the job they will earn it. But with Martz system Smith just fits better. Plus Smith was always more comfortable in shotgun. And Martz system uses alot of shotgun formations. Not to mention If theres a few deep balls Hill has no accuracy after 20-25 yards. He played a bad def. in cin. a backup in tampa. and a backup in minn. Sorry just doesn’t impress me. Hill= good backup/average to below average starter.
Just say no to Chad. A great talent who has some on field antics that are fun to watch. And you can tell he does love to play the game. However what he’s done this offseason about complaining about coaching staff and front office. Just attitude is shining through in a bad way right now. Don’t need that to disrupt the locker room.
AXEGRINDER | Mar 22, 2008 | Reply
Chad Johnson wants to go to the Cowboys. HAHA!!!! GODDAMN I HATE THE COWBOYS!!!!
Niner Fan | Mar 22, 2008 | Reply
I can’t wait until we crush Tony Homo this Season in Dallass. FUCK THE COWGIRLS!!!!!!
thefuture | Mar 23, 2008 | Reply
Chad johnson is bullshit we dont need him
West | Mar 24, 2008 | Reply
R,Craig33…..It was on NFL Network
West | Mar 24, 2008 | Reply
Adam “Pacman” Jones is taking his case to the masses in the Metroplex.
Jones, the Titans’ suspended cornerback, has said twice in his hometown of Atlanta that he wants to play for the Cowboys.
On Monday, Jones is doing two sports talk shows on Dallas’ ESPN affiliate. Perhaps he thinks going public in Big D will convince Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to pull the trigger on a trade with the Titans.
Jones’ agent, Manny Arora, said last week that the Cowboys, Patriots and Lions were interested in Jones. The Titans want to trade him for a draft choice, and having multiple teams interested could mean a higher pick.
Jones, of course, comes with a buyer-beware-tag. Anybody making a deal should negotiate a new contract in which the deal is almost all performance-based. For instance, for every game he’s on the roster, he gets a certain amount of money.
red&goldforlife | Mar 24, 2008 | Reply
Look if Smith doesnt produce this year we wont be the only ones comparing him to Ryan Leaf everyone else will. I just think Hill with a broken finger and weak defenses gives us the best chance to win. He is not old he is the same age as romo! Look I know Smith is young but here is what puts me on the hill bandwagon, we need to win now! and I think hill is farther along and more prepared game wise to keep the ball moving! Smith is still working things OUT, he drops back to far, runs back to avoid pass rushes instead of forward to find a hole, takes to long to go through his progression, throws the ball to high, all in all the guy still makes to many mistakes.
Mechanically this guy still needs a lot of work, I mean cmon he still makes a lot of the same mistakes he did as rookie!! Hill, yes the defenses were soft but they did blitz and throw different things at him but I like how he looked out there he looked like a guy that atleast can move the chains. Accuracy past 20-25 yards cmon the guy had a broken finger on his throwing hand lets give him a chance! Honestly I think the niners saw the same thing thats why they gave him the money! Martz will help Smith but I think in the end he will not be satisfied with his progression and start HILL! Plus the writing is on the wall you could tell in the Nolan interview he perfers Hill.
red&goldforlife | Mar 24, 2008 | Reply
Here is another question, How many of you think smith would still be on the team if he wasn’t the first pick in the draft?
West | Mar 24, 2008 | Reply
Red&goldforlife……good points, I agree
Mike | Mar 24, 2008 | Reply
Yes he would still be on the team if he wasn’t the first pick overall. If he wasn’t first pick overall then would have had him what you want in 2nd or 3rd round. Then more then likely he sits that first year rather then playing and learns more. And is more prepared to start his 2nd or 3rd year. Most teams and analysts will tell you the guy who sits on bench his first year or 2 will play better then guy thrown right out there right away b/c he has a better chance to grasp play book.
Biggest thing with smith is he was thrown into a fire right off bat. He worked his way out of that with turner. who worked with him and taught him.
You can blame player for everything you want but if coaching staff isnt there to help make corrections then doesn’t matter. Smith had 4 diff. people telling him 4 different things in 4 years. YOU TRY TO ADJUST TO THAT. Not many people can. It’s a lot to take on.
You want to compare players Ok here’s one then. Drew Brees. His first 3 seasons in san diego he was average to below average. Then San Diego drafted Philip Rivers high in first round in 04. Because they felt Brees was nothing couldn’t lead team or anything. WHAT HAPPENED. It sparked something inside him. Rivers didn’t sign early enough which gave brees starting job and he turned it on. And while Brees isn’t in San Diego anymore he did become one of better qb’s in the league.
Now I am by no means saying that Smith will be as good as Brees or won’t be as good as Brees. What I am Saying is COMPETITION brings out a lot in players. It lights a fire. Brees never had competition except for flutie while in san diego till rivers was drafted.
Smith has had what dilfer. some could compare flutie and dilfer there. Not much to push a guy who knows he’s gonna start. Hill re-signing plus tutelege of Martz. SHOULD light a spark under smith’s ass to realize he wont be handed the job like he has been and will have to earn it. I think that Spark will show. He has shown he can play. He showed that when turner was here.
With Martz who can work with his mechanics Martz has played with every QB mechanics he has coached. Fixed warners, bulgers, and stanton. He will work with smith and I think A. Smith has a good solid year. and Hill is his BACKUP.
Mike | Mar 24, 2008 | Reply
I also don’t see anything in that interview that says nolan favors hill. He says he gave smith, mike martz and he doesn’t know what better gift he could give him to show what he’s got. I think nolan doesn’t care who starts at qb and I think it’s MARTZ CALL not nolans who eventually does start.Nolan just wants competition b/c he knows his ass in on hot seat. Nolan doesn’t know offense we have all learned this. Only time we had a decent one was when turner was here b/c he ran the offense. Martz in now will take over offense and I think nolan just lets him run it how he wants to run it and lets him pick who he wants starting and not starting. Really think this is Martz offense. Nolan will keep eyes more to defense and keeping an eye to make sure everything is working well.
NBINER81 | Mar 24, 2008 | Reply
THIS IS DA YEAR 4 ALEX TO PROVE HIMSELF. I’M LIKE MOST NINER FANS, I WANT TO SEE HIM DO WELL. EVEN MORE SO CUZ WE GOT SO MUCH INVESTED IN HIM. BUT I’M A REAL NINER FAN AND THAT MEANS I WANT TO WIN. THE BEST MAN GETS DA JOB. IF THAT MEAN THAT J.T.O’ SULLIVAN GETS THE JOB, SO BE IT. ITS TIME TO WIN. NO EXCUSES. I DONT WANNA HEAR ANYTING ABOUT AN INJURY ,SHOULDER, FINGERS, VAGINAL CRAMPING. THIS IS PROBALLY NOLAN LAST CHANCE AS WELL. EVEN THOUGH I THINK HE’S GREAT, BUT I KNOW HOW NINER FANS ARE. THEY ARE QUIT TO PULL THE TRIGGER.(MOUCH). GO NINERS
redandgold | Mar 25, 2008 | Reply
smith will win…. i like hill, but no need to get all happy about two wins
Mike Hancho | Mar 26, 2008 | Reply
Your right Smith will win…..not by performance….but because he has so much money invested in him.He automatically has the starter job just becasue he was a first round pick……
Hunterboyz | Mar 26, 2008 | Reply
I personally want the best for the team.
Who ever starts, I just want them to WIN.
Maybe it would be good for Hill to start so Alex can moreover sit back and learn just as a draft pick normally does.
I do believe they trew him to the dogs, but I say man up!
Every QB knowns they’re going to be blitzed, so Proper Preparation Prevents Pain.
Look at Peyton. Now him having to learn through different OCs may play a part. I did notice how much better he was playing under Turner, and he did start the season under a unproven OC but was still playing at a level to win 2 of the first three games. It was when he came back and tried to play hurt, that gave me doubt about his future.
But that showed me A. Smith had heart. He played even though he knew he was hurt. It was stupid, but courageous at the same time.
I remember thinking, don’t they see him holding his shoulder all through the game. I got mad at Nolan, like stupid, take him out!
I Like Smith b/c of his heart and age.
HE WILL LEARN THE OFFENSE, AND HE WILL BE A GOOD QB!
Go Niners!
LOTTIE 901 | Apr 3, 2008 | Reply
MAN FUCK ALEX SMITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS GUY GETS A PASS AND GUYS LIKE MCNABB GET THROWN UNDER THE BUS. EVERYBODY WHOSE IN FAVOR OF THIS LAME AS A QB MUST LOVE LOSING OR YOU A SLICK COWBOY FAN. WE DONT HAVE TIME FOR ANYMORE QB PROJECTS WITH alex smith! WE HAVE THE COWBOYS ON THE LIST THIS YR. AND THERE IS NO TIME FOR BULLSHIT. FUCK ALEX! REMEMBER THIS NAME, “THE REAL DEAL” SHAUN HILL-GET USE TO IT. 49ERS-4-LIFE
ninerfaithful | Apr 3, 2008 | Reply
LOTTIE if shuan hill can not stay healthy what good is he? …
cause as i remember he couldnt even start against the browns cause he was banged upin just two starts so what makes you think he will last 16 games …
Shuan did come on strong the last few weeks of the season but think about alex with a real OC like in 06 with norv he was becoing a leader
i think we should just relax give alex this season and then pass judgement… and as far as mcnabb well thats another story for another day
red&goldforlife | Apr 3, 2008 | Reply
i feel you lottie we half to beat the cowboys if nothing else. I like that the real deal shaun hill!!
texas9ner | Apr 3, 2008 | Reply
I’ve been praying every night that god lets the 49ers beat the Cowboys. They need all the help they can get.
loser | Apr 3, 2008 | Reply
seems like a good plan: lets build our franchise around a Qb who mostly dumped the ball out against bad teams. I’d rather have alex start. he did look good when he had a proven Oc and looked to be progressing before the trainwreck called jim hostler took over. Besides, there were too many factors to why smith was ineffective last year to just put most of the blame on him.
texas9ner | Apr 3, 2008 | Reply
Any word on Spikes. Has he signed with anyone?
Willis_69 | Apr 3, 2008 | Reply
I’m with you Lottie on beating the Cowboys.Trust me 92% of my friends are Dallas fans cause I only live about five hours away.Texas9er you gonna be at the Dallas game?I might go idk yet for sure.
texas9ner | Apr 5, 2008 | Reply
Willis 69 , you can bet that I’ll be there. I don’t get many chances to watch them play. Im going with about 6 Cowboys fans and Im the only 49ers fan but since Im getting the tickets for everyone we will be setting behind the 49ers bench. I hope the Cowboys get the shit beat out of them so I can rub it in there faces and everyone I work with since they did the same shit to me this past season
Ryan the 1st | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
That’s ballsy, I like that. Guys, you can’t really be thinking that Groves will still be there at #29. It is just very unlikely. The offense is what has stunk it up and we HAVE addressed the defense. Could we use a TED, yes, but other than that I really think we are solid. I think our first two pick should be used on offense. With those picks we could handle right tackle and wr. There will be a rich stock of wrs in the second round. Many experts are saying that Sweed’s injury might flush him to the second round……many of the GMs are scared that it is a serious injury. IF Sweed is there at 39 (unlikely) then we HAVE TO TAKE HIM.
Los Banos Jerry | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
Ryan I do like Sweed and agree if he is there at 39 it would be so
sweet. But he won’t be….Just like Groves won’t be there at 29..
We definately need OL.. You’ll probably agree that the top 5 OL will
be gone at 29. Long, Clady, Williams, Otah. The question is will
the Steelers take Cherillus or Albert. And does San Diego take the
other. If this holds true and the top 6 aren’t there, we need to wait until 75th pick and go OL. Nicks, Baker, Chilo Rachal, are late
2nd talent. We shouldn’t draft them to early. When Hills, Brown, and
Cousins will be there at 75.
At WR Thomas, Jackson, and Kelly are 1st round talent and will be gone at 29. Then there are 3 or 4 WR that teams will reach for. And
the niners shouldn’t be one of those teams. We can probobly trade
back a few spots with either 29 or 39. I think teams will try to
move up for Flacco and Brohm. Caldwell, Doucet, and Douglas should
still be there for 39 - 50.
Merling, Campbell, Balmer, Phillips, and even Conner. Would be more
value at 29 - 34. If there gone grab Sweed with 33 - 36, he’ll be
gone after that. Then go best available with our 2nd pick. Laws,
Cason CB, Lee CB, Morgan S, Jackson DE should be there 39 - 50.
the point I’m trying to make is don’t draft an OL and or WR at 29 &
39 just because we need them. We have to follow the draft board.
Which I’m sure the Niners will do.
Ryan the 1st | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
The niners will go by best player available…..however I am hoping that the Steelers go with Albert. I just don’t think the Chargers will grab Cherilius. I want the niners to grab Cherilius…..it makes too much sense. I agree that the Chargers and Pittsburg are our competition in the first round. However, looking at most draft charts we either have to draft Baker, Rachal, and Nicks will be long gone. The niners are way better at this than I am. We NEED to get a couple of tackles in this draft and I say they both need to be in rounds 1-4. I don’t care how they do it, but IF they don’t draft a tackle in the first two rounds then EXPECT Mr. Glass to start at right tackle. I REALLY want him to start at center or right guard. Put Baas at Center if they like, but Jennings is better suited on the interior.
Ryan the 1st | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
Baker, Rachal, and Nicks really would be a steal at our third pick, but that is MAJOR gambling if we wait for them to be there at pick number three.
Billy | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
Although I agree that Smith has an excuse with the whole offence playbook thing, why was Shaun Hill able to tear it up with the same line and WRs you guys are just looking for excuses for Smith. Although I think Shaun is better than Smith from what “I SAW”, I think that Smith will be starter though.
Los Banos Jerry | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
Billy your absolutly right. and the sadest thing is that he will
probably win the starters job. and our team will suffer. after the
draft, and including the free agent signings the team will be better. But not in wins/losses. I wish it wasn’t so, but A Smith is
a bust. His college game will never transfer to the pro level. Its
just to fast for him. He can’t adapt.
Ryan the 1st | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
I agree that Alex Smith hasn’t done a lot to win my faith, but he WILL be the starting QB come week one. The niners are going to say, “This is your last chance. Take us to the wild card or you’re done!” I hope they have to stones to do that much. The questions now is how much help are they going to get him through the draft? He does need another receiver and two QUALITY o linemen from THIS draft. With Gore still around he has the running game so he can’t say he didn’t have adequate health. With his injury it has just been a long time since anyone has seen him do anything so they even MORE skeptical.
Ryan the 1st | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
help, not health…excuse me.
Billy | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
Ok for all the genius guys out there, if Alex Smith is so good why wasnt he able to take advantage of an eight man box designed to stop Frank Gore. This is what made Shaun Hill shine but wait this means Hill isnt all that great like you guys say, but it makes Smith even worse than him you F’n morons who claim know it all. Not that I know all that much either just trying to make a point.
As for the draft O-Line I can understand in the 1st round, but why avoid the Receiver position? I really dont think we`ve solved our situation with a back up in Bryant and aging Issac Bruce are they better then our Receiver core yes but we need someone like Sweed, Hardy, Jackson, or any wide receiver that not much of a reach or someone who falls to us . Also why the heck would we draft Quentin Groves sure hes a great prospect but right know we NEED offense. Unless It was someone like Gholston then I would understand but hes not. FYI my reasoning for this is our D was great last year but offense was the problem, we need a decent passing game to relieve our running game and to help it out as well.
If you read this all thank you for taking the time to read my opinion and I did not mean to affend anyone. Thank
Los Banos Jerry | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
Billy you can go back to sleep now. Our defense was ranked about 25th in the league. We’ve been talking about getting a WR in the
2nd round. Nite nite don’t let the bugs bite. Talk about morons.
No you didn’t offend me. You disgust me cause your 2 lazy 2 read
what everyone else is posting.
hey quit snoring
Billy | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
Wow Im offennded now, its not all about rankings you know, like we were 32nd in time of possesion on offense. Our defense was out there most of the time moron, they werent all that rested, and I do read thats what I like most about this site everyone has an opinion and were all fans ok. So I would be so fast to pull the trigger Jerry. Also look at our games and look that most of our scoring came after a turnover.
Ryan the 1st | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
If we get Groves or a wr in the first then we REALLY should make a deal to get two second rounders. All experts have unanimously agreed that this is the deepest o line draft in DECADES. Might as well take advantage of a draft that could help us at a position we need most.
Los Banos Jerry | Apr 7, 2008 | Reply
even if we don’t get Groves. Atlanta has 3 2nd rounders in play. If
they don’t take Ryan in the 1st. Then they might trade up to get
Flacco or Braum with our 29th. We could still get DL/OLB, WR, and 2
OL or 1 OL and Safety. In the first 3 rounds.
Upgrade pass rush
Slot receiver
Right Tackle
Center
Free Safety
We need 4 picks in the 1st 75. The players we get in the first 75
have a legit chance to start in 2008.
Left tackle Staley, Left Guard Snyder, Center Wragge or draft pick,
Baas Right Guard, Left Tackle Draft Pick. Heitman back up. Jennings
cut.
WR slot compete with Arnaz Battle
Pass rush could be addressed with Avril in the 3rd