The final weekend of the 2011 NFL preseason was a whirlwind for the San Francisco 49ers quarterback position. No, they didn't go out there and acquire an heir-apparent to Alex Smith, nor has Colin Kaepernick been replaced as the team's second stringer.
However, the 49ers did make news on the quarterback front, if you want to call it that. In terms of "fronts", this is looking more and more like no man's land.
On Saturday the 49ers released Josh McCown just two weeks after he had signed with them. Then they signed rookie McLeod Bethel-Thompson to the practice squad, only to release him an hour later.
And then it became apparent what all these moves were about: the 49ers claimed another rookie, Scott Tolzien, off waivers from the San Diego Chargers.
Once the dust settled Alex Smith was anointed the unquestioned starter and will be backed up by two rookie quarterbacks: a second round pick, Colin Kaepernick and an undrafted free agent, Scott Tolzien.
Does this make sense? Well, I am not completely sold on the idea of having two unproven quarterbacks behind an injury-plagued and inconsistent Alex Smith.
It would seem that Jim Harbaugh is placing his entire 2011 season on the shoulder(s) of Alex Smith, a player that has yet to prove he is an above-average NFL starter after six years in the league.It is hard to get all riled up about the signing of a third string quarterback but it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.
Colin Kaepernick proved that he isn't ready to play in the NFL yet. He threw five interceptions in four preseason games, while not connecting for a single touchdown. The former Nevada star looked completely lost reading defenses and was shaky in the pocket. Now, he sits one hit on Alex Smith away from being thrown to the proverbial "wolves" as a raw rookie.
Instead of hanging on to Josh McCown the 49ers decided it made more sense to claim another rookie, Scott Tolzien, off waivers from the San Diego Chargers.
Tolzien, who wasn't drafted in April, did look good during the preseason. But that was against opposing No. 2 and No. 3 defenses. There is no way he is ready to play in the NFL right now. Especially, since he has to learn a new playbook and get accustomed to new players.
Now I doubt that San Francisco acquired To to play in 2011. After all, he will be the third string quarterback. But that isn't my point.
Colin Kaepernick should not be the 49ers backup quarterback this season. They needed to go out there and find a veteran that could replace Alex Smith if he gets injured or is ineffective. Right now they don't have any realistic quarterback options behind the enigmatic signal-caller.
Couple this with the fact that San Francisco's offensive line has played poor this preseason and it leads me to believe that the 49ers could have major issue if/when Alex Smith goes down to injury.Smith hasn't proven he can stay healthy or perform at a relatively high level throughout the duration of a season.
So there remains a strong possibility that he will miss a game at some point this season. If that happens the 49ers will be left with a watered-down playbook and inexperienced quarterback attempting to lead scoring drives against professional defenses. Two variables that do not exact confidence that they will be successful.
Could I be wrong? Sure.
The offensive line improved dramatically in the preseason finale against the San Diego Chargers and does boast a whole lot of talent. If they get it together and protect Alex Smith this whole issue could be moot.
Alex Smith could step up in an offense that boasts the most talent he has played with since joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2005. Give him the protection, scheme and talent and there remains a strong possibility that Smith would prove his worth.
Jim Harbaugh sure knows a heck of a lot more than I do about how to run a football team and has been extremely effective in coaching quarterbacks over the last decade.
Additionally, I have ignored one important variable up to now: the 49ers currently have two talented, young quarterbacks on their roster. This is something that about three quarters of NFL teams would love to have at this point, even one would be an improvement to some (see: Washington).
So we are going to have to see how it plays out this season in regards to the San Francisco 49ers quarterback position. As many of you know I am an internal optimist when it comes to the new 49er regime but I cannot ignore the fact that these recent transactions do bother me a little bit.
Andrew McDonald Matt Martin Frans Nielsen Dwayne Roloson Jon Sim Jason Arnott
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿