Niners!

[Webster Green]

Go Niners!

This is their year....I can feel it!

I say that every year.

[democracyindanger]

1. Rattay should start

Nolan f'd up when he handed Smith the starting job.

[tiptoe]

2. Smith looked like a...college-level player

I was disappointed at what I saw from Smith...as if little or no development over the past weeks for the 21-yr-old, 2-yr college player...expected more from a 49er-trained QB. And from the shotgun on certain plays?..to allow Smith to feel more comfortable, i.e. still too-unpracticed from the T??

"This is a different tempo," Smith said. "I am used to something else, obviously. I am trying to get adjusted. It is obviously a different atmosphere than I am used to."

Coach Mike Nolan said the 49ers would "likely maintain the same structure, " meaning that Smith will remain the starter. "He typically throws it much better. I still have a lot of confidence in him."

"I'm a new head coach, and I learned, too," Nolan said. "There are no shortcuts. We need to keep working."
...
The line gave Smith plenty of time on his third drive. However, Smith threw behind an open Johnnie Morton on a slant pass on second down. Smith had Morton open again on 3rd-and-10 for an easy first down, but his pass fell short.

To his credit, Smith picked up a football after his third drive and threw on the sideline to fellow quarterback Cody Pickett. He then huddled with starter Tim Rattay. The confab seemed to work.

With 1:55 left, the 49ers got the ball at their 4. Smith was back to being pressured, but this time he had an answer. He ran. He took off on first down to get four yards, then escaped the pocket on second down and secured the team's first down when he was hit late by linebacker Danny Clark, who was called for a personal foul.

Let the QB controversy begin.

Arnaz Battle looked good.

"Team Defense" was there, as well.

[DaveinMD]

3. they should

still be the worst team in football this year.