I was browsing through some YouTube videos and I came across this highlight video of Alex Smith. Yes, a highlight video of Smith.
OK, so there were pretty much clips from about five games he played well in, but it still provided me some insight on the 49ers quarterback.
Smith is a very mobile quarterback and I actually think he has a really nice soft touch on his throws. But when looking at the clips, most of them came courtesy of his 2006 season-- the season in which he threw 16 touchdowns under Norv Turner.
In that season, his best target was Antonio Bryant. During the preseason, these two found a great connection and it developed into the regular season. But with a clash with Mike Nolan, Bryant was let go at season's end.
Now Bryant is a Pro Bowl receiver for Tampa Bay.
But in 2006, his numbers were not super impressive: 40 catches and three touchdowns. Bryant did however average 18.3 yards per reception. The deep threat did allow Smith comfort in the pocket (and a change of defense from the opposition in respect to the deep pass).
So I start to wonder about Smith and Shaun Hill. Both of them more than likely will find one receiver that they can rely on throughout the year as their "comfort receiver". Last season, Isaac Bruce came up big down the stretch for Hill in the passing game. This year, he might not get that many looks but could still be as effective.
For either Smith or Hill, the comfort receiver should be able to stretch the field and hopefully allow the short passes to open up on defense. I would expect Josh Morgan to be the best deep threat right now for the team. But since the depth chart has still yet to be determined, I might give a little nod to Brandon Jones to get a lot of looks as the receiver running slants and cross patterns.
But this is all just me wondering. Who would be the best receiver for either quarterback? Which receiver would definitely help quarterback the most? It's not just about the highest reception total, but how much one player can impact the team.
Comments
The receiver who is going to help Hill or Smith the most is still going to be Bruce, but I think the receiver who is going to best help the team is going to be Morgan. He has a year under his belt, albeit a injury shortened year, but he has the skills and humility to be an impact player this year.
Once Crabtree gets the system down he will make a nice combination receiver threat; dare I say like Fitz(Crabtree) and Boldin(Morgan)? If i remember correctly last year, I heard comparisons of Morgan to Boldin and Crabtree has hands like Fitzgerald so why not?
If Smith can play that good this year, I may stop asking the 49ers to trade him or let him go, I never been much of a fan of his, But that video looked good, But he still has to get pass Hill, He has his work cut out for him, Just wait and see..
In the clip it showed a game against the Rams where I remember Smith started the game 11-11.
It also showed the two games against Seattle in which Gore ran for 500+ yards, but in the 2nd game in Seattle it was Smiths arm and legs in the 4th qt. that got us the win.
I remember Smith hit Battle on a 60 pass for a first down that started a 3 TD explosion in the forth qt.
Everyone said the 49ers were lucky to beat Seattle in the first game and said we had no chance of winning in Seattle. Smith scored 3 TD's in that qt; one to Gore, one to Davis and a 20 yard run on 3rd & 8 with 1:30 to go.
The play called for Smith to hand the ball off to Hicks but Alex changed the play in the huddle to a QB bootleg. The D was fooled so bad by the play no one, not even the 49ers knew he had the ball till he was 10 yards away from the end zone. Nolan was mad, because you know him he wanted to kick a FG and Alex went and changed to play on him. The only person that know about the change was Hicks?
The only person that knew about the change was Hicks!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!