The Way We Hear It (PFW)

[imaCafan]

We keep hearing that the more Niners offensive coordinator Mike Martz works with QB Alex Smith, the more excited he gets. Martz apparently has told some of his confidantes that Smith could be the best quarterback he’s worked with on the pro level.

If there was a concern about the Cardinals’ draft, team insiders tell us it would have to be the lack of speed possessed by both skill-position selections — third-round WR Early Doucet and fifth-round RB Tim Hightower, who both have ordinary 40-times. That said, word is Doucet is considered a definite upgrade for the No. 3 WR role over any of the other candidates currently on the roster. As for Hightower, we hear the Cardinals — particularly RB coach Maurice Carthon — think enough of him to increase the likelihood that either Marcel Shipp or J.J. Arrington (but not both) could be released.

 

[PACardsFan]

We keep hearing that the more Niners offensive coordinator Mike Martz works with QB Alex Smith, the more excited he gets. Martz apparently has told some of his confidantes that Smith could be the best quarterback he’s worked with on the pro level.

If there was a concern about the Cardinals’ draft, team insiders tell us it would have to be the lack of speed possessed by both skill-position selections — third-round WR Early Doucet and fifth-round RB Tim Hightower, who both have ordinary 40-times. That said, word is Doucet is considered a definite upgrade for the No. 3 WR role over any of the other candidates currently on the roster. As for Hightower, we hear the Cardinals — particularly RB coach Maurice Carthon — think enough of him to increase the likelihood that either Marcel Shipp or J.J. Arrington (but not both) could be released.

Smith may be the most intelligent QB he's worked with, but definitely not the best. Let's wait until Smith gets hit blindside a few times before we put him in the Hall. Martz will defintely energize the Niner's offense, but Smith may take a pounding in the process. That's why I'm glad the Cardinals loaded up on DE's during the offseason. When they have their chances (& they will in Martz's schemes), defenses have to really tee off on Smith. My guess is that Dilfer will see the field often this year. Smith was a systems QB in a gimmicky offense in college & his decision making for a so-called high IQ guy leaves a ton to be desired.

 

[RON_IN_OC]

Smith may be the most intelligent QB he's worked with, but definitely not the best. Let's wait until Smith gets hit blindside a few times before we put him in the Hall. Martz will defintely energize the Niner's offense, but Smith may take a pounding in the process. That's why I'm glad the Cardinals loaded up on DE's during the offseason. When they have their chances (& they will in Martz's schemes), defenses have to really tee off on Smith. My guess is that Dilfer will see the field often this year. Smith was a systems QB in a gimmicky offense in college & his decision making for a so-called high IQ guy leaves a ton to be desired.

Dilfer was released, I believe, and they brought in another guy to have open competition for the #1 QB spot with Smith.

 

[JeffGollin]

Regarding Hightower replacing Shipp - I doubt if PFW "heard" anything - they just picked My conclusion - If Hightower plays better than Shipp, Baylark or Vincent, he'll probably replace one of them. But that's still a pretty big "if" - he's got to prove it on the field).

I don't think many people doubt Alex Smith's intelligence or physical ability, but there are two other crucial factors that help determine a QB's success as a pro:

- Can he read defenses under pressure without mentally "fragmenting?"

- On each play - once he figures out what's going on in the secondary, is he able to make quick decisions and right decisions?

There's a "deer in the headlights" aspect to Smith's play which may transcend and undermine any football intelligence he may have. Sometimes reps and good coaching can overcome this, but often it never does.

 

[TJ]

Smith is a bust....cant throw the ball off your back, buddy!!

 

[SoCal Cardfan]

"Smith could be the best quarterback he’s worked with on the pro level."

This could be the most asinine QB comment to come out of SF, since Walsh's Montana/Plummer comparison.

 

[CardinalChris]

The smith comments are like the ones we as Arizona fans hang our hats on every offseason. Until Smith can make better decisions and make them much faster, he will be average at best. Hindering that is the fact that you can't make a decision on your back!!!! Martz is notorious for leaving only 5 lineman to block, and with that O-Line Smith is going to be so nervous back there (If he still is upright) that he's going to look like a fool.

 

[black]

Smith will be a desent QB, he will have good games and bad ones. The problem with SF's offense was the team, not Smith.

If Martz is so good, why is he let go everywhere he goes?

 

[AzWins23]

Smith will be a desent QB, he will have good games and bad ones. The problem with SF's offense was the team, not Smith.

If Martz is so good, why is he let go everywhere he goes?

Exactly! Also, If he couldn't get the job done in Detroit with Roy Williams, and Calvin Johnson. What makes us think he is going to get it done with Bryant Johnson, Issac Bruce and (enter awful 3rd WR here)??

 

[Mitch]

The Martz hiring in SF is somewhat of a head scratcher in that it would have seemed more logical to play a more traditional system that features the running game with Frank Gore, who is an absolute stud....and set up play action to a potential star at TE in Vernon Davis.

Now, with Martz, they are trying to transform into a wide open passing game. In reality, this probably helps Alex Smith in that he played well in Urban Meyer's wide open attack in Utah...although in Martz' system, Smith will have to be able to throw ropes 20-30 yards up the seams...and there still are questions about Smith's arm strength.

 

[Syracusecards]

We keep hearing that the more Niners offensive coordinator Mike Martz works with QB Alex Smith, the more excited he gets. Martz apparently has told some of his confidantes that Smith could be the best quarterback he’s worked with on the pro level.

This comment will be funny when Shaun Hill is named the starter this year...

 

[cardsfanmd]

In case anyone wasn't aware of this, the Breadtruck is taking Shipp's roster spot. Marcel costs too much.

 

[cgolden]

Hightower

I have no idea if this kid has any skills but the coaching staff definitely seems to think he's got the goods. I certainly wouldn't miss either Arrington or Shipp if Hightower is worth it. Arrington can at least return kickoffs so he'd be my choice to stay if it comes down to those two.

 

[MadCardDisease]

We keep hearing that the more Niners offensive coordinator Mike Martz works with QB Alex Smith, the more excited he gets. Martz apparently has told some of his confidantes that Smith could be the best quarterback he’s worked with on the pro level.

Martz and Nolan will be fired by the end of the season.

 

[RON_IN_OC]

Martz and Nolan will be fired by the end of the season.

I can see Martz replacing Nolan by the end of the season.

 

[MadCardDisease]

I can see Martz replacing Nolan by the end of the season.

We can only hope.

 

[WildBB]

Smith may be the most intelligent QB he's worked with, but definitely not the best. Let's wait until Smith gets hit blindside a few times before we put him in the Hall. Martz will defintely energize the Niner's offense, but Smith may take a pounding in the process. That's why I'm glad the Cardinals loaded up on DE's during the offseason. When they have their chances (& they will in Martz's schemes), defenses have to really tee off on Smith. My guess is that Dilfer will see the field often this year. Smith was a systems QB in a gimmicky offense in college & his decision making for a so-called high IQ guy leaves a ton to be desired.

Coming at you Smith!