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How bout that a line who actually stops the rush
By David Zizmor August 15, 2007 |
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Alex Smith might not be Joe Montana or Joe Namath, and Mike Nolan might not be Dick Nolan or Bill Walsh but, Smith and the younger Nolan certainly can scratch a few plays together and that is what happened last Monday, when it came time for quarterback Alex Smith to display his best stuff with four completions in five throws. Smith in Monday’s pre-season game against Denver in the first quarter threw for 58 yards and showed flashes of what is to come as Smith got the 49ers on top by ten. Everything was like a fine tuned piano, violin or whatever instrument you want to use as Smith was five stepping back into the pocket and hit his targets like the sling throw he made to wide out Darrell Jackson or getting support from Maurice Hicks at running back which set up the blocks that allowed a 20 yard touchdown. The 26-yard pass to Arnaz Battle set up the stage for some positive thinking in the 49ers only touchdown of the game. Coach Nolan, although he knows this is the first pre season game which the Niners lost by four points 17-13, that this was something to keep an eye out for as the Niners are taking each game at a time, "We do play to win even though it's a preseason game, we had plenty of opportunities to win," said Nolan. Smith who showed he can get the ball off under pressure and also stay in the pocket on five steps makes for a promising line who protected him well and gave him time to throw the ball feels pretty good about his chances again this season after a vast improvement over his first year in 2005. Talk has been whether or not if Smith would miss his former offensive coordinator from last season Norv Turner who moved onto the Chargers as head coach after last season. Smith paid no matter although Turner was outstanding Smith knows he's got a job to do in San Francisco, "I felt a lot more comfortable than I have ever played. Knowing what is happening and reading defenses, everything is really slowing down. I felt comfortable about that," said Smith. Smith indeed showed he could slow it down, with the confidence that the line would provide him time to get into a five-step pocket and aim for his intended receivers. Also reading the defense and getting the ball off on a fine spiral Smith likes his chances this season. "When I used the word tempo, it's everything from when the plays dead to the next play. That's tempo. It has to do with the speed of the game when the plays dead. It creates a rhythm, the running up, getting the next play off,” said Smith. “It’s easier to play that way." Expect to hear a lot about Smith this year he talked of confidence exuded it on Bill Walsh Field Monday night and is looking to continue it on Saturday at Bill Walsh on Saturday night. Niners Notes: Offensive coordinator Jim Hostler was impressed about Smith's performance and ability to keep the offense protecting him up front and his ability to get the ball off spot on. Hostler who is in his first year with the Niners said of coaching Smith and coming on board, "Look I haven't missed a beat." Hostler is confident at what Smith would bring and likes what the offense is all about. Hostler said that Smith was well trained by Norv Turner last season and the offense is custom made for Smith's liking so look for the 49ers to get some points on the board this season. "Our offensive line is doing a great job; our running backs are making things happen. I like it,” said 49ers running back Frank Gore. “When I'm in the game, they'll have more men in the box because of what I did last year. It'll probably be different”. The 49ers host the Raiders at Candlestick for a 7 PM kick off in week two of pre season play with a visit from the across the bay Oakland Raiders. David Zizmor covers 49ers football and co-hosts Sportstalk on 1690 KFSG Sacramento. quote source: 107.7 KSAN San Francisco |
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