WR Bryant Finally Maturing (1 Viewer)

[Chris Smith]

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June 17, 2006, 09:41

49ers :: WR

WR Bryant Showcasing New Maturity

Kevin Lynch, San Francisco Chronicle - [Full Article]

Antonio Bryant, 49ers new receiver has raised the team's intensity level while attempting to dive for passes despite coaches' pleas to stay off the ground. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner said, "The person who has helped quarterback Alex Smith more than anybody is Antonio Bryant, just by being a professional and showing the young guys."

My take: Bryant has always had a ton of natural ability but it was his poor attitude and maturity issues that kept him from elevating his game. He is coming off of his first 1,000 yard season as a professional and he may surprise some folks this year IF 2nd year quarterback Alex Smith can elevate his play in 2006.

Nice to see that Bryant has finally turned the corner in his commitment to the game.

 

[Jackal]

 

[Bri]

Hey Chris,

If I said "I've heard that before"....what would your reply be?

Do you think being a team player/respect from his teammates+QB will help his stats?

Was there a comment on his blocking there? I'd love to see a sentence where he floored some LBer even if it's practice. IMO That'd be a big step for him

 

[3C's]

Found on our Blogger...

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June 17, 2006, 09:41

49ers :: WR

WR Bryant Showcasing New Maturity

Kevin Lynch, San Francisco Chronicle - [Full Article]

Antonio Bryant, 49ers new receiver has raised the team's intensity level while attempting to dive for passes despite coaches' pleas to stay off the ground. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner said, "The person who has helped quarterback Alex Smith more than anybody is Antonio Bryant, just by being a professional and showing the young guys."

My take: Bryant has always had a ton of natural ability but it was his poor attitude and maturity issues that kept him from elevating his game. He is coming off of his first 1,000 yard season as a professional and he may surprise some folks this year IF 2nd year quarterback Alex Smith can elevate his play in 2006.

Nice to see that Bryant has finally turned the corner in his commitment to the game.

Definitely a big if.

 

[Chris Smith]

Hey Chris,

If I said "I've heard that before"....what would your reply be?

Do you think being a team player/respect from his teammates+QB will help his stats?

Was there a comment on his blocking there? I'd love to see a sentence where he floored some LBer even if it's practice. IMO That'd be a big step for him

Be a huge step considering this is a non-contact camp I think Bryant has made progressions over the past couple of years already when it comes to maturity. He'll never be a good blocker but can he overcome his past problems to at least be serviceable at it?

I don't really have an answer for that at this point in the preseason activities. Hopefully that answer will be revealed once the contact begins at training camp.

I do believe he wants to be great at what he does though and he does have a real shot of becoming a legitimate #1 receiver for the 49ers if he continues to work hard.

 

[Chris Smith]

Found on our Blogger...

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June 17, 2006, 09:41

49ers :: WR

WR Bryant Showcasing New Maturity

Kevin Lynch, San Francisco Chronicle - [Full Article]

Antonio Bryant, 49ers new receiver has raised the team's intensity level while attempting to dive for passes despite coaches' pleas to stay off the ground. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner said, "The person who has helped quarterback Alex Smith more than anybody is Antonio Bryant, just by being a professional and showing the young guys."

My take: Bryant has always had a ton of natural ability but it was his poor attitude and maturity issues that kept him from elevating his game. He is coming off of his first 1,000 yard season as a professional and he may surprise some folks this year IF 2nd year quarterback Alex Smith can elevate his play in 2006.

Nice to see that Bryant has finally turned the corner in his commitment to the game.

Definitely a big if.

No doubt about that. He was beyond terrible last season.On the bright side, there is no way he can be worse this year and he'll be benched early on if he can't elevate his play in '06.

 

[Bri]

Hey Chris,

If I said "I've heard that before"....what would your reply be?

Do you think being a team player/respect from his teammates+QB will help his stats?

Was there a comment on his blocking there? I'd love to see a sentence where he floored some LBer even if it's practice. IMO That'd be a big step for him

Be a huge step considering this is a non-contact camp I think Bryant has made progressions over the past couple of years already when it comes to maturity. He'll never be a good blocker but can he overcome his past problems to at least be serviceable at it?

I don't really have an answer for that at this point in the preseason activities. Hopefully that answer will be revealed once the contact begins at training camp.

I do believe he wants to be great at what he does though and he does have a real shot of becoming a legitimate #1 receiver for the 49ers if he continues to work hard.

Did you feel that way when he went from Dallas to Cleveland? like last summer?

 

[Chris Smith]

Hey Chris,

If I said "I've heard that before"....what would your reply be?

Do you think being a team player/respect from his teammates+QB will help his stats?

Was there a comment on his blocking there? I'd love to see a sentence where he floored some LBer even if it's practice. IMO That'd be a big step for him

Be a huge step considering this is a non-contact camp I think Bryant has made progressions over the past couple of years already when it comes to maturity. He'll never be a good blocker but can he overcome his past problems to at least be serviceable at it?

I don't really have an answer for that at this point in the preseason activities. Hopefully that answer will be revealed once the contact begins at training camp.

I do believe he wants to be great at what he does though and he does have a real shot of becoming a legitimate #1 receiver for the 49ers if he continues to work hard.

Did you feel that way when he went from Dallas to Cleveland? like last summer?

Did I feel he made progressions from the punk kid that thought he knew everything and didn't take direction well in his first couple of seasons?Yes I did.

He obviously has to make improvements to parts of his game and who knows if he is capable of making that step. However he did manage to finish last season with 1,000 yards and he appear to work hard in parts of the game.

This is a huge season for Bryant as he is at the stage of his career where he must prove he has made those steps in order to reach the next level. If he doesn't he could fizzle out. Personally I think he is going to be a dependable receiver for the rest of his career. Not a star, but a serviceable guy (like an Eddie Kennison).

 

[Faust]

 

[LHUCKS]

If Bryant started in place of Marvin Harrison he'd put up similar numbers...unfortunately he's with Alex Smith.

 

[The Jerk]

I'm not sure that diving for passes in minicamp shows commitment. It shows intensity, that's for sure. But that hasn't been Bryant's problem. Going back to college, his issues have centered mostly around discipline and tempering/managing his emotions. I like to see a guy who plays hard, but at the right time and only to a reasonable degree.

Diving unnecessarily at minicamp might just as easily indicate that Bryant still struggles to stay within appropriate boundaries as it can hint at professional growth or leadership.

As for comparisons to Harrison... please! Marvin's consistency, professionalism, discipline and emotional stability are at the top among all NFL players. Bryant has plenty of room to improve in each of these areas.

 

[nag']

If Bryant started in place of Marvin Harrison he'd put up similar numbers...unfortunately he's with Alex Smith.

You mean similar numbers to the Marvin who is possibly the best route runner with one of the greatest hands in the history of the game and who had a 4 year stretch when he averaged 120 receptions, 1600 yards and 13 touchdowns?

 

[wannabee]

what are the chances Bryant will produce better numbers than Lloyd had last year?

59 catches, 733 yds, and 5 TDs

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/396021

I put the odds at 50%

 

[Bri]

If Bryant started in place of Marvin Harrison he'd put up similar numbers...unfortunately he's with Alex Smith.

ridiculous

 

[The Jerk]

If Bryant started in place of Marvin Harrison he'd put up similar numbers...unfortunately he's with Alex Smith.

ridiculous

Even Antonio Bryant's agent doesn't believe this - nor would he say this.

 

[wannabee]

If Bryant started in place of Marvin Harrison he'd put up similar numbers...unfortunately he's with Alex Smith.

ridiculous

Even Antonio Bryant's agent doesn't believe this - nor would he say this.

"Next question"

 

[Traders2001]

what are the chances Bryant will produce better numbers than Lloyd had last year?

59 catches, 733 yds, and 5 TDs

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/396021

I put the odds at 50%

Very easily .I dont know if you read about Lloyd but he is very disappointing in mini camps ( and like most expert say he is barely good enough to be a third WR on most team.

He makes one great catch per game but drops all the other ball thrown at him .

So Bryant will easily put up better numbers .

 

[gang-wars]

what are the chances Bryant will produce better numbers than Lloyd had last year?

59 catches, 733 yds, and 5 TDs

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/396021

I put the odds at 50%

Very easily .I dont know if you read about Lloyd but he is very disappointing in mini camps ( and like most expert say he is barely good enough to be a third WR on most team.

He makes one great catch per game but drops all the other ball thrown at him .

So Bryant will easily put up better numbers .

Not sure what games you've been watching Lloyd play (none). Give Big Score the credit for this.

Brandon Lloyd 2003

30 Total Targets - 0 Drops

Brandon Lloyd 2004

84 Total Targets - 3 Drops

Brandon Lloyd 2005

109 Total Targets - 4 Drops

Total Targets = 228 / Total Drops = 7

1 Drop per 33 Targets

Clearly in the hands department, Randel El has a long way to go before he's in the same class as Lloyd. I would say the Skins coaches are aware of the difference between the two and would be very surprised if Lloyd is not their choice for the #2 WR spot.

For comparison, 2 of the better hands WR's in the NFL.

Marvin Harrison - 2003 thru 2005, had 412 Total Targets & Dropped 12.

1 Drop per 34 Targets

Torry Holt - 2003 thru 2005, had 480 Total Targets & Dropped 15.

1 Drop per 32 Targets

And to make matters worse, Bryant actually has WORSE hands. *lol*Bryant 2005

123 total targets - 7 drops

Brystand 2004

99 total targets - 8 drops

Brystand 2003

83 total Targets - 10 drops

305 total targets / 25 drops

=

1 drop every 12 targets compared to 1 drop for 33 targets for Lloyd.

Bryant has hands of stone compared to Lloyd. But lets not let facts get in the way.

 

[mcd]

Not sure what games you've been watching Lloyd play (none).

I watch most of the 49er games & would agree that Lloyd doesn't have the best of hands. I'm shocked to see a stat that he only dropped 3 balls over the full season & not real sure how they arrive at that conclusion. There were games that I was yelling at the screen because he was so frustrating to watch. Maybe the stat doesn't take into account the plays he stops his route short or when he just sticks out one hand. I don't know, but Lloyd was a frustrating player to watch. Maybe he only had 3 passes hit him in the gut that he dropped. I considered it a clear upgrade when we got Bryant as a replacement for Lloyd. That didn't even take into account the draft picks we swindled out of the Redskins.

 

[Bri]

Drops are like tackles, every site has a different # of em'

 

[BassNBrew]

If Bryant started in place of Marvin Harrison he'd put up similar numbers...unfortunately he's with Alex Smith.

 

[BassNBrew]

FYI...this same article (theme) ran about Bryant last season.

 

[Chris Smith]

Bryant has had big problems catching the ball. That is one of his biggest weaknesses...

One caveat in comparing Lloyd's numbers to Bryant's potential this year. Much of Lloyd's numbers a year ago came in the first four games with Tim Rattay at the helm.

Now, Rattay will never be considered a top starting quarterback but he was head and shoulders above Smith last year and I would be surprised to see Smith surpass what Rattay was able to do last year in 2006.

Smith will hinder Bryant's numbers this year. The only question is how much.

 

[Chris Smith]

FYI...this same article (theme) ran about Bryant last season.

True but let's not forget that he finished with 1,000 receiving yards and the Browns would have re-signed him if the price was right.

 

[Bri]

Bryant has had big problems catching the ball.  That is one of his biggest weaknesses...

One caveat in comparing Lloyd's numbers to Bryant's potential this year.  Much of Lloyd's numbers a year ago came in the first four games with Tim Rattay at the helm.

Now, Rattay will never be considered a top starting quarterback but he was head and shoulders above Smith last year and I would be surprised to see Smith surpass what Rattay was able to do last year in 2006.

Smith will hinder Bryant's numbers this year.  The only question is how much.

hey Chris why do you think some team didn't trade for him? He was OK. If the Bucs are going with Simms how hard could he be to get? I was a little surprised he wasn't moved. I figure there's something "bad" about him I missed....any ideas?re-rattay

 

[Big Score]

what are the chances Bryant will produce better numbers than Lloyd had last year?

59 catches, 733 yds, and 5 TDs

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/396021

I put the odds at 50%

Very easily .I dont know if you read about Lloyd but he is very disappointing in mini camps ( and like most expert say he is barely good enough to be a third WR on most team.

He makes one great catch per game but drops all the other ball thrown at him .

So Bryant will easily put up better numbers .

Horribly inaccurate post by Traders2001, regarding Lloyd's hands.Also note that not only Lloyd's numbers took a significant nosedive, once Alex Smith became the 49er's starting QB last year, but all of the 49er WR's numbers suffered, with Smith at QB.

There is a reason why Smith had a ypa, of only 5.3 yards.

Of Smith's 165 passing attempts, a whopping 76 of those passes went to his RB's & TE's.

Of the 76 passes to his RB's & TE's, he completed 42 for 343 yards & 0 TD's for a 53.04 completion percentage.

Of the 89 WR targets with Smith at the helm, Lloyd saw 44, converting 21 into 253 yards & 1 TD.

The rest of the 49er WR's, with a combined 45 targets, only accounted for another 21 receptions, adding 300 yards & 0 TD's.

Smith only managing 42 completions out of the 89 passes he threw to his WR's...

...gives him a completion percentage to his WR's, of only 47.78. :X

The only way Bryant exceeds Lloyd's numbers by any kind of significant margin, is if Alex Smith developes.

I doubt Smith progresses much, so I see Bryant with approx 60 receptions @ 13.0 ypc = 780 yards with 4 TD's.

(Smith has got throw for more than 1 TD per 8 games right?).

 

[jurb26]

The only way Bryant exceeds Lloyd's numbers by any kind of significant margin, is if Alex Smith developes.

Why wouldn't he? He was a rookie QB that it was well known had a simple scheme in college yet was thrown to the wolves on not just a bad team, but a bad team with an atrocious offence. SF had sever protection problems last year, lost it's premier pass catcher in TE Johnson and had a mediocre running game at best. If you ask me it was foolish to even throw a rookie QB into that mess. I think you run the risk of damaging a young guys confidence when you do this ala Ramsey. Either way, a lot of these problems from last year have been addressed and SF looks to be a better team and O next season IMO. The Oline wlas upgraded and several new and improved weapons are bck this year. Bryant my drop more passes than Lloyd, but the guy is flat out a bette WR despite it. He proved he could be a WR1 on a bad team in Clev and I don't see why his go round in SF should be much different. SF also gets TE Johnson back and added TE phenom Davis as well. Plus when you actually look at how BAD Smith was last year it's veery hard to even imagin how the numbers get worse. If you watched Smith play last year you not only felt bad for him but also felt bad for anyone in his family in the stands, it was that embarassing and he looked just that lost! Some sort of progression is not only likely, IMO it is the only option. If he does not play better then SF should be removed from the NFL under some sort of new "tanking" rule if they do not pull him.

 

[Big Score]

One caveat in comparing Lloyd's numbers to Bryant's potential this year. Much of Lloyd's numbers a year ago came in the first four games with Tim Rattay at the helm.

Very good point.In 8 games with Rattay, Dorsey & Pickett at QB;

Lloyd had 27 receptions - 500 yards - 4 TD's

In 8 games with Smith at QB;

Lloyd had 21 receptions - 253 yards - 1 TD

 

[Chris Smith]

Bryant has had big problems catching the ball. That is one of his biggest weaknesses...

One caveat in comparing Lloyd's numbers to Bryant's potential this year. Much of Lloyd's numbers a year ago came in the first four games with Tim Rattay at the helm.

Now, Rattay will never be considered a top starting quarterback but he was head and shoulders above Smith last year and I would be surprised to see Smith surpass what Rattay was able to do last year in 2006.

Smith will hinder Bryant's numbers this year. The only question is how much.

hey Chris why do you think some team didn't trade for him? He was OK. If the Bucs are going with Simms how hard could he be to get? I was a little surprised he wasn't moved. I figure there's something "bad" about him I missed....any ideas?re-rattay

Why trade for the player when you can pick him up via free agency. The only reason to trade for a player that will be released is if you want to make sure you get him into camp right away. Otherwise why give up a player or pick to get him.He may have been too expensive for the Bucs and other teams. $15 million over four years is pretty expensive for a player that would likely be the 3rd option over the next couple of seasons and at best the #2 option. I believe coach Gruden likes Michael Clayton and that he'll rebound this year...

Finally to wrap it up, here are some blurbs about Bryant since joining the 49ers. Mostly fluff I know being early in the preseason stuff but news nonetheless...

June 4, 2006, 10:56

49ers :: WR

WR Bryant Much Better Than WR Lloyd

Gwen Knapp, San Francisco Chronicle - [Full Article]

WR Antonio Bryant is a big step ahead of WR Brandon Lloyd, whom the 49ers traded to Washington. Lloyd's new employers will soon discover that they have a No. 3 receiver who thinks he is a No. 1, who delivers one sensational play every game or so and does very little else. If Bryant follows through on his promises of even-tempered maturity, the team will have its first real game-breaking threat since Terrell Owens left San Francisco.

May 13, 2006, 15:45

49ers :: QB, WR

WR Bryant Getting In Flow With QB Smith

Matthew Barrows, Sac Bee - [Full Article]

The team's top free-agent addition ,WR Antonio Bryant, is still developing timing with quarterback Alex Smith, but it was clear from the recent minicamp that Bryant already has become Smith's first downfield option. Smith twice opened team drills by finding Bryant on crossing patterns, and the new No. 81 has a sense of urgency about him that the old No. 81, recently traded Rashaun Woods, did not show.

May 8, 2006, 10:22

49ers :: WR

WR Bryant Has Good Showing In Mini-Camp

Craig Massei, San Francisco Illustrated - [Full Article]

Antonio Bryant, the 49ers’ new starting split end, wasn’t letting any footballs thrown his way touch the ground. At first glance, Bryant looks like a considerable upgrade over the man he’s replacing in the lineup, Brandon Lloyd. It appears clear that Vernon Davis and Bryant are the team’s top two receiving targets, not necessarily in that order.

May 6, 2006, 08:39

49ers :: QB, WR

QB Smith And WR Bryant Working On Chemistry

49ers Notebook, Contra Costa Times - [Full Article]

Free-agent wide receiver Antonio Bryant who was brought in from the Cleveland Browns this off-season has been working with Smith on a daily basis since signing with the 49ers two months ago. They have been regulars on the practice field at 49ers headquarters after offseason workouts. "We've hung out and done some things," Bryant said. "It's gotten better every week, just running the routes and understanding where the quarterback wants you to be. I think with camp, it's going to come into the full swing of things."

March 13, 2006, 18:46

49ers :: WR

WR A.Bryant Signs With 49ers

John Clayton, ESPN.com - [Full Article]

WR Antonio Bryant agreed to a four-year, $15 million deal with the 49ers that included a signing bonus in excess of $5 million.

 

[Big Score]

The only way Bryant exceeds Lloyd's numbers by any kind of significant margin, is if Alex Smith developes.

Why wouldn't he? He was a rookie QB that it was well known had a simple scheme in college yet was thrown to the wolves on not just a bad team, but a bad team with an atrocious offence. SF had sever protection problems last year, lost it's premier pass catcher in TE Johnson and had a mediocre running game at best. If you ask me it was foolish to even throw a rookie QB into that mess. I think you run the risk of damaging a young guys confidence when you do this ala Ramsey. Either way, a lot of these problems from last year have been addressed and SF looks to be a better team and O next season IMO. The Oline wlas upgraded and several new and improved weapons are bck this year. Bryant my drop more passes than Lloyd, but the guy is flat out a bette WR despite it. He proved he could be a WR1 on a bad team in Clev and I don't see why his go round in SF should be much different. SF also gets TE Johnson back and added TE phenom Davis as well. Plus when you actually look at how BAD Smith was last year it's veery hard to even imagin how the numbers get worse. If you watched Smith play last year you not only felt bad for him but also felt bad for anyone in his family in the stands, it was that embarassing and he looked just that lost! Some sort of progression is not only likely, IMO it is the only option. If he does not play better then SF should be removed from the NFL under some sort of new "tanking" rule if they do not pull him.

I understand all of the arguments of Smith operating behind a sub par O'line & without TE Eric Johnson.But the fact of the matter is Rattay, Dorsey & Pickett operated under the same handicap. Yet all of those QB's outperformed Smith, even though Smith had the advantage of playing the last 5 games of the year, when the team would've been at it's most cohesive.

After watching Smith last year, I just don't see the "it" in him, that makes for a succesful NFL QB.

Maybe you saw something different in Smith.

 

[jurb26]

The only way Bryant exceeds Lloyd's numbers by any kind of significant margin, is if Alex Smith developes.

Why wouldn't he? He was a rookie QB that it was well known had a simple scheme in college yet was thrown to the wolves on not just a bad team, but a bad team with an atrocious offence. SF had sever protection problems last year, lost it's premier pass catcher in TE Johnson and had a mediocre running game at best. If you ask me it was foolish to even throw a rookie QB into that mess. I think you run the risk of damaging a young guys confidence when you do this ala Ramsey. Either way, a lot of these problems from last year have been addressed and SF looks to be a better team and O next season IMO. The Oline wlas upgraded and several new and improved weapons are bck this year. Bryant my drop more passes than Lloyd, but the guy is flat out a bette WR despite it. He proved he could be a WR1 on a bad team in Clev and I don't see why his go round in SF should be much different. SF also gets TE Johnson back and added TE phenom Davis as well. Plus when you actually look at how BAD Smith was last year it's veery hard to even imagin how the numbers get worse. If you watched Smith play last year you not only felt bad for him but also felt bad for anyone in his family in the stands, it was that embarassing and he looked just that lost! Some sort of progression is not only likely, IMO it is the only option. If he does not play better then SF should be removed from the NFL under some sort of new "tanking" rule if they do not pull him.

I understand all of the arguments of Smith operating behind a sub par O'line & without TE Eric Johnson.But the fact of the matter is Rattay, Dorsey & Pickett operated under the same handicap. Yet all of those QB's outperformed Smith, even though Smith had the advantage of playing the last 5 games of the year, when the team would've been at it's most cohesive.

After watching Smith last year, I just don't see the "it" in him, that makes for a succesful NFL QB.

Maybe you saw something different in Smith.

Did you read all of my post? I said that Smith looked flat awful. If he is that awful again then he should be pulled, no question. If he is pulled then the opportunity gets better for Bryant, no? Sure, Rattay and Dorsey looked better last year. They sure as heck should. Smith was agian, a ROOKIE. Rattay and Dorsey were not. How a rookie is supposed to go in and look good under those cercumstances is beyond me. You say that Bryant needs to have Smith progress next year. I agree. Seeing how bad he was last year, how in the world can you find it realisic that he does not is my question? I have never been a fan of Smith's and think he was a very bellow average #1 overall draft pick. I do however believe in giving guys a fair chance and Smith has in no way been given that yet.

 

[Big Score]

The only way Bryant exceeds Lloyd's numbers by any kind of significant margin, is if Alex Smith developes.

Why wouldn't he? He was a rookie QB that it was well known had a simple scheme in college yet was thrown to the wolves on not just a bad team, but a bad team with an atrocious offence. SF had sever protection problems last year, lost it's premier pass catcher in TE Johnson and had a mediocre running game at best. If you ask me it was foolish to even throw a rookie QB into that mess. I think you run the risk of damaging a young guys confidence when you do this ala Ramsey. Either way, a lot of these problems from last year have been addressed and SF looks to be a better team and O next season IMO. The Oline wlas upgraded and several new and improved weapons are bck this year. Bryant my drop more passes than Lloyd, but the guy is flat out a bette WR despite it. He proved he could be a WR1 on a bad team in Clev and I don't see why his go round in SF should be much different. SF also gets TE Johnson back and added TE phenom Davis as well. Plus when you actually look at how BAD Smith was last year it's veery hard to even imagin how the numbers get worse. If you watched Smith play last year you not only felt bad for him but also felt bad for anyone in his family in the stands, it was that embarassing and he looked just that lost! Some sort of progression is not only likely, IMO it is the only option. If he does not play better then SF should be removed from the NFL under some sort of new "tanking" rule if they do not pull him.

I understand all of the arguments of Smith operating behind a sub par O'line & without TE Eric Johnson.But the fact of the matter is Rattay, Dorsey & Pickett operated under the same handicap. Yet all of those QB's outperformed Smith, even though Smith had the advantage of playing the last 5 games of the year, when the team would've been at it's most cohesive.

After watching Smith last year, I just don't see the "it" in him, that makes for a succesful NFL QB.

Maybe you saw something different in Smith.

Did you read all of my post? I said that Smith looked flat awful. If he is that awful again then he should be pulled, no question. If he is pulled then the opportunity gets better for Bryant, no? Sure, Rattay and Dorsey looked better last year. They sure as heck should. Smith was agian, a ROOKIE. Rattay and Dorsey were not. How a rookie is supposed to go in and look good under those cercumstances is beyond me. You say that Bryant needs to have Smith progress next year. I agree. Seeing how bad he was last year, how in the world can you find it realisic that he does not is my question? I have never been a fan of Smith's and think he was a very bellow average #1 overall draft pick. I do however believe in giving guys a fair chance and Smith has in no way been given that yet.

Yes I read your post jurb26, I just don't see their #1 pick from last year and supposed QB of the future, getting yanked barring injury & I completely disagree with this statement by you, from that post;

Some sort of progression is not only likely, IMO it is the only option.

I think the 49er's sink or swim with Smith and I figure sink is the most likely outcome.He will kill Bryant's numbers.