Here is the opening to my column about the 49ers-Lions game:
SAN FRANCISCO — I know what I know, and I’m not going to tell you how I know it. Agreed?
I knew for a fact against the Lions Alex Smith frequently called two plays in the huddle. He would come to the line of scrimmage, look around and, many times — yes many — killed the first play, and that meant the offense ran the second play.
Got that?
But I wanted confirmation. Jim Harbaugh — Harbaugh the Vague and Evasive — was answering postgame questions at his postgame presser in his usual vague way when I asked if Smith called two plays in the huddle and sometimes killed the first play.
Harbaugh eyeballed me as only he can eyeball a media pest. And then he said, “Yes.” The coach actually answered a direct question and gave away a tiny fraction of what he calls “scheme,” and to him scheme is the holy of holies and he never talks about it. Except this time he did. Yes, he said.
To read the full column, click here.
Tony
From a 49er fan, that article was probably one of your best articles you’ve written. Granted, I’ve been reading your articles for the last 2 years. I love the 49ers that Jim Harbaugh with Trent Baalke have created, scouted and signed. Also, I can’t wait for Brandon Jacobs and Ted Ginn Jr. to return because those two change this offense and special teams into an even more dominant force.
September 16th, 2012 11:30 pm
Dr. Feelgood
Ah, at last, sunshine! Spring comes to the press box, and all is well across the lands. IS love all we need?
September 17th, 2012 12:10 am
Dan
Cris Collinsworth also mentioned the “kill” system on the NBC broadcast after the network microphones caught Alex Smith calling out “Kill!” Interesting insight into the 49ers’ offense, because it shows how it differs a little from the Walsh-era system. Regardless of how mechanical or artistic it is, It’s been fun watching 49er offense again.
September 17th, 2012 1:33 am
Streetglide
I talked to Blind Tom about this one quote from your excellent article:
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“The 49ers’ offense and defense are well coached and mechanical, as in running like machines. Bill Walsh’s offense, in contrast, had more flair, was more poetic and beautiful. But mechanical also is good as long as it works…”
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His response? “Harbaugh and his staff are in no way ‘mechanical’ and anyone who thinks so is bratwurst on white bread; with mayo. The correct predicate adjective is Machiavellian. They are as sneaky as a bakumatsu ninja, as wily as a coyote and will gladly hammer you when you least expect it. These guys are as far ahead of the rest of the league as old Bill was in his day.”
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I think Blind Tom is onto something; the NFL has changed, is more violent and the players are bigger, faster and certainly meaner than in the ‘80s.
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Now the question of the day: Should you pick Zin at 22-23 Brix or leave the grapes on the vine until they get into serious liver-damage territory?
September 17th, 2012 7:05 am
NotSoOldBlue
So I think there’s one element of the offense that gets missed when it is said that it’s a “run-first” or a “mechanical” offense. I think there are LOTS of wrinkles sitting in the playbook that will be pulled out as the season develops and they face more challenging situations. But they are smart coaches, as you’ve said, and they will only show what they need to show to win the game. Why go fancy when you have a great defense and a scheme and talent that is allowing you to get it done offensively without getting too tricky?
September 17th, 2012 7:53 am
Dennis
I agree.
September 17th, 2012 8:44 am
mbabco
Stan, what’s your thinking on Alex Smith these days? Just curious.
September 17th, 2012 9:21 am
CohnZohn
mbabco, reread my column
September 17th, 2012 9:26 am
Stan
Well,mbabco…I am in wonderment that Alex who had chronic shoulder problems has been fine for near two years now. And of course his accuracy has been great. Not the Alex we knew.
And then I read (and suspected before if you remember my posts) that the NFL DOES NOT TEST FOR HGH..shocking huh?..c’mon,the NFL has many older players at a high level..Manning,Ray Allen (and Ray has lost weight but not muscle-what does that tell you?)..kickers galore. Older..but better or holding.
Alex Smith would be foolish to not use HGH that accelerates the healing of his chronic bum shoulder. I mean,If Victor Contes says half of baseball uses…it must be 99% of the NFL if they don’t even bother to test. There is always one dumb rookie…
September 17th, 2012 10:54 am
Gopal
I’m pretty sure Glenn Dickey reported about the two-plays-the-huddle thing last season.
If I’m not mistaken, Andrew Luck was doing a similar thing at Stanford.
September 17th, 2012 11:20 am
RC
I heard him numerous times kill the play, but I thought he audibled at the line of scrimmage, I didn’t think he called two plays in the huddle, good insight.
September 17th, 2012 11:35 am
Mike
Lowell, you say: Many of us — me especially — debate how good he is, or if he’s good at all. Let’s put all that aside for a moment.
Why put that aside? You’ve clearly been wrong about Smith, and you’re apparently too stubborn to admit it.
September 17th, 2012 11:36 am
CohnZohn
Mike, It’s quite possible I was wrong about Smith. But I still don’t know how good he is. Do you?
September 17th, 2012 11:46 am
Stan
Hmm,Alex hurt his shoulder as a dumb rookie didn’t he?. I wonder if being kicked to the curb cured his Mormon beliefs over drug use?..being its medicinal and all.
September 17th, 2012 11:48 am
CohnZohn
Stan, Are you sure Alex Smith is a Mormon?
September 17th, 2012 12:16 pm
Streetglide
Alex is very, very good at playing the game he plays now. He controls the tempo, makes the plays necessary to win and most of all he is tough as nails. He’s not flashy, he just wins…
September 17th, 2012 12:18 pm
CohnZohn
Streetglide, Here is your assignment. Please write us an essay — it can be as short as 100 words — explaining the difference between Streetglide and Blind Tom. I know there is a difference and you know there is a difference. I am fascinated by these contrasting strains in your personality. You even can include a third part about Tommy Quinn. That one is at your discretion and for extra credit. Will you play the game?
September 17th, 2012 12:22 pm
Stan
No. But his name,choice of college,and lack of any quotes by him..I had a Mormon friend..many of them don’t like to say,because of the prejudices over Mormon lore even they have doubts about. They embrace the Christianity..but all that wild Scientology like stuff doesn’t agree with them. And he did as a teen go on a mission. Great guy..once went to those Raiders public tryouts-remember those Lowell?
He was very fast compared to me..but he said those other guys were even faster. Usually one was invited on. The 70′s..like the 1870′s.
September 17th, 2012 12:33 pm
Streetglide
Alex is NOT a Mormon!
September 17th, 2012 12:42 pm
MrSardonicus
Alex Smith is not Mormon.
September 17th, 2012 12:44 pm
Stan
I think any “surprise” story is dubious now. All those years I saw Dr.s on TV, SWEAR Lance had a superior heart valve system they “found through science testing”..and it was all lies.
Alex..two + years ago I heard him say “It hurts to throw deep,or a hail Mary”…well,I dislocated my shoulder around 92 or so..and it still hurts me. Alex,though gets stronger..again? as he’s older?
Sounds to good to be true.
September 17th, 2012 1:25 pm
Jonathan
Being one of those who shares the religious (but not political beliefs) of one of the two major candidates for the presidency of the United States, I can tell you: 1) I have never head that Alex Smith is Mormon; and 2) if he was, I would have doubtlessly heard about it ad nasuem over the pulpit at my local congregation. We are not a quiet bunch about touting those of our own. So I must conclude that although he attended the University of Utah, he is not one of my brethern in the faith.
September 17th, 2012 1:30 pm
Stan
As best as I can find on the internet..Alex Smith wont say what religion he is. I said,I surmise. If i’m wrong..ok.
He is of Serbian descent…but anybody can be converted to a religion as we all know.
September 17th, 2012 2:24 pm
Dan
Choice of college doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Jim McMahon went to BYU. I don’t think anyone would mistake him for a LDS.
September 17th, 2012 3:12 pm
Mike
Seems like people are missing the point. Stan is deflecting the fact that he has been very wrong about Smith’s ability by claiming that Alex is juicing, which, of course he has pulled out of thin air. I’m surprised that Lowell lets sleeze like that go unchallenged.
September 17th, 2012 3:19 pm
CohnZohn
Mike, you just challenged it.
September 17th, 2012 3:22 pm
Mike
Lowell, I don’t know “how good” Alex is, but I know he’s good. He was very accurate last night and in control of the offense. It’s been the same story for a lot of games now, and he just seems to get better and better. For years, I’ve been saying that those calling him a bust needed to see how he could do in a stable situation with a good coach. I wasn’t saying he was definitely good, but we had to wait and see. Well, now we’re seeing it, and yes he is good. I think you should just admit that. Then, we go from there to see whether he can be Montana-good or Young-good. For now, yes we know he’s a good quarterback. It’s obvious.
September 17th, 2012 3:30 pm
CohnZohn
Mike, Sure, he’s a good quarterback. I wonder if he’s a special quarterback. Will you allow me a little more time to reach a conclusion on that one or must I answer one way or another right now?
September 17th, 2012 4:29 pm
Stan
If anybody should be given Carte blanche to audible,it should be Carson Palmer. I trust more in him then I do Knapp’s attack.
September 17th, 2012 4:33 pm
Stan
What? He good now. I wasn’t wrong he stunk for five years or so. That’s a matter of public and NFL records. No denying he was bad and turnover crazy.
HGH can cure all that. It does sharpen a players reflexes,and eyesight. It also can put the kabosh on chronic injury’s to heal.
Alex Smith was bad,played bad, and was hurt in between for half a decade. That all ended. Just like Melky’s weight problems,Bartolos arm and shoulder also healed.
And I do suspect Vogeys out of baseball..then return a dominating all star performance..until Melky got caught. AND Zito? I will say it again,he had banked a ton of money-risk being caught wasn’t equal to another humiliating year..and BARRY IS LARGER..his arms,and his double chin!..connect the dots. Its what I do.
September 17th, 2012 5:16 pm
CohnZohn
Stan, You can write this on the blog because it’s your opinion and you don’t present it as fact. But, come on, do you have any facts? If not, let’s end this theme here. I let you write it several times. Now move on.
September 17th, 2012 5:25 pm
Stan
I was asked by Mike. And gave my answer..he said I was grasping at thin air,so I gave the reasoning.
When somebody says “I’m deflecting”..I aim to show I sure ain’t.
September 17th, 2012 5:35 pm
Mike
Yes, Lowell, you and I are both waiting to see whether or not he is special. We agree! As for Stan, yeah, he’s just changing the subject to avoid admitting he’s been very wrong, just as our politicians do. A Michelle Bachman disciple?
September 17th, 2012 5:56 pm
B-Rad
So far, the NFC West appears better this year also.
Take note of the Cardinals who have won 7 of their last 8,
including knocking off the Niners last DEC 11th and, luckily,
the Patriots yesterday.
September 17th, 2012 10:13 pm
Dennis
Speaking of Stan being wrong, how is Vince Young doing? Last I heard he was looking for work. Maybe he could use some to that HGH stuff. He hasn’t been very good. I am sure it will help him get better.
September 17th, 2012 10:32 pm
Stan
I was wrong about Alex’s first FIVE years in the NFL?..Huh, I guess it was his doppelganger instead-fooled me.
Lowell,are you saying I’m redundant? I repeat myself? I say the same thing over and over?…HOW Daaare you.
I’m not saying Dennis Allen is a cold fish but, his slogan “Who’s got it worse then us?- NOBODY!”..isn’t firing the team up.
September 18th, 2012 8:08 am
Bray
Stan- Come’on Man! You have been wrong so many times, I would feel bad pointing them all out. Your belief in your ‘knowledge’ blinds you sometimes, nobody else boasts quite like you do. It’s all good though, you make me laugh often with your ramblings.
September 18th, 2012 9:56 am
latopia
Good read but I disagree Walsh’s offense was less “mechanical” — in the sense of mechanical near-perfection re execution — or that Harbaugh’s is essentially devoid of “flair” … and concede final arbitration on subjective matter is instrinsically elusive.
Walshian dink-and-dunk set up the run, 9er wideouts were (generally) not field-stretching burners but exceptional at YAC, Montana’s ability to string completions often conveyed mechanistic perfection.
IMO, Harbaugh’s presnap motion, blocking schemes, mastery of misdirection, innovative matchups, creative deployment of TEs & H-backs all suggest “flair.”
September 18th, 2012 10:31 am
Bray
latopia-
I agree, good post. JH system has plenty of ‘flair’ as you described. I thought the 9ers under Walsh were very mechanical, you knew what was coming, but you couldn’t stop it. Walsh’s teams executed as well as any team in history, that automatically added ‘flair’.
September 18th, 2012 11:29 am
Mike
Maybe Stan will never see this, but the point is, he was one of the ones who said Alex Smith is a bust and would never be any good. And he was dead wrong.
September 18th, 2012 7:22 pm
MJ
I think the Smith bust debate is pretty clear, it was a situation no one would succeed in. You combine complete ineptitude of coaching, lack of offensive talent (save for Gore and a selfish Vernon), injury history and Smith’s youth (20 year old at draft when Eli, for example, was 23) all combined for a losing situation. But Smith has progressed every healthy season, and is still quite young, but experienced, so he could very easily have a good 5 years in him and only be 33.
But to bring HGH out of no where because he hasn’t been injured, thats crazy town.
September 19th, 2012 7:13 am
B-Rad
MJ:
I was 100% with Stan going into last season and never could have imagined
that Alex would ever play nearly as well as he has since. I only saw
an occasional hint of NFL ability here and there, his situation as you have
described notwithstanding.
You have consistently been in his corner for a number of years.
Great call!
September 19th, 2012 10:14 am
MJ
B-Rad..
I’m no hero, I just like to hit people on the head.
But in all seriousness, thanks for that. Always knew it was more than Smith that was the problem.
Will he ever be Dan Marino? Nope. But does he need to be? Nope. Seems too many “fans” get caught up in the fantasy football side of things and are more concerned with stats than wins, which the team lacked for the last 10 years. Troy Aikman only once threw for more than 20 tds but he had a HOF running back, a legit TE, and a great defense and they won. I’ll take that any day of the week.
September 19th, 2012 12:29 pm