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49ers | A. Smith doesn't want to hear his receivers complain
Wed, 13 Sep 2006 20:29:50 -0700
Ann Killion, of the San Jose Mercury News, reports San Francisco 49ers QB Alex D. Smith does not want to hear any of his wide receivers complain. When asked what his reaction would be if WR Antonio Bryant started to lobby for the ball, Smith responded: "I don't want to hear from a receiver that he's open all the time. I have enough on my plate." Head coach Mike Nolan agreed with Smith and added, "Good for him. He needs to be able to say that. And the receiver needs to respect that he said it."
the whole article:
Killion: Lofty standards welcomed, QB says
By Ann Killion
Mercury News
Let's not forget that Alex Smith is still the youngest starting quarterback in the NFL. Still the youngest, 18 months and one full draft class after he was picked by the 49ers.
And he would still be the youngest even if rookies Vince Young, Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler were all to start Sunday.
That's why my favorite part of the 49ers' first week of the new season wasn't when they showed life and fight against Arizona. It wasn't that Smith passed for 288 yards against the Cardinals.
Instead it was on Monday, when the 22-year-old was asked what his reaction would be if receiver Antonio Bryant started lobbying for the ball.
Smith said, ``I don't want to hear from a receiver that he's open all the time. I have enough on my plate.''
You go, young man!
When told about his quarterback's comment, Mike Nolan burst out laughing.
``Good for him,'' Nolan said. ``He needs to be able to say that. And the receiver needs to respect that he said it.''
Smith's comment reflects his growing maturity, his willingness to take charge and his awareness of how much is expected of him. It's the kind of comment that shows he's growing up.
Now if he could just do it faster.
``It's such an important job,'' Nolan said. ``It's different than raising your kids when you just want them to be happy. This guy has to be good. It doesn't help me if he's just happy. It doesn't help him. He needs to come out a warrior.''
That's why there has been no coddling or hand-holding of Smith. Nolan's approach has been tough love. He lets Smith know what's expected and doesn't spend a lot of time giving him pep talks or atta-boys.
``You can't treat him with kid gloves,'' Nolan said. ``That's why, as rough as it was, last year was a great experience for him.''
And it was rough. Backup quarterback Trent Dilfer said he figures that Smith is really closer to 29 than 22.
``This league has a way of aging you,'' Dilfer said. ``Every losing year is like a dog year. He looks like he's 12 but he acts like he's been in the league.''
Dilfer, who was brought on to help mentor Smith, also refuses to baby the kid.
``There's a danger in looking at him as a young guy and taking it easy on him,'' said Dilfer, who was treated that way when he was a first-round draft pick for Tampa Bay. He said he was never pushed or challenged.
Dilfer's job is to compete with Smith and to push him in practice. And he takes that job seriously. He said the best quarterbacks are a product of how intense the quarterback room is. And he likes what he sees from Smith.
``I came in here looking for certain things, at how mentally and physically tough he is,'' Dilfer said. ``How resilient he is. You can't be a success in this league and not be. Nothing really gets under his skin. But he knows what's been said about him and it fuels his fire a little bit.''
Smith appreciates the overall lack of coddling.
``That's the style of coaching I respond to,'' he said. ``No excuses. Just push, push, push. It makes you accelerate things.''
Smith pays close attention to the older quarterbacks in the league. He has talked with Peyton Manning about being a top pick. The quarterback he says he's most impressed with is the Patriots' Tom Brady -- practically ancient at 29.
``He makes that thing run,'' Smith said. ``He's in control of it.''
Smith is looking more in control of the 49ers. And that's exactly what Nolan expects.
``He's got responsibility,'' Nolan said. ``He's not a little boy. It's time to grow up.''
When reminded that Smith is -- in many ways -- still a little boy, still the NFL's baby, Nolan showed his tough-love side.
``I don't care,'' Nolan said. ``I can't wait. Nobody can.''
__________________
Pass it underneath? You know who the **** I am?!? Im Rex Grossman Biatch!!
-Rex Grossman
WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!!
- Me after the Sopranos series finale
I killed Harry Potter....
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alex smith to WRs (antonio bryant): "shut ya yap"
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