Bulldog
The Legend
Rocky Bleier was wounded twice in combat, received 2 purple hearts and was in a hospital for 6 months wondering if he was going to be able to live an otherwise normal life. He went on to be a starting running back on the Steelers of the 70's.
It was a GREAT story at the time and still is. But the plain truth is he is remembered years later for being a guy that came back and performed at a level that allowed him to play in and win the Super Bowl.
Alex Smith is on a club that was 3-13 last season and while his story is compelling as well, it is indeed more of a life affirming story than one of competitive intrigue.
Smith to me was a declining player before he was hurt. He had that one great 'buck the curve' year in 2017 statistically and that allowed Reid to be able to unload his $17M cap hit and go to Mahomes while banking a draft pick, etc.
To me Alex is pressed into service as a backup at 37 simply due to the failure of Rivera and Snyder to be perfectly candid with each other in January.
It's painful to watch. At least Kyle Allen can run away from pressure. Alex's days of running at the speed of a tailback or even a tight end are over and that athleticism is what allowed him to make plays earlier in his career especially in SF.
I hope Kyle Allen stays smart and avoids going helmet to helmet with defenders for the balance of the season because the feel good story of Alex Smith ended in my mind with his ability to put on a uniform and be made active on any given Sunday in the NFL in 2020.
Expecting him to start 6 or 7 games if Allen gets hurt down the road to me is something this team should be planning NOT to do.
We should acquire another veteran when Haskins is dealt. A backup finishing up a current contract and set for free agency that can come in and do the basics if that is necessary.
It was a GREAT story at the time and still is. But the plain truth is he is remembered years later for being a guy that came back and performed at a level that allowed him to play in and win the Super Bowl.
Alex Smith is on a club that was 3-13 last season and while his story is compelling as well, it is indeed more of a life affirming story than one of competitive intrigue.
Smith to me was a declining player before he was hurt. He had that one great 'buck the curve' year in 2017 statistically and that allowed Reid to be able to unload his $17M cap hit and go to Mahomes while banking a draft pick, etc.
To me Alex is pressed into service as a backup at 37 simply due to the failure of Rivera and Snyder to be perfectly candid with each other in January.
It's painful to watch. At least Kyle Allen can run away from pressure. Alex's days of running at the speed of a tailback or even a tight end are over and that athleticism is what allowed him to make plays earlier in his career especially in SF.
I hope Kyle Allen stays smart and avoids going helmet to helmet with defenders for the balance of the season because the feel good story of Alex Smith ended in my mind with his ability to put on a uniform and be made active on any given Sunday in the NFL in 2020.
Expecting him to start 6 or 7 games if Allen gets hurt down the road to me is something this team should be planning NOT to do.
We should acquire another veteran when Haskins is dealt. A backup finishing up a current contract and set for free agency that can come in and do the basics if that is necessary.