Does it have to be the Whole Playbook?

by Erik Klackner

08.21.05 – After 2 preseason games, the 49ers QB situation continues to be the subject of great debate. This column is no attempt to rehash that debate as both Matt and I have offered opinions on the position and how we would like to see it played out. What this column will attempt to do is figure out a way to get Alex Smith into more of a comfort zone behind center so that the offense can operate smoothly when he is in. My primary solution: simplify the playbook.

After he was drafted and went through a series of mini-camps and offseason training activities, both Mike Nolan and Alex Smith had said that he had been exposed to the entire offensive playbook. I cannot say with any degree of certainty that Smith is in over his head, because he is a very smart man, and a smart football player, which is one of the reasons Nolan was so enamored with him. But I can’t help thinking back to last year, and the play of the #1 pick, Eli Manning.

After beginning the season on the bench behind veteran Kurt Warner, Manning was named the starter for the Week 11 contest against Atlanta. Manning struggled right out of the gate, completing only 39% of his passes with 1 TD and 6 INT, including a miserable 4 of 18 for 27 yards and 2 INTs in a 37-14 drubbing at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. After that game, Manning went to Coach Tom Coughlin and asked for the playbook to be simplified to the plays he felt comfortable executing. The result? A 1-2 won/loss record, with the 2 losses coming by a combined 5 points to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, completing 61% of his passes to go with 5 TD and 3 INT.

Couple that with the thought-provoking comment from Urban Meyer about Alex Smith, in which he suggested that Smith would be ‘non-functional’ without a complete mastery of the playbook, and you have to me what appears a simple problem. Alex Smith very well might be trying to out-think himself. And what is the best way to solve a simple problem? With a simple solution. Copy off the guy next to you.

I believe Smith can have success with a simplified playbook, incorporating formations and plays he would feel most comfortable with. Perhaps more use of the shotgun, more designed rollouts, etc. that take advantage of the skills he displayed in college. Couple that with what should be an improved running game featuring Kevan Barlow and Frank Gore, and it could allow for early successes, which would breed confidence in not only Smith, but the team as a whole.

Early returns say Smith appears to have some pieces around him that are certainly better than many ”experts” initially predicted; Brandon Lloyd has progressed rapidly under the tutelage of Jerry Sullivan, Gore and Barlow both ran well when sharing carries for a short stint in the 2nd quarter against Denver, and Eric Johnson, the 49ers biggest offensive threat last season, should be available by the time the regular season rolls around. The offensive line, while struggling early in yesterday’s game, played much better during Tim Rattay’s appearance in the game, despite playing against virtually the exact same defense. It seems to me that the offensive personnel feel more comfortable with Rattay right now, and I think that is because Rattay has a clear understanding of the offense and operates it smoothly, and the offense thrives off that confidence.

I see no reason to think Alex Smith could not develop similar rapport with the offense quickly, if the playbook were simplified. If the 49ers organization is intent on starting Smith at QB this season, a simplified playbook is the best way to ensure that he enjoys early success, and in turn, that the team enjoys success.