Fisher to LT?

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by temper11

I really don't understand this thinking.

First, I don't think Smith was a different QB in the second half of the season than he was in the first. I think the level of competition changed, the performance of his own defense changed, and so he therefore had to change the way he "managed the game".

I don't buy that at all. That's the "he was just holding back" argument. If you want to say he got more comfortable in the offense, fine. If you want to talk about him being more aggressive throwing the football, that's fine, too. But the "he was holding back because he didn't need to" thing? I will never buy that.

Originally Posted by temper11

Second. If Smith is 30, why does everyone think he only has 3 or 4 years? Romo and Brees are 34 and 35 now -are very much considered to be among the leaders in the NFL and neither show any signs of being done anytime soon.

Brady is 37 and still playing at an extremely high level. Manning at 38 is still considered the top in the league and people expect he may go 1 or 2 more seasons.

None of those guys rely as much on their legs as Alex Smith did to be effective. Smith also has had shoulder and concussion problems in the past. A flare up or reinjury of either could be a big problem for his long-term health.

The bigger issue, that I was trying to call out, is that with the exception of Justin Houston and MAYBE Eric Fisher (who hasn't proven he is even competent yet), all the rest of the "core" players are guys who are nearing the end of their prime/hitting the wrong side of 30.

It seems like a strange time to switch to a long-term build approach.