Quarterback Choice Should Be Obvious

By Bryan Hersh | Wednesday, November 16, 2005 | ( 0 )

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Since trading Tim Rattay to the Bucs, the San Francisco 49ers have been juggling quarterbacks like flaming bowling pins. Injuries to the 49ers quarterbacks have forced the team to start all three of the quarterbacks currently on their roster, and last week's game against the Bears was the first time since Rattay's departure that the team started the same quarterback two weeks in a row. Unfortunately that quarterback, Cody Pickett, had a passer rating of less than 2.0. Not coincidentally, the 49ers have not thrown for a touchdown pass since week three.

I stand by my assertion that trading Tim Rattay was the right move � it just came at the wrong time. Rattay was not going to help any of the quarterbacks on the roster learn, he simply is not good enough for that. But with Rattay's departure, it was first overall draft choice Alex Smith who was supposed to start. Injuries to Smith, however, prevented that opportunity.

The San Francisco 49ers are not sure as to the health of their quarterbacks as of yet. Both Smith and backup Ken Dorsey are working feverously to return from their injuries. But given all quarterbacks being healthy, it is a no-brainer as to who to start. When healthy, the job belongs to Alex Smith.

Smith has nobody to learn from sitting on the bench, and he has been anointed the quarterback of the future. The best way for him to learn is while on the field in a protected environment and offense. If Smith is healthy enough to take the field, and not subject himself to further injury, he should be the starter for the San Francisco 49ers. Consistency is essential at the quarterback position and although Smith has the most talent of the quarterbacks on the roster, he also has the most to learn. Starting him is what makes sense, providing of course, he is healthy.

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