Detroit Lions End Losing Streak / Photo: Newscom

Following the game, a relieved Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said:

“Our guys were carrying the burden of 0-19, and it was unfair to them. But this gets us off of that and puts it behind us.”

Rookie starting quarterback Matthew Stafford didn’t exactly tear up the league during the team’s 0-2 start this season, but he is developing some chemistry with receivers Calvin and Bryant Johnson, as was evident in today’s win. Johnson and Johnson (not related) combined to catch nine of Matt’s 21 completions for 122 yards and a touchdown. I’m not going to go way out on a limb and predict the Lions are headed to the playoffs. But as long as the team continues to improve and as long as they learn how to win close games like this one, losing streaks will be a distant memory for an organization trying to change a culture of defeat.

Source: DetroitLions.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Detroit Lions End Losing Streak

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This offseason in San Francisco has offered a lot of hope for 49ers fans, but a big question mark remains at the quarterback position where Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and J.T. O’Sullivan are battling for the starting spot. With OTAs and minicamps complete, it looks like Alex is finally proving why the Niners took him #1 overall in the 2005 NFL Draft. Head coach Mike Nolan said:

“(I’m seeing Alex) do things that I haven’t seen him do before, in practice or in games. Alex is very athletic. He probably has the strongest arm of all the guys. He’s really intelligent. Now he’s got to go in there and put in four quarters and move the ball consistently and make plays he should make.”

Coach Nolan isn’t tipping his hand as to who his favorite quarterback is just yet, but it’s pretty clear that Alex has the early advantage. With newcomers like Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson and DeShaun Foster on-board as a supporting cast (not to mention Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and new OC Mike Martz), any of the three QBs will have a greater chance for success than ever before. Certainly, we’re not talking about the second coming of Joe Montana or Steve Young here, but Alex Smith is poised for a breakout season.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Alex Smith Taking Charge in San Francisco

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In Arizona, wide receiver Bryant Johnson was the team’s third option behind Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. In free agency, he was seeking to become any other team’s second receiver. And he accomplished just that today by signing a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers where he’ll most likely start opposite Isaac Bruce. Add do-it-all RB (and leading receiver) Frank Gore plus receivers Darrell Jackson, Ashley Lelie and Arnaz Battle to the mix, and the 49ers have a ton of offensive potential. Of course, the key word here is potential. Darrell and Ashley were disappointments in ‘07, but Arnaz (who might just “battle” for one of the top two spots) more than held his own with 50 catches for 600 yards and five TDs.

So, the 49ers haven’t exactly assembled a dream team of available free agents, but they sure have upgraded last year’s promising roster. I spoke with TE Vernon Davis just a couple weeks ago and he was excited about the offensive improvements at that point — new OC Mike Martz, Isaac, RB DeShaun Foster and OL Justin Smiley. I think the Niners have met their wide receiver needs (they also have speedy Jason Hill who was hurt for much of last season) and can now focus on other positions in the Draft — unless, of course, they get a tremendous opportunity with the 29th pick in the first round.

I think the most interesting part of this upcoming season for San Francisco will be the quarterback competition between Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. Alex was drafted to be the face of this team, but he’s in serious danger of losing his starting spot without being injured in the process. In fact, my money is on Shaun Hill coming into camp ready to lead this team. Last season Shaun completed almost 70% of his passes in three games. He had five TDs with only one INT and a 101.3 quarterback rating. He’ll be entering his seventh NFL season (with NFL Europe experience) and could be primed for a breakout season with the additional weapons around him.

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Bryant Johnson Agrees to Terms With 49ers