RealClearSports
Advertisement

Alex Smith Could've Been Better Than Aikman?

AP Photo

In their second NFL seasons, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith had more yards, touchdowns and a higher quarterback rating than did Hall of Famer Troy Aikman.

After their second year in the league, however, circumstances changed dramatically for Smith and Aikman. And their divergent paths involved the same assistant coach.

In Aikman's case, the Cowboys hired Norv Turner as their offensive coordinator in 1991, and the struggling QB began a three-year run with Turner that included three Pro Bowls and two Super Bowl titles. For Smith, who prospered under Turner's guidance in 2006, his career began a steep descent after his offensive coordinator left San Francisco to become the Chargers' head coach.

Read Full Article »

Recommended Articles

Tebow's Improvement 'Eye-Opening'

Josh Katzowitz, Eye on Football - May 4, 2012

While meeting with the media Thursday, new Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano naturally was asked about his new quarterback, Tim Tebow. Quite naturally, the idea coach Rex Ryan presented in March that Tebow could get into a... more »

Seau a Freelancer Without Peer on Field

Nick Canepa, U-T San Diego - May 4, 2012

The mystery surrounding the death of Junior Seau, the man, may never be solved. The mystery that was Junior Seau, the football player, wasn’t solved, either. Junior couldn’t be figured out on the field. His game was an... more »

Injured Suggs' Salary at Risk (a Little)

Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk - May 4, 2012

Some have attached a high degree of significance to the possibility that Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs suffered a torn (full or partial) Achilles tendon while playing basketball. Technically, it doesn’t matter. If a... more »

Seau Tragedy Leaves Too Many Questions

Art Spander, RealClearSports - May 4, 2012

So again the sporting world is confronted by tragedy, and we are left to debate and contemplate. A gunshot. Disbelief. A haunting refrain, the Beatles singing, "I read the news today, oh, boy, about a lucky man who made the... more »

Concussions Creating Moral Dilemma

Gregg Doyel, CBS Sports - May 8, 2012

Football players are killing each other. The death sentence isn't immediate, but it's there -- and we all know it. Whether they die from dementia or Alzheimer's or their own hand, NFL players are dying too ... more »