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SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Tim Rattay will be the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback for the season opener, reclaiming his job from No. 1 draft pick Alex Smith after just two preseason games.
Coach Mike Nolan announced the decision Tuesday at the conclusion of the 49ers' first full practice following the death of offensive lineman Thomas Herrion, who collapsed in the locker room in Denver on Saturday night.
The players and coaches seemed grateful to focus on something other than their grief and mourning -- and Smith, Herrion's college teammate and friend for two years at Utah, was able to put his first pro disappointment in perspective.
"I know how this works," Smith said. "This is a team game. This isn't all about me. I think the team wants to win now. We expect to win now, and as of right now, this looks like the right decision. Hopefully, I keep getting better and keep pushing it. Who knows what happens in the future, but right now, I understand it."
Smith struggled as the 49ers' starter in their first two preseason games, while Rattay was outstanding as the backup. Rattay started nine games for San Francisco last season in his only season as a first-stringer, but struggled all season with three injuries.
Rattay took the news with his usual placid demeanor. He has worked closely with Smith in training camp, and the players have developed a friendship that transcends their competition.
"I've been working hard, [and] I'd like to say I was excited to hear it," Rattay said. "I just felt like if I kept practicing hard, something good will happen. You can't get too upset or too happy in the course of training camp."
The first-team offense floundered with Smith in charge in the first two preseason games. He failed to lead San Francisco to a first down on his first four series of the exhibition opener against Oakland, and he went through similar struggles in Denver.
Smith went 5-for-16 for 43 yards without a touchdown pass in the first two games, while Rattay was 13-of-19 for 194 yards and three TDs.
Nolan said the competition is closed, with Rattay remaining the starter for the season, barring injury. The coach began camp hoping Smith would win the job and discounting the wisdom of keeping a top draft pick out of action, but he had nothing but praise for both quarterbacks.
"I was pleased with both of them, but naturally Tim has showed the upper hand when it came to experience," Nolan said. "The rookie did a very good job for a guy that's had to come out and try to learn as much as he can. He's done everything to prove that we're right in our [draft] selection. He'll just get better and better and get closer to having that job, but in the meantime, it is Tim's job right now, and I look for him to perform well."
Carson Palmer, the No. 1 pick in 2003, spent his entire rookie season on the Cincinnati bench behind Jon Kitna. Phillip Rivers, the No. 4 pick in 2004, sat out last season behind Drew Brees in San Diego.
source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2141244
Coach Mike Nolan announced the decision Tuesday at the conclusion of the 49ers' first full practice following the death of offensive lineman Thomas Herrion, who collapsed in the locker room in Denver on Saturday night.
The players and coaches seemed grateful to focus on something other than their grief and mourning -- and Smith, Herrion's college teammate and friend for two years at Utah, was able to put his first pro disappointment in perspective.
"I know how this works," Smith said. "This is a team game. This isn't all about me. I think the team wants to win now. We expect to win now, and as of right now, this looks like the right decision. Hopefully, I keep getting better and keep pushing it. Who knows what happens in the future, but right now, I understand it."
Smith struggled as the 49ers' starter in their first two preseason games, while Rattay was outstanding as the backup. Rattay started nine games for San Francisco last season in his only season as a first-stringer, but struggled all season with three injuries.
Rattay took the news with his usual placid demeanor. He has worked closely with Smith in training camp, and the players have developed a friendship that transcends their competition.
"I've been working hard, [and] I'd like to say I was excited to hear it," Rattay said. "I just felt like if I kept practicing hard, something good will happen. You can't get too upset or too happy in the course of training camp."
The first-team offense floundered with Smith in charge in the first two preseason games. He failed to lead San Francisco to a first down on his first four series of the exhibition opener against Oakland, and he went through similar struggles in Denver.
Smith went 5-for-16 for 43 yards without a touchdown pass in the first two games, while Rattay was 13-of-19 for 194 yards and three TDs.
Nolan said the competition is closed, with Rattay remaining the starter for the season, barring injury. The coach began camp hoping Smith would win the job and discounting the wisdom of keeping a top draft pick out of action, but he had nothing but praise for both quarterbacks.
"I was pleased with both of them, but naturally Tim has showed the upper hand when it came to experience," Nolan said. "The rookie did a very good job for a guy that's had to come out and try to learn as much as he can. He's done everything to prove that we're right in our [draft] selection. He'll just get better and better and get closer to having that job, but in the meantime, it is Tim's job right now, and I look for him to perform well."
Carson Palmer, the No. 1 pick in 2003, spent his entire rookie season on the Cincinnati bench behind Jon Kitna. Phillip Rivers, the No. 4 pick in 2004, sat out last season behind Drew Brees in San Diego.
source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2141244
