Depth Perceptions: San Francisco 49ers' Quarterbacks

Depth Perceptions is a weekly look at the depth chart and positional battles all over the NFL.   The 2008 season was supposed to be one of promise for the San Francisco 49ers but quickly spiraled out of control, resulting in a midseason coaching change and personnel change to come with it.   Former coach Mike Nolan’s 2-5 start led to his dismissal and NFL legend Mike Singletary was tasked with turning around a franchise who’s quarterback of the present and/or future, Alex Smith, was on injured reserve for the year.   In his first game as head coach, Singletary put his stamp on the team by replacing starter J.T. O’Sullivan with journeyman Shaun Hill.   The real question entering 2009 is whether or not Hill can be the starter for the long-term. Alex Smith, after all, is the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 draft, a player who showed promise a few years ago.   He restructured his six-year, $49.5 million contract so it does not impact the ...