The 49ers quarterback battle isn’t over just yet, but it could be drawing to a close shortly.
Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat writes Thursday in a mailbag that “all indications” are that “Hill has pretty clearly moved ahead” of Alex Smith. Hill has appeared to outperform Smith slightly in his preseason work and practices against the Oakland Raiders.
Those performances may support the previously held notion that Hill performs better in games than practice.
Since Smith was the one with ground to make up, Hill could close the deal with a solid effort against Oakland in this week’s preseason game. Smith will start the game.
Opening the season with Hill as the starter doesn’t mean it’s been a negative offseason for Smith. The former number one overall pick appears to be in San Francisco’s long-term plans again, and they probably don’t mind taking pressure off him by starting the season with Hill.
Smith’s solid work during the summer means that Hill may have to keep the 49ers near .500 to keep his job throughout the season.
Mike Singletary’s roster looks improved, but the 49ers haven’t finished with a winning record since Steve Mariucci and Terrell Owens were in town.