The early reviews are in from round one of the San Francisco quarterback battle, and the judges are calling it a draw.
"[Hill and Smith] played OK,” coach Mike Singleatary said after the 49ers win in their preseason opener over Denver. “Nothing to really make you jump one way or the other . . . Overall, I thought it was OK.”
Smith had the chance to play four series, while Hill only played one because he’s more of a known commodity.
Hill led San Francisco to a field goal in his only series, while Smith completed five of seven passes for 32 yards and a score in his four series. Smith also heard it from the home crowd after a sack.
The general thinking in San Francisco is that Smith must outplay Hill in the preseason for a chance to start in Week One. That didn’t happen Friday night against the Broncos, putting more pressure on next week’s outing.
This fight remains too early to call, but Smith needs to make his move soon.
