Hey Tony and Wile E.

Q: Hey, Tony: There's an old saying that if you have two quarterbacks you have none; so what if you have three quarterbacks? And if you don't give all three a legitimate chance at playing, you will have controversy at the position if one plays poorly for one game. So wouldn't it be better if they simply named a starter as soon as possible and start establishing a leader? - Ryan Gaskey, Plano, Texas
A: Hey, Ryan: I expect that to happen by the third preseason game. Brady Quinn will be eliminated as a legitimate hope to start the season if he misses any camp time as a holdout. That leaves Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson. After two preseason games, the starter should be chosen.
Q: Hey, Tony: After Sean Jones, Brodney Pool and Mike Adams, who do we have at the safety position? And which position (strong or free) will that player back up? -Dale Micklos, Massillon
A: Hey, Dale: Justin Hamil ton is the player to watch back there. He was a good special-teamer as a rookie and is still learning the safety position. If he can stay healthy, I see Hamilton emerging as a regular in some sub defensive packages and a top backup.
Hey, dumbass: I'm getting tired of spelling this out to you knuckleheads: In a cover two defense the safeties are interchangable. One might play on the strong side and key the TE more often, but they're both similar players. A free safety is a center fielder, while a strong safety (as you use it) is a bigger run-stuffer who can cover big guys and is usually helpless against little guys. He plays close to the line, usually in a man-based defense, while the free safety...ah shit nevermind, but get this through your numb skull: DUMB QUESTION.
Tony is right about Hamilton, Mr. Oblivia. Hamiton is a bigger, taller guy who will match up well against the quicker fullbacks and tight ends. He'll free up Poole from that in some nickels, and even some dimes.
Hamilton played several positions in college, including tailback. He's a superior athlete who Savage was able to steal only because of his one year of experience at safety. This is a classic example of smart drafting: You take a raw guy who needs a year in an NFL nursery to catch up. You underpay him on a long-term contract, and after a year on special teams and learning the dirty tricks, you have a heavy contributor (if not starter) dirt-cheap.
Q: Hey, Tony: The more mag azines I read and the more I watch ESPN the more I ponder this question: Why do all the experts consider Alex Smith a future quality starter but consider Charlie Frye a hack? I'm not saying I consider Charlie a solid starter, but he was nearly as good as Smith last year on a much worse offensive team. The only reason Smith threw for more yards was the fact that he played in more games, and with [offensive coordinator] Norv Turner and a 1,500-yard back [Frank Gore] you'd think the guy could put up better numbers. What gives? Are you buying into this guy being a stud while Charlie is a miss? I'm not. I would say they are both average QBs in the NFL. - Jason, Monterey, Calif.
A: Hey, Jason: I don't buy the hype about Alex Smith. You're right that he benefited from having an offensive coach like Turner on hand. But Turner left to become head coach at San Diego and I think Smith will suffer. I think the jury is out on both players as NFL starting quarterbacks.
Hey, Jason: You're a smart dude! Hey, Tony: Good answer! You're really on your game today!