Niners name Hill starting QB, unseating Oâ€^TMSullivan
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer
13 hours, 35 minutes ago

Buzz Up PrintSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP)â€"Shaun Hill was promoted to the San Francisco 49ersâ€^TM starting quarterback Monday night, replacing turnover-prone J.T. Oâ€^TMSullivan in the first big personnel move of coach Mike Singletaryâ€^TMs tenure.

Hill won the first two starts of his career late last season after spending his first five NFL campaigns as a seldom-used backup or third-stringer. He lost a three-way competition with Oâ€^TMSullivan and Alex Smith during training camp this summer, but Oâ€^TMSullivan has struggled with 11 interceptions and 11 fumbles in 7 1/2 games.

â€oeWe just felt like right now, Shaun gave us the best chance of winning,” Singletary said in the parking lot of the 49ersâ€^TM training complex before leaving for the day. â€oeSome of the things that have happened with the turnovers and all that, J.T. just needed to take a little time and gather himself.”

Hill replaced Oâ€^TMSullivan for the final play in the first half of San Franciscoâ€^TMs 34-13 loss to Seattle on Sunday after Oâ€^TMSullivan fumbled on the 49ersâ€^TM first two possessions and later threw an interception that was returned 75 yards for a score. Hill played the entire second half, going 15-of-23 for 173 yards and a touchdown pass to Jason Hill in a typically efficient performance.

Singletary said offensive coordinator Mike Martz was fine with the decision. Many observers thought Oâ€^TMSullivan won the preseason quarterback competition largely because of his familiarity with Martzâ€^TMs schemes after they spent last season together with the Detroit Lions.

â€oeIf he had done a good job of managing the game, then we wouldnâ€^TMt be talking about what weâ€^TMre talking about right now,” Singletary said when asked earlier Monday about Oâ€^TMSullivanâ€^TMs job security. â€oeJ.T. sometimes, like a lot of quarterbacks, sometimes you get yourself in a situation where you want to win, and sometimes you do too much.”

Although Hill doesnâ€^TMt have spectacular arm strength, he excels in the game-management skills prized by Singletary. Hill got a two-year contract from the 49ers after his solid play last December, but was beaten out by Oâ€^TMSullivan, a journeyman on his ninth stint with eight NFL teams during his seven-season career.

â€oeI look at the quarterback position, (and) itâ€^TMs kind of quirky,” Singletary said. â€oeItâ€^TMs kind of crazy how you try and figure it out. You just need a football player. All of the other stuff is just for the scouts. You need a football player who can do whatever you need to do for the team to win.”

Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in 2005, went on injured reserve shortly before the regular season began with another shoulder injury. He still attends meetings and games with the 49ers, but is almost certain to be cut in the offseason if he doesnâ€^TMt take a steep pay cut.

• http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-49ers-hill&prov=ap&type=lgns

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