49ers Fancast #88 – Colex Kaepersmith
Lots of discussion going back to the Arizona Cardinals game, Kaepernick’s performance against the Rams and Bears, and the logic–or lack thereof–in giving Kaepernick a start against the Saints.
This was recorded Tuesday, before the word came through Sports Illustrated’s Jim Trotter’s source that Kaepernick had been given the start. Not knowing whether or not Smith would be cleared to play until Friday, it makes sense to let Kaepernick have the bulk of starter reps during practice leading up to this game. If you’re Harbaugh, you want to see what Kaepernick has on the road, and a relatively soft Saints defense gives him a good opportunity.
As I think more about this, because of the way Alex has played himself into the top of some league rankings, my money says Alex Smith is back as the starter on the road against the Rams December 2nd.
November 25th, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Kap was not without flaws in the Saints game. But in my opinion he was able to make plays that Alex would not have.
Who is the better player? Tough question because each person has skills that the other does not.
Smith – very intelligent, experience and NFL game time.
Kap – Athletic abilities, a stronger throwing arm and better natural instincts.
The X Factor in this is Harbaugh. His focus is to do all possible to win. If Bob can increase the chances of victory, Ted sits.
I believe that Harbaugh will play Alex if he is the right person for the job.
Historical note: The first time a team interchanged QB’s it failed and one QB was selected. The coach was the great Tom Landry. QB’s – Craig Morton and Roger Staubach. Staubach was selected. You know the rest.
November 26th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
Mark, your summation of Alex and Colin is succinct and very well said. You hit it on the head.
Colin make some mistakes, got confused a few times when Alex probably wouldn’t. But Alex doesn’t make those throws to Delanie Walker and Crabtree on the sideline. Well, I don’t think he does. Colin’s ball just looks like a rocket coming out of there, and his ability to push aside defensive lineman and prevent sacks is really valuable. I think just 1 sack in 2 games? Very impressive stat and something Smith seems to struggle with despite his experience.
In the end, I trust Harbaugh to make the right call based on what he sees everyday in practice. He’s earned my trust, even if I don’t like the call he makes.
November 27th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
I find it interesting that Harbuagh used the term “starting QB” and Alex Smith rdaytwice int the press conference yesterday. I know he said Colin is not a back up, but he didn’t say starting QB. I have a feeling Alex comes back as a starter. But I may the only person in the world to feel this way. The BayArea media is cementing Colin’s bust inCanton while completely dismissing Alex as A nice guy sub par QB.
I didn’t see such a great improvement against the Saints. Yes Colin has a stronger arm. Yes he is more athletic. But there must be something said about experience of a winning QB completing 70% of his passes. And those passes do travel more than 5 yards despite what media nonsense says.
November 27th, 2012 at 2:00 pm
You guys keep making comments I might have to keep this thing going!
The way the Saints were pressuring Kaepernick all game was insane. At one point I was like, this is our excellent offensive line? But Kaepernick bought time and he didn’t just scramble. He made throws. Great throws. The one where he scrambled left and threw across his body to Crabtree between two defenders? Crab dropped it but that was RIDICULOUS. The one to Delanie Walker was gutsy, and honestly I’m shocked Delanie actually held on.
At this point I just don’t see Kaepernick with any weaknesses that Alex counters with a strength. You have the experience factor and you have the knowledge of the offense factor, but Kaepernick gets the ball down the field. And not just sexy big plays, I’m talking 3rd and 10 you get 15 yards plays. As much as I love Alex Smith, when he drops back on 3rd and 10 you know what you’re getting. A short checkdown or an incomplete. He doesn’t lack the ability to test the coverage he lacks the will and decisiveness. Kaepernick improves 3rd Down conversion rates.
This all said, maybe watching film on Kaepernick’s starts gives Alex confidence to start letting loose if he gets back in. Maybe Harbaugh trusts that and gives the ball back to Alex with the message that this is what takes us to the next level. Then if Alex can’t do it he has a reason to go back to Kaepernick. On an emotional level I might not like it, but that’s football. You use whatever motivational tools at your disposal to get more out of your players.
I love Alex. I think this team can win a Super Bowl with him. But there is no question that Kaepernick makes the offense more dynamic and he takes it to another level.
November 27th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
Love all the points so far.
Sad news; Both Hunter and Williams are out for the rest of the season.
I’m hopeful Jenkins and James have been studying and are prep’d to play. We’ll need both and Jacobs.
Jim- Our O-Line is strong and fairly healthy. We really cannot afford any injuries here.
Danny- Is Kap great? No. I’m hopeful that Alex and Kap work together for the same goal. Win games and the Super Bowl.
Shaun- Harbaugh’s decisions have been very good so far. Was a little surprised that he didn’t sign a WR towards the end of last year to help Alex. But the past in just that. Learn from it! I trust the whole coaching staff.
Looking forward: RAM’s are next and the 9ers must punish them as they did the Bears and Saints. Miami is better than their record. Watch out for them next year. Pats D is weak but O is incredible. 9ers need to fire on all cylinders and take this victory & momentum to the playoffs. Hawks and Cards know the 9ers well and visa versa. We are still on track for 12 – 4 or more.
November 27th, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Forgot to mention.
I hope for everyone’s sake I’m wrong about this!!
Watching Alex’s body language. He seemed upset and mentally checked out. At the end of the post locker room speach Alex pulled away when Harbaugh cried out “Who’s got it better than Us”. Reading between the lines, Smith doesn’t believe or trust at the moment or any more.
I feel for Alex. He has shown loyality time and time again. And may be feeling the harsh “business” side of Football.
Question: Ever watch North Dallas Forty? If not it shows the good and bad of football. Better than Any Given Sunday. “In my opinion”.
A thought for Alex’s future… I believe he might make a good or great coach.
November 27th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
Bowman signed a five year extension!
I’m not done with this QB debate. I want to get everything out on this blog before Harbaugh announces Alex Smith the starter tomorrow.
I need a keyboard and not this tablet.
To be continued….
November 27th, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Hey Danny B,
Understand how you feel. I prefer a keyboard too.
Saw an update on 49ers.com
The team announced that RB Jewel Hampton has been added to the active roster from the Non-Football Injury List. The team also added WR Chad Hall to the practice squad, and waived S Eddie Whitley from that unit.
Link to story: http://blog.49ers.com/2012/11/27/49ers-place-hunter-williams-on-ir/#more-11018
November 27th, 2012 at 9:02 pm
2013 Pro Bowl Ballot – TIME TO VOTE:
Copy / Paste link to cast your vote:
http://www.49ers.com/fans-only/pro-bowl-ballot-2013.html
November 27th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Here’s where my inner Father comes out.
Qualifications- Father of four (31, 28, 23. 21) Grandfather of 4. Happy but still hard to believe.
Come have a seat next to me Son. J/K
Just finished listening to your *last* podcast. If so, I respect and will support any decision you make. Only you knows everything that is going on in your life and Only you can make this type of decision. Your listener do not need an explaination as to why changes are occurring.
You’ve mentioned this (at least) once before. Better to choose that battle with this. You can always start again when if you want.
Remember what I’ve said in the past. In my book, priorities are GOD, Family, Country, Job, THEN other activities. There have been times when the order is re-arranged. But the core priorities remain.
Ok. Lecture finished.
I’m sure your listeners appreciate everything you’ve done. Especially during the Dark Times. You need to make a change. Do It!
From Me: Mahalo Nui Loa translates to Thank you very much. But the Hawaiian words hold far more meaning and depth than the English words express. Take care and God Bless you and your family.
November 28th, 2012 at 3:12 am
Indiana Jim, I gotta chime in on this QB quandary. But first, I just listen to your last podcast. If you truly feel that you can no longer commit to the 49ersfancast podcast, you owe no one an explanation on why you would be walking away. When you heart’s not in it, we, the listeners would tell you don’t have that “fire” anymore.
Now, let’s get to the real issue here……what I think about Smith vs. Kaepernick. Smith has done nothing wrong to lose his job since Habaugh came on the scene. Smith under Nolan and Singletary was a much worse QB and we all saw it. Maybe it had to do with the ineptitude of those coaches and the “Stone Age” play calling. Under the “QB Whisperer”, Smith has rejuvenated his career. But, the one knock on Smith is that he cannot consistently convert 3rd and Long. Any Niners fan know if Smith is faced with 3rd and at least 10 yds, he is the champion of check-down passing. Boooo! That doesn’t move the sticks in critical spots in games. With Kaepernick, now remember, it’s only 2 1/2 games of real action, but he has been brilliant in 3rd down, no matter what distance. Also, his arm is superior to Smith’s.
With that said, I think Harbaugh will insert Smith back into the starting position vs. the Rams, which I’m ok with. Like you said in you post Jim, maybe Harbaugh is showing Smith that he can go downfield in this offense and don’t be afraid to let it fly. Whoever Harbaugh chooses, I’ll back it, because every he has done so far has worked. Go Niners!
November 28th, 2012 at 7:45 am
Alright, keyboard in hand. Here we go:
First of all, let me say that I submit to the fact that Colin is a superior talent at the QB position. He just has better tools. Arm, athleticism, and poise given the fact he has only played 2 1/2 games. But I don’t feel he is miles ahead of Alex in any area outside of arm strength. But the media, especially the Bay area media is somehow trying to make us believe that Alex Smith is a Poor QB. That Alex is just not good, he has never been good, and at his best is only “Okay”. Here are some points that these analysts consistently bring up:
1. “Colin destroyed arguably the best defense in Chicago”
Chicago is a highly overrated team. They have faced three truly elite caliber teams. Houston, Green Bay, and the 49ers. All losses. They have beaten up punching bag teams such as Jacksonville, Dallas (yep), and Tennesee. Add to the fact that Chicago had exactly one afternoon to prepare for Colin with no real game tape. Remember, all reports were Alex was playing going into Monday. Colin starting was a surprise to everybody. By the way, everybody in a 49er uniform that played against the Bears that night, dominated. The defense, offensive line, and even Special Teams played in such a way that we could’ve put Indiana Jim at QB that night and still probably would’ve won.
2. “Colin had a great game in one of the toughest places to play in New Orleans”
Really? Tough? Keep in mind, this is not the Saints of even last year. Kansas City beat the Saints at home this year! I know they were on a “hot streak” against teams like Philly and Oakland (they did beat Atlanta, good win). But c’mon man. That is the 32nd ranked defense. And Colin’s stat line? 16-25 for 240 yds, 1td, 1 int, 1 rush td. That is dominating? Do we forget what Alex did to this relatively same defense last year in the playoffs? And if Colin “destroyed” the best defense in the Bears? Why couldn’t he “destroy” the sorry Saints defense in the same fashion? Could teams actually begin to scheme and prepare? Maybe. A Kaepernick 49ers offense is so explosive and exciting that the 49ers scored 17pts against the worst defense in football. Hmmm?
3. “The Players react to Colin diferently. They get more excited! They prefer Colin.”
Are you F’ing kidding me?! This is something that I have heard over and over again on the radio and tv. So I am to believe that these players do not get excited when Alex plays well? Someone please play the tape at the end of the Saints playoff game and tell me what “excitement” is? These are professional well coached players who will leave everything out on the field no matter the QB. But we will take a two game sample of Kaepernick and compare it to seven seasons of Smith. Yeah. Unrealistic. Nonsensical. Stupid. Media. Jargon.
4. “Alex Smith CANNOT throw the ball downfield. Alex can only throw check downs.”
Let me qualify this by saying that Colin does have the propensity to throw down field more. And up to this point in his “long tenured” career, he has been successful. But Alex can make deep throws. He can throw deep comebacks, back shoulder throws, deep crosses, deep wheel routes. We have seen it. Does he do it enough? Maybe not. But that is a different argument. Can he do it like Colin on a zip-line frozen rope? Nope. Alex does need to add touch and timing. But the results are there. Alex takes care of the ball and moves it down field efficiently. The 49ers score efficiently. Colin’s explosive playmaking and unstoppable offense just scored 17pts against the Saints!
I believe what we are arguing here is Style versus Substance. Colin’s throws look better, so he must be better. Not entirely true.
So here is what I concede. Colin’s athletic ability helps him avoid sacks that Alex would likely take. Colin has a far superior arm and he is more comfortable throwing deep. But….Alex’s resume is more comprehensive and tested against the toughest situations. Alex is accurate and efficient with the ball. Its not sexy. But a team with the best defense and run game does not need to be sexy. Alex’s experience is something that Colin cannot make up for in natural ability. And I know that the only way Colin gets experience is to play. But why in the middle of a winning Super Bowl caliber year?
If Colin is chosen going forward, I will understand and root for him. But lets look at the facts. Alex doesn’t have to suck for Colin to be the starter. Lets not discount everything Alex Smith has done for the sake of choosing the new toy. They are both capable of starting.
Woodie and Buzz Lightyear. A tale as old as time.
Whew….
November 28th, 2012 at 11:40 am
First let me say I plan on finishing out this season. I’m not going to quit in the middle of it. Perhaps I no longer have the emotional investment in sports, I don’t know. I’m not like these guys out there whose weeks are ruined when their teams lose. I don’t really hate other teams with any discernible passion (except the Seahawks). My identity is not wrapped up in it, so when time comes to record and I could take it or leave it? I figure I’m not in the right position to do it. But I’ll finish it out. And if it ends with Alex Smith’s 49er Tenure, I guess that’s fitting
Mark, thanks for your kind words, sir. It’s feedback like yours that makes me want to keep doing this. Because it’s not about the winning or losing or controversies or whatever. It’s about the community.
Danny I’m not jumping on any bandwagons here, and I understand your feeling regarding most fans. I’ll take your points as you made them.
1) Chicago – Lovie Smith admitted during the week prior that it didn’t matter who the quarterback was, they were going to prepare to stop the run. That’s an exact quote. They had already shown their cards. Every film expert afterward said exactly how the 49ers beat Chicago: The Bears stacked the box, played man coverage single safety high, and Greg Roman put Kaepernick in a position to be successful, most often throwing to his first read. So we have that.
The second part of this game, however, is the natural ability Kaepernick showed, and not just arm strength. On the deep throw to Williams, he bought time by sliding up in the pocket away from the edge rushers, without even looking. To this day, even with the change in mechanics, Alex doesn’t look smooth with his footwork. He looks precise and practiced, not relaxed. The amazing throw to Vernon where he had the LB bearing down on him, he released the ball between the covering LB and the Safety before Vernon was open. It was exactly on target under duress. Amazing. Alex Smith doesn’t make those throws.
The TD to Crabtree, Kap came off his first two reads, looked left, slid away from the pressure and placed the ball perfectly with Staley engaged in front of him. Back in the Seattle game Alex had a similar thing where he looked right, then came back left and rolled over. With Staley engaged in front of him he took his eyes off the play, got around the pressure and then looked back to the play. It was too late at that point.
2) New Orleans – The Superdome IS a tough place to play, as any loud dome is for anybody. The noise factor does come into play no matter who you are, and especially when you don’t have experience with it. Kaepernick was under duress for much of the game. If you read my comments above, you know my thoughts on this game. And I don’t think Kaepernick “destroyed” the Bears. Our defense destroyed them and the offense kept the ball. They did the same thing against the Saints, one drive lasting over nine minutes. There are drives they kept alive because Kaepernick kept converting 3rd Downs. Alex struggles on 3rd downs, we know that.
3) Players getting more excited? Everybody gets excited when they win, they did so with Alex. That’s lame.
4) Alex can’t throw downfield. Ability is not the issue, it’s a matter of the will. Nobody can compare Alex to Kaepernick and not see that Alex hesitates a lot. He hesitates on the deeper throw and checks down. It’s not always that the defense takes it away, it’s that the defense is trying to take it away and he overthinks. Yes he’s gotten better about it, but the strides he appeared to have made vs. Green Bay and Detroit were gone vs. Minnesota, Seattle and New York. He looked good against Arizona, and I praised him for that, and he started out hot against the Rams. But I also think that if you put him in the Superdome with the noise, pressure and coverage, he takes more sacks and doesn’t complete the 12-15 yard throws that kept drives moving. I have no doubt that he CAN step in and drive the ball like Kaepernick did on that out to Crabtree. He simply doesn’t.
I don’t think it is a Style vs. Substance thing. I think Kaepernick can do what Alex Smith does, but also can do more. 16-25 isn’t 20-25, but it’s still 64% which is still good, last I checked. Alex is averaging 7.9 per attempt, 11 per completion. That’s good. Kaepernick is averaging 9.1 per attempt, 14 per completion. That’s better. Alex’s completion percentage is fantastic, but he doesn’t throw the ball “at the sticks” very often, which are balls that travel to the first down marker or beyond. We all know his high percentage is a factor of throwing high percentage balls, and his average is based on having players that get good YAC. That’s fine and dandy, Joe and Steve had guys that were great at getting YAC, but as we saw against the Giants, what do you do when a team takes that away? The Saints have an experienced secondary on a defense that is improving. They had a rough start under a new Coordinator, but they are getting better. Atlanta is no slouch. Kaepernick showed he can get the ball into the gaps in the zone. He can put the ball in the tight windows that Alex just doesn’t throw into.
I don’t think the offense is bad with Alex, but I think the offense is able to do more with Kaepernick.
November 29th, 2012 at 6:45 am
Dear Indiana Jim,
Never would I accuse you of being one of the bandwagoners. The fact you argue for Kaepernick is based on sound reason and not just shock and nonsense. Even if I disagree with you, it makes for a good argument.
Well Jim, I had all sorts of counter points ready. But all of this is moot now. I am resolved to the fact that Kaepernick is the full time starter going forward. I believe this is really the end of the Alex Smith era. Kaepernick has my full support, as if he needed it. But he has it just the same. Go 49ers!
With that said, I must admit I am sad to hear the news that you are considering retirement from the fancast. But you owe no one an apology for the decision. I have gone on record on this blog site in calling you a beacon of light in the darkness that is the 49er Fan. Throughout these past four years, your voice of reason carried me through and kept me sane. As a fellow Alex Smith supporter, I found it difficult at times to argue for the man that is the enigma. But you made me believe that I was not crazy to NOT want JT O’Sullivan. I was NOT crazy to think Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary may have just been really bad head coaches. I was NOT crazy to think Alex Smith was a good QB. The fact that you now choose Kaepernick only validates your years of support for Alex. So thank you Jim. Thank You for all your time and effort. Thank You for being the voice of the “other” 49er fan. I only wish you could take this on full time and replace some of the inept radio personalities here in the Bay Area. I hope you remain active on Twitter so we can still have the back and forths.
November 30th, 2012 at 11:55 am
I think I have only posted here once before. But I have to tell you that I have listened to every podcast you have done. I even made a few resolutions while listening to the podcast that I would call in and make some comments. But I seem to always lose my resolve by the time I get home. Anyway, with the threat of taking this away – I have more incentive and I will at least give you some feedback.
I have always enjoyed your podcasts. Even during the dark and dismal times of losing seasons I looked forward to listening to them. It seems that they are much more fun to listen to when the team is doing good. There were some podcasts after loses that I didn’t enjoy that much. I always imagined that it was just easier/funner/better to record a podcast when the team was exciting. But I always stuck with the niners even during their worst seasons and I appreciated that you did, too ( although i think i remember you skipping a few weeks).
Anyway, whatever you decide to do, is OK with me. I appreciate all you have already done. But if you keep this going I will try to be a contributor and not just a silent listener.
I’m actually tired of all the Kap vs Smith talk. The local media is now attacking Jim Harbaugh – not for benching Smith – but for his comments during the press conferences. Me? I have no problems with playing Kap over Smith. I don’t even have a problem with Coach Harbaugh’s comments. If he thinks it can even confuse the opposing D just a little bit – that’s fine with me.
However, it really sucks for Alex – and I really feel sorry for the guy. But i doubt there is much Coach Harbaugh can do for him through the media. I just hope he handles it privately better.
I think the signing of Bowman is just more evidence that this just as much business decision as a football decision. The 10 Million Alex is due in April is better spent elsewhere.
I really respect Coach Harbaugh’s gutsiness. This was a real risky decision. but you know i remember during the last preseason, before Alex started looking good, some people thought Kap would be inserted before the season ended. It didn’t happen – probably cause Alex looked so good, but maybe cause Kap wasn’t ready. I suppose Kap’s been ready for a while and the concussion to Alex gave coach H an opportunity to test him out. This is probably where he wanted to get to anyway. And maybe not even as soon as was wanted.
So now the injuries to Hunter and Williams have created another opportunity for Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh to make some stunningly brilliant chess moves.
Kendall Hunter didn’t get that many snaps each game, can they use Brandon Jacobs, Anthony Dixon and Bruce Miller more often to spell Gore. Or do they activate LaMichael James? If they activate LaMichael James, who do they deactivate? Brandon Jacobs finally got on the field for the first time last week, can they have both those running backs active? If they put James on the field with Kap, can we expect to see some more pistol offense stuff? Are the Rams defensive coordinators worried about this?
Kyle Williams was mostly used as the third back – a slot receiver. So now do they just use Randy Moss, and Ted Ginn Jr., more in three back formations? Or maybe they just use the tight ends in the slot more often. Or do they activate AJ Jenkins? AJ Jenkins is more of a slot receiver than anyone else on the team. And Ginn and TE Delanie Walker may be somewhat limited because of injuries.
And speaking of Ginn, who is going to return punts? I can’t see either of the rookies being trusted with that responsibility. I think if Ginn is healthy, he will. But if he isn’t, that’s a big question mark. Jenkins never returned punts in college but James did. I hope he has been practicing his punt returns this year. It might be another reason to make James active. Boy, it would really hurt Jacobs if James gets activated this week and Jacobs doesn’t.
There is still a roster spot open. I think they were going to keep that in case David Akers couldn’t kick. But I think that worry is over. I don’t think they will rush to fill that spot now. Not with so many good players on the roster who don’t even usually get activated.
November 30th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
This might be the best thread I’ve seen on this site. Great discussion all around.
I also feel terribly for Alex. I identify more with him than any other professional athlete. I like Colin, too, though. As a person. He seems like a good man, and he’s handled all of this very well.
Whatever happens this season, I hope Alex ends up somewhere next year where he can start and take the next step in his career. I think it would be brilliant for him to win a Superbowl with another team. . . as long as it’s an AFC team and he beat the Giants!
Alex is as quality a guy as there is in sports. My biggest consolation is that Colin seems to have equal quantities of class.
December 4th, 2012 at 11:23 am
Not a happy 49ers fan at this point. To be honest, I sit here and feel the seething anger inside. I am so disappointed and saddened by this QB change. This couldn’t have happened to a better, more loyal player.
It isn’t as if Smith was playing poorly. If he were, I’d be willing to accept this change. Everything about this feels wrong… vile. Jim comes to us years ago… courts Alex.. talks about how Alex was screwed over by this organization in the past… and then now proceeds to shove the sharpest dagger in his back despite Alex playing his best football. There’s nothing I can do about this… but it is impossible to simply overlook.. and has tainted nearly all of exuberance of the season.
Then, we go to St. Louis… and we have the game in hand 10-2 with 3 minutes left. What happens? Kaepernick pitches that? Wow. A game where we need an experienced vet, we bring in the backyard baller that runs backwards 20 yards into the endzone for a safety and then pitches an easy one over the head of Ginn to allow for the tie/loss.
Seattle’s catching up too. I no longer have faith that we will get ring #6 this year. Too much bad karma headed our way. Is Jim getting pressured by Baalke to play “his” guy? Are they just trying to see if Kaepernick can make Alex’s contract expendable next season? Are they giving way to the idiocracy of NFL trends leaning towards scrambling backyard ballin’ QBs? I don’t know. But I take loyalty very seriously… and I don’t mind saying how angry I am that Harbaugh has allowed this. I think it sucks. I think it’s wrong. I think Kaepernick can be a very good QB one day, and I like him. But this was an awful decision, and I am not dealing with this well.. at all.
December 4th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Well we finally saw what inexperience brings you on the road. A lot of people have said they thought the Intentional Grounding call was questionable. I didn’t see it so I can’t say for certain, but running back into the end zone is also a bad decision. Plus, everybody says the fly sweep was a bad call, and that’s fine, but does Alex audible out of that call knowing it was a bad one? Does he make a better pitch? I get it that Ginn should have made a better play on the ball, but the 49ers can’t afford a loss at this point in the season.
While I understand the reasoning behind starting Kaepernick to a point, I still go back to my thoughts that you don’t change Quarterbacks unless he’s actually costing you games. Alex hasn’t played well against really good defenses of late. Seattle held him in check pretty much the whole game and the Giants stifled him, too. But the Bears defense is overrated and New Orleans D stinks, and even they had Kaepernick on the run all game long. Now we see him face the Rams, a pretty decent defense, and he only has a mediocre game if you leave out the safety and the bad pitch.
This has me wondering, is it the Quarterback or something else that keeps them down against better defenses? Also we’ve only seen the 49ers defense dominate in about half their games. I’m at the point now where I’m not certain this is actually a Super Bowl contending team.
Aside from all that you have Akers missing a FG that would have won in both games. In each game vs. the Rams, despite their mistakes, they’ve put themselves in position to win at the end.
I’ll admit I could do nothing but laugh Sunday. That whole emotional detachment thing. I just don’t care anymore. Maybe it’s because I feel like Smith should have the opportunity to finish, not be benched for the guy who can throw it farther.
December 4th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
The Seattle game gets mentioned, and I can not help but bristle just a little. Then again, I am bristling at everything in life lately.
Anyway… after the halftime of that Seattle game, the Niners offense put together some nice long drives to separate the score in our favor.
(1st drive) 10 plays, over 6 minutes chewed up, and a TD pass from Alex. Score is now 10-6 Niners. Goldson then intercepts to get us the ball back. (2nd drive) we drive for 8 plays while running over 5 minutes off the clock.. Alex screws up and throws that INT… ick. (3rd drive) we drive again, running another near-5 minutes off the clock and get a FG out of it.. giving us a 13-6 lead. (4th drive) We are in classic clock-burning mode and force the Hawks to burn their timeouts… so they only get one last ditch effort with a 1:36 remaining. We win. Our defense forced punts… our offense took the lead and extended it. That doesn’t suck in a hard fought defensive battle.
The decision’s been made.. right or wrong.. and now all that is left is hoping we can get Kaepernick whipped up into playoff-worthy shape. I will always wish for team success over player preference… but there’s a big part of me that will always feel rather… ill.. over what’s become of the season. As a player on the team (in theory), I would be rather skeptical of the integrity and loyalty of my coaches and F/O from here on.
December 4th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Well they did what it took to win the Seattle game, but it wasn’t like he owned that defense. Plus Crabtree made a few really nice open field moves to convert 3rd downs. Alex didn’t throw it at the sticks, in other words. Which I think ultimately is their primary reasoning behind doing this. As it stands, with Alex they converted 35%, with Colin so far it’s 40%. Plus more 20-yard completions.
The key is winning. If they do, the locker room should be happy. If they don’t, then everybody is second-guessing everything. The NFL isn’t about loyalty. If it was, Steve Young would have been the guy that got traded, not Montana. It’s about skill and ability and they believe Colin has more of it.
December 15th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
i think Alex Smith is going to have to come in to save the season at some point.
December 16th, 2012 at 2:02 am
It’s all about wins and losses. No matter the position, it’s Harbaughs job to do all possible to ensure the team is prepared and the best possible players are available for each game. It’s up to the players to execute on game day.
Support your team and worry less about the players.
December 17th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
You know what this is like, it’s like my dad (Harbaugh) just dumped my Mom (Alex) for a younger sexier girl (Colin). My mom was loyal and steady. She helped my Dad become successful, and put him in a position to be successful for years to come. There wasn’t a reason to dump her. Then SHE came, flirting with her huge ARM and fast moves. My mom got sick for a week and that was all it took. My dad moved on. Cold, blunt, quick.
So I still hold resentment towards my new Step Mom. But I’m slowly getting to know her. She is actually pretty cool. And last night in New England, it was the equivalent of my new Step Mom taking me out and buying me a PS3, a new car, and letting me drink for the first time.
I still love my Mom, and I hope she finds a new man (Minnesota?) that makes her happy. But damn! This Colin is pretty cool.
I hope that wasn’t too weird of an analogy.
December 18th, 2012 at 12:16 am
Perfect analogy!!!!
December 18th, 2012 at 10:59 am
Not gonna lie. It’s kinda creepy.
December 26th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
Concerns for the 9ers moving forward:
The SEA game took allot out of the team with injuries to Maningham, Davis, Tukuafu, Brown and Justin Smith from the Pats game.
Very little is being said about JSmith injuries. Had time and looked at the plays when Smith might have been injuried. 2:57 in the 3rd QTR was the second to last play (Possible point of injury). I couldn’t see any injury and Smith must have run off quickly because there was no stop in play.
12:50 in the 4th was the last play for Smith. His left arm was wrapped and he went down on that arm/elbow. But again no stoppage in play and you couldn’t see any visible injury. I’m truly hopeful this isn’t a UCL ligiment tear. If so, Justin could be out for the rest of the year.
The 9ers are thin on the D-Line and may have so more scheming than in your face approach.
All this said, the Niners really need a Minnesota victory and Niners defent Arizona. This will lock up the #2 seed and a bye in the playoffs. If this all happens it gives the Niners time to heal up and plan.
What do all of you think?
December 27th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Justin Smith injury update:
Per the Sac Bee (12-27)- Justin Smith has a partially torn left triceps, according to a source with knowledge of the injury. Justin has not practiced since the Pats game.
http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/
January 8th, 2013 at 3:47 pm
Is the show officially dead?
January 8th, 2013 at 3:52 pm
Well I’m not going to lie to you… … … … … maybe.
January 8th, 2013 at 10:29 pm
It’s OK if it is, I just am going to take the site off of my list of 49er related pages.
If you do continue it, I would be very interested in continuing to listen. Also willing to potentially pay for episodes. Like .99 an episode or something. Just some thoughts.
Take care Jim.
Brian in Portland
January 10th, 2013 at 1:50 am
Optimism:
Per AOL Sporting News NFL- Justin Smith will be active for Saturday’s game against Green Bay. Does that mean he will play. No. Lets all pray!!
Link to story: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2013-01-09/justin-smith-injury-update-49ers-indispensable-de-ok-to-play
January 20th, 2013 at 10:31 pm
San Francisco, 49ers in the Super Bowl!!!!
January 30th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Wassup to all my fellow Niners fam! I found a cool site. It’s a chance to FREE 16×20 framed 49ers photo from the Super Bowl. Man when we win, I want the celebration shot. Here is the link: http://www.the49ersphotos.com
Go Niners. Here is filling out the second with 6 rings