49ers offensive-skillplayer-snapcount breakdown vs. Bills

The 49ers’ offense played 67 snaps against the Bills. Here’s a snap-count breakdown for the 49ers’ offensive skill players.

  1. Vernon Davis: 56 snaps (84%)
  2. Alex Smith: 53 (79%)
  3. Frank Gore: 41 (61%)
  4. Delanie Walker: 38 (57%)
  5. Mario Manningham: 32 (48%)
  6. Michael Carbtree: 29 (43%)
  7. Kendall Hunter: 21 (31%)
  8. Kyle Williams: 20 (30%)
  9. Colin Kaepernick: 19 (28%)
  10.  Randy Moss: 18 (27%)
  11.  Garrett Celek: 14 (21%)
  12.  Ted Ginn Jr.: 12 (18%)
  13.  Anthony Dixon: 6 (9%)

Kaepernick actually got more playing time than Moss and Ginn.

The backup quarterback is the fastest rising 49er on the list. Last week, he played 11 snaps against the Jets. Do you think his playing time will continue to increase? Do you think he’ll play more than 19 snaps against the Giants?

My guess is the trend will end this weekend, Kaepernick will play less than 10 snaps. He’s racked up some snaps playing quarterback at the end of blowouts. I’m expecting a close game against the Giants.

Here’s the real question: How many snaps do you think Kaepernick will play against the Giants, how will he be used and why? Whoever gets this question the most correct will be the Commenter of the Week.

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124 Responses to 49ers offensive-skillplayer-snapcount breakdown vs. Bills

  1. BigP says:

    The kid makes plays, he should continue to get playing time.

  2. JDilla says:

    As long as he protects the football a little better, especially in the redzone, keep handing the ball off to him.

    • Chris says:

      Unless you’ve played D1 football or better you have no idea what it’s like to take a hit on the field. It’s not as easy as just taking care of the football. There isn’t an excuse for fumbling but I think it’s incredibly harsh to blame a player for fumbling with the impact of some of these hits.

      • JDilla says:

        Please enlighten me because obviously I don’t know much for suggesting CK be more aware… What are you talking about. There is a clear difference from a runners perspective when carrying the football. One hand versus two. Running backs practice this daily. Two hands on the football. I guess it is not Michael Vicks fault he keeps fumbling either. Talk about getting defensive geez.

    • Brotha Tuna says:

      The look I saw on Colin’s face on the sideline suggests to me (I’ve obviously never met him; I’m guessing here) that his fumble will be a learning experience for him. It was a message about live contact at this level. I’m willing to bet he learned it. He’ll still fumble in his career, that’s inevitable, but I bet he protects the ball better in the future.

      • chris says:

        That’s a great point. I think it was Trent Dilfer this morning who brought the subject up about the Chief Fans booing Castle after he was injured.
        He said something that is relevant here.
        He said football players don’t feel bad they let the fans down. They fell bad they let their team down. They know how much hard work is put into each week by 53 men on the field. They don’t worry about pleasing anyone in the stands. They could careless what any of those people think. They only care about their team.
        I think that’s the look Kaepernick had on the sideline. Great point though.

      • Brotha Tuna says:

        @ Chris I agree with all the points you made, and that were made by the KC player. In support of that: I was watching the MNF pre game show and they’d posted a twitter question: ‘Who gives the Jets a better chance to win tonight? Sanchez or Tebow?’
        When they announced that 87% of tweeters said Tebow, Dilfer and Steve Young literally gagged on air at the overwhelming lack-of-a-clue of the fans. There is a serious disconnect.

      • Brotha Tuna says:

        PS
        Everybody seems to forget that its SPORTS. You ever hook a drive? Ever have an unforced error in tennis? Ever misjudge a fly ball? Do you bowl a perfect card?
        Even horse racing and motorsports are SPORTS, because stuff happens!
        Have you ever stubbed your toe? Yes? Really? Why did you do that? Some deep psychological problem?
        NO! You stubbed your freakin toe/dropped the pass/threw up an air ball/whiffed in the ninth/whiffed on a block/whiffed on a tackle/fumbled on the two yard line. Its sports, you’ll try not to phuqup again.

  3. UK9er says:

    How many of those plays came after Alex was pulled?

  4. Msclemons67 says:

    Harbaugh is bringing CK7 along the right way. Good coaching.

    • Neal says:

      You again dope head, people cope in different ways, leave him alone. Go run your taco truck off a cliff.

    • BigP says:

      Oneniner,
      Stop stalking the blog vato, you are already going to hell.

    • Msclemons67 says:

      This is the onedolphin we all know. No surprises here.

      I am not grieving fake vato. I am worried, I am scared but nothing is over yet.

      Football is our escape from the crap that attacks our daily lives. I should not have brought my personal troubled here.

      I’m sorry oneniner. I won’t do it again.

      • bayareafanatic says:

        Clem,
        you take your support where you can get it. Especially in times of need. The room should feel honored that you feel comfortable enough to have shared. End of story.

      • claude balls says:

        +1

      • claude balls says:

        My 9:17 +1 was supposed to be for bay’s 9:01 comment.

      • Bayareafanatic says:

        Something funky is going on.

      • old coach says:

        DS i forsee ck continuing to play 10 to 20 snaps a game maybe half at qb running the pistol and the other half as a hybrid qb/rb/wr. he’s the backup qb so he is not taking anyones roster spot. what i really loved about sundays game was seeing both as and ck on the field at the same time and the reality in the nfl is that ck will more than likely [injuries] get his chances over the next 2 years to get his games where he will play solely at qb

    • Prime Time says:

      Lemons, probably right about bringing that on here but for what it’s worth, I hope your wife battles through and I will ask the Lord to guide her.

    • 49erman says:

      Yup ! harbaugh is setting up his young Qb CK, to get his bell rung, like RG3. It only takes a big defensive lineman and LB to knock him out of the game, other teams will figure out how to play CK and they will be ready for him, you got to remember CK is not a big man his tall and lean..

      • Johnny Christo says:

        You a cracka!!! Kaep is Newton’s size, a little trimmer. He’s not like Robert Griffin or Mike Vick.

      • 49erman says:

        RG3 looks more like a real QB ! And has more upside than CK.. Michael Vick short like a Drew Brees..

      • Nick says:

        RG3 has more of an upside than Alex Smith as well. So what’s your point?

      • 49erman says:

        Nick ! Was I talking to you? Its doesn’t concerned you stay out of it. Unless Christo is your boy friend, than i can understand..

      • 49erman says:

        Nick ! one more thing how in the hell A. Smith name got into the conversation? Talking about CK, RG3 and M. Vick.. Take a hike with your girl friend..

  5. WTF says:

    Does this guy do any diligence? Of course snaps were up, Alex went out with an injury…does he expect them to go down after Alex goes out

  6. Jack Hammer says:

    The only way Kaepernick get’s close to those numbers is if it is a blowout.

  7. 23jordan/ WARM UP KAEPERNICK says:

    I say he plays 10-15 snaps. I was right last week about his snaps. Jack, I told you he’d be in there bro. Big Grant, you’re welcome for the question. Lol
    Kap is clearly faster than Smith. If that d line gets after Smith the way they did in that NFCCG, Kap will play more because he can make those defensive ends honor the run outside.

    • Prime Time says:

      Jordo what will be the Alex fairy tale this week. Not tough enough to play with a sprained finger? Giants dline to strong, Eli too elite?

      Please Mr. Coughlin, STACK THAT BOX for 23!

    • Jack Hammer says:

      Yes Jordan, you were right. They were also playing one of the worst teams in the league for the second week in a row. We’ll see what happens this week.

      http://ninerchatter.blogspot.com/2012/10/how-good-are-49ers.html

      • Prime Time says:

        Grant how do you feel about Jack mowing your grass while promoting his blog on yours? Seems sort of wrong no?

      • 23jordan/ WARM UP KAEPERNICK says:

        Kap and that speed will be effective against any team he plays. Don’t worry about the real haters like prime. Look at him snitching to grant about you and your blog.

        Prime,

        Don’t worry about Jack. If Grant had a problem with it, jack would already know about it. Sounds like you’re snitching again! Snitches get stitches! Let jack do his thing. Don’t worry. You’ve got the PD award for blog nuisance!

      • Jack Hammer says:

        I agree Jordan. When he is in, it looks like the Oregon Ducks fast break offense.

      • Prime Time says:

        It’s weak 23welcher, weak like your football knowledge! Im sure Grants not threatened by it, have you read it? Amateur hour!

        Dont forget to STACK THAT BOX 23!

      • Prime Time says:

        @23 Snitches get stitches!

        Is that an invitation tough guy?

      • undercenter says:

        Someone mention Ducks?

      • Jack Hammer says:

        under,

        That was the first thing that I thought of while watching CK run the offense in the 4th quarter. : ).

        Good stuff.

      • undercenter says:

        Jack
        I didnt notice that but I havnt re watched the game as of yet. Will look for that for sure.

      • BigP says:

        “Grant how do you feel about Jack mowing your grass while promoting his blog on yours? Seems sort of wrong no?”

        The answer is no, talk about being a hater.

        http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/2012/10/inside-the-49ers/niner-chatter-how-good-are-the-49ers/

        Confirmation that you are THAT GUY. Jealous little instigator. Keep up the good work Jack!

    • 49erman says:

      Coach Jordan, what else can you tell everyone here that we don’t know about?

      • Prime Time says:

        That he has a peanut for a brain and unit! That’s the just of it.

      • 49erman says:

        Even if the niners and A. Smith win the SB and Alex shows that his way above average QB, 23 Jordan will still have something to say bad about AS.

  8. undercenter says:

    I have zero problem with Kap running the ball as a QB, he has protection granted by the rules. When he runs as a running back there are zero protections. Kap has too much value to the team to be exposed to injury. Not at all impressed with using Kap as a running back, not at all.

    • Prime Time says:

      Especially if he puts it on the ground. The more he runs it , the more teams prepare for it and the more jarring hits he will endure.

      • 49erman says:

        Prime, I think Tolzien is Harbaugh’s future 49er QB. He probably don’t either if CK gets injured, he has his 2nd string QB seating in the wing, Scott Tolzien.

      • Prime Time says:

        Really Tolzien, why do you think that? Do you think Kap is trade bait?

      • 49erman says:

        Prime, just got a feeling watching Tolzien, he looks ready to start as a back up. I’m not taking anything away from CK he has speed, but I haven’t seen anything from him throwing the ball. But I do believe Scott has more upside, than CK in throwing the ball accurately.

      • AES* says:

        Prime,

        CK7 is 6′ 4″ 230 lbs of pure corn fed muscle. I actually fear what he may do to opposing tacklers.

        No need to worry about CK7. He is not made of leggo’s.

      • Prime Time says:

        I dont want my QB being a RB. I just want him to keep winning.

      • 23jordan/ WARM KAEPERNICK UP! says:

        You kids go to bed. Tolzein starting as a backup? 49erboy, you are wet behind the ears. Funny stuff!

    • Jack Hammer says:

      I agree with you there Under.

  9. SourdoughSam says:

    Agreed jack you should have asked permission seems disrespectful and latino quit being a donkey dude is a douche sometimes and I don’t agree with msclemons about his alex bashing but seriously you are wishing for bad karma being a donkey about his situation and msclemons way to own up on too much self disclosure I respect that and at least admit your not looking to be histrionic

    • Jack Hammer says:

      Grant is more than welcome to tell me to knock it off, but until then I will continue to do so. He does a great job and has my respect.

      • Prime Time says:

        Promote your blog somewhere else, it’s totally disrespectful!
        Do you see Maiaocco promoting on Barrows website? Do you see CNNSI promoting its content on ESPN?
        You wanna be good , don’t piggy back off others!

      • Jack Hammer says:

        Thank you for taking the time to check it out Prime.

      • Prime Time says:

        I actually didn’t check it out, I made that part up, it was a total lie.

  10. SourdoughSam says:

    Unless Alex gets injured I expect to see CK the same as last week.

    • 49erman says:

      Keep on dreaming ! What did CK have done throwing the ball, only the bright spot was running with his legs..

      • 23jordan/ WARM KAEPERNICK UP! says:

        49erman,

        This week, Kaepernick will impress you by running with his arms! lol.

      • 49erman says:

        23Jordan you should be a commedian ! The only reason harbaugh and Roman are giving CK reps is just to confused the other team with his running ability, but so far he still inaccurate in throwing the ball.. What happened in the jets game, the ball he threw to Moss was so short? Get a grief off yourself, all you have said so far are all inaccurate.

  11. ribico says:

    mcs, you were absolutely right in bringing that here. The huge outporing of support and concern is validation. don’t let a couple of sociopaths and others who somehow can’t keep a lid on their personal feuds take away from that.

    we are pulling for your spouse and you.

    • Msclemons67 says:

      Thank you Ribico. I don’t want that stuff to affect our football conversations though. If I’m too rough on the Precious I expect you to call me an a-hole. Don’t let me down.

  12. pete4mtx says:

    3-5 snaps(will throw 1st td of season)..

  13. SourdoughSam says:

    Texans are winning they will meet the Niners in the Superbowl

  14. Grumpy Guy says:

    Grant. Do you have IT people? Have they ever heard of an I.P. ban?

    This is getting ridiculous.

    • matt says:

      An I.P. ban is only a temporary fix. You can go in and statically assign your IP address and bypass the ban.

  15. DS94everXev says:

    msc

    A quick link about the foods that WILL actually help your wife and in turn yourself. Medically proven to do so. Despite what one person here thinks.

    http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/superfoods-everyone-needs

    It sounds kind of strange since your wife has cancer, but it is still important that she consume foods that help prevent cancer. It will help prevent more polyps from showing up, keeping the cancer localized.

    If it helps, think of it like Barry Sanders. You can control him fine if you don’t lose containment. Reducing polyp formation will help your wife and the medical staff focus on a single point to treat. That is a lot easier than if it gets around the body. Once again, I hope for the best for your family.

    If this analogy upsets you at all, ask Grant to delete this post.

    • Msclemons67 says:

      @DS This is the last time I will speak of my personal life here.

      1) it is not confirmed that my wife has cancer yet. the tests are still inconclusive. We still have hope.

      2) you supported oneniner when he mocked my wife. I will never forget that. Don’t ever address me again you pile of garbage. You are nothing to me.

      • DS94everXev says:

        msc is rightfully angry/sad.

        It is my sincere hope that should he and I still be on this blog many years from now, that he shall come to realize that I did not spend my time looking up articles and describing things that could help his wife had I mocked anything. and we shall resume communicating then.

        And the person who talks him into seeing that those two things don’t match (mocking and researching) is his wife. Who of course must still be alive and doing well in order to help him see this. Until then, I hope for nothing but the best for the lovely described couple.

      • DS94everXev says:

        I didn’t notice any mockery, but give this one to him anyway. From experience it isn’t easy to hear such news.

    • Neal says:

      @BS,

      Shut the crap up with your damn know it all medical advise, you got to be the most annoyoing ass in the universe.

    • MontanaMan16 says:

      If I could add something without offending, I’m sure it will help! Like DS, delete it if necessary.

      My wife has been fighting Sarcoma cancer for 2 years now. Got it from a tumor removed from her lower back that burst being removed. Remission, then it comes back. Back and forth, again and again. Poor girl has been going thru he!!. Back in June, the dr. did an MRI and immediately told her he had to draw some fluid from her lower back for a sample. (Again). He said it didn’t look good and would probably have to operate. I thought that we couldn’t keep doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Something had to change and I new that nutrition was the key. It was then I stumbled onto a something a freind liked on Facebook. It was juicing vegetables. Organic vegetables. Just Google Drew Canole. I immediately bought a juicer and started making my wife green juices 3 to 5 times a day. We did that for 10 days and then the fluid was drawn from her back. We continued juicing while waiting for the results. The dr. called and my wife was expecting the worst. She thought I lost my marbles on this juicing thing and was pretty skeptical. The first thing the dr said to her was “What did you do?” The wife said, What do you mean? He said, “this is pretty good, nothing like I was expecting. The tissue actually started healing and the cancer cells are almost gone. What did you do?” My wife told him about the Juicing and he was kinda blown away by that. Go Figure! Long story short, He agressively attacked the remaing cells and she should be cancer free by next week. With continued juicing, I’m sure she’ll remain that way this time. But it was pretty amazing that just 10 days of juicing got her out of what would have been a bad surgery.
      I’m not sure about your wife’s story, I must’ve missed the post, but this could very well be your answer. It was mine. Good luck and God bless. Wish you and your wife the best. Just ask me if you need more info.

      • AES* says:

        Great news MontanaMan!

      • DS94everXev says:

        montana

        I’d add eat raw vegetables if possible. If you cook them, save the water. The nutrients (some, not all) leave the vegetable when cooked. Drink the water to get all the nutrients. In the case of something like this, it may make the difference.

      • Brotha Tuna says:

        Thanks for sharing, Montana Man. I’ve heard some similar testimonials. I’m told that acupuncture can be an effective tool with nutrition (part of that approach already), and modern oncology. From personal experience I can say that acupuncture was game changing for me in neural recovery. Bless each day.

      • MontanaMan16 says:

        Tuna!
        You’re welcome!
        AES
        Thanks! yes it is!
        DS
        “I’d add eat raw vegetables if possible. If you cook them, save the water. The nutrients (some, not all) leave the vegetable when cooked. Drink the water to get all the nutrients. In the case of something like this, it may make the difference.”
        I agree! But it’s amazing when you research organic vs non organic. The chemicals added are just eye-popping scary. The point in juicing is getting those vitamins thru better digestion of them. Your body absorbs them much easier where eating them whole, they can get thru with a lot less absorption because the digestive system has to work harder.
        Another conversation for another blog I guess! Best wishes!

  16. DS94everXev says:

    I’m bit surprised about MC’s snaps. I knew and said that the Niners would rotate the WR’s around a bit. But, I thought he’d get more than 50% (likely would have if he had been in the last drive, bu still….). Especially this game where he seemed to be everywhere.

    Maybe he is like FG and needs to be reseted as well.

  17. Fourth & Alex says:

    Grant,

    Alex has a sprained middle finger on his throwing hand. Can you find out more about that this week?

    thanks..

  18. Cyrus says:

    Kap will get 5 snaps and score a td running or passing

  19. AES* says:

    49erman says:
    October 8, 2012 at 7:03 pm
    “Even if the niners and A. Smith win the SB and Alex shows that his way above average QB, 23 Jordan will still have something to say bad about AS.”

    @49erman

    I know that, you know that, everyone here knows that. What’s the point?
    23J, is the Rock of Gibraltar in his stance on AS (lol).

    A SB win may not change 23′ mind. But he may be open to at least listen to reason (lol)!

  20. AES* says:

    23jordan/ WARM UP KAEPERNICK says:
    October 8, 2012 at 6:26 pm
    “Kap and that speed will be effective against any team he plays. Don’t worry about the real haters like prime. Look at him snitching to grant about you and your blog.”

    @23J

    Actually, Grant has already given Hammer some good reviews on his new blog.

    Good reviews have come from:
    Hofe
    Claude
    Grant
    Myself, and a few others.

    Not a bad resume Hammer. Keep up the good work bud!

  21. AES* says:

    Prime Time says:
    October 8, 2012 at 7:42 pm
    “I dont want my QB being a RB. I just want him to keep winning.”

    @Prime

    Why not Prime? CK7′ legs are pure gold bud. Until the defense figures out a way to stop him Harbaugh will continue to release the KRACKEN! (lol)

    When you see CK7 running just remind youself: “In Harbaugh I Trust.”

  22. ThatGuy says:

    Carbtree? lol

  23. Daniel Harkins says:

    MSC:
    So sorry to hear about your wife. I hope everything turns out well for her, you and your family. Try to stay positive in and very difficult situation.

  24. Brotha Tuna says:

    Clem-
    I’ll absolutely respect your family’s privacy, but I’m sorry, actually, that some friends here can’t be a resource to you. I have little doubt though that my wife and I would feel any differently; she has some experience in that area (that is currently under control.) Its alright, there’s already good energy sent your way.
    Standing invitation though for you (& her): I’d love to buy you lunch at Dempsey’s in Petaluma if your around. Grant can push thru an e-mail to me I’ll bet, or just call me out on the blog and I’ll post it.

  25. Jacktoo says:

    CK will be in on 7 plays, only one of which will be a pass.

  26. Hoferfan67 says:

    Interesting question and response today on the TTolbert show. He asked GCosell how he evaluates QB’s. TT asked if GCosell evaluates what QBs do outside of the pocket and his answer was not much. Mainly what they do in the pocket. Very interesting and makes you wonder about athletic/running QBs in terms of pocket versus running productivity.

    • Brotha Tuna says:

      I guess that speaks to the problem some have with Cosell. He’s a traditionalist. I mean that just in descriptive terms, but he judges based on a consensus opinion of analysis. Another term is experience, so its not like I’m exposing a flaw, but I’ve always wondered if he’s imaginative enough to think outside the box. Perhaps not, if he doesn’t evaluate outside the pocket!
      So what are the trends? Cam Newton. RG3. Luck, known as a pocket guy, is outstanding in mobility. How do you evaluate Rogers w/o his throws on the move? Kap? Makes you wonder if the guy can keep up. OK, snarky hyperbole, I know…..

    • Msclemons67 says:

      Sounds like Cossell agrees with you on this point Hofer. A QB earns his money in the pocket. Outside the pocket can be exciting but at the end of the day a QB has to stand between the tackles and deliver the ball.

  27. Msclemons67 says:

    Off topic:

    In case anyone missed this, comedy gold. Warning, naughty words.

    http://imgur.com/a/9H0Hv

    • Brotha Tuna says:

      OK, Clem, even allowing for half a liter of Pinot Noir, THAT’S FREAKIN HILARIOUS! I felt sooooo guilty laughing at that. Dumba** Beevis&Butthead stuff!

    • claude balls says:

      @Msc:

      Thanks for the link. That was quality stuff. For whatever reason, I laughed the hardest at Brady’s reaction to Eli’s appearance.

    • Matt Subia says:

      MSC-
      I almost spit out my beer onto my laptop…that was freakin’ hillarious…LMFAO!!!

  28. TheLeftSchuh says:

    5 plays

    2 – designed option runs, one with Hunter one with Gore
    1 – play-action deep to Vernon
    1 – end-around to Williams
    1 – decoy lined up at wideout

  29. Coffee's for closers says:

    Week #5 Pick’em Results:

    Crab15 52
    ninermd 50
    Jack Hammer 50
    *Angus in Americas Hat 49
    D Rogue 49
    pirate49er 49
    49erGirl 48
    hjt396 48
    Coffee’s for closers 47
    rocket 47
    Nick Row 44
    msclemons67 43
    elGuapo 41
    MidWestNiner 34
    Chris 25

    * denotes weekly winner
    Group avg: 45

  30. bayareafanatic says:

    Been running numbers back and forth. One thing cannot be denied, Smith is playing at a higher level this year. The impressive part is that he continues to keep his interceptions down while improving his production.
    Since we have only played one tough defense so far, I’ll be curious to see how are passing offense fares against a tough defense since that is what we will face in the playoffs.

    Also curious to see if they begin limiting Gores touches and increasing Hunters role so that they are both on fresh legs for the playoffs.

    Anyone else find it interesting that Harbaugh went out of his way to let the Media know that RM would have a big game soon?

    Matchup to watch this weekend. Rogers vs Cruz. Rogers got spanked last year trying to cover a quicker Cruz. Rogers is a year older and Cruz is still in his prime and quick. My suggestion BUMP AND RUN.

    Bruce Bochy made a mistake going with Madbum in game two. Too young to start a must win game. Should have gone with Voggy or Timmy on a short leash.

    • Hoferfan67 says:

      Bay, I don’t know if you noticed but FG looked really quick and light on his feet against Buff. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve seen him look so quick (not fast but quick).

      BTW, did you see the Total QBR numbers after 5 games thus far?

      • bayareafanatic says:

        I did. I noticed quite a bit especially in comparison to last year.
        I noticed that some of the best QB’s last year had better running games last year vs this year. The ones with weaker running games are struggling.

        Only three of the top ten QB’s from last year are having better years this year. Smith is one of them.

        Gore needs to be “managed” like L.T. was his last two years with the Jets. That way he can be fresh for the playoffs.

        Gore

    • claude balls says:

      @ bay:

      Anyone else find it interesting that Harbaugh went out of his way to let the Media know that RM would have a big game soon?

      I did. I can’t decide if Harbaugh did so because (1) he wants opposing teams to continue over-focusing on Moss, thereby diverting resources away from defending the other receivers and the running game or (2) he wants them to think that he wants them to over-focus on Moss so that they will divert resources away from Moss, thereby opening up the coverage for Moss to exploit.

      If I could watch Harbaugh play Rock, Scissors, Paper, I’d might be able to figure out which one it is.

      For the reason I alluded to in the Harbaugh on Alex Smith’s Sprained Finger post, I also found interesting Harbaugh’s comment that the sprain was “very much a concern.” Up to that point, his stock response to questions about player injuries was, “He’s working through something.” Why did he depart from his stock response and express concern?

      • Hoferfan67 says:

        “Up to that point, his stock response to questions about player injuries was, “He’s working through something.” Why did he depart from his stock response and express concern?”

        Claude,

        I thought the same thing. It wasn’t his typical default curt answer basically telling the media…NEXT. But if you remember, in his presser right after the game, he said the finger was on his non-throwing hand.

    • Hoferfan67 says:

      “Anyone else find it interesting that Harbaugh went out of his way to let the Media know that RM would have a big game soon?”

      It makes you wonder if JH reads this stuff. I’m sure he is busy but he did ask GC about the A’s so he’s not out of tune with other subjects.

  31. Razoreater says:

    What happened to my award for predicting the 3 Benjamin day for Alex Smith last week?

    • Brotha Tuna says:

      @ Razor
      You’ve earned my regard; at least until your next prediction. I thought the Jets would get a better pass rush, so I didn’t see 300 coming.

  32. Coffee's for closers says:

    I’m guessing 4 appearances;

    -He’ll come around looking like he’s going to run the reverse and then pull up and pass. This play will be run when we are just over the 50 but not past the 40 yard line. They ran this play previously and Kaep kept the ball on the reverse, this time they are counting on the back and backers to recognize the play and try to come up and stop him before he pulls up and drops a dinger behind all of them.

    -Read option, hand off. Red zone.

    -Read option keeper. Red zone

    -Play action pass bomb to Manningham. This will be another play that gets run between the 40′s. This might be the first play that they use Kaep for. If they’re in zone coverage the play action will freeze or get the corners and safeties to bite especially expecting the run with Kaep in the game. Manningham slips behind them and Kaep hopefully connects on what should be a beautiful TD pass.

  33. DS94everXev says:

    Grant

    7 snaps (non-garbage time)
    4 plays where he has a run-option pitch to the RB. I figure more to the left side of the field than the right since CK is left handed (correct?) and is more comfortable using his left arm than his right. Though that didn’t seem to help him Sunday.

    1 run up the middle more or less. Not a QB draw

    1 attempt of him throwing deep. JH has spoken to him about his last attempt. If it isn’t open, he’ll run.

    1 actual QB draw up the middle. Ran near the goal line.

  34. ddmur says:

    Look for more plays when Smith and Kaepernick are on the field at the same time. One of Kaepernick’s strengths is his ability to throw on the run. I believe that Roman will not hesitate to put in plays that will force the defense to contend with the following possibilities: 1) pass by Smith; 2) run by either Gore or Hunter; 3) pass by Kaepernick 4) run by Kaepernick; or even 5) pass by Smith with Kaepernick receiving.

    DD

  35. old coach says:

    It will be very interesting to watch the 9er QB situation for the long run. I would love to see a long term commitment made to smith and kaep. i believe kaep brings a talent set to the table unlike any i’ve seen before. I think he can run like a running back and eventually pass like a top 15 QB. using he and smith on the field at the same time creates a situation that is close to immpossible to game plan for. In todays nfl you need 2 good qb”s in case of injury and the smith and kaep duo certainly fill that roll. now for the elephant in the room …the salary cap. can we keep both players long term and keep a talented roster in the era of the cap? I think the reality is we may have to trade one or the other by 2014, if that becomes a reality i hope we can get 2 or 3 high picks and tolzien wil become our backup but untill then we 9er fans should enjoy the hell out of an unusual and great situation.

    • Hoferfan67 says:

      OC, this is where we differ. They’ve been using CK as a runner. I mentioned before the game (and when they drafted him) that athletic/running QBs cause turnovers or get dinged. He fumbled during the game. I like QBs that are pocket passers that have the ability to run a few times a game but not read/run. You have to look at history and the metrics. The success is over-hyped because they can be exciting but consistency isn’t there and never has been.

      • Jack Hammer says:

        Hofer,

        That is how they are utilizing CK in the games now. It gives them a change of pace from Alex. Projecting out I think things will be different when/if he gets the opportunity to be a starter.

        When his time comes you will see him in the regular offense throwing the ball from the pocket and off play action. His speed will still be there but I don’t think he will be running all over the field like a Vick type.

      • Crab15 says:

        Old coach – In the NFL you have to plan week to week and then evaluate your team as a whole at seasons end. A great deal can go wrong in one game. The Niners have been fortunate to have very few injuries to key players.
        2014 means nothing to Harbaugh or Baalke right now.
        Unless you’re the Cleveland Browns, you can’t plan beyond your next opponent.

      • old coach says:

        Hof he reminds me of steve young

      • Crab15 says:

        Hofe – Yes they’ve been using CK as a runner and it’s working very well.
        Everyone’s expecting it now though.
        Don’t be surprised to see CK bluff the student body left, suddenly step back and hit VD deep down the middle.
        The element of surprise Hofe. You know Harbaugh is reading my posts. :-)
        Remember I said everyone knows Crabtree’s catching short passes, time for a double move for a TD. Well?
        You catchin my drift Hofe?

    • DS94everXev says:

      old coach

      AS is the QB. Can only play 1 at a time as the QB. If the team, (or rather CK really) is open to be like Dobbs/Tokufu and play multiple positions you have a point. If CK has his heart dead set on being a QB though, it can’t work.

      • old coach says:

        @crabs i agree 2014 is along way offthats why i said enjoy the situation while you can
        @ds as is our qb but using ck as a change of pace has been very successful and the 2 of them on the field at the same time will be impossible to game plan for i think the 9ers have a phenominal opportunity this year and next to take advantage of ck’s remarkable skill set then in 2014 who knows

      • DS94everXev says:

        old coach

        CK has dramatic athletic skill. No ? about that. AS is pretty good, but nobody I think is at CK’s skill-level running with the ball.

        My question for you is what position do you see CK playing as? We’ve got a lot of good players. Our top 2 picks haven’t suited up yet. Who do you take out if it isn’t AS?

    • ribico says:

      The bigger elephant in the room beyond the salary cap is having two QBs on the roster who have shown they can be productive starters (CK hasn’t yet, but given more percolation and the opportunity, I’m sure he could). There can only be one starter, that is why Kolb, Flynn, Tebow etc are no longer sitting on the bench behind their team’s chosen starter. Tebow is already making noise about leaving NYJ for a team that will use him as an actual QB instead of a tackling dummy (not saying that’s going to happen, but still…)

      When does CK’s contract run out? If Alex is still the #1 QB at that time (not a stretch considering Alex’s age, improved play and the team’s dominance), look for CK to depart for greener pastures. Hopefully Niners get trade value before it comes to that.

      • 49erGirl says:

        Could be similar to what happened with Brees and Rivers in San Diego. The Chargers drafted Rivers because they were unhappy with Brees’ performance to date. Afterwards, Brees stepped it up a notch and many were questioning what was going to happen when his contract was up.

        Even with Brees turning things around, at the end of the day the Chargers had already made their choice for the future and let him walk.

        The 49ers drafted Kaep for a reason and are grooming him to take over the starting QB position in the future. My gut tells me that at some point they will let Alex leave through FA and hand the reigns over to Kaep. It’s just the nature of the business.

        I believe both of their contracts expire at the same time, so they’ll have to work things out with one of them ahead of time or they might be screwed, lol!

      • ribico says:

        49erGirl , I hope it doesn’t follow the Brees-Rivers outcome!