Obviously, if Colin Kaepernick has a great game against the Bears, we’re looking at a full-on quarterback controversy.
And if Kaepernick falls on his face, there will be no QB controversy.
But what if he has a middle-of-the-road game? He manages the game as well as Alex Smith, has some good runs and wins. Would there be QB controversy then?
I think there would be. I’m eager to read your thoughts.
What does Kaepernick have to do to force a QB controversy?
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Grant…
Get serious…..NO
If Kaepernick plays like he did last Sunday and the 49ers win it will get very interesting. It won’t really get going though until Smith comes back.
Grant what do you think a great game by Kap means? I would like to see what a stat line would look like for you in identifying a great game?
The QB Controversy started when Coach went to Manning and Alex went to Florida. #TheOffSeason
Just a name has changed.
Kaep’l Krush ‘em. The Bears. Go Niners!
If Kaep can come in and have a great game (60 comp%, 300 total yards, 2tds, 1 TO) then yes I would see a serious QB controversy. The fact is we drafted CK to be the QB of the future and if he can prove today that he is capable of playing at a high level then yes we indeed have a QB controversy. The most important stats tonight, in my opinion, will be 3rd down conversions and TO ratio. Those are the two I will be looking at to determine whether CK would be an improvement over AS.
what if he turns out to be Nate Davis?
He’s already proven to be considerably better then Davis, not even close. Davis made Druckenmiller look like a Mensa chapter president.
He can read a playbook im guessing. Im really worried now and have to get up at 01.00am to watch
What if he turns into Scott Tolzien? How many fumbles by Kaep until Harbaugh says enough, “Scott you’re in.”
Isle of White, no international hate on Davis. Even Walsh owned up to the mistake of Druckenmiller. Jimmy Raye didn’t even know the playbook and he wrote it.
So many of you tools liked Carr and Troy Smith over Nate ?? You guys like to talk but refuse to use your eyes, Nate is a great talent. I bet you guys think Trent Green/Quinn/Byron Leftwich are great too?
Green quarterbacked a great Chiefs for four seasons Sled.
Yup, you can tell we are getting very close to Thanksgiving. Don’t worry Grant, maybe you’ll get a pardon from the President :)
A ribico time to take that display pic of Alex and put 1 up of kap!!!!
Nice one Ribico
Here’s my new prediction: Unless Campbell turns the ball over at least twice or more we’re going to lose this game. 16-6 Bears.
Your coffee is going stale. There’s no way Chicago scires more than 10 points tonight.
Scores
If they execute enough turnovers, they won’t have to.
And that’s my worry with Colin…
I hate to say that I agree with this. The Bears defense are turnover machines (like our defense was last year) and Colin aint so great at ball security.
And don’t think that he can just roll out on every play, that’ll be a great way for use to see Scott Tolzien under center…
Wrong.
I mean I was wrong, wasn’t addressing the comments above.
The main controversy here is between the national media and the local beat writers. How come the local guys didn’t break the news first?
^ Exactly! My first thought as well Hof. Ball, dropped.
Grant,
How does CMort get this news before any of the local guys? The 9er Dir of Communications feeds him this info first??
Wouldn’t you rather read about whether doctors think Harbaugh’s procedure is “minor” instead of knowing who the starting QB is going to be?
Politics Hof, politics.
Hof,
The National guys have sources all over the league. They get info from far more places than the beat guys do.
Meanwhile, the Smithers are nervous
I’m nervous how the Niners will do tonight and nothing more Nick. If CK’s time begins tonight then so be it. I’ll support him because he plays for my team.
Why should anyone be nervous. Alex is out with a concussion, Kaepernic doesn’t have enough of a handle on the whole playbook to continue as the starter. No journalist not named Cohn thinks that there is any controversy.
Stop. Being. Silly.
Hofer,
How come you didn’t tell us when Alex Smith told you last night??
To answer the question, Kaepernick has to have a huge game passing for there to be any legitimate controversy. If we win big but most of the points come from the run game and a defensive score then there is no controversy but if Kaep passes for 300 yards and a couple of TD’s then it’s a different story.
Isn’t that the way we win with Smith?
Grant, if Kaepernick plays well and wins, there may be a QB controversy among the fanbase but not amongst the 49er organization. Do you believe Harbaugh believes in losing your job due to injury?
The only way there will be a controversy is if Jimbo indeed selected the correct quarterback to groom for the job. He hand selected this guy. In Harbaugh I trust. I’m nervous, but excited as well. We’ll find out tonight if the quarterback whisperer chose wisely. I prey CK has studied, because this is one hell of an exam.
If kap plays lights out he takes the job and that will b the end of alex smith. Today can end up being the day niner fans all remember as the end of alex smith…. at least i hope ends up that way
Agreed, for the sake of closure right?
If Kaep plays lights out, Alex will get the start as soon as he’s healthy. It’s not Colin’s time yet. Next year, maybe but not this season. Do you really see Harbaugh going back on everything he’s said about Alex Smith for the last season and a half?
Whatever and whoever can win games is what JH is thinking. There is no loyalty in the NFL. It’s all about winning. If he can demonstrate an ability to lead and win, he will be the future. Tonight is his night to showcase that!
Why not, he lied anyway! All he’s done was lie about Smith. Alex is clutch, Alex is elite, Alex is a pro bowler, Alex is accurate, Alex is and always was our choice! See, Jim lies on smith regularly!
Now if Smith doesn’t start we will loose this game for sure! The Bears Defense against CK? Comeon now. As far as a qb controversy plz!
Body of work is too small to have a controversy.
Kaep needs more than 1.5 games stir up a controversy.]
Obviously in this day of instant gratification, we need instant solutions. Ugh.
The Alex Lovers (Prime/DS9) are now talking about Colin having to show great ball security to be a good QB!
It’s hilarious! What if the measure of a great QB was how well he HUNG ONTO the ball and not how well he THREW it? Then Alex would be the greatest QB of all time!!!
But it’s not. It’s how well the guy throws it, and Colin throws it a million times better than Alex. Colin has such a strong arm that he throws through defenders who are in position to make INTs, but have no idea how the hell the ball got by them. It’s happened several times this season, and it’s amazing to watch them scratching their heads when the ball zips by them and into the hands of Niners receivers.
This won’t last forever, but for now it’s a nice change. Colin is a winner. Makes a lot out of a little. Learns quickly, has the “it” that Alex so obviously doesn’t.
If all that is on display tonight, Alex will never start again here. This is a new dawn.
It is hilarious AS fumbled the ball quite abit as a Rookie.
We didn’t have a strong team then Neal. And CK’s ball-security is a legitimate concern what with our defense not create turnovers.
Creating, not create.
Midwest,
I am usually very positive, especially since I am in sales, but don’t share your optimism with the Niners. I think some of the teams have caught up with JH and his game plan, Greg Roman is a below than average offensive coordinator,last year we caught everyone by surprised. The Niners have holes, how we tied with the Cardinals is beyond me. Our special teams and defense are not as good as last year and I don’t think our offense can bail them out, as they have issues. Our defense is going to have to wake up and if that means replacing Carlos) I already got my big fat contract) Rogers, than let’s do it.
I agree Neal, but I was referring to a comparison of the 2005 Niners vs the 2012 Niners. I’m still confident in our team, but not as much after the sorrowful Jets smacked around a Rams team we were only able to tie.
Neal, frankly, I’m shocked at your assessment. Let’s see what this team, including JH & Roman, can do with a QB who isn’t scared to throw the ball where it’s designed to go.
Neal, frankly, I’m shocked at your assessment. Let’s see what this team, including JH & Roman, can do with a QB who isn’t scared to throw the ball where it’s designed to go.
And you know that CK can do this how?
MWN
It’s not can do. Read it again. It’s will to do. Kaepernick has the confidence to throw it. That’s will. Alex has not shown that will (Vernon Post is the lone exception).
Check out the scouting report on CK. and get back with me.
MWN
Huh? Got a link?
Check my November 19 at 12:46 P.M. post under the Jeff Garcia article.
MWN
Is this what you were talking about?
“Pick Analysis: Jim Harbaugh takes a flyer on the athletic Kaepernick to be his quarterback of the future. He is an explosive dual threat and could be a dynamic player under Harbaugh’s tutelage. While he will need time to transition to the pro game after excelling in a Pistol scheme, he might be a year or two away from being contributor as a starter. This likely means that Alex Smith is still a prominent part of the team’s plans going forward.”
If yes, then I don’t see what your point is. It’s now been 1.5 years and Colin has shown both timely awareness of opportunity and a winning demeanor. The paragraph above does nothing to negate any pro-Colin comment. What are you trying to say?
AS was thrown in waaaay before his time. The last thing any of us want to see is the same thing being done to Kaepernic.
And before the chorus of “We should’ve drafted Aaron Rodgers” starts bear in mind that Rodgers has had the same basic offensive scheme since he got to Green Bay and he got to learn from one of the all time great QBs, Alex never had anything like that until he got a coach who’d been an NFL Quarterback.
And, yes, Smith has had a couple of off games this season but his stats are still near the top of the NFL. Long or short passes don’t matter, wins do and Alex is 6-2 for the season. Colin has got most of one game under his belt against an inferior team and the best he could manage was a very sloppy tie.
Overview
Kaepernick has enough physical tools to be viewed as a developmental backup quarterback prospect. Experienced, competitive, productive and durable but very raw in terms of making NFL reads and throws. Will need to become accustomed to making pro-style progressions and must improve overall accuracy. Arm strength is good but needs to tighten up his delivery and work on getting the ball out on time with more consistency. Can make a lot of plays with his feet but will be too confident at times and take unnecessary sacks. Kaepernick will likely attract a team with his measurables and outstanding intangibles. His stock has risen considerably with solid workouts, so expect him to be taken some time in the second to third round.
Strengths
Kaepernick is an excellent blend of height, build and speed for a quarterback. Possesses toughness and leadership qualities. Flashes good accuracy on intermediate routes. Shows enough arm strength to make most NFL throws. Won’t have many passes batted down. Can escape the pocket and pickup first downs with his legs.
Weaknesses
Plays out of the pistol, lacks experience under center. Has not been asked to make NFL progressions and reads. Not quick to check down or hit hot read against the blitz. Misses too many short passes. Doesn’t have consistent touch on the deep ball. Release is somewhat elongated and can dip down to sidearm at times.
This is what I’m referring to N Offense.
Hahahaha – whatever you say m’boy!
Neanderthal Offense,
As you probably know I am not a Alex Smith or Greg Roman fan , I hope Kaep throws for 300 yards and hits Randy Moss on a bomb, hope VD has a big game also, the problem is that the coaches are going to play CK conservatively, maybe I will be wrong and pleasantly surprised. I hope that Frank Gore has a big game and we have a balanced offense. We shall see, this could be the end of era, if CK plays a great game. Our defense and special teams NEED to play great to help out Kaep.
For there to be a QB controversy, CK would have to prove that he is an incredibly reliable starting QB. Coaches jobs are on the line and they aren’t going to change their starting QB (who has an incredibly good record of winning with this coaching staff) without pretty sufficient evidence. In short, CK would have to have a lights out, mistake-free performance. I’m sure that JH and Co. are much more concerned about CK playing smart than whether or not he can make big plays. Fans love the exciting big plays, coaches love smart, mistake free play, all game long.
Every 49er fan is rooting for CK to play like a future hall of famer. As we know, it is the best ‘controversy’ in the the NFL to have two superbowl quality QBs on the team… much better than having none.
I agree with this post. They all know CK is an athlete. It’s whether he can play the position of QB, which is read the D, and make plays and win the game. That means knowing which running play will work, and when to throw it. I think CK does have the gifts to win the game by making a play, but not by playing streetball. He can also lose the game with some bad throws
I believe CK can play the position of QB. The question is, can he play that position reliably at the NFL level of play. At this point, I honestly don’t think so. He’s great for a couple of designed plays per game — and even that’s backfired on us by breaking the rhythm of the offense.
Colin’s time will come but we need to be patient.
Harbaugh’s gonna dance with the gal that brung him as soon as he’s cleared to play.
If Kaep lights up the board, throws a touchdown bomb to Moss, crowd will go crazy,VD get’s 4 or 5 catches, Kaep runs for a 30 yard touchdown, yes yes and yes. It is not going to take alot to pass AS. Of course if he plays horrible Smitherville will say I told you so, but AS has played in 4 crappy games this year, excuses are over with, he can’t complain that he had 29 offensive coordinators or Nolan and the Rev no more!!. Alex inconsistent Smith. Harbaugh saved him from being a first round bust to adequate.
Neal what do you think happens if Kap plays poorly?
FDM,
Back to AS, Kaep is going to need to play great to become the starter the following week. Tolzien will suit up tonight for the first time also
When Kaep runs out in the field tonight, the Niner’s should play No more MR. Nice guy by Alice Cooper.
Grant,
Are you under the mistaken impression that if you believe is something hard enough, it makes it real?
The only way there would be a controversy would be if Smith’s concussion allows Kaep the opportunity to play several games, and he’s impressive based on that sort of body of work. And that means playing better than he did against St. Louis. He played quite well there considering the circumstances, but the bottom line is he needs to be better than that if he wants to unseat Smith.
One good game (if it happens… I’m very skeptical – hopeful, but skeptical), a controversy does not make. I’m honestly getting the impression here that you’re just muckraking.
Angus,
You led off with a great question. Seems like there are a whole lot of people around here who think that “wishing will make it so”, regardless of the actual facts. Meanwhile, back in reality…
When a team shows up unprepared and undertalented, we say they get “exposed”. When a writer puts out a comment like this, he’s not muckraking, rather exposing his own bias, and lack of understanding of the game (for the clear evidence, see virtually any of Grant’s “predictions” throughout his stay here). Letting his biases control his thoughts leads to this kind of nonsense. Grant’s been on the “Ditch Alex” bandwagon forever, so we see this foolishness over and over here…but when you ask an actual football guy about Alex sitting in favor of Colin, he calls the question “irrelevant”.
‘Nuff said.
As I’ve said elsewhere on this thread, no journalist that isn’t named Cohn is talking about a Quarterback Controversy, in fact from what I’ve been reading today, the consensus is that if Alex is out for an extended period we have zero chance of making the playoffs, much less the big show.
Grant will continue clicking his heels and saying “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home…”
And, to be totally frank, it’s getting pretty old.
HA HAHA HA!!! A QB controversy before the game even starts…. get real. CK has played all of 30 or so snaps in the NFL and people are already declaring him a “winner”. wtf are you coming from with that. Smith ain’t the best QB in the NFL i think we all know that but stop wetting your damn pants already. freakin drama queens
+1!
Grant,
how is your relationship with Alex? Ever have any one on ones with him? Also, curious, got any relationship at all with A Davis?
Bay just curious, what do you think is a stat line for Kap tonight to solidify himself as the future starter?
I don’t know what CK will do tonight. I don’t like him playing in this game. The Bears can bring just 4 and drop lots back into coverage. Gonna present problems for an inexperienced backup.
I for one don’t think there should be a controversy. I think this year is Smith’s and next year is CK’s.
Bay,
JH believes in competition and CK will not have 2013 or 2014 handed to him. If he is the better player, he starts. TBD.
I think tonight, as difficult as it is tells us a lot about CK’s future as a starter. I know its one game against a difficult opponent, but these type of situations tell you what you need to know if he can be “the” guy.
A middle of the road game is the same as a Smith game. There would be no qb change. For CK its play big or wait till next year. That’s it!
One game does not make a controversy. Tom Brady’s emergence wasn’t taken seriously until he won playoff games, and it wasn’t as if Bledsoe was a HOFer!
Let’s take the higher road here. Regarding game plan, I see CK with 10-12 runs and 20 pass attempts. He will gain 67 yds running and 175 yds passing. The 9ers win 13 -10 (revised). Go 9ers!!
Hofer, he will have 9 runs and 27 pass attempts.
Bay, you may be right. It will be interesting if GR has CK throw that many times.
If they utilize slant routes to beat pressure, I’ll be very afraid of CK not reading nickle backs jumping routes. I do think lining up VD outside and using slants will be an effective weapon.
27 passing attempts might be a little high considering CK didn’t take a majority of the snaps in practice leading up to today.
Mid,
There is no way to tell based on what the 9ers filter to the media, but I doubt AS got the majority of the snaps.
True Hof, but if accurate, it could be a big handicap for CK in tonight’s game.
Bay,
It’s been reported that CK doesn’t throw the slant or check downs accurately. I guess we’ll find out if he has made vast improvement.
The second that Smith had to get a second opinion they knew he wasn’t starting. They were tight to the vest with QB playing time this week.
Hope you’re right Bay.
It’s here Jack…
That looks good too.
With the prevailing thought being they are going to pound it all night, maybe they come out throwing. Either way, it will be interesting to see how Roman calls this one.
I don’t think so. On the other hand, the 49ers are by policy deceptive about injuries. If Smith is out another week and Kaepernick lights, who knows.
A minor concern… Kaepernick has loads of talent, but Jason Campbell got a full week of practice snaps. (Alex Smith got most of the practice snaps this week).
Tonight’s game is concern because CK didn’t take the majority of snaps in practice. Will our offense find a rhythm? I’m still predicting a Niners victory, but I think it will be 16-13 Niners.
Yup… and the 49ers will do some last minute tinkering with the game plan (and possibly roster), while the Bears had a long week to install plays suited to Cambpell.
niners will be conservative….
will this mean niners don’t trust CK….
also think gore is hurt more than what is being let on, so not sure how good the running game will be but the OL is best at running and wham plays….
could be davis will be kept in more to block so maybe walker has the big moments
if the coaching allows CK to be a downfield passer without impunity it will say a lot but i just don’t see it….niner coaches are a conservative bunch…
brigss spying on CK and does that leave VD open to take on ulracher
i already expected this game to be a TE centric game behind the ILB and this does play into CK hands…so would expect him to have a good game
I haven’t seen anything in CK that would even convince ME STAN, to bench Smith. That arm of Kapernick has more heave then touch. For a great example look at how Brees throws the ball..like he’s throwing a nerf ball gently across the room..into the wastebasket. Delicate. That’s a real NFL QB.
Alex isn’t Brees, Alex is a mediocre QB who is a liability against good defenses.
Alex prevents turnovers which is anything but a liability against good defenses.
CK has accuracy issues, fumble issues and throws bullets everytime the ball leaves his hand — and that’s not always the right throw.
How about the the flip side. If Campbell throws for 350 yards and four TDs (highly unlikely in my opinion) would there be a Qb controversy in Chicago. Of course not. Cutler is the starter and will be back as soon as he is healthy regardless of Campbell’s numbers.
Why should things be any different here. Smith is the starter and will be back as soon as he is healthy regardless of Kaepernick’s numbers as a fill in.
The media would love a controversy, but it is not going to happen. CK will outplay Campbell tonight and the Niners will get a W, but Smith will be back against the Saints next week.
This is great news. We know what Alex is and how he continues to fail miserably against good defenses, see the Giants and Seattle games this year or the Ravens and NFC Championship game last year. Kaep at least makes the offense a threat since he has the potential to he explosive, something Smith has never had. Here is to hoping that Kaep plays great and That it the start of the Kaep Era and goodbye Mr. Smith!
I’ll tell you what I don’t want – and that’s to be 6-3-1 going into the Superdome next week with the Seahawks going to play a struggling team in Miami at 6-4. Instead of talking about “epic moments” and “QB controversy,” the discussion should be about a “pivotal moment” in this season’s division race. Funny how some things are put aside to make room for this kind of discussion.
Well said Space.
At preseason prediction time (almost) everyone was banking on beating the Saints to get 11- or 10-6, forgetting that the Saints are historically brutal at home, and the Niners will be flying there on a short week. Undefeated last year in the Dome, and currently on a 3 game win streak. If the Saints manage some early TDs, the 49ers could get swamped.
In six days the 49ers could easily be 6-4-1, with a road games at St. Louis, one starting 8:30 PM Eastern in New England and of course Seattle.
“Pivotal” is right on the money. Tonight’s game could be the difference between playoff bye or wildcard (or worse).
I had that game slated as a loss and still do.
Grant,
I don’t think there is any way there is a QB controversy this early in CK7′s career. No matter how well he plays tonight.
Smith is 19-5-1 since JH has taken over, his TD to Int ratio is 3:1, he is careful with the ball. JH likes the way Smith is running this offense right now. OK, i understand that he isn’t Explosive with the weapons he has around him, and i Understand that but that doesn’t always land on Smith’s shoulders. That.s on play calling, playing against the defenses, etc.
Alex Smith is not the “fantasy” QB everyone is looking for, but he is consistent and can do everything the coaches ask him to do. He maintains drives, lean on the run game, pass the ball when he needs to and at the end of the day, we get the W more often than not. CK7 is the guy of the future and he is being groomed of that. Just because CK7 plays well, he wont be the starter for the rest of the year. If Smith is out for a long period of time and CK7 continues to play well and get W’s, that is when the controversy arises.
With that being said, if CK7 plays well, Smith may not get the opportunity to come back NEXT year if we dont get deep into the post season or superbowl.
In a word, no. No matter how much you try to stir up a Quarterback Controversey, Grant we’re not looking at one.
Colin just aint ready, no how, no way. If you need any illustration of that take a look at the two fumbles he had under center last Sunday, if it hadn’t been for Gore and Miller being very much on their game and on top of it, both could’ve been absolutely disastrous.
Kaepernic is an incredibly talented young Quarterback but he’s not ready to be an NFL starter. He doesn’t have adequate knowledge of the playbook, he’s limited in terms of what he can accomplish and in a game like tonight’s, he’s to prone to inaccuracy (and fumbles). This game will be won in the turnover battle and in a game like that, I’d MUCH rather have number 11 under center.
this also goes into the line’s pass protection with a deceptive mobile QB- the line collapses way too quickly with even a 4 man rush, more often than not and if CK7 can’t slide up in the pocket or slide left or right, he will have to take off and get out the pocket and because he keeps his eyes down field, he can get stripped more often than not. he keeps the ball away from his body, because he wants to get rid of the ball. But you are right, he is extremely talented but is limited. he will get better. but thats why he is getting groomed for the future
What worries me most is his inaccuracy and his mediocre at best ball security. The tie last week could have become a brutal loss if Gore and Miller hadn’t been very on top of it when Kaepernic fumbled the ball TWICE under center…
Actually they went with Tim Rattay first before handing the reins to the rookie Smith. I can still hear Owens saying Rattay was a better QB than Garcia, one of his many dumb moments.
Ninerlvr,
how can you call someone talented and limited? Makes no sense.
Bay, see Tim Tebow. And no I’m not comparing him to CK.
One more think on Kaepernic, I think he has the potential to be another Steve Young but he’s nowhere near ready to start. Remember that Young sat behind Montana for several seasons and before that he was a backup on the Bucs and before that he played in the Arena League. That’s a lot of learning and watching other QBs play the game before he became the HOF Quarterback that he became.
Don’t even begin to tell me that Colin is smarter and a quicker study than Young…
He doesn’t have to be a smarter or quicker study than Young because Alex is not Joe, heck Alex isn’t even Elvis Grbac. Colin just has to be better than Alex and we know that Alex can’t handle good defenses.
Claiming that Elvis Grabac was better cancels any attempted validity to your post.
Grbac>>>>Smith
Harpo thinks Grbac is better than Smith?
LOL. I’m not sure what credibility he had, but dude just completely lost it.
To quote Public Enemy:
“Elvis, was a hero to mos’
But he don’ mean s**t to me”…
I remember a game against the Panthers when Grbac threw one of the prettiest long spirals I’d ever seen, right into the hands of a Carolina Safety…
What Colin has to do is maintain ball security against a team that might even be better at takeaways than the 2011 Niners.
I have no faith in his ability to do that — yet.
Backup on the Bucs?? Uh no dude, you don’t know your history and you are giving the Bucs of the 80′s too much credit. They didn’t have any depth in Tampa, Steve was their starter and he was already pretty good by then because he’d been playing in the USFL (not the Arena league- how old are you child???) He had enough good film to attract interest from Walsh.
Bucs were idiots to let him go when they had 0 options to replace Steve.
Just like the Niners were idiots to let Garcia go when all they had was an unproven rookie named Smith. I’m sure that looking at it now, everyone in the Bucs organization at the time has kicked themselves repeatedly for letting Steve Young get away — just like the Niners organization should’ve kicked themselves over Garcia. But then again, that was the bad old days with John York in firm control…
Mark,
Tampa Bay sucked back then, you can thank Joe Montana, Bill Walsh, Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan, Jerry Rice, and John Taylor among other to help Steve Young become a great QB.
sledpunchingback Just wanted to say you were right on the Bucs and the USFL, I was remembering off the top of my head (always a dangerous thing).
And BTW, I turned 50 a couple of months ago and I’ve been a lifelong Niners fan…
Young struggled for most of the two seasons he spent with the Bucs, both due to the lack of talent around him and his lack of polish as a pocket passer, which is why they drafted Testeverde and traded Young to SF.
Mark,
Garcia was let go a couple of years before the Niners drafted Smith. They let him walk because they liked what they saw from Tim Rattay and didn’t think Garcia was worth what he was asking.
The more I think about it, the more I double there will be any hint of a QB controversy. I like Kaepernick over Cambpell under normal circumstances, but Kaep (and Greg Roman) just found out this morning he will be starting. With fewer practice reps, this could be a tough game.
Sorry. Meant to write “the more I doubt”, not “the more I double.”
I don’t see a controversy developing because I doubt they let Kap do a whole lot in the passing game, but for the sake of argument, if he does throw the ball well and they win then I could see a tough decision ahead for Harbaugh and that would be a good thing imo. The best thing that can happen to this team is for Kap to show himself able to play at this level effectively and pushing Smith for the starting job. It makes this team even more of a SB contender than they are right now.
Good point. Let’s see how this progresses…
I may be in the minority here, but I think that even with CK taking the snaps, the pass/run balance in the offense will be about the same. I think that JH and GRo will give him about the same offensive philosophy that they have had for him so far. I don’t think that they will “limit” him in the passing game. He may scramble more times than Smith would, but I think the play calling will be similar. But yes, lets see how this progresses :)
I agree with you Dangle.
Smith already plays a ” limit ” passing game, we don’t have to change the playbook at all.
What time and channel tonight for us SFBay folks?
You really are living in the stone ages. Who does not know when MNF starts? C’mon man!
Just joking, bro!!! Haha. Thx for the help though.
No QB controversy!!! If Kap does well, then I think in the offseason there will be competition for the starting QB job, not this late in the season, Harbaugh is trying to get the team prepared for the playoffs not trying to manage a young and inexperienced QB.
Grant,
What do you see for Kaepernick’s numbers tonight? Sorry if this is redundant.
Where are you going with this Jack?
No where. Just asking Grant for his take.
All he has to do is show up. There’s always a QB controversy.
Yup. Even a controversy between SYoung and SBono. LOL
Based strictly on what I have read about the Bears’ pass D, I was thinking that the offensive game plan for tonight would fit well with Greg Roman’s approach — force the D to back up and throw underneath.
Since this fits with Alex Smith’s game, I am concerned about his absence. Also, again based strictly on what I have read, Kaep has had trouble with his shorter, touch passing. Again, concern.
If Kaep can hit those passes, it somewhat neutralizes the rush and makes the Bears start changing their D. That would be key.
I think it’s going to be very fun to watch how SF uses Kaep tonight. However, even if he hits 60% and tosses 5 TD’s, Smith is back in the driver’s seat as soon as he is cleared. Remember Matt Flynn?
“Obviously, if Colin Kaepernick has a great game against the Bears, we’re looking at a full-on quarterback controversy”
Lol – there is no quarterback controversy.
The controversy would be in the minds of the fans and “media” guys like grant. In that sense, there would be a huge controversy, but I think the team will put Alex back in as soon as he is cleared. To do otherwise would be very surprising.
When I saw this headline I immediately knew g Cohn wrote it. Trying to stir up comments and controversy does not =quality writing.
Yes Grant……If Campbell plays lights out, we may have a QB controversy.
I do wish Grant would stop trying to stir this up. I think the only place there’s really a “Quarterback Controversy” is in the mind of Grant Cohn…
You Kap fans and this writer are delusional. Do you actually think that Harbaugh would replace his QB Starter because his backup has a decent game. Alex is the #3 QB in the league behind Rodgers and P. Manning in QB rating and with a 70% completion rating. So if Jason Campbell has a great game tonight, would Lovie Smith replace Cutler when he gets back, the answer is NO. I really question if you Kap lovers, are really Niner fans. Alex almost takes us to the promised land with a 14-4 season last season and you knuckleheads are wanting to replace him or even have a controversy. I also think it was Baalke who wanted to see Manning and not Harbaugh. I suspect you are only worried about Fantasy points. Harbaugh and most fans are loyal. Smith won the job in training camp and is 6-2 with one touchdown in one quarter for the Kap tie. Kap is the BACKUP, his job is win the game if the starter goes down. I still think that running QB’s will never win a Super Bowl. They get a lot of linemen injured by scrambling all the time because they don’t know where there QB’s are on the field and get rolled on. Look how Seifert got Steve Young to stay in the pocket. How’s Vick, Newton, and RG3′s team records doing? If you guys want Kap to become the starter because of an injury to our starting QB, go support another team. You don’t have the 49ers teams interest at heart. Look at all the great QB, Brady, Rodgers, and Brees, pocket QB’s. If you want to say he’s a bust, no QB with 7 different Offensive Coord. would ever be successful as stated by Gruden and many others. Until he got Harbaugh it is showing why he was he is our starter. To tell you the truth I like Scott Tolzien better than Kap, I think he’s smarter. There’s your controversy. Lets hope Kap wins tonight and we get to 7-2-1. I had season tickets for 40 yrs until we moved from the area. So start supporting your team. Go Niners
Wow. Couldn’t have said it better (except, I think the right running QB can do wonders, see Young, Steve)
The trendy thing to say before Harbaugh got here was that the Offensive Coordinator Merry-Go-Round was just an excuse made for Smith’s inadequacies.
Oddly enough, it’s not just Gruden that says that Alex was set up to fail some other people who know a bit about playing the Quarterback position have said it, too. Unqualified people like Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, oh and some guys named Young and Montana…
It’s telling how much support Smith has from his team. His biggest supporters all along have been Vernon Davis and Frank Gore. And I’m guaranteeing that they know something that nobody howling on this discussion board knows about Smith, his abilities and his leadership.
If Colin Kaepernick and Alex Smith begin to debate over whether Golden Tate caught that ball or if M.D. Jennings intercepted it. Then, yes! We will, in fact, have our selves a QB controversy. Other than that. Smith is the starter, regardless. Kap basically has to have a flawless (or close to it) game to even be CONSIDERED to be the starter the rest of the way. This is a good game to see what Kap is made of, but I feel when the dust settles, either way, it won’t change a thing. Smith will start when he is medically cleared.
What does Kaepernick have to do to force a QB controversy?
Break Alex’s knee? This is a really silly article. It is Smith’s job unless he plays like utter crap. He has not. So no matter how CK does, at best it gives a glimpse of a potential future. Or not. It’s one game, his first start. Deep breath.
CK played better in his first start than Alex has in 8 years.
Not every QB wears training wheels.
That was one impressive debut. As much as I’ve been an Alex-Doubter, I can’t foresee JH changing gears just yet. But boy oh boy, it sure does sow some seeds for QB change in the future. At this point, it is still very likely Alex’s job to lose. But if he stumbles, the trigger finger may just be a little quicker.
Either way — as 49er fans, we want to see CK do this. This game gave me some serious hope for raising our future QB play. Good stuff.
Kaep should be the starter.
I second that opinion
Here here! Said it 6 weeks ago.
Kaep was a revelation. he scans the field, his scrambles buy time to throw effectively, he is both aggressive AND patient, and he has an accurate, strong arm.
obviously he needs to do this in more than one game, but if he keeps it up there is no controversy, he’s our starter.