NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell spoke on KNBR Thursday morning. Here’s what he said about Colin Kaepernick, Alex Smith, and the 49ers Super Bowl chances.
Q: How did Colin Kaepernick play against the Saints?
COSELL: What Kaepernick gives you is more passing dimensions (than Smith). There are two elements to that: No.1. Kaepernick is willing to pull the trigger on throws that I’m not sure Alex Smith would be willing to pull the trigger on. There was a great example last week in the fourth quarter on the field goal drive. It was third and 10, and he hit Delanie Walker down the seam. That was a tough throw. You have to be willing to pull the trigger on a throw like that first and foremost. Then, the second part of that is he’s capable of making some throws that I’m not sure Alex can make. What Kaepernick gives you is more passing dimensions, and you need those dimensions if you want to be a champion.
Q: Do you think Kaepernick made good decisions in the Saints game?
COSELL: Yeah, I did. Look, the interception he threw at the end of the half – he can’t make that throw, because he totally lost his clarity and definition with the bad snap. In some ways, you give him a mulligan for that. For the most part, I thought he played very, very efficiently.
Q: Was the decision making on par with what Alex would do?
COSELL: Yeah, I don’t think there’s a problem at all with his decisions. And I mentioned the Delanie Walker throw – I don’t believe that Smith could have made the throw. There was a play to Crabtree in the third quarter where they were deep in their own territory, and Kaepernick got them out from being behind their own ten yard line. It was to Crabtree on the right sideline. That was an arm-strength throw. Kaepernick sat on his back foot and he drove the ball between defenders in a very small void in a zone. I’m not sure Alex Smith would even attempt a throw like that. Kaepernick does, and he makes it.
Q: Does Kaepernick’s arm strength remind you of anyone?
COSELL: He’s got a very good arm. It’s hard for me to say that. There are guys in this league who have very good arms – Joe Flacco, Jay Cutler, Matthew Stafford – these guys have big arms. I’m not sure I can say Kaepernick’s right there, but I would say that arm strength is not an issue at all. The ball comes out with an awful lot of velocity. The other thing that I think is a big factor, and I think it’s a tribute to the coaching staff – I think since he’s been with the 49ers, his delivery has been speeded up. It’s more compact. He’s a long, lanky guy. When I watched him at Nevada when I did my draft work, he had kind of a deliberate, long delivery. That’s been speeded up, and that’s coaching. Geep Chryst is the quarterbacks coach – he must be doing an outstanding job, just based on what the result is on film during the games.
Q: Are the receivers running the same routes? Would Alex just not throw to those guys downfield?
COSELL: We talked about this last year when I said Alex Smith had some limitations and the coaches were doing a really good job minimizing those limitations. First of all, they told you that when they went after Peyton Manning. Now they’re telling you that by what they’re doing with Colin Kaepernick. I think at a certain point, Alex Smith can only go to a certain level with the throws he can make, and I think they know that.
Q: I would imagine the 49ers will highly motivated after that tie against the Rams a few weeks ago.
COSELL: I would imagine that this team believes it can win a Super Bowl right now. I’m sure they want home field. There’s no question this is a Super Bowl defense. If they can continue to get big plays in the pass game, with their run game, then they have all the necessary dimensions. I’m sure they believe that they’re a true Super Bowl contender right now.
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Cosell’s usual intelligent analysis. Thanks for posting.
He says some dumb stuff sometimes and his preferences are easily discernible (read bias) but something I do like about him is that he does not work in a world of absolutes.
He says things like “I don’t think Smith would have made that throw” or “Then, the second part of that is he’s capable of making some throws that I’m not sure Alex can make.”
And not like “There is no way Smith could have done that”.
Take note people.
Tutomate
There is no way Smith could have completed either of those two throws, or the longer frozen rope to Delanie that went for 45, or the pass in the 4th quarter of the Bears game to VD. That’s not a knock on Smith as a person. It’s just a factual statement based on the strength of his arm compared to Kaepernick’s.
If arm strength was all that important in the history of the league, Joe Montana would not sit atop the heap.
That said, arm strength is probably more important now than it ever has been before, for two reasons. First, everyone in the game is faster than they were 20 years ago. Second, passing is now the predominant method used for moving the ball, and since defenses know this, the tactics, like misdirection in the run game it with the eyes, employed 20 years ago are less effective than they are now.
So the statement Cosell makes is one of great importance, and in truth, Kaepernick’s superior arm-strength allows him to make throws that only a handful of QBs in the league could make. But not Alex.
Great point — people don’t put the words “I think” in front of statements enough. It’s annoys the hell out of me and I’m always tuned in to it. Cosell does. Meaning, he knows his opinions are not absolutes.
How many television analysts would benefit from this habit? Nearly all of them.
Yup people who talk in absolutes, I dont deal with or listen too unless its an editorial. And there seems to be lots on this blog who speak in absolutes.
Speaking in absolutes makes for a much better debate.
Nean, do you know what a factual statement is ?
Opinions are also based on fact.
What you have said is not a fact it is an opinion. And THAT is a fact.
@ Jack:
But not a particularly intelligent or meaningful one.
Tuto
It’s a cold, hard fact that Kaepernick’s arm is stronger than Smith’s.
Please don’t come at me with a belittling tone. I’ve already stated in other posts that I’m the smartest person in the world.
Saying “I think” is a redundancy that only serves to waste ink.
Yeah, that always trips me out when people redundantly write “I think” or “In my opinion,” when they are writing. Ummm duh!
@ Neanderthal Offense
If anything it might be a waste of bytes (unless you are printing this).
And though i THINK CK’s arm is stronger it is not a fact until numbers are shown.
And even if numbers were shown, your statement (There is no way Smith could have completed either of those two throws, or the longer frozen rope to Delanie that went for 45, or the pass in the 4th quarter of the Bears game to VD.) would still not be a factual statement.
I don’t mean to belittle, I actually like your comments I am just setting the record straight.
Tutomate,
How do you know the ‘numbers’ are correct?
How do you know anything is correct, or even real?
What if this is all just The Matrix? Or…perhaps it’s 1990 still, and I’m on a crazy acid trip?
@ Agustin
Godel’s Incompleteness Theorem
This sentence is False.
Godel’s Incompleteness Theorem.
I’m sure they believe that they’re a true Super Bowl contender right now
That gets me pumped. Go Niners
I agree with Mr. Cosell. I think Alex Smith did a great job of holding down the fort, tutoring and just being a great team mate. Turning the page, a new story is unfolding in the 49er empire, Colin Kaepernick.
ASmith was probably more than the 49ers wanted to spend on a temporary guy. A good team guy with class, wish him the best but maybe he’s hit his ceiling.
Alex Smith was exactly what you would want from a short term solution. He is the ultimate team guy. As much as many here want him gone, I really hope they find a way to keep him around as a backup.
One thing I’ve noticed is, some of the guys on the other end of the ball seem to be finding it difficult containing their excitement !
Yeah.. they support Alex, but seem almost giddy at the prospect of having CK7 throwing them the ball..
And, that (I think) is a good thing
If you mean the defense. Yes I agree.
I was wondering, would the entire team be as supportive of this decision if instead of Kap it had been someone else that came in from outside of the organization? Someone other than PM, like a Palmer or the like?
I think not. Not if Alex had the same numbers in that given hypothetical. I think it makes it a lot easier when it is some you drafted and coached and has earned his stripes.
elMag – Good post dude.
Cosell didn’t even discuss the other aspect of Kaps game that seperates him from Smith and that’s pass rush avoidance. Zero sacks vs. the Saints and they were blitzing all night long.
Because he’s weirdly obsessed with arm strength over every other QB trait.
He and Jaws dutch rudder each other in the film room.
Can anyone point me to the John Harbaugh story? Or at least summarize?
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl–john-harbaugh-kept-ravens-on-track-despite–mutiny–at-practice-in-october–164505133.html
Thank you Nean.
Angus
Yes. Peel Back Layers.
I give up. What is an onion?
Wait. I changed my answer. What is a PBL?
Angus
Reply to your Q from a few days ago. It’s a dim sum delight!
Cosell always nails it. The fact that we couldn’t exploit the entire field is enough to make the switch. RoboKap has the capability to win us a Super Bowl. JH will have him ready and we are blowing the Rams out on Sunday. Our special teams cost us the first Ram game. 2 fake punts and a missed 40 yard field goal. Go Saints tonight against Atlanta!
I love your optimism now, you seem a better, happier individual?
Not if Danny Amendola is playing, that gut is too much for Rodgers to cover, fast and scrappy gamer. He needs to meet Goldson over the middle..just sayin
We crush the rams this week.
Jackson will NOT go for 100.
We will NOT fall for the fake punt.
K-gun will have an entire week to prepare.
Amandola is NOT 100%.
Final score 34-13 Niners.
How many yards passing Bay and do you have CK now as your fanatsy QB?
FDM,
I’m the same person. It’s just that I’m thankful that coach realized that we needed a new QB. An upgrade. RoboKap is the dude and yes, it’s a great day FDM. Niners cruise this weekend. Niners 31-10 .
Hi my name is Greg Cossell and I still think Carson Palmer is a good quarterback. It can’t be his fault he consistently throws interceptions every week.
Palmer likely would be better if he were on any other team. Raiders are awful.
A look at his QB rating over his career would suggest otherwise. Carson peaked in 2005 with a 101 rating and started a decline to mediocrity. Following his break out year his subsequent ratings each year have been; 94, 87, 69(injured), 84, 82, 81, 84. When you look at his past 4 seasons his current rating of 84 would suggest that he’s playing as well as can be expected of him at this point in his career.
One can easily make the argument that the injury had an impact on his ability but either way he was still in a decline before it happened and has never been close to the same player before.
I feel like this kid is the going to be the kind of QB that, even if your team is down 3 scores with 5 minutes left in the 4th, you’re still going to watch with your ass planted on the edge of the couch with hope until the final whistle. Fearless. Daring. A winner in the making. I haven’t been this excited about our QB/our team since Steve was at the helm.
I think that kap is someone that the NFL will have to really look at as the one that got way. If he is really as good as I think he will be. And is! I tripped out how he seems to keep his eyes down the field even when the passrush is in his face. That is rare and only the hall of fame QB’s have that. The thing that i really think will make him stand out is he has that speed to make something good happen. Look at Vick he has speed but don’t have that IT factor. Like Steve young had that thing to know when to pull the ball down. AS pulled the ball down and ran in to sacks. Could not make looking down the field and running away from the sack to make a play. Kap keeps the ball high and from what I have seen from video from Nevada he did that there to. And he is so tall and he stays tall. Paton take small steps to do that kap seem to do it by the way he runs. This kid is really some thing. 32 teams were to much into that big school crap. To see a 4 year starter. That to me means more then big school crap. Some one that’s done it over time. Kap is the real deal. 32 teams are kicking them selfs.
All of the throws that Cosell brought up can be seen here.
http://ninerchatter.blogspot.com/2012/11/film-review-kaepernick-vs-saints.html
Shameless plug :)
I did check that out though Jack. I enjoy your film breakdowns.
Thanks Grimey. How is your cousin doing? He had signed with the Texans right?
Jack if you wouldn’t mind would you indicate either the ball travel or who has the ball in your post snap photos please? thx.
Will do Coffee. For this post I believe they were primarily, pre snap – just before throw – catch being made, but I will clean the next one up.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Jack,
Thanks for asking. Jonathan’s doing well he went from Texans Practice squad to Jets 53 then Back to Texans P-squad. I think he’s better off with a better organization even though he’s not active roster.
Typical Cossell blather. A mix of the obvious with his fetish for arm strength in QBs.
That comment on the seam pass to Walker in the middle that Alex supposedly can’t make is bogus. Smith made many of those to Davis before the Roman era. The point is that Cossell has never watched Smith as closely over the years as many fans have, despite his film watching.
What Cossell misses is the primary area of superiority of Kaep over Smith. Sando wrote on that yesterday in blog.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/83036/mixed-messages-in-switch-to-kaepernick
“…Kaepernick’s ability to turn negative plays into positive ones. Kaepernick and former starter Alex Smith have been under duress a similar number of times this season, even though Smith has 2.5 times as many action plays. That is because Kaepernick has held the ball 4.1 seconds following the snap on average, the highest figure in the NFL. Smith has held the ball 3.4 seconds, right at the league average.
The extra time Kaepernick holds the ball leads to more snaps under duress. ESPN defines duress as when quarterbacks throw or scramble after being forced from the pocket, or when a defender has a clear path in the quarterback’s line of sight, or when the quarterback has to alter his regular throwing motion or is forced to move within the pocket due to pressure.
Kaepernick averages 8.0 yards per pass attempt in these situations. Smith averages 1.2 yards per attempt.”
If Kaep can sustain those numbers, he’ll do better in the play-offs than Alex could have.
Mood,
Would you agree that his most impressive play might have been the one to Crabtree along the right sideline that was called back?
Told you so’s will become releavant once Goodell hands the Lomabardi trophy to Jed. The people tooting their horn about CK need to hold off til then.
FDM,
Go back and look at the piece Grant did this offseason during the “Great Manning Chase” that they should go with Kaepernick. Over 1000 responses and not one from the guy who keeps chirping the loudest with the “I Told You So” stating that it would be a good idea.
Whos that Jack?
Jordan.
That was an extremely impressive play. Was that on 3rd down?
Jack,
You don’t get it do you? What’s your deal? You got a problem with me? Get over it Jack. Go over to your fake little blog and let us enjoy this one. If we want to see video, we’ll tell you.
I don’t have a problem with you Jordan. I don’t even know you. It is your silly peacocking over “telling us all so” when clearly you didn’t that I have a problem with.
Like many here before me have said, even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while. So, tell me, how does that nut taste?
Oh Jack let the kid sing his praises, it might give him some purpose!
@ Jack:
Yeah, you’re the one who just doesn’t get it.
23jordan says:
August 6, 2012 at 6:56 am
Josh Johnson will be the 2nd string QB on this team. Kap is not the answer.
@Jack
yes, that one to Crabtree was a beauty of a throw. Something has gone off in Kaep since the preseason. He’s seen the light and he’s slinging the ball very well.
Mood,
Remember watching him tear up San Diego in that last preseason game? That’s what he looks like now, only against starters.
That because Jordo cares not who the QB is as long as it is not Alex. He is objective that way.
It was interesting just now looking at the reads posted here yesterday after the CK announcement. It reminded me of “Lord of the Flies”(LOL). The adults were not around and the children were running the blog (JK). Even Jordo and Jack (how ironic) got into a little verbal scuffle (LOL). There was very little football being intelligently debated or discussed, but a lot of “I told you so” regurgitation. Oh how some just relish credit (can you say hotdog)! Good to see some of the regulars on here this morning such as FDM, Rib, Claude, Under, BigP and 9ergirl with some good reads and football IQ. I’m looking forward to seeing reads from Adam and Rocket today as well. Jack’s comments even seem more creative and informative interacting with Claude this morning while shamelessly peddling his blog (LOL). Yes indeed, the blog seems to be back to normal except now we can discuss the new 9er QB and the playoffs! Good times.
BTW, excellent read by the great LC on his blog. He’s always good, but his take on how JH handled the QB issue is “extraordinary”.
Welcome back Hofer.
And yes, the I told you so’s got a bit tedious.
@ Jack:
Particularly from guy who never actually told us so.
Claude, EXACTLY!!
The I told you so’s weren’t as tedious as 7 years of being called a hater, I told you so, smith made you eat crow….. Blah blah blah. You new cats have NO idea how long this has been going on. I think the I told you so’s were well justified. And Hoff cowards out and couldn’t take the heat. Then comes back and tries his reverse psychology. Nice try Hoff. I think the I told you so guys had their day and they deserved it with the critism they got and me at one time. I respect some things about you Hoff. But lately you have been a bit cranky and handing out backhanded comments about ck. all while you were saying .”all in”. You kind of showed some true colors lately Hoff. That sucks dude. You should ride the ck wave to the Superbowl. Like you wanted everyone else to do with smith.
ninermd,
98% of “I told you so” comments from the “Smither” crowd was oneniner, but it goes both ways. 23jordan is on that same low, pathetic level and always has been.
Wiped the tears away and now you’re back and refreshed. Good to hear Hoff. Sorry about your guy. But hey the best man won. So we all should be happy. GO 49ERS!!!! Wheeeew
md,
The bigger question is, do you have to wear that Bears jersey now? LoL
Jack, was that really you on twitter? Dude, you’re a class act!
I have know idea what you are talking about Hofer. I follow things on Twitter, but haven’t sent a tweet in months. Something is wrong with my phone.
Must be someone else using Jack Hammer for their twitter account as well.
Must be Hofer. Poor guy : )
Jack the answer is no. He had to be healthy and start every game. My buddy is already down a hundred and if we finish better than Chicago it will be 200. We had a clear bet IF Smith stayed healthy it was good. If smith had gotten pulled due to bad play and not injury. The bet would have still been good. We did it that way because if he gets pulled or injured late the stats still stand. Which means they couldn’t get worse or better. No Super Bowl party, but I could have 200 bucks going towards it. Wheeeew!
Hofer,
I see that they let you off of suicide watch huh? Funny how all the Smithers were missing from the blog for a full 20 hours. All all you clowns the same person? You all disappeared on cue. TBD ill have to have a new meaning. I guess you’ll have to watch the one read and run for a while! Your brother in law should’ve lost that job 11 games ago. Can you say RoboKap!!
How was the Smith funeral? I just want you to know I cried at tear for Alex Hofer. We all did, while we were celebrating our new QB.
Yeah Jack forgot he had a baby blog of his own yesterday. he spent his day on this one trying to tell me what to say. That was a waste. He walked away like he was supposed to!
Hofer and the Smithers and Jack. I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!!! BYE ALEX!
Get off your high horse Hofer. You’ve engaged in numerous childish exchanges in the past. Your recent cat fight with Jack comes to mind.
Now that your favorite QB is benched, you want to be the sound of reason and steer the conversation to ‘football’. Is that code for ‘lay off me boy Alex’?
I am going to say “I told you so”, for all of you who thought Hof and Claude would never be back or if they did they would use another identity. Wrong they are here and manning up as I expect they would. They are Niner fans regardless of what some in here think. DS is posting also. I read somewhere that some of us Smithers didnt post or didnt post much during this last game. I am guilty of not posting much during the game, but it was because I had friends over and didnt have time to comment much had nothing to do who the QB is. Small minds reap – nothing.
Under, thanks for the shout! Good times.
BTW, it looks like I’ll need to retire my “TBD”! LOL
And the backhand comments to ck????? Care to defend that? cherub of justice!
Secretly watching others Hofer? …..Creepy
Good Morning Crab,
I thought we moved on from the drama? Not sure what you are alluding to my friend!
Hofe – “The children were running the blog yesterday?” That’s not starting drama? (LOL) ….Speaking of flies, who was the fly on the wall yesterday in here? (LOL)
Good times? If so good, why weren’t you in here posting to the good news yesterday? Just sticking to a wall only?
If Alex was the chosen one, would you have been posting? I would have been here supporting Harbaugh either way (even though I prefered Kap).
Hail Harbaugh!…. Time to move forward now.
According to Jack above, ” the I told you so’s were a bit tedious”, so it seems I didn’t miss much!
Hofe – If you had something to say, yesterday (in here) was the time and place to do it. Don’t jump in the next day and call everyone (me) children, “blog it to their face.”
You’re still a legend with me bro but you tick me off once or twice a year. ;-)
Lord of the Flies is one of my favorite novels. Nice reference Hof. Now which one is Piggy and when do we get to drop a rock on his head?
DS would drop a big rock on one of us. That kid has snapped….
Rocket/Ralph,
The answer may be too easy! LOL
Hof,
Your first paragraph was darn funny, yea J&J had a little scuffle. How you holding up in Smither Nation, holding down the fort?
This is to espn they said aldon and kap were reaches. 30 sacks and the starter of a SB contender. How could the so call experts have got that draft wrong and what about the rest of that class that is getting playing time. Lol u guys suck! I hope nbcsports will crank it up to give espn a run for it money. They are ripping collage sports apart! Yes it’s espn that’s the big evil. They have tried to kill the mwc. And the bcs is really bcsespn. Pucks ass hate how they down the pac12 and mwc. I wish the pac12 would help the mwc. To give us west coast people more respect. We have to keep are kids here. Westside!!!!! Go 49ers!!!
I don’t need to see any stats about how Alex is a 70% passer and is 20-5-1 to make a decision. Just using the “eyeball” test and this offense is soooo much better with Kaep. Their 2 TD drives each took around only 2 minutes and that’s what you need in today’s game. The days of consistently going 15 plays and 80 yards are over. You need big chunks of yards and they have that now. The Saints D really never stopped them. Penalties and drops took away between 150-200 yards.
I agree with the eyeball test. However, something that is overlooked now might be the amount of time the defense spends on the field. I think the long sustained short passing drives benefited our defense, meaning less offensive possessions for the opposing offense and less amount of total time our defense spent on the field. Our defense is awesome, but their statistics and such might fall because our offense can score so quickly now. Not saying they will be exposed for what they are, just something to think about I guess and watch going forward.
JDilla
Huh? Kaepernick just led the longest drive the Niners have had since 2002. He will soon become the best 3rd down QB in the league, if he is not already. Bib Ben currently has that record, at just under 50%, and Kaep’s last game was 46% (6/13). Kaep is more elusive and more lethal on the run than Ben. Keeping drives alive keeps the defense off the field.
My point was in response to hindu’s claim that CK can score a lot quicker. CK makes longer, more explosive throws, meaning quicker time to reach the redzone and score, right? I thought this was why people liked him. Smith’s short passing game meant it took longer to reach the redzone, thus more time the offense spent on the field. No doubt the long 9 minute drive, however long it was, was great, but if CK is leading 7-9 minute drives every time that means he is not throwing very long pass attempts.
“Bib Ben”, hilarious. Did he develop a drooling problem?
Agreed Dilla, didn’t think of it in those terms. However, the result may be more points without much drop off for the defense. They’re not gonna suddenly fail to force 3-and-outs. I think the difference will be that Kaepernick’s short drives will result in points because of his 3rd down ability, whereas Alex’s short drives led to punts because of his inadequacy in that regard.
Neander, the circle of information is complete. Didn’t think to realize that also meant more points on the board so it’s ok if the defense struggles a bit more or perhaps allows a few more points.
JH is a TE power centric coach….means balance and running….
hard to be sold on a guy after a couple of games…
it is a nice start but have to wait and see how opposing good defenses begin containing CK….
When Harbaugh was hired he said his goal is to now win a Lombardi Trophy for “one of the legendary franchises in all of football.”
Now there is a pattern developing right before our eyes people:
Bill Walsh left Stanford for 49ers and won 3 Super Bowls!
Harbaugh left Stanford for 49ers and WILL win 3 Super Bowls!
Hail Harbaugh for making the right QB decision!
IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED………RoboKap!!!!!
RoboKap sounds a bit weird.
Let’s let him plan out a few games and see if his play can spark a nickname… with that said someone suggested CapGUN or something like that. That is interesting…
shawnrhod – Whatever you say is fine, it’s my first day trying this 49er blog site thing. How is it in here?
I can’t endorse Kapgun. It brings to mind a Ken Dorseyesque arm.
I like everything you said, except for RoboKap. It sounds like a childs toy. I know you didn’t coin that one though.
After a night of partying, what do you have… a NiteKap… to close out all the fun you just had! Well, I don’t know if that’s any better.
It really comes down to being able to threaten a defense. Alex cannot push the ball down the field accurately. We are a dink and dump team with Smith. Kaep gives the offense the ability to stretch the field. The throw that stands out to me is the corner route to Kyle Williams on stride. Alex doesn’t even attempt the throw. We have the best two TE tandem in the league and now we have the ability to strike from anywhere.
What Alex doesn’t have is the gunslinger’s mentality. He’s capable of making more throws than he’s willing to gamble. Look at last year’s game against the Saints, when there was no choice but to go for it. There’s a cutoff line where you’re too timid on one side and too risky on the other. Alex is way too timid. We’ll find out soon whether Kap is a really good decision maker or whether he’ll get us in trouble.
CKs wrist-flick is akin to Alex’s wind up and heave
I’m also excited about Kap and the potential he has of being the QB for a perennial contender 49ers team for a long time. However, let’s not jump to conclusions just yet. If he can consistently play as well as he has so far, we have our guy. But sample size is too small at this point to be sure. We may start seeing more interceptions than we can accept. That pass to Moss in the end zone was an awful one, could easily have been his second bad interception in the game, and I can imagine what would have been said if Smith had thrown those two balls. All I’m saying is that we need more evidence before we can be sure how good Kap’s going to be. Fingers crossed that he’s the hero quarterback we’ve been dreaming about.
The thing that I have not heard mentioned much, if at all by any writer is the fact that in todays NFL most QB’s will not play in every game throughout the season. It seems to me that the biggest advantage with playing Kap right now over Alex is getting Kap some valuable experience. We know what we have in Alex and we know he can win in this league. I look at teams like Pitt and see how loosing the starter has cost them games and we have a chance to get Kap some playing time with a 2.5 game lead in our division. Home field advantage is big but I believe having a back-up QB that can win games, gives you an even bigger advantage going into the final stretch of the season and playoffs. Am I a fan of Alex- yes, he has shown class and has played very well the last year and a half. Do I see Kap as a better QB- No, I see Kap with greater skill and upside but at this point I think Smith has a better grasp of the game and has just as much ability to win big games and win from behind (see come from behind wins last year). Would I start Kap- Yes, He needs playing time and if he has a couple bad games you go back to Smith but at least he has valuable playing time. If Kap plays lights out with a few stumbles then you stick with him because as he plays he will only improve.
One last thought- people have been saying that as soon as other teams have film on him they will make him look ordinary. He will have ordinary games but I truly feel from watching him these past two games that he has the potential to be extraordinary in this league and that argument holds no weight because as he gets more games he will improve and teams will have to stop him. Yes they will have more film but being able to stop what you know is coming is not as easy as people are making it sound. If it where that easy no QB would be great… after a few games of film defences would stop them. I hope Kap continues to play amazing and we don’t need to go back to Smith, not because I don’t like Smith but because Kap has more to offer.
Just my thoughts…
You know one of the reasons that Alex Smith can’t make the throws Kaepernick can isn’t just the so-called “arm strength”. There’s a correlation between hand size and ability to make tough throws. Put larger hands on Alex Smith and he could do more, but if you remember from the time he was drafted, the word was he has small hands. Haven’t heard much about that since, but it’s a major factor in what a QB can do. It plagued Garcia too.
Btw, nicknames — especially for a QB — are gay. How about we just call him by his name the way we did Joe Cool, and Steve “Not That” Young.
Do you say “gay”?
I do believe we’ve unearthed another homophobe, right here in the SF Bay Area Blogosphere. How delicious!!!
He said gay. So what? I say it all the time. In front of a friends that are gay. In fact they say the same thing. Lol quit trying to dig.
If you went to HS in CA in the 80′s, gay means lame.
Thank you Bray. Exactly
Delicious? Are you reacting to a recipe or my comment?
Alan
I was just expressing the gayness of my mood
I remember back in the day, the Chronicle or somesuch paper, ran a nickname contest for Joe Montana. The best entry stated that Joe Montana already sounded like a nickname and what he really needed is a real name – they suggested John Smith or something innocuous like that ;)
Alex Smith is in his feelings. He thinks he lost his job to a concussion. What a wuss! you lost your job to a RoboKap!!! Now hold on to that clip board and keep on that Giants cap! You’ll get your chance next year in San Diego! You lost your job to a superior QB not a concussion. He must me suffering symptoms!!!
Cannot let it go even though you got your wish.
@ FDM:
He’s just being the a-hole he has always been.
Lets all put the bad feelings aside and come together now as a fan base. No more division. Smith is out. CK is the new direction. He’s gonna have success, he will also have some growing pains. Lets get behind him.
I for one am going to try my hardest to not rip on anyone that backs CK. Lets go get us a superbowl fellas…..
And for those of you that are ripping Harbaugh for his decision, I ask you one question. Has he steered us wrong yet? We can always have Sing and Nolan back…. Jimmy Ray anyone?
bay – Didn’t someone try that truce thing 2 years ago? DS or 23J? I can’t remember who it was.
bay – I think it was Prime and md.
It was me before last year’s playoffs or after the NO game.
rib – Thanks……There was another truce way way back. I thought it was Prime and md, maybe not.
I had one with bs. And it went well as long as I didn’t truth the smith talk up. Waste of time. Me and prime have agreed to stay off each others porch. I think it’s worked out pretty well. I’m sure he’s dying to say something about my comments as I do on his at times. Hoff and I use to go at it fiercely in the old days. Lol but I think we found a common ground. Onelame however I will never like that clown. In fact he would be a great person to go to jail for. Way to many personal coward attacks from that……. Lol
Boooooyow! I’m down. But is everyone ready? Still have some hurt feelings for a certain blue eyes qb. Just sayin wheeeew
MD,
I tried. And I’ll continue to try. The difference here is that we have a clean slate. With Smith I didn’t begin to have a deep dislike until his third year.
It wasn’t until year 6 that Harbaugh came in and began to refine parts of his game.
Unfortunately there were too many parts of his game that I disliked. Ultimately it was those parts of his game that IMO cost him his job. I gave up my season tickets because of this guy.
Anyway, new guy slinging the ball now. Two thumbs up : )
I gave up my season tickets because of this guy.
Wow, that explains so much.
Bay…. You have the upper hand at the I told you so’s and now you want to keep it peaceful. That’s class. Yeah you could have done it before and if I remember correctly I think you may have tried before it would have been nice. You could easily take it higher or rub it in. But you’re callin for peace. That’s a good gesture. Whether they like it or not. Let them be site losers then.
I’m in favor of anything that ends the Smith/anybody else debate. The few times it’s actually interesting and thought provoking are dwarfed by the flame wars it causes. I’m pretty sure most of the fans of the 49ers are happy with what Harbaugh has done here so let’s give him the benefit of the doubt and roll with his decision.
>>I for one am going to try my hardest to not rip on anyone that backs CK.
So you are not going to rip on anyone that backs the starting QB, eh? Gee, listen to this new leaf.
It’s “idiot clowns” when the team is starting and winning with player x, now it’s kum bah ya with player z.
Sorry, a dude who comically whined about leaving the team because they were winning with a player he didn’t approve of doesn’t get to set the terms of coming together as a fan base now.
>>And for those of you that are ripping Harbaugh for his decision
Again, tell us who’s “ripping Harbaugh for his decision” or STFU.
@ bay:
That call for unity would be better received if it came from someone who didn’t refuse to get behind Smith in 2011 or 2012 when he was the team’s QB.
I for one would like Terry Donahue to come back. ; )
Bay,
If you would have written this comment at the beginning of the year, you’d have more credibility. I don’t think it is necessary anyway. JH has always been the attraction here after 10 years of HC failure. He is the face of the franchise. We’ll roll with his decision!!
@Bay While your offer is good and I think everyone should bite. It seems a bit disingenuous. Only because as you say yourself “Now that Smith is gone” . Meaning you would not be wanting peace (you’d want to fight) if he was still the starter.
But lets all just get along.
I wanted to get along before. I didn’t do most of the attacking. Most of the attacking came from people defending Smith.
Not true. It was pretty even. Or will you just let Jordo and a few other (4th and Alex) get away with it. Prime and few other were also equally bad.
tTkes two to tango
I think what he means by smith is gone is that there is no more “hot button issue” anymore. Because let’s be honest smith was and had been the talk of this blog for 7 years now.
Fair enough.
See if you like my prediction.
49ers meet the Patriots in the Superbowl. Colin Kaepernick wins, preventing Tom Brady from surpassing Joe Montana as the greatest QB in the history of football, and creating the most interesting QB connection of legends in one organization, from one generation to the next.
By winning, the 49ers now have as many Lombardi Trophies as the Steelers, and Kaepernick is well on his way to Canton.