Breaking news: ESPN is disputing Jim Trotter’s report that the 49ers have made Kaepernick the starter against the Saints.
According to ESPN’s Trent Dilfer, Harbaugh told Smith that Kaepernick will get the first-team reps in practice, but the starting job is still an open competition. First team reps certainly implies Kaepernick is the starter. But it does mean there’s still some ambiguity. Obviously, this situation is fluid. We not only have a quarterback controversy, we have a news media controversy – ESPN vs. SI.
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LOL
This is too funny. Damn myself to listen to reports I know better then that. I will wait for confirmation from JH directly.
Zoinks look at that scoob, Harbaugh does know what hes doing. Keep releasing converse reports to keep the New Orleans dome trotters off balance.
I don’t think so. JH *always* goes with the “hot hand”!!! LOL
So who do you think should start Hofer?
Laser Beam Tolzien duhh!!
Nick,
Where have you been? I’ve stated JH will roll with CK!!
Sorry Hofer, I was away from the blog all day. I just tuned into NFL Network and they flashed a breaking news BS about CK starting :)
Trent Dilfer to Alex’s rescue once again. Trent: Go away. Please.
yeah can’t stand The Dilf, as a QB he was the Mitt Romney of NFL, yawnnnn. As analyst, just annoying, even Steve has been a bit of a hypocrite when he knows he used to bug crap out of QB coach to let him play over Joe
Everyone Knows the old fox (Harbaugh) is totally going to catch them off guard and start Laser Beam Tolzien.
Hof or Prime, time to do a welfare check on your older DS, hope she does not jump off the Golden Gate, feel sorry for the fish.
Drama and more drama!! Do you comment on football? Hire a PI if you are so concerned. SMH
Hof, your so sensitive with AS,will leave you alone and will pray for you,for your loss.
Yet another dumb comment from you…please comment about football and not your love affair with DS
Randy go take a BM, you sound constipated.
Neal
DS hasn’t been around and I’m not complaining. The blog is free of his/her nonsense for a change.
CK is taking 1st team reps. Alex has not been cleared to play yet. It looks obvious that CK will get the start.
That’s how it looks to me. Seems like the smart move anyway. Short week and all that. Give Smith another week, there’s no real rush. Wouldn’t want to drop one but we’re good in the division. Little less risk.
Plus, why not see how CK does in a hostile environment, lot’s of noise, crazy blitz schemes, etc.
Saints are on a bit of a roll now too, might be a tougher game than some think.
Adam
I agree, this game will be a lot tougher than some people expect. The Saints are peaking and Niners have to travel cross country on a short week. Additionally, the Saints will be extra pumped for this game due to last year’s playoff loss and the whole bounty mess that followed. Also, there may be a bit of a let down from the Niners after a big time win over a tough opponent.
Nick – Niners should be pissed the Saints bounty was to injure Alex Smith, Gore, VD, Crabtree and Kyle Williams.
Remember, “Kill the head and the body will die.”
Crab
It will be interesting to see how things shake out. I hope there’s no let down and we crush the Saints on Sunday.
I suspect this will be more interesting from a defensive perspective. Can our defense, which has been a bit suspect lately, contain Drew Brees.
I think it was primarily the bye week and the Thursday game that made us a bit off-balance, got out of rhythm but for a bit there the dominance thing was in question. I feel better about it after this last game but this isn’t Jason Campbell, Gabe Carimi and Chilo Rachal we’re going up against this next game.
Should be interesting for a few different reasons.
Here’s a fact: Either AS or CK will start on Sunday (lol).
Nailed it! :P
If Alex was told Kap will get first-team reps, that’s probably Harbaugh’s way of “softening the blow.”
yep
I’m starting this sunday ok!!!! my diet that is lol..hahahaha
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH..
Bring back JTO!
JUST TURN OVERS
WONDER WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT GUY
.LOL
Saskatchewan roughriders
Sounds like a condom brand.
Just what that guy needs to suceed 1 less down to work with
Dilfer on ESPN didn’t deny the SI report of CK starting. He just sounded sad and deflated that AS was not getting the start. He sure sounds like a big time Smither and took cheap shots at the decision to start CK.
Dilfer and Trotter have been two of the very few national reporters to support Smith wholeheartedly. Interesting to see them on different sides of the issue here.
I’m curious who Trotter’s source is. I’m not happy that source apparently leaked a private conversation.
Dilfer’s source is Alex Smith himself.
Trotter’s source is perhaps an Alex family member (since the story originated from San Diego) as Tim suggested. But, that’s all speculation. Both Trotter and Dilfer are on the same page now – AS is the backup. It’s as good as official.
Grant nice job of reporting. Lotta folks in this room ridiculed you. Said you were writing to create controversy. Guess you knew your stuff. And so did I.
Where is BS?
Bay,
More like a stopped clock eventually being right, in your case.
How many QB’s other than Smith were supposed to start for a 49er, according to you? So many, I lost count.
I’m guardedly optomistic about CK7 this year. Playing the way he did against Chicago consistently is a lot to ask of a young QB, but he did look up to the challenge on Monday. In any case, it’s going to be exciting.
Bay,
Besides that, saying the 49ers SHOULD do something, and saying they WILL so something is quite different. Not too surprising you would miss that nuance.
Release The Kaepernick!
So Balls,
I ask u again. Do you think the 49ers were satisfied with Smith’s production? Do you think they pay Smith his roster bonus next year lol.
well,as a 49er fan were you satisfied with a winning record?
Yeah, thanks to 49er D
Well lets see. In slightly over 5 qtrs., AS was 25 of 27 for 304 and 4 td’s. Kap, in just about 8 qtrs. since, is 27 of 40 for 360 and 2 tds. I don’t get your argument about production. And that ain’t even mentioning AS’s starting record these last 2 years.
Production is fine. Have to rely on YAC from the receivers to boost yards and if the game remains balanced (with the run game) like it did last week, the attempts will be similar. Vernon posts will be nice to see again though. I don’t know why they took that out, Smith hit those all day long.
But I do agree that if CK continues to do what he does and the numbers are virtually the same there’s no reason to pay the roster bonus and Smith will play somewhere else next year.
SI’s JimTrotter says Harbaugh has informed Alex Smith that Colin Kaepernick will start Sunday, per source.
***Said decision NOT based on health***.
So,IF the SI report is correct,it’s based on Kaep providing a better chance for the team to get wins,over what Alex provides. Simple as that,and I would expect nothing less from Harbaugh !
But we should wait to see if the report is true.
Either way,it’s only a matter of time before Kaep is THE man ! Alex will make an excellent backup for the remainder of the season…I hope they can find a way to keep him around as the backup,to compete with Tolzien.
Its true and was confirmed by ESPN
I also THINK it is true.But in reality there are conflicting reports out there and we should wait for confirmation. With JH we probably won’t be told until Sat or Sun morning,lol.
I believe the reporter for SI is located in San Diego,which is Alex’s Families home town. It makes sense that Alex was told and he told his Family and they told the reporter. But nobody seems to know for sure.
The part of the report that I think is significant and that I really want to be verified or not is the report that this has nothing to do with Alex’s health but has everything to do with which QB gives the team the best chance to win,according to the coaching staff.
He’s baaack! Where the hell you been Timmy?
I hope Kaep gets the start. We need to be sure if he’s our future.
I’ve liked the kid everysince I saw him whoop on my Golden Bears. I was calling for him before the draft. Don’t forget his combine trainer also trained Cam Newton. He thought Kaepernick was a better athlete and would be a better pro. I really do think that the year on the bench was a great benefit to him.
Meanwhile Matt May-joke-o the so called Niner expert has posted nothing as usual..Why is this guy considered an expert and how does he keep his job?Hes one of those little pencil necked nerds thats so afraid to be wrong that by the time he writes anything everyone allready knows…Yet hes the 49ers “expert”…I cant stand that little weeny.
Grinch,
You sound like a joy to be around.
+ 1,000,000,000,000
Maiocco is a huge nerd. But don’t ridicule him for that. Just don’t expect him to stick his neck out. He reported on DaRealOtis, and the piece is a great one. Maiocco ain’t that bad.
him and matt barrows are my guys. This kid is ok but i miss his dad. mostly just like the guys in here.
and when Kaep starts this weekend I’m assuming you’ll come back here and recant all this right?
No but if your considered an “expert” and given more access then anyone else yet your always the last one to report it I have a huge problem with that.He sucks…Hes probably to busy dojng the mambo with Mindi Bach in the press room.
Maiocco isn’t a bad guy, he’s just a company guy. Ever since his move to CSN he’s sounded like a 49ers PR man. If that’s what the job requires then he’s doing good work.
Local media outlets often end up entangled with the teams they cover. It isn’t unusual. Even Eric Branch (my favorite) has toned down his sly humor since moving to the Chronicle.
K gun
Well now I am in a fantasy Bind. Do I just start Romo or go Kaep.
You cut Romo. Then you pick him up off of the waiver wire so you can cut him again.
Not sure about Kaep though – despite his electric performance he still plays in Harbaugh’s offense. That’s not conducive to great fantasy points.
I have Luck and Kaepernick. Just dropped Newton to pick up CK
Hahahaha I just heard Rex Ryan claim the Jets are going to go toe-to-toe with anybody… !!!!
ROFFL LoL LMfAO
Rex did not seriously say “toe-to-toe” did he?
If CK is starting, what is the main reason for the QB change? The progression of CK or 2-3 poor games from Alex or combination of both?
The 26-3 home blowout loss vs Giants didn’t help Alex, he had 3 interceptions that day. He was doing pretty good until that game.
That performance opened the door for Kaepernick.
Kap’s tremendous game vs Bears must have sealed the deal.
Smith had a lousy game against the Jets even though we smashed em.
If this is correct http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000098964/article/colin-kaepernick-not-alex-smith-reportedly-49ers-qb then it wasn’t based on the health issue.
Who knows? We shall see.
Interesting little link. It appears that Alex broke protocol and let the cat out of the bag. Can’t blame him for feeling hurt, what with being told about it on TBirdEve … but I’m sure he won’t exactly be receiving flowery words of praise from Harbaugh! Perhaps this was Alex kicking the Boss in the shins…
It seems someone very deep within the 49ers locker room is blabbing to the press.
That isn’t comforting.
It’s Alex, Clem.
Just saw those reports Neanderthal.
If true this might seal Alex’ future with the team. Singletary complained about rats, Harbaugh eliminates rats.
Now that Smith has become Tommy Maddox, the question is, does Kaepernick become Ben Roethlisberger?
Top QBs in NFL:
Brady
Rodgers
Eli
Roethlisberger
(in no particular order)
I’ll have to get a closer view to see if Kaepernick’s “hold her down” arm is as strong as Rapistberger’s.
Kaepernick’s not a frat ape like Roethlisberger
Alex Smith should start if he’s healthy. He’s more experienced and intelligent. It’s too early for Kaepernick to start. Kaepernick has whole career ahead of him.
Can’t really call the intelligence quotient. And smarts don’t equate with “it” either. Just roll with it dude.
He’s 25, realistically he needs to be looked at sooner rather than later.
They moved up in the draft to get CK so it’s pretty obvious they weren’t looking to fill a backup slot. They wanted a guy to compete with Smith. The higher draft slot is or isn’t important depending on how you look at it – Montana was a third-round guy and we know how that turned out. Carmazzi was also a third-round guy and never took the field.
The only way anyone finds out of he’s “the guy” is to get him in these high-pressure games. He beat up one of the best defenses in the league last week, you can’t take that away from him.
Besides, these high-impact collisions are like being in a car accident. I don’t care what the players say (they’re motivated to play) their health is not perfect after one of these types of things after just a few days. If you have a guy that can stand in for Smith and win you some games, use him. The fans like the style points and get excited so that can’t hurt either, I suppose.
It’s all good. No worries.
Au contraire, mon ami. I definitely have some worries about all this. There’s a lot of talk around here about how we’ve put up with Alex for 7 or 8 years of mediocrity. Ever think about it from Smith’s point of view? He’s put up with a lot worse than mediocrity. Worst O line in the league, year after year. Poor receivers. Awful coaching. Getting booed by our own “fans”. And he’s responded to being thrown under the bus by fans, coaches, writers, et. al., with class, determination to be better, and by working his a$$ off while being an underappreciated leader, even when he didn’t have a contract.
So here he is, with the best team and best coach he’s had since becoming a pro, and for the first time, a SECOND year in the same offensive system. He’s responded with the #3 QB ranking in the league. I think his turnover ratio, even with the Ints, is among the best of all the QBs who play. His record is what? 20-5?
So, as thanks for all that, he’s going to be benched? Some of the guys here think that’s just fine…in fact, they’ve been screaming for it for years. OK. Suppose Kaep flames out, ala JTO and some of the other guys who’ve paraded through here over the years? These guys are saying, “No prob, we’ll just put Alex back in.”
I wonder what happens if Alex has just had enough of the lack of support, the jive-turkey talk of his Head Coach, the negativity of the fans, and all the rest…
No worries? We ARE going to move on from Alex Smith, at some point. It happens to all players, even the great Joe and Steve. But I’d sure like to see it happen with the same kind of class Alex has shown in his time with us, and without it hurting the team!
Here’s a piece I wrote back before the Rams game.
http://ninerchatter.blogspot.com/2012/11/stanfords-qb-change-and-49ers.html
It is amazing how similar these 2 football teams are.
Nice call Jack. That’s an interesting comparison.
I don’t know anything about Trotter, but he is tweeting a lot of smug right now.
I’ve never known Trotter to be anything remotely resembling “smug”. He was the very first national reporter to embrace Smith last year. I doubt he’s happy to report this news.
Well his tweets are smug tonight.
Loose lips sink ships. Trotter’s quotes smell funny.The inclusion of “Sorry, Alex” signifies “the source” was in the room with Harbaugh when he spoke to Alex. To me, that would be a one on one talk with no “source” present. The only way this quote is true is if the “source” is either JH or AS. We all know JH would die before talking to the media about this. So it only leaves AS as the “source”. I don’t see that happening either. If it is a family member in San Diego as someone here suggested then their loose lips ought to be sealed as nothing is gained from leaking it out to the media to frenzy upon like this.
It was Alex. It’s natural to react by calling your family. What a sh*tty way to treat the guy! Tomorrow is TBirdDay! This just ain’t right. I was driving to Skyfall earlier tonight with my 71 year old mother and this came across the airwaves … she knows all about the QB issues but was just appalled at the treatment of the guy. And I am too. I’m all for CK getting the nod, but this was the wrong day to let it be known. If I’m Alex, I’m talking to my parents back in SD today, and I have no problem with them leaking it if they want to.
Harbaugh is ruthless. Let’s never forget this.
Ruthless works when no one trusts you and instead fears what you can do to them and their family. The only way to sustain that style of management is to churn your personnel. Whack a guy and replace him with another who you can control. Talk of Family or Team becomes old very quickly. The Team in this case is The Brand. Follow the flag for what it stands for. Free agents were okay with this under Carmen Policy and Eddie D because the Brand paid huge dollars to get players to sign up for a year. Baalke and Parathe work on set figures and say: take it or leave it. In summation: The message being sent is thus: I am ruthless and if you want to play for this Brand then here is the limit I will pay you before I discard you when I see a sexier option. Result from this: Mercenaries with low self esteem. A guy with talent won’t stand for the abuse. You won’t keep your own free agents and none from other teams will come your way once they figure you out.
After all we have heard from the players about how JH is a players’ coach. I say this report on how things went down is total crap. JH believes in the TEAM and has been through this business before and would manage the situation better.
Alex Smith has not been cleared yet so naturally CK should get the most reps. It’s that simple.
On a different note: If AS does lose his job due to a concussion, how many other QBs will hide their concussion when it happens to them? The League won’t stand for that so there is where the “not health related” bit needs to come into play. Like I said, too much subterfuge to be believable.
Here Here! I just remember in highschool when Harbaugh was at Michigan. With Da Bears thinking to my self what a douche bag this guy is. Then we got him as our head coach and I was soo excited. Now thinking to my self the number one lesson I have learned as a Manager of people “No one EVER shows you any other behavior than what they have shown you”!
Not one of the 49er beat writers got the Peyton Manning story. How any of them, not just Maiocca, can be called “expert” is beyond me. They’re
stenographers and not much more.
Kawakami called it. And not with hyperbole, like Grant, but with experienced, journalistic integrity, by the logic borne of his own empirical observations.
Neanderthal,
Please don’t compare Grant to Tim Kawakami. I like Grant, and I enjoy his blog, but I’m pretty sure even he would reject the comparison.
As in, Tim is a pro and Grant’s not or…
I can’t wait to hear this dude again after the game Sunday! Remember this after we spanked Saints?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6lJB7-iewo
Yep. Can I get a smartphone and start calling out all my Niners honeys when they play? Like point my 9 at the TV and hope it … this guy needs a job.
Whoa! Ostler’s going after Harbs: http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/ostler/article/49ers-Harbaugh-wades-out-of-QB-quagmire-4058747.php
Whooo. Now it’s getting interesting.
Irrelevant snide comments from an otherwise respectable journalist.
Snide? Maybe. Unless you watch the pressers. Harbaugh can and is a jerk sometimes.
Irrelevant? Only in the sense of wins and losses. If you’re interested in the back story it’s not. Harbaugh set himself up as the antagonist. I don’t see any other modern coach out there that has this type of animosity toward the press. Clearly he’s taken a page from Mike Ditka on this one. There’s no need for a lot of his BS.
*can be and is*
WordPress is terrible on a smartphone.
I thought it was pretty clear that Harbaugh was referring to the sports media rather than the fans. Ostler seems to be projecting the insults onto the fans.
It’s amazing how quickly “in Harbaugh we trust” has disappeared.
I trust that he knows how to put a game plan together. Beyond that, I wouldn’t trust him as far as I can throw him. the players are employees and like everyone else these days they are commodities. There’s no loyalty. He says what he says out of a need for expediency. He’s disingenuous and if you believe anything he’s selling 100% then I have a big brick-red bridge in the north bay I’d like to sell you.
Oneniner and BS are gonna need therapy
Bay – What up bro? Do you think we can overtake Falcons for #1 playoff seed? With either QB starting. :-)
I’m sure DS is dreaming up a scenario where Montana was benched and therefore Alex is just as good as Joe.
LOL I got a good chuckle from this one msc. Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving everybody.
1992 msc…
Harbaugh is weak for handling this the way he has. Alex has been stand up Hargaugh not so much. I do not disagree with the decission just how he has handled it. Alex got Hargaughs back during the holdout and has always been a class act. In a word Harbaugh has been Conniving.
Yessir
Neander – How do you like this blog so far? Where did you hang before?
Crab
I was here, I just got kicked off a few times. Grant didn’t like me attacking Jordo or DS9 … weird juxtaposition, huh?
I don’t even remember my other handles. They’re usually pretty wacky.
I like the blog recently. My career can be eother super-demanding or wide open, so I’m apt to post a ton and then disappear for a while. Happily, these last few weeks have been open and eventful… I backed Alex last year but was no Alex Lover and this year I’ve called him out but am no Alex Hater.
This team had it rough with the worst HC in history and Alex deserved a chance, but he has hit his ceiling and the team needed more. Luckily, Harbaugh drafted CK and its high time he gets in the game.
Excitement abounds. Everyone needs to get on it!
Neander – Hopefully you don’t get banned again. :-) Keep it clean and stick around. You know football. Happy Thanksgiving
“Everyone needs to get on it!”
The fair-weather fans will be along shortly. Just like they were last year for Alex.
I just heard Jim Harbaugh has been named starting Head Coach this weekend. He’s getting all the starting head coach reps. Meanwhile Jerry Jones is a freaking idiot.
These two statement are not related. I’m just bored.
barley – No way…..Where the hell have you been man? Happy Thanksgiving! Have you tried Lagunitas IPA yet?
I am partial to Wilcox Tango Foxtrot!
david – I haven’t tried that one yet. I’m in So-Cal, is it out here anywhere? I’ve seen IPA Maximus out here and it’s phenominal! I will look for the WTF.
word i you will like it. Have you ever tried winter solstice from aderson valley brewing company? off the chain. bev mo carrys both.
had too many to spell sorry
Crab
Go get Coopers Unfiltered Ale or Lager
Nice stuff
Neander & Sticky – I will try both of those brews soon. Thanks
Here’s one for the adventurous beer-o:
Lost Coast Brewery Tangerine Wheat Beer
Their Great White Pale Ale is good too. In SoCal you can probably find at BevMo.
Just my opinion. But I don’t see harbaugh lasting too longer. A heart problem in his 2nd year and the way he treats people I.E. Smith AKA “the Bonnie situation” That douche bag from Detroit(who had it comein) but come on you are the hottest coach in the NFL that is petty plus etc etc etc…. He really looks sooooo stressed out to me like he is going to explode….. I think if he could learn to use that energy to his advantage instead of rage he would be a more effective coach.
Go Niners!
This is all a cloud of misinformation from San Francisco so New Orleans does not know who to put a bounty on this Sunday.
I think the problem facing Harbaugh is pretty simple. If the 49ers are playing a team that the defense can really hold down, to say fewer than 10-13 points, Alex Smith is the best choice at quarterback. He plays within himself, runs the offense, and is great with ball security. Problem is if the defense is having a off day or is playing a potent offense that can score over 20 points, Alex struggles in matching that. He is not good in situations where the team is behind and the run game element is minimized. Kaepernick is the opposite. He is much more likely to succeed in a shootout. But he also more likely to turn the ball over. Alex is probably the wiser choice if you are playing the Cardinals or the Jets. Colin is probably the better choice if you are playing the Giants or New Orleans. Unfortunately for Alex, playoff teams are much more likely to be in that latter category.
But Alex Smith played his best game against the saints in a blowout.
errrgghhhhh shootout!
Your logic is lacking. There are few teams that can limit an explosive offense … like, um, 2, and the Niners are one of them. The other one is the Giants, when they’re motivated, and we already know Alex can’t beat them.
Hey did beat them last yr in reg season, facing the same defense.
Watched the Bears game again on my DVR. Kaep was indeed magnificent. He really helped in opening up the running game. There’s no way Harbaugh is not going to play him against the Saints considering that Alex has still not been cleared. The Saints have the tape to study and they will throw a lot of different looks that Kaep didn’t see in Bear’s cover 2 scheme, especially by moving the safety around. Will be good learning experience for Kaep.
he was awesome but it was 1 game too.
Charlie Batch sounds remarkably similar to Cleveland from Family Guy!
If Elder Cohn’s surmising is correct and it was indeed Alex who released all of this to various news sources then Alex is hosed.
No way Harbaugh will forget that.
F*ck Harbaugh! On this day, TBirdEve, Harbaugh should have known better. It’s fine if Alex squealed. Not that Harbaugh will be okay with it, but like I said, F*ck Harbaugh on this one…
Why eff Harbaugh? He tried to get a better QB in the offseason and now he’s starting what he believes is a better QB now. That’s Harbaugh’s job.
The holiday has very little relevance to football players. Tomorrow is a work day for them.
If Alex is a squealer and hurt his team’s chances to win in New Orleans then all of the “great team player” stuff goes out the window. He’d be just another whiny diva complaining to the press when things don’t go his way.
There’s still a sanctity to the Eves of the major holidays. I’m all in it for CK, but Harbaugh needs to be just a little bit cooler with the players’ emotions.
Sorry Not Alex’s Modus Operandi EVA. Harbaugh yes Dude is a Beotch
When else could Harbaugh communicate this to the QBs? On a short week Wednesday is when the decision has to be made.
Should he just let Alex come in tomorrow and notice he isn’t getting any 1st team reps? Maybe mention to Alex about halfway through Turkey Day “oh, by the way, you’re benched”? That would be even more harsh.
I got my truck stole by some Crack heads outta Santa Cruz on Tday eve dude.
Clem
This conversation just clarified the fact that Alex has been cleared to play. If not, they would not have told him. This has been helpful…
D – sorry you got your truck stolen … whack
If Alex is cleared I’m glad to hear that. Concussion symptoms suck donkey balls.
All Lowell knows is what he reads in the Internet. Alex talked to Dilfer and gave his version of the quarterback meeting with Harbaugh. For all anyone knows, Alex cleared the Dilfer contact with Harbaugh before it took place. It sound to me like something that Alex would do.
I can also imagine Alex calling is family to let his mother know that he probably wouldn’t start, and to reassure her that it’s not related to his concussion. It sound to me like something that Alex would do.
If such a call took place, it’s also possible that someone close to the Smith family pass on a slightly different version of the Trotter tweet. No one in the Smith family should have done that, but who knows when an extended family group is involved, if they were.
Whining to the media is a diva move. Hopefully it was actually a family member blabbing. Hard to imagine Alex being a whiny snot in the press, especially anonymously. Really not his style.
I can’t see Smith being the source. It doesn’t fit his personality in any way. The addition of “not due to health” leads me to believe a family member or friend of his gave Trotter the info as Smith would have made sure to let them know he’s feeling fine and not suffering from more concussion symptoms.
I’m also not going to attack Harbaugh for making a football decision. That’s his job and there really is no good way to do it. Someone is going to get their feelings hurt and they have to suck it up and move on. These guys are pros, not kids trying to make a Pop Warner team. I agree that Alex is a class act and a great guy etc, but this is a ruthless business and the Coach plays the guys he believes gives him the best chance to win. If you’ve supported Harbaugh up to this point, which I believe most have, you accept the decision, support it and hope it works out the way Harbaugh believes it will. The guy hasn’t given me reason to doubt him before, so I’m certainly not going to start now.
Well What ever I still Start Alex when I play Madden!
I’m the boss of that!
On the real though the Bears are over rated! so if kap is coaches guy then lets do it.
Someone a few posts back concluded that Alex was cleared to play. There is absolutely nothing at this time to substantiate that. Zero. Zip. Nada. Zilch.
The 49ers have reached a fork in the road. If Smith is cleared to play and Kaepernick starts, Smith is done with the 49ers. And he should thank Harbaugh on the way out the door. Two years ago his career was in tatters and his market value was nil. Now internet message boards are buzzing with speculation over how Smith could advance the fortunes of other teams who are plagued by crappy quarterbacking.
Things like that happen when players produce and Smith has. I scoff at the nonsense that Smith needs a great running attack and defense to succeed. All he needs is an offensive line that can protect him and receivers who can get separation. He has proven that. The old canards about his accuracy have been put to rest this season and last.
He has shown enormous loyalty to the 49ers at this point in his career but he owes no more than he receives himself. I cannot remember the last time a QB was benched with either the stats or the W-L record Smith has put up, and he has good reason to file away all of the assurances Harbaugh and the 49ers have given him. From here on out, he needs to look out for himself.
For what it’s worth, I think Harbaugh made the right decision. Kaepernick looked like a freak in that Chicago game, and his combination of accuracy, touch and coolness in the pocket were all off the charts. He is an elite QB in the making if that is indeed the standard he sets week after week. This is the sort of decision great coaches make and now we will find out how Harbaugh measures up. Because if Kaepernick regresses or gets injured (as “mobile” QBs often do, I don’t think Harbaugh will have Alex Smith as an alternative after the end of this year. My guess is that he will use every bit of leverage he has including threatening retirement to get out of SanFrancisco no matter how the year turns out.
I’ve been following the NFL since 1967 and the situation you mention about a QB being replaced when he’s the #3 rated passer in the league with his team leading their div (and having gone to the NFC championship game last year) is actually unprecedented. Nothing like it has quite ever happened before. (Well, Dilfer was replaced after winning a SB, but he hadn’t produced that year) BUT… if indeed there is a good chance that Kaep can be GREAT (and I think there is) then I think you give him the shot as Alex can be good and we can win with him, but Kaep may be the kind of guy who makes the big impact in any game as the great QBs do. Maybe not, but you never know if he doesn’t get the shot.
Wasn’t Montana replaced with his hand weighed down by 4 large chunks of gold?
David, I didn’t mean that post as a reply to you. I wish these blogs had edit capability. I need it.
The bottom line is that any football coach will lose the confidence and the faith of his players if he doesn’t play the best player at every position. They depend on knowing that if nothing else. Alex is the #3 rated QB in the NFL on a team leading it’s division, but ….. Kaep LOOKS like a better player. And so he gets the start. If it’s all too much for him, Alex will get the job back. My guess is that Kaep has got that something special, not just athletic ability, but a quiet super confidence, like Montana and Brady have.
Agreed – Harbaugh has to play the best QB, not the best caddy.
I’m not entirely sure that Kaep is the best QB at this point but it sure seemed like the locker room felt that way.
Some of you don’t get it, your obsessed with stats, 3rd rank QB, won,lost record big deal.He has played in 4 crappy games, he has poor pocket presence, can’t see the entire field, gets sacked too much, dumps the ball to Gore, if primary receiver is covered, can’t extend a play, poor third down and red zone play
That’s a really good point Mike. Being a former player, Harbaugh knows the tone of the locker room, and the positive vibe after the Bears game may have been too much to overlook. If the players feel they have a better chance with Kap, it’s a pretty strong advantage to ignore.
I’m hoping some of these conflicting reports are just smoke and mirrors. The team doesn’t need the drama or distraction. Leave that crap for the Jets.
The game on Sunday can’t come soon enough so some of this can get put to rest.
+1!
Using subterfuge through the media to keep the Saints guessing??? Nah, Harbaugh would never do that.
The Lockeroom has spoken and Coach Harbaugh has heard them loud and clear. Cudos to Mr. Roman and Mr. Chyrst for getting this kid ready to rock n roll. Lets go 49ers, time to pay a little visit to the Shadydome.
Nice post
This is not an impulsive decision by Harbaugh, nor is it based solely on one-a-half games and his gut. It’s based on months of watching both players in practice, in games and on film. It’s based on a reservoir of knowledge that fans and so called experts do not come close to possessing. Despite being Smiths’ biggest supporter, Harbaugh has also always been a realist. He has always recognized Smith’s limitations as evidenced by the long look he gave Peyton Manning. Harbaugh is loyal; to the team and to the idea of giving everyone involved the best chance to win.
This isn’t even really a risk. In fact, this decision is in Smith’s best interests. Kaepernick was so great Monday night that if Smith immediately returned, at his first sign of struggle fans, and maybe even some of his teammates would be clamoring for Kaepernick. Now, if Kaepernick continues to succeed, all is well. If not, Smith returns with everyone in agreement that he is the best option
Razor – Good read!
Razor really good points. Its possible for JH to go back to Alex if CK falters. I havnt read anywhere that CK is the unequivocal starter for the rest of the season, just for the Saints game. Making the call before getting word from the medical staff wa JH was of maintaining control of the situation. By waiting on the medical clearence he would be delaying the 9ers preparation process by splitting the 1st team reps without knowing if the post concusion symptoms come back (like they did late last week) This way he gives AS one more week to “heal” and gives CK another “tryout” if CK suceeds he keeps going, if he fails here comes Alex to save the day
Here’s the problem I have with Smith. It’s like bragging you drive your car everyday and haven’t had a wreck in 25 years. Then you find out it’s a one mile commute. That’s Smith. So yes his stats are impressive but there’s a reason Vernon Davis – nearly cried for joy. The 49ers are getting ready to hit the freeway to the Super Bowl.
This is really unprecedented stuff. I doubt there’s EVER been a QB benched, in a mid-season playoff push, who had been playing as well as Smith has. I don’t care what the haters say, he has been playing very, very well over the last year and 2/3. Every QB has a down game here and there, but by and large, he was playing at a very high level. You don’t lead the league in comp% and YPA if you’re not.
If the coaches think going with Kaepernick is the right move, they must REALLY think highly of what he can do for them. That’s what gets me pumped up more than anything.
It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out with Smith. If I recall, (and somebody please feel free to correct me here), the 49ers can hold on to Smith for 2 more years if they want, no? If that’s the case, they might not cut him after the season (which his contract allows them to do with minimal financial impact), then trade him and his bargain basement salary to another team for some help in the draft. I guarantee, with his level of play and salary, we’d get something very nice in return. There’s a few teams out there absolutely desperate for a QB.
He would be due a bonus, they will cut him because they don’t have much room for salary cap in 2013.
Yeah, around $7 million sometime in April I think.
I expect you’re right. I was hoping they’d pay him that, retain his rights, then trade him for a juicy draft pick or two. I guess $7 million is a lot of money that could just as easily be spent on resigning or adding free agents.
Neal, this cap theory you’ve been hammering is just plain wrong. They’re in good shape next year, with or without Smith. Do some research, my dude.
This is showing the Niners are last in the league with salary cap room of 880,000.
http://www.ninersnation.com/2012/9/8/3303395/49ers-salary-cap-space-regular-season-2012-free-agents-2013
Smith is due a 1 million dollar roster bonus in March and then SF would be on the hook for his entire 7.5 million dollar salary for 2013. He also has 3 million in incentives.
Neal,
The Niners are taking huge cap amounts on Willis and Goldson this year that won’t be there next season.
Tommy Maddox
Tommy went straight from the Steelers to out of football.
Do you think that Smith is going to be out of football next year, or do you think he’s going to be a successful starting QB in the NFL somewhere next year? I’d rethink the Tommy Maddox analogy if I were you.
The similarities between the careers of the 2 are striking. Does Smith find himself selling insurance next year too? I doubt it, there are some teams with horrible QB situations, and the upcoming draft class doesn’t look too strong.
I counter your Tommy Maddox with a Jake Plummer. One year after a 13-3 season and a trip to the championship game, driving for the playoffs, replaced by Cutler.
Of course, Plummer stylistically was the opposite of Smith so maybe that doesn’t work.
If you you want to live and die with that scenario it’s not about TMaddox, it’s about BRoe. Anyone can be replaced, but there are only so many good QBs that are consistent year to year. Even the so-called great ones fall off (see TRomo, MVick, PRivers, etc).
That’s a good one too msc, but Plummer had been to the playoffs with Arizona.
I forgot about Jake making the playoffs with Arizona. The “Cardinals Without Kurt Warner” are so forgettable.
Smith will get an opportunity elsewhere. There are so many teams with QB problems and Smith is still under 30. The stereotype of him being a bust has been disproven, and he’d be a good bridge for a team developing a young QB.
They also thought highly of B. Edwards and also also wasted $$ on JJ to come compete in TC.
nobody really knows.
It could be a “suprise” strategy against the saints.
It’s the main reason we won against the bears – nobody expected that kind of strategy and it slowed or confused the bears just enough.
Lots of play action passes to start the game, and the bears in man-man defense…..brilliant stuff.
I think Alex is and should still be the starter going forward.
I will play CK against the aints just because Alex is not cleared yet and to get a better feel of how he handles the road crowd.
win or lose, then play Alex the rest of the year.
In the off season trade one of them, (if CK plays well against the aints it then looks more like Alex being traded) to KC or the Cardinals(which i doubt) but I just don’t see how two of them can be on the roster next year.
Unless of courses he takes the back up role and he is cool with it.
The other thing I see is Alex retiring after this season, this concussion really got to him.
The 49ers are NOT trading Kap at the end of the season. And we tried giving away Smith last offseason and there were no takers.
Relax Mitt Romney, no one tried giving anyone away last year. Facts are important.
Wasted money on JJ? What money? He was cut in camp.
I think I saw Neal fighting on jerry springer right now!
Bango,
One wife , never cheated. Don’t think I would be a good guest.
I remember Alex being interviewed and asked about his response was that he doesn’t care about stats. Mr. SMITH you should have lol. I think Harbaugh Saw the effect K-gun had on his teammates when he hit the field. Hard to ignore.
Now that CK has been given the job, lets see what type of fan you are when CK has a bad game and how many times you still bring up Alex. Are you a hater or are you a 49er fan? This will be good.
I’m thankful there are beauties like Prime around to remind us all how lucky WE are. Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m not sure about others, but I will rip any Niner QB who sucks. If the QB is productive, the team will benefit and that’s the bottom line.
He should care, I agree, he leads in a few of them that are good on a resume.
Bay,
It’s interesting all of the football people don’t understand this move. I saw KWarner, DSharper, and WMcGinist sitting together discussing this on NFLnet yesterday stating that they don’t understand the move if AS is healthy. Additionally, SWyche, CCasserly, SYoung, and TDilfer have stated the same thing. Many of them former football players. We’ll see how this plays out.
This move makes perfect sense in a couple ways that the talking heads on NFL Network, are missing.
Jack, oh to be you!!
They know locker room politics. They also know “one game” doesn’t mean a thing when defenses didn’t have a lot of film to look at prior to the Bear game. Yes, I believe they know more than you especially since it is a consensus and not just a few of them stating it this way.
None of them have been inside the locker room with Harbaugh as their coach, and there is one very important piece to this whole thing they are missing.
Hof,
Who cares what they former player’s say. Would you rather have any of these guy’s coach the Niners instead of JH. They are just showing loyalty.
Hofer,
I saw that too. WMcGinist actually likened this situation to when Brady took over from Bledsoe and called for CK to start even with a healthy Alex.
I don’t get the comparisons with TBrady. He is a pocket passer who is very robotic and not mobile. If his OL has a bad day, so does TB, and he let’s his OL know they are playing like crap. If you read the draft analysis on TB, he was not known for a strong arm coming out of Michigan. Much like JMo, he learned later in his career how to throw the deep ball. The top ten passers and past 10 SB winners are pocket passers.
Fortunately Kaepernick is a pocket passer too.
Did you see what the Playmaker and the QBKilla said?
CK7 to Coach Harbaugh:
This reminds me of the seen in The Godfather 3 where Vincent is talking with Michael; “I want…the power to preserve the family…I’m asking for the order.”
*scene* my bad
Short week. Smith not yet cleared. Tough game. Need sure starter to get as many reps as possible. Kaep.
As a result, Niners get to see Kaep in a road game.
Then the decision-making starts…probably.
Agreed. Tough to go with Smith when he hasn’t been cleared to practice fully yet. Short week, dangerous opponent – the starter needs all of the reps he can get.
clemons, drgrose
agree 100%. Next week the “conntroversy” starts all over again unless CK stinks it up in NO
If this all becomes true AS should ask/demand his release, (too much of a team player to do that). The Niners should grant his release to allow AS to catch on with another team. Teams in need of a QB, are Jacksonville, the Chiefs, Steelers, Cards. He is not wanted here by the team and lots of fans so why keep him around. Free AS!!
Kind of pre-mature for all of that, AS is insurance this year if CK falter’s, which I doubt.
Undercenter,
That is possibly the worst post I have ever read from you. Free AS? Why? He is a useful commodity and has proven in the past to be a good back up.
Stop thinking emotionally, and start thinking logically.
Jack, why are you so condescending? Take a chill pill!
LOL, I am fully chilled.
Under, I meant no disrespect in my comment.
Jack no disrespect taken, and no its not an emotional thing its the best thing for AS. The precious has manned up, time and time again, and all he gets is crap. I hate to see good people get sh*t on no matter what their job skill is. If that doesnt set well with the critics so be it. I expect CK to win the Super Bowl this year period. Remember thats what all you critics have been hollering about. CK is our best chance to win the Super Bowl. By the way I am in favor of CK starting I just want AS the good MAN he is to catch a break. If you all cant understand that then thats your problem.
Under,
I get where you’re coming from but I doubt Smith would even entertain the idea. Going to a new team this late in the season doesn’t leave any time to learn a new offense and would result in him leaving what still is a pretty good situation. Kap is far from proven and if he falters, Smith is there to step in.
From a team perspective, there is no upside in releasing him. He’ll be here until the end of the season and then they’ll have a decision to make.
Under,
Look at it this way, CK had the red carpet rolled out for him in every way conceivable for a young drafted QB. From AS helping him learn the offense during the lockout, to having a top offensive minded HC, and talent all around. Even more so than JMo. SYoung wasn’t drafted by the 9ers, and he was a few years older, so he is excluded in this instance.
Some are just plain luckier than others. Unfortunately, life isn’t fair!!
Rocket
Your are correct AS would never entertain the idea. He is a team player from the get go and would do nothing to break the teams cohesivness. I am only speaking for me not AS. Like I say I am in favor of CK starting its not that a big of a deal for me. I have seen the changing of the QB many many times starting with the Brodie/Spurrier, Deburg/Montana,
Montana/Young and now AS/CK. And your right its not in the best interest for the Niners to release him, I understand that.
Why would he do that? This team is in the post-season barring any major disasters. If they end up in the Superbowl, Smith deserves a piece of that.
I don’t imagine a superbowl ring for being a back-up would take much pride of place in the Smith household.
I agree Adam. If CK7 takes over the reins I’ll be ok with that.
But the Org should never forget the contributions the the team by Alex Smith.
He my not have been the shiny beautiful china dish, but he was the glue that held it together.
Harbaugh needed an intelligent team 1st professional QB to establish his offensive scheme and he could not have found a better player than AS.
I may not have been AS’ biggest fan, but I deeply respect his ascension from the trash heap to become a good NFL QB.
Having said that; I have a sense that we haven’t seen the last of Alex Smith in a 49er uniform.
Happy Thanksgiving Blog Family!
Under,
I hear and respect what you are saying, but AS won’t move on until April. There are several teams that would be interested in 2013, and AS won’t come with a big price tag.
How dare this team give Alex $45 million and then not support him? The 49ers are horrible bastards for treating Alex like this.
How do they move him? He has a three year contract?
They will cut him.
Lol
They’ll move him under the rug
Actually his contract is very attractive for a starting QB. I could see a few teams trading for him if the Niners keep him on the roster.
@rocket the contract is just high enough that other teams will expect the 49ers to release Alex before April 1st. $10 million (after bonus and incentives) is a great deal for a starting QB but not great for a backup.
Standard disclaimer: assuming Kaep does well and holds the starting job™
msc,
True, but it might be worth the gamble seeing as how they don’t have a lot of money tied up in the position. Looking at the NFL landscape I could see a team giving up a 2nd or 3rd round pick for him. One things for sure, it is nice to have these kind of options for a change.
The team could trade Smith. I think Smith would want to go to Dallas or Minn. I don’t see him going SD because of the system they run. Big Ben isn’t going anywhere in Pitt. SF wouldn’t trade him to a divisional team so Cards and Rams are out. Expect to see Matt Barkley a Card. Jacksonville or Chiefs could be viable, but both teams are looking to rebuild. Smith is too old to wait 4 more years for a SB run. I think Smith is more likely to go to a team that is looking for a playoff and superbowl run now. Just my opinion though.
No way Alex gets released this year. If anything traded in the off season.
I’d like to see CK play against the saints. Whoever he plays next, teams will be ready so Harb will need to be 2 steps ahead of them. They will give CK different looks and blitz!… WR and CK need to be on the same page and prepare for route changes and hot reads.
I love how couch has everyone guessing. But couch was a QB and despite this run first garbage everyone says the niners are built for, Harbs wants this team passing and inline with the TOP teams in the the league. HANDS DOWN CK IS THAT QB… for the future.
Harbuagh is using this concussion and smith not being cleared to play to get another look at CK. if he fails then he still convinces smith the job was always his. If he’s 100 percent healthy. If CK balls again its going to be easier to tell Smith he’s a backup now. I think he’s really intrigued to see another game before making any solid decision.
My feeling is If CK starts this game, good or bad, it’s his the rest of the way. QB musical chairs is ridiculous.
Happy thanksgiving all. Gobble gobble turkey.
It’s great to be a Niner fan.
Yup, back at you Nick!!
If Kapernick does win the starting job, I’m curious where Smith goes in 2013. He isn’t getting a 1 million dollar roster bonus and 3 million in incentive pay for a total salary of over 10 million with Kapernick’s upside behind him.
I believe there are two fits that probably make the most sense to SF. Minn and Dallas. Both teams could excel with Smith’s high completion rate and complimentary backs to take dump off passes and pressue off the passing game. Any other teams come to mind?
Happy Thanksgiving.
It’s going to be an interesting test for Baalke. The 49ers have to decide on the contract option before the draft so other teams might wait and see if Alex becomes a free agent (again). Can Baalke pull a Belichick and get a #1 for Alex? One thing Baalke has done very well is know a players’ value around the league but the contract timing might cost him some leverage.
Of course, this hypothetical assumes that Kaepernick does well which isn’t assured yet.
No chance are the niners going to get a number one for AS, if they get a third rounder that would be the best i see it
I can’t see a team giving up a 1st, but a second is plausible considering Smiths numbers, record, age and contract.
Smith at best will bring a low three or a high four.
Bay,
Take off the anti Smith glasses and think about this for a minute.
Smith is going to be 29 years old, coming off of a season in which he’s top 5 in major passing categories, is on an upward swing with his play, and is making peanuts compared to many starting QB’s around the league. He’s won a playoff game and has a great winning percentage over the last two seasons. From where I stand, that is a valuable commodity in a league where somebody named Ryan Lindley is going to start a game this weekend.
Rocket,
that’s one way to look at it. If I was a GM I’d also look at the fact that it takes Smith a long time to feel comfortable in an offense.
With a second year in the 49er offense and an improved line and improved receivers, his offensive output was the same.
Even though his QBR is high and he’s winning games, he is being replaced by a QB that has one start to his name. Think other GM’s won’t notice that?
K.C or the Jets…Maybe even Arizona
Whew… I don’t think I’d wish the Jets on anyone. Talk about dysfunctional.
KC I can see. Arizona really needs more weapons and some O-line protection. Skelton can toss the ball he just doesn’t have anyone other than Fitz to throw it to.
This upcoming draft has Barkley and maybe Geno Smith. Could be that KC goes QB in the draft and then looks for a capable veteran to run the show for a bit.
There will be several teams looking for a vet because they won’t find much in the draft this next time.
ESPN..splitting hairs since they were scooped. I would go with what Smith said and implied then Dilfer’s sore loser talk.
Turkey is in the oven and this year it’s a small one. For the 1st time in 25 years I am not cooking T-Day dinner for the entire clan. Just me, the wife and the kids.
I might actually be able to watch some football!!!
Happy Thanksgiving, man. I hope your wife is feeling/doing better and you all have a great day. Sometimes the smaller gatherings are better. I get tired of the big family hassle sometimes and enjoy the smaller and quieter version.
Stanford is on at 10. :)
Thank you Adam. My wife is doing much better – I’ve been embarrassed I brought up that issue in this forum but I am very thankful for the support we received from the folks here.
I am definitely looking forward to a cozy T-Day after years of a house filled with nieces and nephews. I love the little guys but my goodness they are loud.
MSC,
Glad to hear your wife is doing much better.
I thought that it was very courageous to reach out and ask prayers when you did.
Happy Thanksgiving Bro.
No embarrassment, Clem. You are an unabashed arse, and I am thankful for that!
MSC
You need to get a fryer and fry the turkey. It only takes ~45minutes and the rest of the time you can drink beer and watch football
Nick, I cannot use a fryer to make perfect turkey gravy. That requires hours of preparation – the mirepoix, the drippings, the right butter, lots of scotch.
Not to mention candied sweet potatoes, asiago stuffing, mashed potatoes, wilted kale with bacon, etc. etc.
Cooking that for 4 people takes WAY less time than cooking it for 25 people.
I came up with a good plan this year: daughter and son-in-law doing the cooking at my house. I’m chillin and watching NFL and enjoying the comedic illiterations of y’all.
Happy Thanksgiving, knuckleheads! Cherish every minute with the ones you love.
That’s exactly how I got stuck with 25 years of T-Day cooking. I made dinner at the in-laws’ house.
You evil, evil person. :-D
@Clem
LOL! I read your post to the son-in-law, he looks worried!
“Comedic alliterations of y’all”. Good line, Brotha! I might have added “unintentionally” to the front, but still, good line! I feel just a little smarter after reading it (even with the misspell…wink)!
don’t know if broached yet….since i don’t have time to read anything…
but just found out about AS….
he is at his most highest trade value right now…..if and when will this happen will be interesting …..
it is sort of a gut punch….guess i am a bit of a smither even after the episode i mentioned on that rainy night in austria….
and with that i am off
This is an interesting take by Ratto: http://www.csnbayarea.com/football-san-francisco-niners/niners-talk/Impulsive-Harbaugh-goes-all-in-unnecessa?blockID=804951&feedID=2800
Kinda goes to what I was saying in a different post. Loyalty is a one-way street, I agree. I wouldn’t trust Harbaugh as far as I could throw him.
If you’re a player for Harbaugh you need to look at it as taking from as much as you’re giving to and nothing more. Learning is what it’s about. Figure out how to be the best you can be and take as much as you give because in the end you’re nothing more than a commodity to be bought and sold. Anything this guy says is propagandist BS. Learn and move on, if you get a ring in the process, great. Don’t worry about the loyalty, just smile and move along.
We the fans (well most of us who aren’t completely amoral and soul-less) appreciate you for your efforts.
Thanks for posting Adam.
It won’t be the N.O. game that will be the difference maker and put under the microscope, it will be all that follow.
Maybe JH was waiting for AS to say, THIS IS MY TEAM. (??!)
Maybe he did behind closed doors. Regardless of how this turns out, AS should have learned a valuable lesson. There is no loyalty and edginess won’t be held against you.
Nah, there’s no loyalty. I doubt there’s been any real loyalty in this game since owners decided they wanted free agency. These guys are pawns. Nothing more.
It’s all about money, everything in life boils down to money. Too much or not enough of it. Drives everything that happens in the world.
I just tune in for the strategy anymore. All the drama and BS (including what happens on this blog most days between Jordy and whoever he’s belittling that day) is just clutter I can do without. I want to see our football minds outplay their football minds. It’s what I always appreciated about Bill Walsh – strategy. That’s it for me. 3D chess! :)
All this flap is based on one guy’s tweet. What that said is pretty plain and simple, all this Nixon Watergate crap about who leaked this or that or conspiracy junk I have no interest in. Lowell’s bizarre theory (backed up by a link to ESPN that seems to contradict whatever it is he’s pedaling) that Alex Smith leaked this in an attempt to… I don’t know what… bring down the North Korean government or something is just a bizarre spectacle to me that I wasted two minutes reading. I don’t get it.
But hey, whatever. We’ll all still watch on Sunday. :)
In a way I sort of agree with Ratto. Alex was the safe choice here. At the very least, use the concussion as an excuse to start CK.
Doing it this way is rolling the dice.
To my brothers in arms, Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!
Same to you, Razor. And to everyone else! Eat well, enjoy the family, take a nap, watch some football!
BTW: Detroit will probably lose. What a shame. :P
Alex should have known after all these years that he could be gona at anytime and he should of played like this was his last chance at the pros..His way of playing not to lose is why he was always leaving a window to be replaced..His own conservative ways have done this to him.Just my take..Watch any other NFL game and qbs throw to there recievers that are covered and let them fight for the ball..The first time in 7 years I saw Alex do that was this Year against AZ..Crabtrees biggest complaint after the NFC championship game was that they never got a chance to make plays…
Does anyone actually feel sorry for Smith? I think he is a lucky SOB. He has made a fortune of money, with mixed and inconsistent results, if I performed liked him in my job, I would of been fired along time ago. JH turned him from a crappy QB to a efficient inconsistent QB, with still many flaws and he will still be employed in the NFL for at least another 3 to 5 years. Nice to retire at 33 or 34 and never have to worry about paying a bill for the rest of his life, and his children’s.
Couldn’t agree more. I have never seen a qb given so many chances after such horrible play his first five years. Harbaugh made Alex a serviceable qb and for that he should be thankful
It’s not about the money Neal. It’s about a guy who has fought adversity his entire career finally realizing some of his potential and now being possibly cast aside again. I understand Harbaughs decision, but it doesn’t mean you can’t feel for Smith.
Rocket,
Harbaugh has given him the opportunity to sign with another team. Harbaugh has given him some value. This is not a shock or a surprise to me, the writting has been on the wall for a while AS signed for a bogus low 3 year contract ( 18th best QB salary ), but he can be let go any year, without consequences before date of bonus , they would not of drafted CK so high, if they didnot think if he was not capable. The guy is not a legend.
They make what they make now because they retire early (and have given almost everything they have to the game, not a lot of MBAs in the bunch that will move on to other careers) and because, as we’ve seen over and over, many of them have terrible long-term health issues caused by the game itself that will prevent them from doing a whole lot later on. They’ve done their duty to provide us our bloodsport.
I don’t feel sorry for any of them. They choose this life because it’s a hell of a fun game to play and very few of us who have ever played it make it to that level, very rare. I’m sure the fame and fortune is addictive and they want more of it, that’s part of it.
I don’t know what you do for a living but I can guarantee that if you gave the 110% effort, had the loyalty and commitment and fought through ALL the bullsh_t Smith and other players like him have had to put up with, your boss would love you to death. There isn’t a better, tougher competitor, teammate and all-around good guy on the team than Alex Smith. We certainly didn’t see Joe Montana mentor Steve Young, quite the opposite in fact. There isn’t a classier man on the squad.
Maybe try just once, have some respect and quit with the snarky comments. The guy not only survived but thrived under a rational system and a stable coaching staff (the first in his career.) He also broke several team and league records doing it. You don’t like him personally, I get it. Move on.
Couldn’t disagree with the original premise more. Smith has made his “luck” in this case by being determined, resilliant and loyal. Beyond that, he will be successful in whatever he does next because he is smart and talented.
The 49ers, on the otherhand, have written a case study on how to destroy a young quarterback. Rodgers was the lucky one in that the niners chose to wreak their destructive inepitude on Smith.
Chargerfan,
smith never had the tools. He still doesn’t have them. He’s serviceable. He’s decent, not great. Bottom line is, he is average. Average just won’t cut it in the NFL. NFL stand for Not For Long if you’re average. I’ve said it for years. He’s average.
No doubt, Rodgers was much luckier than he could have imagined at the time.
We’re all lucky John York let his son (who is actually engaged and seems to enjoy football) take over running the show.
Smith has proven, when not injured and not suffering under a debacle of a coaching staff, that he has the tools and the competitive spirit to win games. He’s broken records doing it. The pros in the booth and in the media, and fellow players across the league have commented on it.
The chattering minority have no real idea what they’re talking about. They’ve never played the game on any level and it shows every week here with the inane comments. Enough inaccuracy to keep a political campaign going for ten years and fact checkers going twice as long. :P
Neal,
I’ve said the same thing for 1.5 years in this blog. JH saved Smiths career. Alex can resign next year with Norv in San Diego. Especially since Rivers is turning it over 4 times a game. Think of what Alex could do with Norv now. That’s the perfect team for him. I’m a Niner fan 1st. I knew JH would see what I have been preaching on this blog for 4-5 years. Alex Smith is not the answer.
Jordan,
Time is running out with Norv, probably will be canned after the season, AS should back up AR in Green Bay, he can watch what a real # 1 draft pick should look like or maybe Washington or Indie. haha that will never happen.
You are as smart as a coin flip. You are right half the time. You said Kaep was going to be an elite QB. I agree. You said Smith sucks and would never win in the NFl. You were wrong.
He would have taken them to the SB last year without being saddled with the worst group of wideouts to ever play in a conference title game. You gave your QB Williams, Swaim and Crabtree while their guy had Nicks, Cruz and Manningham and you concluded you lost the game at QB. Insane.
Supporting cast matters in tje NFL. Look no further than Philip Rivers who played at an elite level when he had good protection and targets, and who now stinks with no protection and nobody to throw to. That, by the way, was what Smith had for his first five years in SF.
The Lions look fired up and the Texans look like a team playing on the road in a short week.
Nick Fairley just ate a tight end for Thanksgiving.
I love football so very, very much.
Because I’m not in a mood to day to hassle your dad..I still dont get that your version is SI broke the story and ESPN is dragging feet,splitting hairs or just saying its not true..and Pops saying ESPN broke the story. Cant be both.