Do you think Jim Harbaugh is handling the 49ers quarterback controversy well?
Is he letting this drag on too long? It’s tough choosing between two quarterbacks – is Harbaugh in an impossible situation?
Please explain your reasoning.
Polls
Loading ...
49ers RSS feed
“Is he letting this drag on too long?” Only is he has already informed the team of his decision. Otherwise, no.
“It’s tough choosing between two quarterbacks – is Harbaugh in an impossible situation?” No. It is simple. You have a younger guy that has stepped in and shown he is better than the incumbent, and gives your team the best chance to win. The situation isn’t perfect and clean, but the young guy is who you go with.
What quarterback controversy?
I agree. He played Alex and Kap before in the same game. He needs to think in the same but more expanded terms from now on. The OL can handle it and adjust, so can we.
There is NO reason a QB has to play ALL downs!
Not tough to choose between THESE two quarterbacks.
The problem is his longtime outgoing support for Alex Smith. He risks looking insincere if he just coldly drops him. His handling of the situation is all about his relationship with the 52 guys on the team not named Alex Smith. If he thinks the best way to do this is to talk it over with the team, then who cares about how he handles the media.
You guys, us guys, the media and fans, eat this stuff up. But for a few guys, Harbaugh, Smith, and 52 others, the ramifications of this move will have long-lasting effects on relationships that to this point have been very carefully cultivated.
I think Kaepernick WAY exceeded Harbaugh’s wildest dreams against that Bears team and then beat the Saints so soundly in New Orleans (game never really in doubt after halftime; Alex 0-3 in the Superdome), that Harbaugh is now in a pickle. He has to start Kaepernick, or he will be cheating his team of its full potential; but when he makes that final decision, his flowery words of praise will leave Smith and will fall upon his new trophy QB forevermore.
When it’s week 12 of a potential championship season, talent, and potential are fractional to cohesion, experience and leadership.
Alex went through the playoff wars last year with the boys, did his job admirably. I’m sure everyone knows what they are going to get from him when that time comes again. CK, we just don’t know how he will react in a pressure playoff moment.
You guys can slam Alex all you want about ability. But one thing you cannot deny is he plays big in pressure packed games.
thing is CK can be blissfully ignorant of playoff pressure and with so many team leaders around him on offense he will probably do just fine….heck it is said he is calm and cool as well as energetic….
PT
Agree with everything but the last phrase. He played great against the Saints but terribly against the Giants twice in a row. I think it’s those two games that Harbaugh is isolating in his mind.
I was Alex’s biggest fan last year, for all the reasons you described. But he has yet to show a good, consistent deep-passing game, and that is how the Giants beat him.
Thx for being civil and talking football!
Windsor, the playoffs separate the real players from the pretend statistical players. Another year of seasoning says CK will be ready. You know Alex is a playoff warrior because he played like one. You can only mask inexperience so much. At some point the lights, sweat, and noise becomes really amped up when there is so much riding on the line. You need to experience it, lose and then the hunger fuels you for next time. Alex and all his teammates have that. They always talk about getting back there and that’s what motivates them through the regular season.
Watch Crabtree this year in the playoffs, he will be a beast because of his experience last year. Same with Aldon. You cannot simulate it even with all the talent around you. You gotta bleed it!
He didn’t play poorly against the Giants cause he had no one to throw to. Williams does not fumble, we win an beat the Pats and none of this is relevant. However none of that happened and here we are.
You have a team that can win with Alex because you seen it happen in the playoffs. Now we are asking a 2nd year QB with potential to win a SB. Don’t like to gamble in that situation.
@ N O:
But he has yet to show a good, consistent deep-passing game, and that is how the Giants beat him.
That’s an assertion with little to no factual support. Smith had a bad game. It’s not like the Giants cracked some sort of code. And they certainly didn’t beat the 49ers by crowding the box and daring the Smith to throw deep. Like most of Smith’s detractors, you highly overrate the need for a deep passing game. The alleged lack of one isn’t the reason for either loss this year.
But this year was a totally different story. Complete demolition. And now they’ve done it to Aaron Rodgers, so it could be that when the Giants decide to bring it, they are unbeatable.
23hater, trying to keep in civil tonight. You want to start rumbling with insults, just say when?
Claude
Smith has never excelled at long passes. His bread and butter has been the short passing game. He threw 3 picks the last time he played the Giants, with his old pal from Arizona, Antrel Rolle, getting 2 of them, both on short passes. They don’t need to stack the box against him, because the safeties can play at intermediate depth and stop both the run game and the short passing game.
That’s the basis. If you want to check it out for accuracy and you have the time, I know a place that has all the Ninera games since 2002 available for viewing.
The game plan against the Giants was poor. Harbaugh admitted that right after the game and then again at his Monday presser. They completely went away from the run and it killed them. That’s how you beat the Giants. You grind that front four down and make them make tackles.
You think CK is gonna throw it around all over the field and win without a running game and stellar defensive performance against the Giants? I highly doubt it.
Prime crime,
Too bad we won’t be watching smith in this years playoffs. He won’t be playing. There’s a new sheriff in town. His name is ROBOKAP!! Alex is working through something, his feelings!!
True about game plan but compared to Colin, Alex is a statue, so the pressure is more effective. Fascinated by Giants-Skins matchup this wek. It’ll tell us a lot about how Kaepernick will deal with the Giants in the playoffs.
Prime Clown,
When!!!
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.
Care to revamp your statement sir 23?
Too many good playoff teams to start worrying about the Giants just yet. So many scenarios could still happen and some dark horse team like the Bucs, Cowboy’s could get super hot and run the table.
What’s important now is playing out best football over Decemeber. Stay sharp, stay healthy, and get things rolling.
@ Prime, of the 29 QBs who have won a superbowl, 7 were made starters midway through the season then went on to win the Super Bowl. I think Kaepernick will be just fine in the playoffs.
Matt is that a fundamental explanation or a coincidence? You cannot simulate playoff experience. And you can never know how a player will react to the highest level of adversity a playoff situation entails.
It could go either way but I am more inclined to go with someone who has seen it, played in it, and won in it. Alex is hungry because of that loss and so are his teammates, trust me, they want to go to battle with him because he felt the same pain they did last year.
Prime,
You said last week that CK benefitted from the two pick sixes, and he did. He also played very well, on the road, against a team fighting to get into the playoffs. The Niners forced FIVE turnovers against the Saints in the playoffs and still had to come from behind, twice. You are overstating Smith’s performance, it should have been a blowout. He has played in two playoff games during his career, with mixed results. You make it sound like he is some playoff hardened badass, he isn’t.
I am not saying AS can’t win a SB with this team, i said he was battle tested….just sayin CK has a lot of team stability around him in the form of leaders who can carry him/calm his emotions…he doesn’t have to be the team leader in this regard he just has to trust his teammates to governor his emotions and focus on them not the environment….and the NO game was step 1 and accomplished….have u seen anything in his demeanor or eyes that betray this
I’m not a Smither. I have empathy for his situation though. He’s not a complainer. He isn’t a quitter. He gave this fan base everything he could. I’d like to see him get the same respect in return from this front office.
I’m not saying he has or he hasn’t. It’s a closed lockerroom. I just hope that this organization that I’m enamored with is classy enough to recognize the sacrifice given by all 53 men on this roster and treat them with the same level of commitment.
Prime are you still crying about Smith finishing the season?
You are pathetic. Which I knew before but now everyone does. You are the guy that loses a bet and shows under a different name. Get banned and still show up even though you are not wanted.
Your friends in the room are a he/she alien and some dude named balls. And yes you are a Smith fan… Pathetic.
P he is however battle tested more than CK. That means a lot. The defense got a lot of turnovers that game against the Saints while also giving up some huge plays late in the game when your defense is suppose to close it out.
Now go back and watch the last 5:52 of the 2nd Q of Sunday’s game and tell me what you think of Kap’s play?
Then go back and watch the long drive in the 3rd Q and tell me how well they coached Kap through that?
Bay like I told your boyfriend 23, trying to keep in civil tonight. You wanna start this again, let me know?
Bay,
What is your point regarding being a “Smith fan”?? He is a 9er is he not? So now we can only pick and choose who on the 9ers we wish to root for? I see!!
@ bay:
And yet Prime is less obsessed with Alex Smith than you are. Btw, a guy whose bff is 23jordan shouldn’t condemn anyone else for the company he keeps.
But you have never let a little hypocrisy get in your way, have you?
Prime slime and Claude the clown,
Would you Smithers disappear. You clowns dont have a leg to stand on. I think Alex Smith will start against the Rams this Sunday. NOT!!!!! Bwahahahahahahaha, say good bye to Alex Smith and the Smithers!!!
Hof I am rewatching the game right now and the last 5:52 of the 2nd Q and Kaps play is concerning. Without that Brooks TD, different game completely.
Also, scrambling QB’s do extend plays but make their online very vulnerable to holding calls.
Prime,
I hear you, but I won’t take anything away from CKs evasiveness in the pocket or his ability to extend plays. AS can’t do that and either can PM or AR. It doesn’t mean CK should just automatically start because his name isn’t Alex. AS has been outstanding this year.
Hof Im not taking away that part of CK’s game at all, its great. But like Vick and his predecessing running QB’s, once teams see this over and over on film and game plan for it and put guys on him to spy, you become vulnerable to hits, turnovers, and offensive holding calls.
@ 23can’thelpembarrassingyourself:
Don’t get mad at me for showing you to be the liar that you are. Or for revealing, once again, that you don’t know what you are talking about. Get mad at yourself for repeatedly jumping on the internet and writing stupid things.
Prime
The most elusive/scrambling QB alive today is Mike Vick. How many sacks does he evade? How many sacks does he have this year? His whole career?
The number almost always comes out to the same as he runs into which other less mobile QB’s wouldn’t since they will have thrown it away. Sacks are an OL thing. If the OL gives the QB enough time, the QB isn’t sacked at all. You can try to assign blame on the QB/WR’s, but the fact is the OL’s job is to prevent the QB from getting sacked.
Prime,
We’re in agreement. There is a reason PM, AR, DB, EM, etc, are all successful as “pocket passers”! The running QBs are an anomaly period.
Prime,
you want to talk about the last game and bring up how we would be in trouble if Brooks didn’t get that interception?
Your poster boy got five turnovers handed to him and was trailing the last time he played the Saints. And that was at home.
CK beat the Saints in their stadium. Somewhere 11 has never won.
You are going to miss your ritual I see. Putting baby oil on your banister and sliding up in down it wearing a niners speedo while watching Smith check down.
Get over it. CK is Harbaugh’s guy. Smith is a better QB because of JH and will at least get some attention next year because of it.
This is not to sound conceded by any means but I have watched a lot of games this year outside of the Niners. One thing that is universal in winning is getting up by two scores, rush 4 and drop 7 in coverage and its working perfectly. The Niners did it in almost all of their wins this year and in the losses to the Gmen and Vikes they did it back.
The Gmen did it to the Pack on Sunday night as well. My point is without those two pick 6′s against the Saints, it’s a different game and I’m not sure Kap out duels Bree’s at home.
Our defense has helped Alex a lot this year as well. No denying it but this is how we win and so many teams use the same formula. It’s gold!
Prime
SF Defense score: 14
NO team score: 21
If a QB can’t win a game by scoring at least 8 points on offense/ST against the worse D in the NFL, then they suck. The D won that game hands down. By the same token, the game is a Tie if Ginn doesn’t fumble the ball near the goal line. Then the score is 14-14 wiuthout any contribution fromt the offense/ST at all.
CK doesn’t suck. That is all that the game proved.
@bay, the playoff game against the Saints the defense got a lot of turnovers while also giving up some huge plays late in the game when your defense is suppose to close it out.
Everyone knew you could not keep the best offense in the league last year down. That’s why it went down to the wire. No playoff game goes according to traditional regular season games where anything can happen.
Now you get on me to talk football and stay away from making fun of you, but now that Im talking football you are throwing out childish insults. How do we want to play this here on out? You decide it right now. Football 24/7 or play games? Which one?
DS,
It would figure that you and the other Smithers try to compare Vick to CK just because they can both run. The problem is, hats where the comparison ends. If you watched Vick, you’d see that he was never a good QB. He doesn’t know the meaning of the word audible. He’ll walk up to the line and see a stacked side and not change anything. He takes a lot of sacks becuase of this. CK has played only 2 full games, making audibles from the start, using his head first.
jsand
Nobody is comparing CK the QB to Vick the QB. Certainly not the person. I hate Vick for what he did.
But there is no denying that people are in awe of Vick’s ability to escape the rush and make plays on his own. Much like how people are touting CK. And hof is correct. There hasn’t ever been a running QB who didn’t master the pocket who won the Super Bowl. After about 50 years, that stat has legs and means a little something.
DS,
Steve Young.
And what was so impressive about CK was that he didnt just rely on his feet the last 2 games. Youre comparing true running QBs who were better athletes than QBs. CK looks like hell be a good QB in addition to having the physical talents to run the ball
Its a bogus shallow argument to classify CK as a running QB in the likes of Kordell Stewert or Vick. Those two were running backs that played the QB position. Good for them. The new breed of QBs need to be able to run the ball when needed. This isnt 10 or 15 years ago. Id be willing to bet Luck, RG3 or Cam or even CK7 will win it all by the end of their career.
The reality is Kaepernick has beat the Bears and the Saints with his arm, not his legs.
P did you or do you have a chance to rewatch Sundays game?
Prime,
Yes. It’s on right now again.
jsand
Please read what I wrote:
“There hasn’t ever been a running QB who didn’t master the pocket who won the Super Bowl.”
That means that a QB no matter what his style (running or PM statue) must master the pocket first before winning the Super Bowl.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but SY didn’t win a Super Bowl immediately. Not until he learned to be a pocket passer.
he plays big in pressure packed games
Like the NCFCG against the Giants. I’m sure JH wants that kind of QB performance come playoff time.
Folks, stop trying to denigrate CK7 by saying he’s a running QB. So far, he’s shown much better pocket presence than the 8 year veteran, 1st overall pick. He doesn’t get happy feet, stands in the pocket, slides or move up to avoid pressure, while keeping his eyes downfield, goes through his progression, and then delivers a strike more often than not. To date, I have only seen Smith do that only ONCE.
DS,
Im not sure how else to explain things to you. The tactics you use to argue a point take away from what the original argument is. You are calling CK7 a running QB comparing him to Vick and hence, discrediting him as a QB so you can support your argument for AS to start. This isn’t about the generalization of any running QB not being a good QB.
This is specific about our QB that was being compared to Vick. Ive already stated why CK7 should not be lumped in with Vick (if you for once read and thought about what was written.) Just the statement when you tried to explained to me that SY had to learn to pass in the pocket tells me everything because that’s the point i was trying to make in the first place.
can’t say CK beat NO soundly….can say niner defense beat brees soundly allowing CK to remain successful in the saints game….of course i liked CK time consuming drive and nice passes but the pointy ball did bounce his way a bit in this game thanx to some of his teammates
How many times has the defense bailed Smith out. More than once. If it easn’t for Harbaugh he would be a back up for another team.
If it wasn’t for Harbaugh we’d all still be watching a 6 or 7 win team.
whatever, not my point
i have always said the biggest acquistion the niners made was JH and staff….they were the difference makers
JGW
Harbaugh and Roman dialed down the offense when they got up 28-14. It looked to me like Kaepernick could have kept scoring. They attempted 1 pass in their last two drives.
The defense is always going to provide stout support, I’m not arguing that. But did you really ever doubt the win when we were up 28-14?
Prime clown,
Why are you still here on this blog. Alex is packing, why aren’t you?? And pick up BS and Hofer on the way out!! It’s over for you Smithers. Don’t tell us what Kap can’t do. All you know is what Smiyh can’t do dummy!! Now get packing. Next stop, San Diego!!
23jordan says:
August 6, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Rocket,
I thought you were a bit more football savvy than that. Teams don’t give players $500k signing bonuses as favors for the head coach. Johnson was signed because he can help this team win and he will. Can’t wait until preseason starts so he can outshine smith. Kap may as well be trade bait. He won’t be playing this year. Lost a tad bit of credibility big rocket.
Would you like to retract your statement Mr. Jordan?
@ 23doesn’tknowcrapaboutfootball:
Don’t tell us what Kap can’t do.
Why would he do that? Didn’t you already tell everyone that Kaepernick wasn’t the answer?
Why, yes, in fact, you did:
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.
yep i had doubt right up to thru the almost goal line interception that moss broke up….that is just the nature of sports …. fat lady and all that
Josh Johnson is at home in Sacramento. Right now, we’re discussing Alex Smith and his next team after he gets benched this week for good. I don’t give a damn about Josh, he’s not the QB. Colin Kaepernick is the QB of the San Francisco 49ers. Alex Smith of the Smithers, is now the backup. Next year, alex will be cut. See ya Alex!!!
Jordo,
Why do you come here to get called out for nonsense you’ve posted in the past? I remember a couple of years ago when you actually posted some good football knowledge instead of this one man vendetta you wish to focus on. At this point, based on previous comments regarding JJ, your credibility is thin at best!
@23knownothing:
Colin Kaepernick is the QB of the San Francisco 49ers.
But is he the answer?
Claude according to: 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.
Is that his final answer?
23 Jordan stop being an ignorant dolt, people that are smith fans can and should stay on the blog. By your logic all the minorities that voted for Obama should be kicked out of the country when the next president comes in. This most certainly is not your blog, the Smithers are welcome here and the controversy of them most definitely helps grants blog. Stop blaring mindless hate speech and actually talk football.
Nobody has yet to make a legit case as to why somebody would be an AS fan and not a Niner fan.
AS was a losing QB till JH came. By showing loyalty to AS, you’re showing loyalty to the Niners. Hating the guy certainly doesn’t show you’re a fan at all.
Showing loyalty would be supporting the QB that Harbaugh chooses because that is what is best for the team. Harbaugh is paid to win, pure and simple.
….and when it comes to defense it is seemingly always displayed as the defense as a whole….yet notice how it is kap doing the scoring mentality vs the offense doing the scoring….QB is a cog and maybe for the time being since he has come out in great situations and did his job he is a shiny cog
jg
Niner Defense scored 14
NO team scored 21
If not for Ginn coughing up the ball, NO likely gets only 14. If nothing happens in OT, it is a tie game if our offense gets nothing at all.
Any non-crap QB can get at least 8 points against this pathetic D of the Saints. Everybody was worried if the Niners could keep up with the high scoring Saints. Well, the Defense nearly did the whole job themselves.
not trying to denigrate CK….not trying to denigrate AS either….just trying to promote each are successful in the overall offense scheme
CK in the Rams game was nearly bad. Lots of things bonced our way, and we still ended up in a tie. CK played most of the game and he couldn’t beat a team who hadn’t won in a month in SF.
CK in the Bears game was great. I bet if you ask Bears fans though if that was the best the Bears can play (D especially) they would say “No.”. That game to them I bet felt a lot like the Viking game did to us this year where we are there yelling at the TV screen at how stupid they were playing.
Our WR’s in that game were open by 3-5 yards almost every time. The Bears just stank that day. CK still played great, but by no means did he get the best of the Bears D and still come out on top of things.
Then in NO, he managed 2 TD’s against the worse D in the NFL not named the Raiders. They were supposedly an improving D the past few weeks, but still had given up something like 400+ yards in every stinking game this year till they played us. Our offense didn’t get a lot of points/yards in that game. I know had AS played the exact same game (1 run TD, 1 pass TD, 1 Int near the end of the half on a stupid decision to throw it) that pope would be clamoring for AS’s head right now.
But since it isn’t AS, some think CK did a great job that game. Sorry. But 2 TD’s and 1 Int that was all the fault of the QB isn’t nearly a great game.
Way I see it
1 below average game in the Rams
1 Great game in the Bears
1 at best average game in NO.
Averages out to average. AS the past 2 games was 18/19 in one game with the only Incompletion being a drop. Threw 4 TD’s (3 on 3rd down) and had no Int’s.
DS9
I just figured out what your deal is! You’re blind! What’s it like to listen to games and then read braille to get the stat lines?
I’ll address just one of your many, many, many misguided statements. In the Bears game, the receivers were NOT open by 3-5 yards. I’d tell you to watch the VD catch in the 4th quarter, but that would be cruel. You can’t really glean that from the braille.
NO for a guy who claims to want to keep the blog clean of insults, your not practicing what you preach. Should I tell on you to Grant?
Neanderthal
Skip Post Part IV
You are truly stupid aren’t you? Still can’t do it. Still do nothing but bitch about me. Still complain I don’t talk football, while you don’t present a damn piece of football at all in your posts. Look at mine. It was all football.
Stupid, stupid, stupid neanderthal. You’re the one who thought he can take on a Cave Bear without any weapons aren’t you?
FDM
Do whatever you want. My reply to DS9 contained absolutely no insults or curse words. It was absolutely STUFFED with sarcasm, though.
You didn’t get it?
btw FDM, have you seen how Prime Time has responded to my little charade with Grant? He and I have come to a bit of an agreement. I’m done posting his putrid comments because he’s not making putrid comments. He’s being more civil. And FDM, did you also see how DS9 responded to sarcasm? Kind of makes you wonder!
not for me…JH is only responsible to the team…..like i mentioned before….
the media created the froth…..
JH’s hand was forced in the bears game
JH’s hand was tied in the saints game because AS wasn’t cleared until friday so CK got most 1st team reps….
so that is two weeks of frothing by the media….
then media wanted an answer sunday night going forward….i have no problem JH and staff taking two days to make a determination after reviewing film and facts and past accomplishments to make a decision going forward….
after wednesday’s decision then the froth should have begun….media/blogger manager just jumped the gun
“Do you think Jim Harbaugh is handling the 49ers quarterback controversy well?”
He is handling it Well enough. His handling of it has led the team to a 2-0-1 record since the Starting QB was knocked out of a game. I judge a coach’s performance based on Wins and Losses, and the conduct, attitude, and effort of the team. On all of those metrics, Harbaugh grades out very well.
I don’t think that Harbaugh owes the media (and by extension the fans) anything other than winning football games. Based on his attitude towards the media, I’m guessing that he feels similarly, therefore to judge him based on his media savvy and public-relations skills would be pointless.
Re: the impossible situation, He certainly won’t be able to make everyone happy. In that sense, impossible situation -yes. But impossible to win? No.
Members of the media will jump on him no matter what he does (possibly why he gives the cold shoulder). Many fans will complain too, but most of them will forget once they win a few more games.
That is true as long as the media have Ratto and Daddy.
agree
What is that old adage, if you have 2 quarterbacks you have no quarterback.
Unless you actually have two quarterbacks.
9ers did alright in the late 80s id say
I am ok for him to wait till Wednesday, although I feel he already knows what he is going to doing. He knows what he has in Kaep, a star being born, he does everything better then AS, except AS can take a sack much better.
Don’t forget AS is also the best at not converting on 3rd downs…..
Of course he is not.
And in a way not dissimilar from the clumsy pursuit of Peyton Manning. In both instances Harbaugh is jerking Alex Smith around while pretending (and claiming to the media) that he’s not. In that instance all he had to say was that he will look to upgrade the team at every position. And in this instance all he had to say is that it’s unfortunate that Alex Smith got hurt but the next man up is playing great and will keep starting.
Or (in the off chance he’s actually going back to Smith) that Alex is the starter and Kaepernick played phenomenally and will only be better for the experience.
But what good does it do anyone to drag things out? Are Smith and Kaep splitting first team reps today and tomorrow?
And the notion that it gives the team an advantage to not name a starter is ridiculous. If the Rams thought Smith was starting then Kaep’s running ability, big arm, read option plays, and small amount of game film might concern them. But if they think it’s Kaep (which they do) and Smith starts, why would that disrupt anything for St. Louis?
Smith has tried to do everything right, has faced tons of hardships and still perservered and has handled things with class but at the end of the day doesn’t have the skills of Kaepernick. So the fact that he will likely lose his starting spot (and very possibly will get cut to save the cap hit after the season) is a pretty crummy way to treat a guy that Harbaugh personally convinced into staying in SF but this business of calling him the “starting quarterback” while planning to bench him for Colin is just double talk that does nobody any good.
Honestly I have a hard time seeing it work out either way. I don’t think Smith is the big time quarterback that can carry a team to a Super Bowl and Kaepernick’s lack of experience worries me in that I have a hard time envisioning him winning it all in the playoffs after starting a maximum of 7 games before the postseason starts.
But that doesn’t change the fact that I think JH has handled this quarterback situation horribly and really in a way that disrespects his heretofore starting (and “elite” in his words) quarterback.
still think he could follow thru on the your first two paragraphs….just two days of reflective evaluation involved….wednesday we should know
and he probably has his feelers to the team leaders out there for feedback…
Dragging it out helps the 49ers because the opponent doesn’t know who to prepare for…they have to prepare for both…but its NFL people no one cares about feelings getting hurt…we ALL know CK is a better QB than AS
CK will start. This is a very critical issue in the locker room and JH wants to make sure the team is ok with the move. In addition why not let the Rams prepare for two QBs!!! GO NINERS
What bothers me is the way Harbaugh seems to talk in circles without saying anything. He says Alex Smith is the starter but in the same sentence says Kaepernick is no backup. Talk about ambiguous. These players are grown men, they can take it. I’m fine with whatever decision he makes, just make one and stick to it.
Yes the team is coming apart over this. There is rioting in the street and western society is finished because the media and the fans don’t know who will be the starting QB this Sunday.
In Harbaugh’s mind, there is probably no QB controversy. I’d be willing to bet that he knows exactly what he is going to do.
However, he has succeeded in keeping first the Saints and now the Rams prepping for two entirely different styles of play. Who knows if this helps, but it is a smart thing to do.
The team has remained united under this strategy.
Finally, he has been tweaking the media around this issue. Very enjoyable entertainment. Grant, was that your voice Coach found so distracting?
John Henry Smith from Comcast.
bet rams are preparing for CK…..they already have there plan from 3 weeks ago for AS which they could just flip the switch on come game day……of course rams do kind of suck
i know i am mixing my there and their
Repeat after me: “In Harbaugh we trust”, and just shut up and watch.
I agree. It’s pretty good theater.
“and just shut up and watch”
Versus which other option?
The only good thing about this situation is the 49ers pushed the Jets and Tebow off the front page for the first time this year.
Coach Harbaugh did nothing wrong, If Alex did not get hurt this would have never happen, But it did, So in comes CK in the Ram’s game, Team down by a TD, Brings them back to lead the game at one point, End’s in a tie 24 up, CK went up vs the Bears, Just kick ass, Looked awesome, Alex still not clear to play to Saturday a day before the Saints game, Again he goes with CK, I think the Coach wanted another look at CK, Just to be sure, CK played a good game, Yes could have been better, But a win in the Saints house is awesome at anytime, Coach did nothing horribly like someone said, I say he did his job and did it well, CK came in and took the niners to another leave, Alex went as high as he can go, No more, Time for a change, That time is now, Sorry Alex, Time to move on.
This is actually how Tom Brady got his shot with New England. Bledsoe got hurt and Brady never looked back. I’ve said it before. This team is modeled after NE. The organization is making a lot of the same moves. Now, they are making the same move at QB.
I wish Harbaugh had said something like this: “We are fortunate to have two quarterbacks who are game-ready. The best player plays, and right now Colin is playing better than Alex.” This would have been consistent with the team’s stated policy. But he didn’t say that and it’s become controversial outside the locker room. On the other hand, Harbaugh coaches differently from other head coaches. He’s really unconventional. Maybe he fully intends to start Alex in some games and Colin in others. With Alex’ mindset apparently the way it is, maybe that would work fine. And wouldn’t all the other head coaches we face pull out all their hair in preparing for us! Think about that.
It’s not a controversy until it divides the team or becomes a distraction for them. There are no indications that the former has occurred or will occur, and by making the announcement tomorrow, Harbaugh won’t let the latter happen.
Of course, some members of the media won’t be satisfied with the announcement and will insist on peppering the players with questions regarding their reaction to the decision. That’s on them, not Harbaugh.
no doubt there will be media frollicking
I didn’t need the image of Ratto frollicking just before dinner.
At this point know I do not believe its a problem. I am not sure on this particular team that it would ever evolve into a problem. If it were a case between good and bad this discusion doesnt even take place. It is a case between good and good I think most if not all players buy into whoever JH selects as is QB. I do believe that decision happens tomorrow.
I think a little more intriguing than this QB controversy is who will pick up Jason Babin.
4 playoff contenders seem to be good fits.
NE
CHI
ATL
DEN
However, it appears DET might just steal him off waivers and propose a trade to one of these three teams. I don’t think DET will trade him to CHI.
This is relevant to SF, because ATL is going to be a probable playoff matchup. NE is coming up in the regular season. Will his 5.5 sacks put any of these defenses on another level? Interesting…
Good point. He was disruptive against us last year when we played the Eagles.
He needs to decide. My fantasy is riding on it.
Now that’s funny!
Shoot. Harbaugh and Chryst are so good with QBs, this may just continue, as they draft a new prospect in 2013, and the pipeline grows. Coach can do whatever he wants. Except drink too much caffeine, not happy about his “recalibration”.
Did anyone else notice that Tom Brady played the entire game on Sunday, despite the blowout? Does that mean Mallett isn’t ready yet? Yet, we have two QBs who can get it done. Maybe three, as ST might be better than we think. We. Are. So. Cool.
Are the 49ers the new version of the Gibbs led Redskins?
Leaving Brady in only means that Belichik is a bit of a douche.
They also lost Gronkowski after up by several scores.
The answer to your question Grant, can only be found in the locker room. The media interpretation of events, and the fan interpretation, have no bearing on the success of the team.
It’s only a mishandling if he’s mishandling it in the locker room. The team is notoriously closed doors under Harbaugh, so we really have no idea of how this is playing out amongst the team. If it divides the team, or undermines the players faith in their qb, or their coach, yeah, then it’s a problem. If the players are okay with it, that’s all that really matters.
Angus,
I hear you, but I doubt it is a democracy. JH calls the shots and if it is CK, so be it! Two good QBs. Good times.
From a csn report:
“Gore was unambiguous in stating there’s no fear of a quarterback dilemma dividing the locker room.
“That’s not here,” he said. “We’re a team. That’s one thing about our locker room. We’re one. We’re all as one. If it’s Alex, we’re going to be behind Alex. If it’s Kap, we’re going to be behind Kap.’”
Does anyone know the names of the kickers we tried out today? It appears they’re bringing in some competition for Akers.
If there was no turnovers in the game (2 pick 6…one muff punt return by GINN) the niners still win 17 to 14
Bill Parcells said it like this; “If somebody else gets in that huddle for you, there’s a chance you may not get back in that huddle”. And that is how it should be.
Just out from MM…DW expects AS to start on Sunday!!! Hmm.
Who is DW?
Delanie Walker?
Yup.
hof
For the good of the team, I hope that happens. DW can’t be thinking AS is the starter and player x think CK is the starter.
If that were to happen, it doesn’t do anything good at all. Forget the “other team has to prepare for 2 QB’s” thing. Teams were already doing that earlier this year anyway.
A sure way to lose games if to have a split locker room on who the starting QB is/should be. We were the most unified group last year and the best team. We won’t be the best team if we aren’t unified. That is a fact.
DS,
If CK is better, that is for the good of the team. There has never been any division on the team. There is zero acrimony. There is no divide. There won’t be regardless of who is the starter. The one clear message that Harbaugh has sent through his actions: We need better QB play.
BigP,
I don’t see your point, “The one clear message that Harbaugh has sent through his actions: We need better QB play.”
AS was injured and CK replaced him. AS was outstanding prior to his injury. AS wasn’t replaced!!
Hofer,
You pretend that Harbaugh didn’t go after Manning. Whatever. The contract they gave Smith reflected the value they placed on him. The fact that they didn’t franchise tag him reflected the value they placed on him. The fact that they are even entertaining a QB switch shows you the value they place on him. Smith is a stop gap to the future, whenever that arrives. That isn’t a knock on Smith, it’s just a very obvious observation based on the teams actions. Like I always say, actions speak louder then words.
P really? The Manning card again, come on man!
Prime,
Am I wrong? The way the team has treated/handled Smith tells me that they are looking to get more from the position. Whether or not that happens this year, I don’t know. You get too sensitive when talking about Smith. I’m not here saying he sucks or calling him Alice or any of the other crap. I look at how the team has dealt with him, and they haven’t treated him like a franchise QB. They have treated him like they have every bit of leverage in the relationship and are more then willing to apply it.
Hofer < you say you keep it straight. Sound like you went a little crooked here. Here are Delaney Walkers word, not yours.
On who he thinks should be the 49ers starting quarterback:
“They’re both great. Alex [Smith] did not lose his job – he didn’t do anything to lose his job. So he should have the right of way to start again. But like you’ve seen, [Colin] Kaepernick has been doing a great job of controlling the offense, making great plays and putting us in winning situations.”
On if he is surprised at the level of success Colin Kaepernick has had in his first two starts:
“Not at all. Kaepernick was doing that last year when he got in here during training camp and he was doing it this year during training camp. He’s always been waiting and he had that moment to go out there and show the world what he can do. He also has a great teacher and that’s Alex Smith. He sits there and he’s like a sponge. He learns everything Alex teaches him and you can see it when he goes out there and he does what he does on the field.”
On if he would be surprised if Alex Smith did not start this week against the St. Louis Rams:
“I would probably be a little surprised [if Alex Smith did not start] because like I said, Alex didn’t do anything to lose the job. He got hurt so that gave [Colin] Kaepernick a chance to go out there and win games, and he did that; especially in the Monday night game, a big one in his first start. But Alex has shown that he can win and he led us to the NFC Championship Game, so I’m very confident in Alex. I would be a little surprised but whatever Jim Harbaugh decides, I’m going to go with it.”
Sorry, Jordo. I posted the link to the DW interview and didn’t see you had a good chunk of it down already.
So that’s not JH talking, that’s Delaney Walker talking. Unfortunately, he’s not the coach. Crazy because after Sunday’s game, you’d think Delaney would want to see Kaepernick. Delaney cant seem to catch Smith’s passes. Alex is DONE
It seems the receivers haven’t lost confidence in AS. Hmm.
The meaning of Walker’s comments depends on which side your bias leans.
Sugar coat it any which way. The players believe you should never lose your job to injury. Why because if it were to happen to them personally, it could mean they don’t play. Why support that philosophy.
Harbaugh knows this decision could turn his lockeroom upside down.
23jordan you are right to point out that Hoferfan67 took his own meaning from what Walker said. As usual, Jack Hammer has it right.
Your problem is that you’ve been beating the “Alex is DONE” drum for so many years that now that there is a realist chance for a better quarterback to develop, you’ve become noise in the back ground.
I don’t expect Kaepernick to flame out, but the NFL proves year after year that it’s always a possibility.
Grant, I think you should stop having breakfast with you’re dad every day. I think he’s stealing your “best” ideas.
http://www.csnbayarea.com/football-san-francisco-niners/niners-talk/49ers-Walker-expecting-Alex-Smith-to-sta?blockID=806883&feedID=2800
That last question about the Giants, thats exactly what happened that week. We spent all week talking about what they had and it belonged to us. I cringed everytime I read or heard an interview. We lost that game long before it was played!
“We’re going to pound the ball, throw it and get short yardage, and let the receivers make the first down for us.”
Seems to me that is the plan no matter the QB. Also sounds like the WCO. Also sounds like a winning strategy. So much for the “CK throws it deep thing.”
+1 DS
Lol but you haven’t watched bs… So much for him throwing it deep? Ha ha haaaaaaa. You haven’t a clue. Keep hating. You know who the better qb is. That’s why you disappeared. Ha ha haaaa
md
you’re BS. Stop talking to yourself and your only BS friends.
You’re killin it Grant! lol If I were in your shoes I would be trying to buddy up to JH. Wouldn’t it be great if you were the first person in the media he informed this decision to? The way you’re workin it, you may be getting a seat outside the media tent.
Harbaugh knows exactly what he’s doing! What would it be saying to the team to bench the player that the players chose as Captain of the team for a 2nd year guy with potential?
Does he want the possibility of putting his name next to Singletary’s as the 2 coaches to bench Alex going into St.Louis for an important divisional game?Sing knows he screwed up, JH won’t! The Rams made T Smith look really bad and AS came in and drove them right down the field. Alex will make a statement in this game and silence everyone.
Thanksgiving day forward is where the good teams seperate themselves from the wannabees. Seattle wants to be the 9ers. Theyre going to Chicago. We can be wrapping up this division real soon. He’s gonna go with what he trusts!
montana
Remember that news conference JH had about some local reporter who was bagging on AJ. JH didn’t mention it by name, but it was funny to guess who it was.
Grant would have to caddie for JH about a million times now to get back into his good graces.
Yeah, because caddying for Harbaugh gets people in his good graces. After a long day of golf, there is nothing Harbaugh loves to do more then start “evaluating” QB’s.
From Mike Sando ESPN:
“According to Bledsoe, Smith hasn’t been sidelined long enough for the 49ers to disregard all the evidence the team weighed before naming Smith the starter over Kaepernick out of training camp. He also thinks the two defensive touchdowns San Francisco scored against New Orleans make it tough to emphasize Kaepernick’s 2-0 starting record.”
“Veteran quarterbacks tend to sympathize with other veteran quarterbacks. We’ve seen Steve Young suggest the 49ers should stick with Smith, for example.”
Dude you are reaching very very far. What happened to you man? Ill match your Bledsoe with a John madden opinion. Madden says CK is better and that’s who should start. Wheeew. This is fun. Rd 2? Lol all that matters is what coach says.
MD,
All I’m doing is posting what the scribes are saying. What’s your point??!!
hof
His point is that he doesn’t care/know how to read.
My point is if you’re all about the team. Why the negative posts about ck and all positive in favor of smith? Would you be happy if ck started?
Sando has also said he believes Kaep will be the starter.
Tomorrow certain Smithers will gloat and stomp about the blog spouting crap about “karma” and “magical feelings” or else those same Smithers will disappear for another two weeks and leave the blog a better place.
It’s all in Harbaugh’s hands. I didn’t think he would bench Smith last week. No idea what he’ll do this week.
It won’t matter unless either QB wins. I am definitely not angry with CK’s results to date.
It was validated that AS was still having side effects and not completely cleared until Saturday. Now AS is completely good to go so the circumstances are different.
Hof, Harbaugh has deflected all the attention in this on himself. Why? Dude has heart problems cause if it.
Alex was cleared to play and was benched. That was the action, not the words.
I don’t pay attention to Harbaugh’s words anymore – only his actions.
John madden says CK should start. He’s better for this team and passed two tests to prove it. Uh oh!!!!! Lol
MD,
I’ll raise your Madden with a Kurt Warner. He is in AS’s camp!!
“Veteran quarterbacks tend to sympathize with other veteran quarterbacks. We’ve seen Steve Young suggest the 49ers should stick with Smith, for example.”
Thanks Jack and many of us agree!
Yes, about 30% of the commentors on this blog agree with you. LoL
Jack, JH likes being the underdog! Is that a sign?? LOL
We’ll find out in less than 24 hours.
Yes we will!!
He wasn’t trying to play the under dog when he went after Manning. He wanted to be dominant.
Alex Smith is our 2nd string QB. You Smithers better start wrapping your head around that right now. He’s DONE in SAN FRANCISCO!
Hof ill call your Warner and raise you my Chris Carter. Wheeew! Lol
John Madden was asked: What about the argument that a starter who is injured should start again when he recovers?
“That’s just an old school of thought, and nothing else,” Madden said. “It’s your responsibility as a coach to put the best players on the field and put them in the best position you can to win the game, and that’s it.”
Time to make it crystal clear to all Harbaugh. RoboKap is the ONLY starter and Alex will be a very solid backup from here on out.
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2012/11/27/last-add-before-49ers-wednesday-announcement-kaepernick-is-already-the-starting-qb-how-is-this-in-doubt-any-more/
Kawakami makes way too much sense…..
I just shook up my magic eight ball and asked if Smith was going to start and it gave me the “Without a doubt” answer, so there you have it.
Pretty conclusive right? I just saved Harbaugh a press conference.
********BREAKING NEWS************
An inside source “my gut feeling” has announced that Alex Smith will be the starter Sunday. You can all rest now. Because my gut in hardly never ever wrong. Enjoy your night faithful!!! The controversy is OVER!!!! Wheeew!!!!
You said the Niners would lose last Sunday? I don’t know if I can trust that gut Md?
Whatever, my magic eight ball broke that story first.
Hey…. I said my gut feeling “hardly” ever wrong. And I was picking with my head. Not my gut. Lol
And coffee. I don’t need outside sources. Lol
Josh Johnson gets resigned and takes Hunters vacated roster spot to become the starting qb. Done and done.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1423951-kaepernick-passes-eye-test-better-than-smith-but-does-he-actually-pass-better
Love this article. Dear Grant Cohn burned by a guy who isn’t paid to write, who does it for fun…excellent article, nails the situation and makes me realize how much this blog has degenerated…
It is a well written article by Erler!
Hof is he talking about Grant?
Prime,
The article is about the 9ers and specifically the QB dilemma.
But in the article he talks about young Bayarea writer writing in hypotheticals?
Prime,
I’m not sure but it could be Grant.
Hof and Prime
Doesnt really matter who he is talking about, what this writer was trying to do was trying to keep it real. I wish I had the talents to express myself like this writer. I am not to fond of the bleacher report but this particular article says so much that I have been trying to say. The Bear game Kap was great in the Saints game Kap was good. The band wagon are full of people who basically just wasnt AS gone no matter what. I have never or will never jump on a band wagon. That doesnt mean I dont like CK, it means I have watched way too many games in my life and have witnessed one day wonders, monthly wonders, and yearly wonders. I was slow to come around when Young replaced Montana, but I always have and will continue support the Niners and all members of the team. I thought thats was the biggest part of being a loyal fan.
One can not debate with the critics without it evolving into a slandering defunk. Its why I usually absolve myself from these kind of discusions. I enjoy talking football but talking to critics with their “absolutes” leaves no room for a discusion as they are always right. That is the absolute truth.
Undercenter
“I enjoy talking football but talking to critics with their “absolutes” leaves no room for a discusion as they are always right. That is the absolute truth.”
This makes it hard to read Grant’s write-ups. He speaks in absolutes more than any other here.
>>I’m not sure but it could be Grant.
The article links to Grant’s PD postings.
That’s a great article with a lot of knowledge of the local “faithful”.
I especially like the fact that he credited everyone he used by name accept this one.
“The rationalizations and arguments against Smith get more absurd by the day. One enterprising young bay area columnist wrote that Kaepernick evaded a number of sacks that Smith wouldn’t have and that “If Alex Smith had played, he would have been sacked five times.”"
Did Grant write that?
Yes.
Check out Grant’s grades for Kaepernick.
“49ers Week 12 grades: Kaepernick”
“In the same column, our young friend guessed that Kaepernick made “five-to-ten plays that Alex Smith absolutely cannot make.”
This is what sports journalism has come to in 2012, critiquing players on hypothetical plays that haven’t happened and never will. Another young lad seduced by the eye-pleasing charms of the mobile quarterback, oblivious to the lead-footed dominance of Tom Brady and the Manning bros. this past decade.
I can play that game, too, watch: “Smith would’ve never thrown an interception right at Patrick Robinson. Smith would’ve never taken two delay-of-game penalties. He would’ve audibled out of every single play that went badly for Kaepernick. Vernon Davis wouldn’t have dropped his pass because it wouldn’t have been thrown as hard. Smith would’ve never let Ted Ginn fumble or let Kyle Williams and Kendall Hunter suffer season-ending injuries on the same play.”
You see how stupid this sounds?”
The truth is a beautiful thing.
“The offense scored 17 points against the Saints. Two touchdowns and a field goal in a 60-minute game. Not bad, not great, just average.
It may be hard to remember, seeing as it came all of ten months ago, but Smith led the fellas to 36 points, against these same Saints in a slightly more important game, a contest in which he threw for three touchdowns, ran for another and didn’t throw any balls to the other team.”
yep the comments to that article was 80% bashing the writer for his perspective
Coffee
Every former professional QB who has spoken on the matter has said that Colin makes “all the throws” while Alex is limited. Those throws include the 25 yard laser to Delanie, the out pattern to Crabtree, the 4th quarter pass to Vernon, the KW pass, etc…
Case in Point – Throws Over 20 Yards:
Alex – 22 in 8 games
Colin – 10 in 2 games
“Just realize that whatever your issues you had with Smith, they were not based on fact or any available evidence. They were products of your biases and preconceived notions and your lying eyes. The 49ers, one of six or seven teams in the Super Bowl conversation, will win games when their defense plays lights out or even decently, nine times out of ten with Smith. ” — from the article linked above.
Attention Bayareafanatic, Msclemons, 23Jordan, etc. This was written about you.
You guys constantly harp abut “The Smithers”. I have seen no such person on this blog. What I have seen is childish name-calling, cherry-picking of stats and absurdly twisted “reasoning” to support your position coupled with a seriously neurotic inability to cope with those who disagree with your opinion.
You guys destroy all possibility of having intelligent football discussions in which we can learn from each others’ differing perspectives. To further quote the article, “Stop. Just Stop.”
For the record, I prefer Kaep’s style of QB play to Smith’s. Based on his performance to date, I think he is probably going to be the starter…sometime next year.
As for who gives us the best chance this year, only the Niner coaches have the data to decide that, not Irvin, not Madden, Not Johnson, not Young, not me and, based on your history of being totally incompetent at looking at the situation objectively, certainly not you.
Bra-f’ing-vo.
Problem here is that many mature people on this blog have already said this without the obsessive need to call anyone out or degrade others.
Dr,
did that make you feel better? Did you let it all out? You took a shot at an entire group, then in the same breath said you prefer Kaep’s style to Smiths.
Anyone that took a stance to defend Smith’s play ate a plate full of crow this week.
In eight years I’ve lived through high turnovers, losing records, learning curves until Smith felt “comfortable” in a system, bailing out of the pocket right, eyes that watched the rush and ignored downfield routes, sacks, lack of pocket presence and yes check downs galore.
While Smith did have a rough road with a multitude of coordinators and lack of weapons, he also lacked the special qualities that come along with being a number one pick in the NFL. If Smith had been picked in the last two years he would have been lucky to have been a 2nd round pick. The decisions being made now are at least informed decisions. Being made by a QB guru. While we may not have truly known Smith’s “ceiling” before, we have a pretty good indication now.
All the limitations that I’ve regurgitated over the last two years are the exact reason why he is losing his job to a young QB with hardly any experience. Harbaugh has seen his ceiling as well and he knows he cannot beat the Giants and get to the superbowl with Smith. If he could, this move would not have been made.
I’ve watched Smith get replaced by Carr, Troy Smith, and now CK. The difference this time is CK was hand picked by Harbaugh. And when CK hit the field against the Bears, questions were answered. You saw the Harbaugh system run the way it was supposed to be run. Reading a defense from the top down and utilizing the entire field. Not taking sacks and increasing third down efficiency.
Dr. and anyone else that has a problem with me personally, kiss my grits as flo would say. But I was right.
I lobbied for CK in the draft, I lobbied for him to be the starter in 2013. And all the limitations in Smith’s game that I have pointed to have accelerated that time table. Swallow that along with your pride and enjoy the ride…..
@ bay:
Dr, did that make you feel better?
I can’t speak for drsgrosse, but I certainly enjoyed reading it.
You took a shot at an entire group, then in the same breath said you prefer Kaep’s style to Smiths.
You just don’t get it, do you? You can’t see the difference between (1) expressing a preference for a style of play and (2) making up b/s to discredit a player (on the team you claim to root for) merely because he plays the style you don’t prefer or questioning the fandom of those who actually support that player. Wow.
And please stop with the victory dance. If the past 1.5 seasons have proven anything, it’s that you were wrong about Alex Smith. He isn’t a bust. He isn’t below average. The 49ers can win, and have won, with him at QB, including in the playoffs. Simply put, he is a good QB. You haven’t been able to see that, however, because it would require you to admit that you were w-w-w-wrong and, apparently, your ego can’t handle that.
That Harbaugh has determined Kaepernick is a better QB doesn’t change any of that. His likely promotion of Kaepernick over Smith does not equal a conclusion that Smith is inadequate or that the 49ers cannot win with him. It just means that Harbaugh believes Kaepernick is better and gives the team a better chance.
Unlike you, I recognize that Harbaugh knows more about football than I do, so I trust him to make the right decision. Also, unlike you, I will cheer for the team, and the QB, regardless of whom he selects. That’s because, unlike you, I am more a fan of the 49ers than I am of my own opinions regarding football.
Claude,
pipe down. There are real 49er fans and real football bloggers in the room that have real opinions mr. cut and paste.
Claude,
who do you think will be named starter this week? Opinion?
Claude who do you think is the better option at QB going forward beginning next year? Opinion?
>>There are real 49er fans and real football bloggers in the room
So who let you into this room?
You know Rib, I like a lot of people in general. When I went to NY I didn’t go out of my way to meet up with you because I don’t care for you too much.
Do you have something related to football that you would like to speak about?
Who do you think will start at QB this week Rib? Who is our starter next year and beyond?
>>When I went to NY I didn’t go out of my way to meet up with you because I don’t care for you too much.
Yet somehow I survived.
Just as the Niners will survive, no matter who starts – Smith or Kaep.
Bay,
That great article, by Erler, was literally, written about you. Be proud! You’re famous…..er rather, infamous.
@ bay:
There are real 49er fans and real football bloggers in the room that have real opinions mr. cut and paste.
And then there’s you.
What game is oneniner going to. That’s a guy is love to meet up with. Lol c’mon y’all most of us are Niner fans. Is whoever starts going to sway you all from rooting for this team? If this defense continues its play like last season. Then we’ve got a pretty good shot at winning it all. Smith has marginally improved from last season and ck is another weapon teams have to account for. Either way it starts and finishes with this defense this season.
Bay,
Instead of running a self served victory lap, read what is being written.
Nowhere in these posts is anybody ripping Kap or saying he is unworthy of starting. What is being said is that because Kap will likely be named the starting QB this week, doesn’t mean you were right in your views of Smith. That ship has sailed. Smith has already achieved more than his detractors ever believed he could.
All that is happening now is that the Coaching staff may believe they have a better player to take over. Doesn’t mean the crazy rants about Smith were right; they weren’t. It means that Kaepernick may have ascended to the point he is able to play at a higher level long term than Alex Smith is.
@ Rocket,
that’s your opinion. I disagree with it, but it’s your opinion.
Here’s the deal. Am I gloating a bit. Hell yes. I’ve had to listen to blowhard Bull$hit and personal attacks on here for a while now. Folks that defended mediocrity and told me that I didn’t know what I was talking about because ultimately JH went with Smith and he was the starter.
Smith has excelled in the areas that I said were not critical. Look at his completion percentage and passer rating. Claude touted those as strengths and I said they were not as critical. Production was.
Well now Smith is going to be replaced basically by a rookie with two games of experience. So if I want to gloat a little excuse me…..
Bay,
You’re a sore winner!! LOL
Rocket leave Bay alone to stroke himself for thinking he has some sort of vindication on here. He thinks this is his one shinning moment for some reason.
Bay,
You’re gloating over something you have no right to gloat over and yes that’s my opinion. You were one of many pointing at total passing yards as a tool to denegrate Smith’s play and that has proven to be a poor basis on which to base an opinion. His yards per attempt are top 5, his TD to pass ratio is top ten. You and a few others glossed over the fact that overall yards mean nothing if you are last in attempts. That is the kind of stuff you’ve been complaining about and that has nothing to do with why Smith is being replaced, if he is replaced as I expect.
He’s being replaced because the guy behind him is more talented and ready to go, not because he failed or his Coach didn’t want him anymore.
As I’ve already said, if you are happy with the change, that’s great, you got what you wanted, but this visionary gloating you and Jordan have been passing off the past few days is completely unwarranted. You have not been vindicated on the things you ripped Smith about and that’s the bottomline.
>>blowhard Bull$hit
You mean blowhard Bull$hit like vows to dump the team if the team goes forward with Alex? Whining as if they were 0-16 with him playing? Whatever came your way on this blog was instigated entirely by you, my friend.
Oh, and in the offhand chance that JH names AS the starter going forward, you will dial down the bay-gloat-a-meter a little, no? Otherwise expect more blowhard Bull$hit your way :)
@ Rocket,
if you think yards are the end all be all of my gripes with Smith, then you haven’t paid much attention.
My gripes are with production.
Yes yards are a gripe of mine. So is scoring. Akers didn’t set a record last year by accident.
Third down conversions. This is a stat that the Smith led offense has been terrible at. This stat alone directly effected other parts of the team including his production. Had he improved his third down percentage he would have (a) gotten more pass attempts, and (b) had more yards. He wouldn’t have scored more because he does not know how to attack an end zone.
The last two years under Sing his poor third down conversion rate directly hurt a decent defense. They constantly wore down in the fourth quarter because they were on the field too long.
You have your opinion Rocket and I have mine.
Bays problem is with yards and scoring. Can anyone say Fantasy Football Fan?
How about wins and loses Bayareafanatic? How come you don’t have any issues with those two stats?
Cause your a fantasy football fan, not a football fan. That is a fact!
Bay your gripes are with style. The Niners were 11th overall in scoring and won 14 games. The 3rd down percentage sucked but it didn’t stop them from success in other areas. Third down inefficiency is not all on the QB either.
Your main complaints have always been about passing yards which is why I picked that one out in response. You are a knowledgeable guy Bay, but when it comes to Smith you are a victim of your bias towards high octane passing games. You don’t like the way Smith plays whether it wins or not. That is why you wanted a change. Now you have it so be happy but don’t pat yourself on the back for it; it’s not happening because of the things you hated about Smith.
Ok Rocket,
then if you are correct then we should not see much of a production increase with CK undercenter.
The system is the system.
Am I to believe that Smith who is rated a top ten QB was getting the most out of this offense?
You will now see an increase in yards and scoring IMO. You will see an increase in rushing yards. We will see a decrease in sacks. I also think that we will see a slight increase in turnovers.
But the biggest question that will be answered is the legitimacy of “the system”. Earlier this year bloggers, fans and media were even wondering if it was Roman. My guess is, it was not. And now Kaep will prove it.
Bay you will continue to see what we have seen the past two games and the past two years. More running than passing, playing conservative with a lead and hopefully wins. The total yards passing may increasea little because Kap is taking more shots downfield, but this is not going to become the Packers or Saints dude. Love it or hate it the 49ers are a smash mouth running offense that throws off of playaction. That is what they have been everywhere Harbaugh has been. If a few more deep throws and fewer sacks are enough to pacify you, then you should be happy. If not, then you won’t be happy until the Coaching staff changes.
I think that if you are that unhappy with this blog you should leave. Not only should you leave, but you should take as many as will go with you. Grant Cohn isn’t writing gospel doctrine here.
Some of the most fun articles to read here are the speculations. Grant Cohn is inducing thought provoking questions that get hits from several new and old supporters.
Sure you can sit behind a keyboard and take shots at him. The fact of the matter is that we’re here because we want to be. We support Grant Cohn.
So instead of throwing out negativity, just take the invitation to leave.
amen brother….
>>Grant Cohn is inducing thought provoking questions…So instead of throwing out negativity, just take the invitation to leave.
Yes, some of the reaction provoked is negative (hence the word provocation) and why shouldn’t that negativity be expressed? Not in the usual “clown” or “slime” kindergarten name calling though. If you have a problem with what Grant is coming up with, you should be able to tell him so. Otherwise, why even have the “Post Comment” button?
The writer is one of us. That’s awesome.
Will the real Michael Erler please step forward so I can thank you for the shout-out!
alright, I admit it, I’m Michael Erler….
I’m surprised you couldn’t tell by my witty screeds.
Now, I’d like to know why I stopped writing that great Neurosis with Balls blog.
I loved reading …..er writing that stuff!
/raises his hand
Does it count if you wish that you had written it?
First of all I want to address Alex Smith! Is he a good QB??? He has had some very good moments and some very bad moments and under JH he has excelled in ways that I as a life time 49er fan never thought he would ever reach. That being said can he be better then he has been this yr I don’t think so. Can Alex Smith make the plays I’ve seen Kaep making??? Some of them maybe…Most of them NO I don’t think so. Alex can be a great QB but after watching the last two games the offense has had more big plays in the last two games and more punch then I’ve seen all season. The defense has played more inspired and with more energy and excitement in the last two games then I’ve seen all yr. I love what Alex has done in the last two seasons with JH but I am VERY VERY excited and look forward to seeing more of what Kaep brings to the table. And also I’d keep in mind your judging a kid making his first two starts in the NFL on the same standard as a guy who’s been playing for 7 yrs now…cut him some slack he can only go up from here!
I’ve no problem w/ Kaep starting, but to name him the permanent starter now is, imho, painting yourself into a corner. What if he has a couple of so-so(or even worse) games ala EManning w/ his tired elite arm, LOL, if you believe Greg Cosell?
But I do want to see Kaep starts vs. the Rams, because he will be playing a team which has faced him before and this time with more time to prepare for him. It’ll be another “test” for him.
i do as well…..does CK grow from another start against the rams….or do the rams with that defensive minded fisher actually game plan to neutralize CK that the rest of the league latches onto….
and if CK doesn’t start is JH protecting him….
Windsor,
NFL QB’s need a couple of years worth of starts to become seasoned. Kaep only has two starts so of course one more start will be helpful to him.
I’d rather have him encounter struggles now so that he can see more “looks” and figure out to to overcome.
@niners
Can you say hook line and sinker , you took the bait wow the guy is just trying to play the other side of the coin , I noticed how he did not bring up the 5 turnovers that Alex got from the defense guess how many points they got from them ? I will tell are you read for this 13 wow that’s a lot of points , O and by the way did he mention the saint defense was garbage last year too no he did not , Y do you think the saints have to blitz so much because there defense is garbage .
Sorry I mean are you read for this 13
Who knows if he’s handling it well with the team which is the most important part. If the team is ok with how he’s handling it then I’m ok with it. Having said that, I don’t think Harbaugh’s handling it very well in the media. Like it or not, players are under a constant barrage of questions about the QB situation from the media. Those flood of questions have to have an effect on the players no matter how hard Harbaugh tries to control it. Harbaugh is getting ripped by Peter King and some of the other national guys where he’s already lost quite a bit of credibility after the “we never pursued Manning” quotes. Harbaugh may be trying to force the opponents into preparing for 2 QBs but his players are paying the price with the flood of attention they have to deal with regarding the QB situation. I personally don’t think thats the way to go especially if Harbaugh has already made a decision on the starter.
I totally agree with you Houston.
Here are the real questions: Do the Niners keep Smith on the roster past April 1 2013 and pay him $7.5 million as a highly paid backup, pay him the 7.5 million him and then try to trade him to a team in desperate need of a game managing QB, or pay the 1 million roster bonus and let him walk before April 1? My guess is they let him walk (though he may walk to Arizona if they’re not careful!). Some teams might trade a second or third rounder for Smith…. Too bad the Raiders don’t have any more picks to trade.
Many athletes try to live by a trite old saying that works if you can do it. “Take one game at a time.”
Try taking one season at a time. I know it’s boring but it does work. I’ve done it for 67 49er seasons. ;-}
Chewie,
No team is going to trade anything for Alex Smith. If any GM wanted Alex Smith, they would’ve signed him last year. Don’t let his stats here fool you this year. He is a system fit for this offense and the best QB coach in the entire NFL. Alex Smith will be a backup next year. He can’t excel in a system outside of this one because he is being micromanaged. He has seriou limitations and he isn’t forced to make the throws that RoboKap is making.
Per ESPN we just locked Bowman down with a 5 year extension.
Not sure what you guys are fighting over. One guy will start and the other will be hands down the best backup in the NFL. That is a nice problem to have. Long term Kaepernick is almost certainly the guy here and the 49ers will owe Smith a debt of gratitude for playing such a critical role in helping build a bridge from some terrible days.
To me the far more interesting question is what does Smith do next year? He won’t stay here as a backup, much less for less money than he can earn on the open market. To me he has far and away the most value to the Cardinals. Not only is he a major improvement over what they have, he would come with a coach’s level of understanding of the 49er play book. The challenge for Smith and Condon will be to make that happen.
That would be very interesting. Harbaugh would have to play the he knows that I know that he knows on into infinity. At the same time, if Roman gets a head coaching job, then Harbaugh would have to play the many leveled “he knows” game while working with a new offensive coordinator. That would be interesting, especially if the Cardinals improve their receiver and offensive line depth.
We will need to be faithful!
I HATE THE CARDINALS!!!!! That being said, oooh i hate them, but seriously, they got a lot o’ problems and Alex Smith is not who I would recommend to put out that dumpster fire. We/they/everybody knows that Smith isn’t great at improvising, so until he learns the playbook… no dice. On top of that, we/they/everybody knows that Smith, like most QBs, does not flourish when playing behind a swiss cheese O-line. I don’t see Alex to ARI as being right for either party. I’d love to have him on our team, but if for whatever $$ reasons (his or the FO), he doesn’t stay on the team, for his benefit I would encourage him to go somewhere better.
Dangle
The Cards do have something AS never has had. A WR in LF. His first year there would be like last year here. He hadn’t mastered the offense but managed 13-3 with a great D.
True AZ hasn’t a FG, but we didn’t have a LF either, so it balances out.
With a decent QB, the Cards have a winning record right now.
Larry Fitzgerald would be very disappointed if AS goes to the Cards, he would make him look very average.He would actually nix the deal, he has that much power.
Have you watched any football? AS is JM next to the guys AZ has had since KW.
Were I a bettin man, I’d bet against the hypothetical AS-led Cardinals. The spreads might move based on whose coaching, who the OC is, the system they are running, and the whether they upgrade that Oline.
One of the big reasons their quarterbacks have looked so terrible is because they are getting hit more than an Alex Smith doll at Neals house!
Alex would get killed behind that Arizona O-line.
Dangle,
Alex will have to go anywhere he’s accepted. Every GM in this league knows that Alex SMith is a system fit in this offense. The best place for Smith is as a backup right here. He will have to take a paycut but he will flounder anywhere else. Are you ready for the Robo Kap era? Dangle, get your popcorn ready. We are going to the super bowl man!
Here is the deal, if AS starts he will be put on a very short leach, especially when he struggles and get sacked, and plays a few too many 3 and out and bad red zone play, misses too many open receivers.It won’t matter, if this happens at the Stick when they return, the fans will be yelling Kaep loud and clear, his days are coming to a end. I am losing interest in Harbaugh and who is going to start. I do know that Kaep is the present and future QB and AS will be somewhere else next season and will be the stop gap for the next QB of the future.
It is LEASH Neal, not leach.
I spell as bad as AS picket presence.
No more smart phone, I spell as bad as AS pocket presence.
Picket Presence was better. LoL!! :)
hahah Picket pocket, what the hell. Maybe I should drink a glass of wine, I will spell better. Jack do you think CK will start on Sunday?
No, but he should.
Neal and his stupid comments need to be put on a “leach”…
Their Randy, the guy has nothing ever to say about football, did you just get finished on your shift at Burger King. LMAO
If AS is Harbaughs guy then he would not have hesitated to call him his starter. Why the hesitation Jimbo?
Now that the fan base has seen CK, they would boo every Smith check down. Not fair really. AS needs a new home.
Whether it’s now or next year, AS loses.
Yup that is true.
Bay,
Feeling a little melodramatic tonight??!
The answer to the blog’s question is yes, because he’s handling the starting QB issue on his own terms. It’s driving the media & fans mad, but that is his coaching & interview style, keep them guessing.
How about a couple of dumb comments that made me laugh this season.
DS said CK would be traded for draft picks lol.
Hofer said about CK, his delivery is too long, and QB’s that are 2nd round picks are not successful. Oh yeah and QB’s that are over 6’4″ are not good WCO QB’s lol . And Claude says….. wait Claude doesn’t say anything. He picks through the comments of others.
bay
Shut up. Think of somebody else. Notice how I don’t bring you up randomly in every other post? That’s because you are irrelevant and a nothing to me.
Clearly you see me as relevant or you wouldn’t randomly discuss me.
Find you hot X-ilicious
Jeez Bay keep things in perspective! CK has upside but his record is 1 win, 1 tie, and 1 win for the D. He has crazy upside and is outstanding extending plays with his feet, but he has yet to prove he is the long term answer at QB. He may well be, but not yet. He also has not led us to the playoffs nor has he won a playoff game.
I know you don’t like AS, but at least let the dust settle. I will say if CK is named the 9er starting QB, unlike you, I will support him.
“CK has upside but his record is 1 win, 1 tie, and 1 win for the D.” That’s funny! : )
Add it to my list.
That tie is on Alex’s record.
The Niners didn’t win solely because of the defense. The offense provided the early lead (7-0). NO tied the game (7-7). Niners drive stalls. NO drives stalls. Niners fumbles punt. NO scores & takes the lead (14-7). Kaep throws int. Bree’s throws a pick 6, tied (14-14) Niners score td on opening drive of 2nd half (21-14). Drew throws another pick 6 (28-14). To his credit, Bree’s leads a td drive when they get the ball back( 28-21). Sf & NO trade stalled drives. Then Niners have a clock eating drive in which Kaep makes three big third down conversions & the team scores a fg to make it a 2 score game (31-21). Defense does the rest.
As you can see, the team was in a hole because of the muffed punt. Take away the resulting NO score & the Niners scored 17 points on long drives to NO’s. 14. Furthermore, Kaep had a number of big yard plays called back for holding, that would have potentially led to more scoring drives.
You can’t spin the reality that Kaep eluded sacks & made big plays to win the game , such as the 3rd down pass to Bruce miller, in which he broke from the grasp of a defender and made an accurate throw on the run.
Aside from special teams, all facets of the team contributed to a big win. Especially the passing offense led by Kaep.
Hof is just trying to push buttons. He’s knows damn well ck was a huge part of that win. He knows penalties killed an easy blowout. This is why Hof wasn’t around on game day. Why so mad about ck Hof? Your only reason for living on here isn’t smith only is it? I hope not. I thought you were a team guy. I’d be disappointed
Hof,
what’s Pat Devlin’s record? lol.
@ bay:
And Claude says….. wait Claude doesn’t say anything.
That’s right. I had never seen Kaepernick play in a meaningful situation until this year. On what basis would I offer an opinion? Not everyone is as fond of posting uninformed, ignorant opinions as you are.
I notice that you forgot to mention 23jordan’s comments about Kaepernick not being the answer and being trade bait. Why didn’t those make you laugh? Because you are a hypocrite?
I don’t mind Jordan, but those were pretty dang funny.
@ Jack:
What’s even funnier is how he now tries to paint himself as the founding member of the Kaepernick fan club.
Claude,
vindication is a powerful thing. JH basically proved my points this week.
If an NFL QB has solidified his spot as “the starter”, then his head coach would emphatically back him. JH is in love with CK’s play. So much so that he left Smith hanging in limbo and didn’t have his back. Even if Smith starts this weekend, he is done in SF.
As for calling out Jordan, I don’t need to. You did it. Jordan doesn’t attack me like you have over the last couple of years. I can ask you the same thing, why have you not called out that douche prime for being a welcher?
I’d actually love to call you out on some of your opinions Claude, but I can’t. Because you never have any. You just attempt to discredit others for their opinions. That’s weak……
Bay,
You’ve not been as over the top as Jordan in your crticism of Alex Smith, but you have stated many times in the past how little you thought he could accomplish and how limited a player he was. He proved you wrong last season and just further added to it this year. If Harbaugh decides to make the switch to Kap it is not vindication for people who did not like Alex Smith. It is the passing of the torch from a QB who has done a good job to one who is more talented and who has gotten to the point where he is probably the best option.
Be happy that you got your wish for a QB to replace Smith, but don’t claim you have been vindicated for all the venom spewed in the past. Let’s hope Kap is the real deal and takes us to #6.
first, i think its too early to judge Harbaugh on the how-he’s-handling issue until we know how this continues to progress. if he starts Alex this sunday, i think the things he’s saying – ie, hedging – will sound more relevant. this thing could take quite some time to play out. ideally someone take the opportunity they’ve been given and plays so well that no one questions the choice. along those lines, if Kaep gets the start and plays lights out against the Rams, it’s a strong positive for the team an apparent transition.
either way, In Harbaugh I Trust. He’s earned that.
http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1423304-jim-harbaugh-owes-nothing-to-alex-smith-must-commit-to-colin-kaepernick
Prime,
you want to talk about the last game and bring up how we would be in trouble if Brooks didn’t get that interception?
Your poster boy got five turnovers handed to him and was trailing the last time he played the Saints. And that was at home.
CK beat the Saints in their stadium. Somewhere 11 has never won.
You are going to miss your ritual I see. Putting baby oil on your banister and sliding up in down it wearing a niners speedo while watching Smith check down.
Get over it. CK is Harbaugh’s guy. Smith is a better QB because of JH and will at least get some attention next year because of it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ this is the funniest thing i ever heard lmao haaaaaaaaaa bay lol to funny
Back to the issue of bringing in some placekickers for a look today, maybe Grant or one of you football geniuses can recall the following:
I seem to remember that we had a young kicker in the preseason this year, and that he was really good. I know he didn’t make the roster.
Can anyone remember his name, and if another team picked him up?
Georgio Tevecchio from Cal.
Thanks Jack.
Wasn’t he nailing some long ones, or am I mistaken?
He was ok at Cal.
The two the tried out were Nate Kaeding and Billy Cundiff.
It was something silly like Giorgio Talcavechio
ope, too slow… and wrong! lol
I misspelled it too.
Giorgio tavecchio is the correct spelling. No he did not sign elsewhere.
Hey Trotter, Mortensen and Schefter why the silence tonight?
Can’t find a loose lipped rat at 49er headquarters? Where are your reliable sources?…..Those little fink snitches that keep you guys relevant.
Crabs,
You know what’s about to happen don’t you? Welcome to the new era. Nobody needs to report anything. Harbaugh knows that its that time. It’s time for Alex to soldier up for the last time. He’s the backup and we may need him if RoboKap gets hurt. Alex has to be strong. Take this benching like a man. Just like he did all the rest of them.
loose lips sink ships!
and pants dropping loosens those lips
I think Harbaugh is handling it fine because the team seems to be OK with whatever his decision is. If you watch them in their interviews you can tell they have their own opinions, but trust their coach’s decision.
We are the ones who aren’t handling this well :-)
heyyy welcome back 9ergirl!!!!
May the best man win. :-)
Here she is to save the day!
Prime Time says:
November 27, 2012 at 7:55 pm
It won’t matter unless either QB wins. I am definitely not angry with CK’s results to date.
That’s the ticket Prime. I feel the same way. It’s to late in the season to look back now. Whoever JH rolls with I’m backing them 100%. You may like one guy a little better, and I may like the other. But the fact is the defense is back and primed and ready for another Super Bowl run. Wheeeew! Oh and STL is going to get a beat down of epic proportions this Sunday. Hats off to them for waking this team up.
yep good call about the wakeup
I think if Alex Smith leaves the 49ers and then goes into the coaching side of the NFL, hes definately seen enough offenses to be able to work as a coaching assisstant.
True that. He’s definately seen, and been subjected to, enough offenses to know which ones to avoid like the plague.
Uhm……… hey guys………. aren’t you y’all just a wee bit freaking EXCITED watching Kaep play quarterback? Geez ….. maybe he won’t be a great one ….. but man, that possibility DOES exist, and I’m LOVIN’ it! (and don’t all have a freaking cow if he lays an egg here and there; Matt Ryan just had a FIVE interception game and Peyton and Brady have had some stinkers this year too)
PREDICTION: I’m about ready to go to bed here in Chiang Mai, Thailand where I live (in mountains in the northwest) and you folks will be waking up soon. By the time I wake up, the starter for the Rams game will be settled, I’ll roll over in bed, pick up my kindle fire and check this out before I’m really even awake.
I got a FEELING that Harbaugh will decide to stick with his original plan for this year and stay the course with Alex. Hope I’m wrong. But if he does stick with Alex, should be veeeeeeeeery interesting, would be the first time in his career Alex has ever had a challenge from someone who many consider better (yeah, yeah, Shaun Hill had his fans, but c’mon) – and be very interesting to see how he responds to that. Of course, Alex has a great attitude and maybe he is already playing his very best.
star sapphire country….had a breakfast of spicy mice while trekking there
Yes sir! Absolutely excited about CK’ prospects. While many here have attempted to pin CK with a run first QB, nothing could be further from the truth.
When CK was brought into the line-up early in the season his sole purpose was to run, and this was by offensive design. In his two starts he ran only as an option not as a run first mindset. He beat the Bears and the Saints with his arm and showed excellent pocket presence.
The comparisons have made with Vic, Cunningham, and Young among a few QB’ known for running. But the more I see of CK, I see a QB who is becoming more of a Roethlisberger type QB who can either avoid or break one arm tackles in the backfield and extend plays.
I know that CK is our future, I’m just not sure when the future starts.
I’ll leave that to Harbaugh.
AES,
Kap has proved beyond a doubt that he is a pocket passer who can run. He is not tucking and running at the first sign of trouble and is keeping his focus downfield when chased from the pocket. His awareness and command of the system are far beyond where I thought he’d be at this point in his career. Good for Kap and good for the 49ers.
I just enjoy looking at the standings at seeing us at number 2 in the NFC
If I win $500 million Powerball tonight, Niner playoff tickets are on me.
I couldn’t buy an NFL team without help though. The Jaguars are the lowest valued NFL team at $725 million.
I think with almost any other coach in 49er history or just any other coach period, I would feel pretty confident that Kap would be our starter this Sun. Harbaugh is just a different cat. He is an outstanding coach but just a little bit off kilter. i will be surprised if he does’nt name Kap the starter but i wo’nt be shocked. Either way you wo’nt hear any criticism from me. After Erickson, Nolan and singletary I’m just fine with JH and how he does thinga
it would be nice if we could see the JH pro vs con ledger for each player….i am sure all the pros and cons have been touched upon on this bolog
i just think the niners OL is finding their stride
ProFootballFocus’s analysis of the 49ers-Saints game:
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/11/27/refo-49ers-saints-week-12/
Interestingly, the writer gives the game ball to Ray McDonald. Assuming that his description of McDonald’s performance is accurate, I must confess that I completely missed it because I was indeed focused on the Smith Brothers.
Great article Claude. Thank you.
McDonald had a very good game, and he played a key role in both interceptions. On the Brooks int, McDonald got a good push up the middle which screened Brooks from Brees’ line of sight. He never saw him.
As the author correctly points out, he also got a nice push into the face of Brees on the int to Whitner, which is why the pass was high and off line.
The entire front 7 did a very good job putting pressure up the middle. Almost every QB can handle pressure from the edges, it is that middle pressure that gives them fits, especially if they are a small guy like Brees. It clouds their sight lines and does not allow them the ability to step into and through their throws.
There are always some unsung hero’s. in this defensive scheme the front 3 are very important. They don’t get the credit the lb’s do because they’re not the glory guys.
On the first post where this article is talking about the first pick. It says Bree’s Didnt see brooks. Watching the nfl replay Bree’s says he did see him, he was just trying to make a play. I figure he thought he had the mustard to fit it in before brooks stepped in front.
Grant’s “who should start” poll has RoboKap landslide winner but Dick Morris says Alex will triumph!
i also lean that AS will be starting…guess will just have to wait until after the knee scope to find out….not quite like a xmas morning but anticipation is still present
The latest Vegas Super Bowl odds have Niners and Patriots as co-favorites 3.5-1. :-)
Crabs is that 3.5-1 to make it or to win it?
old coach – To win it.
Jim Harbaugh turned a team of (mostly) underachievers into fearsome contenders. I’m down with him. Peter King and Skip Bayless and other omniscient pundits have their panties in a bunch; who the heck cares?
Grant & Lowell don’t approve either? *shrug*
Dropping opinion bombs about who should start is what columnists and bloggers and blog commenters do; ok. For those people to presume they know better is a bit self-congratulatory, but to be expected.
Personally there’s all sorts of things I’d do differently from Harbs, I’ve felt that from the beginning. I’d approach things differently than Grant too.
But I stay with the blog and I’m on JH’s bus even if trots out Anthony Dixon to play QB. Now THAT would get Peter King’s blood pressure up!
brotha
Can’t Sopoaga throw the ball like 70 yards? Why not have him be the QB? How many defenders will it take to bring him to the ground? If sacks are your man concern, he would be the best Niner to be our QB.
Uh-oh. Now sounds like we’ve got a controversy between Ice & ADix.
One weighs a good 300lbs and played rugby as a side sport.
I think I’ll go with that one in an actual match-up.
yeah, but Anthony has a Black Belt in Crazy
The coach and his staff know what they are doing. They put the best people on the field regardless of position, OG, dbs, wrs have all been immensley upgraded. Why not QB? Let the man do his job.