Jim Trotter just tweeted that Jim Harbaugh has informed Alex Smith that Colin Kaepernick will start against the Saints in New Orleans on Sunday.
According to Trotter’s sources, Harbaugh’s decision is not based on Smith’s health.
Here’s how I interpret this: If Kaepernick plays another stellar game against the Saints, the starting quarterback job is his for good. If he falls on his face, Smith could get another chance.
How do you interpret this?
Remember, I predicted this would happen. A lot of people disagreed with me about this move, but it sure appears I was right.
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Yes Sir!!! As well he should!!! Grant, I told them so 6 weeks ago!!!
Grant, Don’t steal my thunder. I told you about it remember????
I bow to 23 I must say you where right
I believe Bay deserves all of the credit here.
Hov, no bow necessary. All you have to do is rewatch Mondays game. I said damn Kap about 10 times. The kid has it and now he leads our NINERS!
Hofer,
Of course to do . Bays my boy. Even he had his doubts 6 weeks ago about Kap. You are now officially a Hater instead of a Smither now! Bwahahahahaha!
Jordo,
Why do you dismiss Bay? He suggested CK in the 2011 draft and has been a staunch supporter from day one. You thought JJ would supplant both CK and AS. Do you relish credit for some reason??!
Hofer,
Have you packed for San Diego yet.
No, I like my deck and 360 degree view of the bay area with wine in hand. LOL
U been saying it for longer than 6 weeks! If he lays an egg this weekend, I feel sorry for u! Lol
Montana,
Kap is at home with this team and this job, as your son is with you, back from harms way. Kap has this. I appreciate you giving the credit. WE won’t look back!
Hofer,
Just don’t drown in your glass tonight bro! Haha!!
@23
But, now that I think about it, you’ve called for JJ and whoever else the backup was for a while now. You’re bound to get it right! Lol.
I have been partying it up down here all week! Great city! Heading back to bum f(@k Nevada early tomorrow! See you guys on the other side!
23J – You called it.
You know the Saints are going to bring the house the entire first half! Hope the O-line is prepared for it, might need to mix in a few screen passes to Gore and Hunter early.
Crabs, if the saints blitz, they leave their corners on an island. Their corners are not very good at all. Harper, the safety is old and Jenkins has been getting punished ever since they converted him from corner. We will roast that defense.
This reminds me of Singletary’s decision to start Troy Smith against the Rams. I don’t agree with it. Hey, I live in Nevada, huge Kap fan but not sure this is the right move. I knew it was wrong to Start Troy Smith 2 years ago and I have that same feeling. But I’m a niner fan. I won’t hate on Kap like the haters hate on Snith!!!
you’re comparing a guy off the wire brought into a locker room he didn’t know vs. a high end draft pick? That’s a clear sign of a bad coach grasping @ straws.
Man some you fans are stubborn, at least you’re down to sink with the Alex ship.
I’m not comparing the two qb’s. I’m comparing the decision. I just think Alex is the better choice for this battle. If we roll with Kap….go niners! Simple as that.
Kaepernick has a performance near last weeks and the Smith era will officially be done in SF. Sucks because I really liked the guy. Thought he was really turning around his career.
I interpret this as time to buy a new jersey.
If this is true I hope you’re wrong Grant. Nothing is dumber than a playoff team not knowing who their qb will be week in and week out. If Harbaugh makes the change it should be for good. And I say this as an unabashed Smith supporter.
Yes, no turning back it should be his to own. QB musical chairs never works well.
JH has made his decision and anything short of the Championship game is deemed a failure. CK is special but playing consistently every single week is difficult to do. Will CK be just another running QB that has failed or a top QB that wins year in and year out. It will be interesting… Go 9ers!!
Luckily for him he’s had two off seasons/ pre-seasons with no real pressure. Even his spot duty against the Rams was easier with no expectations. His performance against the Bears should boost his performance and confidence. Think of it this way. If JH can make Alex better, what can/has he done with Kap? I’m looking forward to seeing him.
I’m not a fan of running QBs but with CK playing well from the pocket, there is hope he can continue that play. TBD.
Hof,
I am not a fan a limited QB with crap load of flaws.
Neal,
Do you have anything other than negative snippets to offer. I’m still waiting for a read that doesn’t waste my time from you. At least AS is a class act!
I agree but he stayed in the pocket last week and looked may I say…..very Andrew luckish in this offense.
Hof,
Well last time I checked I don’t report to you, AS is set for life and he was noting but a inconsistent QB, I am in sales and if I performed like AS I would of been fired along time ago, yea he has class, he is a goof father, good husband and a good neighborhor, but I don’t want him as my QB, as Alice Cooper sang ” NO More MR NICE GUY’ Super bowl baby !!!
Hey Neal,
I told you so!!!! Don’t sweat yourself with Hofer. He’s now officially a hater!!
Love it Jordan, Hof still can’t get over his man and then you have Prime Axel who is a phony, says he does not care who the QB is but then says after the game that AS can duplicate CK game, that is impossible.
Neal,
More drama from you…I expected nothing more!!
I think Hof will get behind K-gun.
Stop with your running QB crap Hof, You are so fixed on a running QB, he threw for 10,000 yards in college, did you watch the game on Monday and see how CK can actually pass the ball a hell of alot better than your man. AS has lousy pocket presence. Also CK can be another Steve Young, double threat baby.!!
If I ever hear you or 23hater trash CK moving forward, I am gonna personally sh!t down your throat!
Hofer, you still don’t get it, my dude!
Anything short of a Superbowl victory is a failure. That’s what Harbaugh believes, what all the mighty men believe, and what real fans of the Niners believe.
Either get on board or go root for the Seahawks. They love mediocrity.
Whoa, Prime. Slow down, high speed. Remember, as invested as we fans are, it’s still a game.
automatic,
prime is a Bitc-. He runs his mouth but he is all mouth. Soft as cotton. He knows where to find me. I go to the games. He’s a coward with a computer.
JH does not want to take a chance in a short week by waiting for Alex to clear! GO NINERS
Charger,
Can you read. It has nothing to do with Smiths health. Shouldn’t you be talking to rivers about the picks bro? He’s a turnover machine now. Expect Alex in San Diego next year with Norv. He could get them to the playoffs. He won’t turn it over half as much as Rivers.
I mean Chicago. I came at you wrong. I thought you were charger fan. My apologies. We don’t vibe like that. But the fact still remains that the article says what I typed above.
Exactly…
Grant – Do you think Harbaugh leaked out the story purposely or is there an inhouse rat? Any idea who these sources could be that Trotter and Mortensen are getting scoops from?
Why not just announce Kaepernick is starting at press conference today?
Reported via a San Diego SI reporter. Probably from Alex Smith’s camp (grew up in SD).
This is about the team being more productive on offense, simple and plain. The deep passing game is going to make Gore’s & Hunter’s job easier. 9 more games to #6!
yep!!
Foam,
EXACTLY!
GC:”Remember, I predicted this would happen. A lot of people disagreed with me about this move, but it sure appears I was right.”
Here you go i ordered you one of these: http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f257/4evrnyt/3773614117_f8f2904006.jpg
Coffee,
Those shirts are amazing! Where can I order one of those?
I was making them for myself for awhile but people eventually got the message but I’ll see if I can dig some up for ya.
Can I get a shirt that shows the picture of the two people wearing the shirts. My buddy and his new wife met at a bar 7 years ago when he was wearing a similar shirt, a similar stache, and she has feathered hair. Gotta love it!!!
I think this is a mistake. The risk is too great. If Harbaugh needs to go back to Smith this year it just won’t work. Smith’s confidence will be shot. I think it’s too soon to give CK the keys to the kingdom. One game isn’t enough to make the change.
Houston, as much as I’ve supported AS over the years, it is the right move. It seems to me the players on offense have given their opinion as well.
Hofer,
You’re wishing up kid. The receivers have spoken!
Wising up!
Hof, I wouldn’t have thought in a million years that we would have those opinions. I just think the 9ers have a winning formula using Smith’s mistake free play. IMO Smith will never be a Superbowl QB but you just don’t make this switch this late in the season. Smith is a proven commodity while CK is a flash in the pan at this point.
Well, It’s over folks. Thank you Alex for trying so hard these many years; dealing with poor Head coaches, injuries and 6 offensive coordinators in 7 years.
You tried your hardest and it’s not your fault you were drafted #1 overall to a franchise yearning for a QB to return them to their glory days. You were doomed from day one.
Thank you,
Good luck.
+1
+1 Yeah, can’t help feel for the guy. But, while I’m disappointed for him, I’m anxious and excited for what this could (should?) mean for the team. Bold move, Coach.
The reason I don’t agree with this move is the fact that we cannot go back to Smith after this week and expect him to play savior. His confidence and psych are shot. If Kaep doesn’t bring us to the SB this will be a huge debate in off season.
Good point but in the NFL there are some real hard decisions. This one went to the flat out better QB with the higher upside and the brighter future. Maybe some bumps in the road but picking Kap to start is a no brainer in my opinion. Lets all get behind the Kapper!
Or he might say – what the heck and just cut it loose and be a very dangerous QB to prove Harbaugh wrong,
Adam707,
Smiths confidence has always been an issue. He’s a team player. We all know that. If he can’t recover from this, after all he’s been through, we don’t need him anyway. He’s got to man up in case Kap gets hurt, just like Kap was there for him. ” Yheres no crying in football!”
I just really hope this is the right move for us. Would be awesome if Kaep became THE guy. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a franchise guy.
Sounds like JH is ready to make a change. This is a big moment in Niner lore. On the verge of once again becoming a dynasty, and a very real chance of being a regular threat to win the super bowl, JH is making a change at a intrical part of the season. The mans got balls thats for sure. We all will see if CK is ready for the big time. I sure hope he is. He will have my full support from the get go no matter if he plays poorly or great after all he is a Niner and unlike some critics here I support all the team.
He’s keeping Alex out to see Colin but also to keep Alex from getting beat up on the carpet in that dome. I like both guys but Colin is the future. Alex is Steve DeBerg — a pretty darn good QB but not Montana. There is a very good chance Colin will be this generation’s Joe. We can only hope…
AS is gone. First PM and now CK. He is such a class act, let’s hope he can land with a good team and make them great. He’s got my support!
He is the classiest player I have ever had the pleasure of cheering for. Truth.
Hof – My support as well.
Hofer – If the latest hot hand gets cold Alex will be right back in there.
I’m hoping CK7 can handle the pressure and the noise of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
In Harbaugh I trust.
Here, here. One thing that Alex absolutely excelled at, was upholding the golden era standard of playing with class. When his playing days are over, I hope he runs for office somewhere in the Bay.
Hofer,
You make it sound like he died in a plane crash! He didn’t get cut. He got replaced by a better QB. He’ll be fine. We need him as a backup and an extra set of eyes. He is still valuable to the team this year. If he takes a pay cut, he can stay next year and you and the rest of the Smithers won’t have to move to San Diego! Be strong Hofer, be strong!
Jordo,
I have no ill will. I’ve always written comments based on facts here. I will continue to root for the 9ers and I’ve been following them for a long time since their days in RWC. I’ve met Joe, JR, BW, among others. I’m not going away over the dismissal of one player and I won’t form a blog vendetta of one. That’s not my world!
Colin is not Joe montana.
Imagine if history repeats itself and Alex Smith ends up in Kansas City, plays pretty well and even gets to the playoffs.
Only to be replaced by Kaepernick 10 years from now.
Nice… had me going there for a minute!
Hey ALL
It IS too soon if based on just one game. But remember, these coaches have been watching this kid practice for 1.5 years now. It’s not just 1 game. It’s the body of evidence that’s compiled since he signed with the team PLUS that stellar performance on Monday. There are clues. The comments and excitement of the other players on the lockerroom are telling. Everyone was jacked when he took the field. When asked about his performance following the game, they used words like “a baller” and “the man.” Those are words that reflect a deeper understanding.
AND… for anyone who doesn’t spend all his time fluffing Alex on this blog, there was that evidence for all of us to see, with our own eyes, our eyes that gained awareness by watching Montana and Young, 2 of the greatest QBs ever. The writing was on the wall, and CK hit the mofo grand slam.
For all you disbelievers, just picture Buster Poseys two earth shattering home runs in the MLB playoffs … that was a young kid who everyone on the team, everyone in the Bay Area, believed in. And he delivered.
See the comment from OldManReno who knows CL from his emergence at UNR. You will be comforted. Allow yourself to join this party.
Knocked it out of the park N.O.!!!
I tend to agree with Houston.
I’m hopeing that Harbaugh and Co want to see if CK can have two good-great games in a row. If CK can have another great game in a hostile environment, then CK is our man.
No one can deny that CK sparked the team and the whole stadium on Monday night.
What I liked about CK was how he stared down the giant (Bears) like a seasoned and confident veteran. There was not a shred of fear in his eyes, and he looked like a hungry tiger going out to hunt his prey coming out of the locker room.
I wonder if Harbaugh will need to pound on his shoulder pads before the game?
AES,
There is no “if”!! JH has made his decision. I believe CK does well against N.O. but may see trouble in games later in the season. TBD.
I’m still putting my hopes on hold Hofe.
You know how much I like CK having watched a few of his High School games in Turlock.
But my biggest concern is lack of experience. We now know that CK can process a big win with grace and humility. As a young player, will he be able to process a poor game or a big loss that may be laid on his lap? Seasoned professionals are shaped by the ability to adapt to wins and loses.
CK has always been a winner. He has a winners mentality. My hope is that his psyche doesn’t take a big hit if and when he loses.
As you say TBD.
AES,
Good read. AS was always a winner too. I posted his college numbers earlier. But in this case, I believe JH moves forward with CK.
The blog pole is interesting. It seems the majority of the fans here want AS to start 205 to 174. This will be interesting…
The 174 will be proven correct…
Hof – can Alex ask for his release. There are at least three teams that need a QB.
He can ask all he wants, team isn’t going to release him under any circumstance.
Under,
He won’t have to ask if he doesn’t take that pay cut next year. He’ll get released.
Alex Smith got Wally Pip’d.
Pittsburgh could use him yesterday! His rights are owned by the 9ers so not likely a release until after the playoffs.
Maybe JH will read the blog results and change his mind!!! Bwahahahahahahaahhan!!! You voted for Smith 175 times Hofer!!!
VD is the ringleader of the offense, I wonder if Harbaugh discussed the move with him. It’s possible……VD was fired up for Kap before, during and after Bears game.
Grant, I’ll give you your credit but I think there are quite a few of us who’ve been clamoring for Kaepernick probably since our first lost at the Vikings (Or even last year for that matter). We just don’t have the platform you do with your blog to voice our opinion.
Now, I want Kaepernick to start right now and for the forseeable future but I don’t know if this is what Harbaugh is doing by giving him the start against the Saints. I think we need another complete sample of Kaepernick this week with a full week of 1st team reps (No 50/50 split with Alex) going into a very nice test in a challenging and loud environment in the super dome against a team that loves to blitz.
Having said that, I personally think Kaepernick will feast on the Saints’ extremely porous secondary and will give everyone the game of affirmation that’ll silence the critics. From there, I think the decision to announce him as the starter will be a no-brainer. Put this statement on record.
Anyone want to bet Alex got cleared today and will start Sunday? What are the chances JH says this so NO focus their attention on stopping Kap then throwing in Alex at the last minute? Obviously if this is the case then he would have actually told the qb’s what is really going on? I doubt this is the case but I could see JH doing this and it’s something fun to think about.
Uh, No.
Hummmmmm, NOT!!!
I wanted Kap and Im happy…People will root for Alex because hes a great guy and team mate but he could never take that next step.It was probably from the terrible situation he was put in by this orginization when he waz drafted..He will be a starter in NY or KC or maybe Ariz next year.Given that Im really excited we have a quarrerback that will let our recievers like Crabs and Manningham reach their true potential..But understand people hes going to throw picks and hes going to make mistakes but we still have time for him to get experience before the playoffs..
grinch,
The new breed of haters will hammer Kap for the turnovers. The real fans know he’s gonna make mistakes. They also know he’s gonna light it up too. The kid is electric!!!
I have a feeling Crabtree will benefit from this move the most..Some people just dont want to admit they were wrong about Alex instead of rooting for the team.Alex was constantly beeing beat out of his job for a reason..Hes not bad but hes not good hes just….bleeeh….Know what I mean?
Hes average, like the homey girl with glasses and a squint. Safe dependable but not a hot rod blonde like the Kaep attack
What would be interesting is if this is merely a ruse to force the Saints to prep for the Kaep attack, and then when they have prepped for it bam, Alex Lightning snake smith wobbly from a still lingering concussion comes on the field and stinks up the super dome like a rats ass crack.
The writing was on the wall guys with the Peyton Manning fiasco. Now we have our QB of the future. They saw the film and it confirmed what they always knew. Kap was the man!! Poise, confidence, accuracy and arm strength.
Big Niner,
Didn’t you enjoy the laser show on Monday!! There was no way to deny this kid!
just ask Moss, lol he might go back into retirement after that throw….
Also why the hell would Harbaugh announce this, this early that would be a huge mistake to lose such an amazingly keen advantage that he has forcing the saints to prep for both QBs. Tomorrow he should announce that he has smith starting then release another statement that it will be the Kaep attack and continue to release converse statements ad nauseum to keep the saints off balance.
You guys better check the next blog lol
If JH is going to go with Kaep,then he must stick with him through his growing pains. Kaep has 6 more games to fine tune his game and get the experience he is lacking and he will need every minute of those 6 games to be as ready as he can be to perform in the playoffs.
He will make his mistakes but he will grow and grow. Alex is a great team guy and IS playing better than he ever has,but he still has many , many limitations after all these years of experience,so maybe it is time for Kaep to be let loose(and in doing so,let the offense loose!).
Who knows,maybe this report is not even true ? But if it is it is a bit earlier than I thought for the Kaep era to begin. But it had to happen sooner or later.
Hmmmm. My brain is saying, “Damn. This is the wrong move. Gotta go with Alex and let him see the season out. Although inconsistent, he has proven he can win games.” BuUUuuUUuuuut … my heart is saying, “This is the right move. Kap has clearly proved he has the skill set to be a winning QB and give us some conitunity at that position.” That being said, I’m not ready to crown Kap as the savior …. yet …. but, I’m excited to see what this kids all about! Colin f*!%in Kaepernick, HA!! DO WORK, SON!!!!!!
Guapo, I think you summed up my feelings perfectly. Alex is the safe choice, Colin is the exciting choice.
I predicted it with you!
I think this is a great move, ever since AS broke his shoulder in his second year, he have been a bum, u can blame it on the diff coordinators or whatever.. but u cant coach instincts, and vision.. and u cant say that CK is a bust if he doesnt make it to the superbowl… AS only took what..7 years to make it to the playoffs, and choke.. It wasnt really him who git us there.. it was the d. And akers leg.. i can go in there and check it down the while game.. Even tho kap isnt a rookie, this is only his second year and he will make mistakes, as AS does every game.. this kid has a bright future and its been a long time coming…. GO KAEP!!!!!!!
Grant, lets be clear. You also deemed Josh Johnson as Harbaugh’s Steve Young, saying that he was better than Kaep and Smith. I don’t even know if Johnson is even on an NFL roster right now.
I, on the other hand, have supported Kaepernick since his Nevada days and therefore am partially responsible for his success against the bears and any future success he has on the field. I couldn’t believe that Harbaugh drafted him as his. jQB. All he draft analysts talked about Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert.
“I, on the other hand, have supported Kaepernick since his Nevada days and therefore am partially responsible for his success against the bears and any future success he has on the field.”
Where’d you come from? Partially responsible for his success. As MD says: Whewwwwww!!!
Hahaha. You were partially responsible for me wasting five minutes of my time trying not to fall out of my chair laughing.
Don’t be a diQ
GOOOOO KAEP!!!!!!!! ITS FINALLY OVER FOR THAT 8 YEAR ROOKIE
Grant, you also wrote an article touting Josh Johnson as Harbaughs “Steve Young “. The article literally made me chuckle that you’d imply JJ was a better Qb than Kaep or Alex. JJ isn’t even on an NFL roster at this point, you are hardly a profit, my friend.
Profit?
If true, this could change a contender to pretender or it could be magical and the team wins it all. This is Harbaugh’s first big question mark as head coach.