SANTA CLARA — Here is what Greg Roman said Thursday about Colin Kaepernick, courtesy of the 49ers.
Usually a young quarterback can get a lot of leeway to make mistakes. You guys are in the playoff hunt and you’ve also got a very good quarterback behind him now, what kind of leeway does he have to have a bad game?
“That’s a hypothetical question. We’re just getting ready to play the Rams, all of our attention is on the Rams and having a great performance against the Rams, which is tough. That’s really our focus.”
We’ve seen Colin’s physical attributes on the field, he told the St. Louis reporters yesterday that it makes (inaudible) the best part, is that something you can shed some light on? Just his mental makeup and how he goes about preparing himself for that role?
“Colin’s a very focused athlete. He achieved very, very good grades throughout his schooling, high school, college. He was a very good student. He has a good aptitude for learning, works hard at it and it’s one of the reasons I think he’s a 49er.”
In the stretch run, why is Colin Kaepernick better choice at quarterback than a healthy QB Alex Smith?
“We’re in a great situation, that we have two winning quarterbacks on our roster. They both compete hard every day to be the best they can be and help us win. So, that’s a good situation to be in.”
You just alluded to Colin getting good grades in school, looking at college transcripts and stuff like that, does that go into the scouting process?
“Everybody scouts different. I think our scouting staff does a very, very thorough job of all aspects of a person. You’re drafting a person more so than drafting a player. We all know how that position requires so much physically, mentally, emotionally and our scouting staff does a great job looking deep. So, tip of the hat to [general manager] Trent [Baalke] and his staff.”
How much of the playbook expanded with Kaepernick, let’s say over a year ago at this time?
“I think it’s been a pretty natural progression. Not nearly as much would we have felt he could handle at a high level last year. So, he has started off transitioning to the NFL game and taking snaps from under center and what not. Has just progressed, worked hard which has allowed him to progress at the pace he has. Things have expanded and hopefully, as with any player, they expand more as you go, incrementally.”
Can you give us a sense, a year ago at this time, how much you would be able to use vs. now?
“I can’t put a percentage on it.”
How do you see Alex adjusting to his new role as a backup even if it’s only temporary?
“Alex Smith comes in to work every day to do just that, to work and get better. That’s been since the first day we’ve been here in San Francisco, and it hasn’t changed a bit. He’s very, very much up on his preparation.”
What kind of feedback do you get from the receivers, both verbal and just what you see body language wise when Kaepernick’s out there?
“I think it’s the same. Receivers work hard every day, no matter who’s out there, they’re working hard to do their job and they know that’s what they’re evaluated on, how they do their job. We’ve got a good group that’s locked in on that. [Wide receivers] coach Johnnie Morton does a great job getting them prepared every week and it’s a credit to him.”
How has Colin been able to improve his accuracy so much? Just from watching a year ago to now, he’s a lot more accurate, obviously he’s worked at it. Any specific drills to that or specific instructions? How does that happen?
“It’s time on task, it’s a lot of different things. It’s just working hard to improve your entire game, your footwork, your balance, your alignment, where receivers are going to be, working with those receivers or tight ends or backs, whoever it might be. It’s just an understanding and a comfort, I hate to use that word comfort, but it’s more of a familiarity. Can we strike that word from the record? Comfort.”
Why do you hate to use that word?
“Because comfort precedes the fall. Familiarity with what our offense is and where people are going to be and what they’re going to do. It’s just day-to-day work.”
You don’t want him to be comfortable?
“I want him to be prepared and on the cutting edge.”
Do any specific coaches work with him on the accuracy part?
“Coach Harbaugh, [quarterbacks coach] Geep Chryst, myself we all work with him. He works hard on his own too. So, it’s a team effort here at the 49ers.”
Is his throwing motion shorter than when you got him a year and a half ago?
“At times, yeah. I think it’s more efficient.”
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I think you need to give credit to quarterbacks coach Geep Chryst for preparing CK7 for the NFL.
Credit needs to be given to everyone involved including K-Gun.
Kaepernick is bigger, stronger, and faster than Alex. Just as smart, and works just as hard. I was only a matter of time before he took over. He’s that mobile QB 2.0. He uses his legs to give him a chance to use his arm.
Soon the INT will take over………..
Drew Brees threw two pick 6′s in the game against the 49ers. Don’t see him slipping off “elite” status.
What’s your point?
He lost the game…………
Kap had several few stints earlier on, where he overthrew the ball and then AS had to come in and clean up the mess on 3rd and long.
Kap is still learning, and he will cost the 9′s some games, could be the playffs, could be the SB!
His point is he’s a Smither and he wants Colin to throw a pick so the Smithers can populate the board with “Guess harbaugh out-thought himself, LOL” followed by
“Harbaugh has some sucking up to do” & “Alex, Kap was just warming up the field for the REAL starter, masterful mayhem & prince of wonderful awesomeness…blah,blah,blah,blah.
I didn’t have to read about Kap’s crazy prep work from Whitner and how players should get to practice by 9 but Kap is there at 6;
or how J Goodwin said people thought the New Orleans hype would get to him but he didn’t rattle once;
or how a former college coach who’s familiar with both Kap and Cam Newton said Kap’s a better leader and has a higher football IQ….but I’m glad I did and we’re gonna beat the crap outta STL on Sunday. Can’t wait!
How are you feeling about Brees now ninergirl?
Great arm, accurate, 5 more picks???
Judging by all the ……………s, I’d go out on a limb and say we were dealing with another one of oneniner’s multiple personalities. Hard to take anything he says seriously.
Hi 49er girl, where have you been! LOL with the INT comment when some of the top super bowl winning Qbs are throwing INTS! So what, Ck will make mistakes and throw a few INTs but hopefully he will learn from it and get better.
Great Faith!
Just like the last time Kap played the Rams?
You do realize he came in cold off the bench inheriting an deficit. Our Special Teams had their worst game in YEARS and Jackson made Willis & Bowman look human. ALL things that won’t happen Sunday.
You DO have faith, LOL, great excuses !!!
Will you use those for AS if he comes of the bench???
whatever dude
Miserable SMither with an extra screen name. Keep hoping son. At least we know Alex Smith wont throw an interception. It’s hard to throw them while you’re grabbing some pine meat! Bwahahahaha!!!
Your flaunting your flashy new BBF is quite endearing.
January will come soon enough to see who is left standing………….
idiot…
Impressive AYPA by Kaep
http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/29/week-13-n-f-l-game-probabilities-why-kaepernick-is-right-pick/
“Smith has been at his career peak this season, averaging 5.7 Adjusted Yards per Attempt (AYPA), compared with a career average of just 4.3 YPA. Kaepernick has averaged 7.4 AYPA this season and has averaged 8.8 AYPA in his two starting opportunities. Those two starts were against the league’s very best and very worst pass defenses: the Bears, who allow only 2.9 AYPA, and the Saints, who allow 6.5 AYPA. Kaepernick actually did better against the Bears.”
You can’t disagree with facts/stats. JH has made his decision and he is 21-5-1. We’ll roll with his decision.
That decison includes SB expectation on an inexperienced QB.
Jeff Fisher will give us a good indication of what Kap can do when schemed against. Hopefully Roman has the perfect plan.
Looks like Jenoris Jenkins gets to play this weekend.
Hey Prime/Grinch. It’s Christmas and we are in 1St place with a bad ass QB. Say something positive or shut your mouth.
Prime
Go read the Jim Trotter piece on CK.
Then, think about how experienced Tom Brady and Big Ben were when they won their first SuperBowls.
Then, go find me a QB who didn’t do anything at all for 6 years (other than consistently get benched) who suddenly became a Superbowl winner.
That might give you some nice perspective.
Then, go watch CKs college highlights (i.e. the same stuff the Niners scouts watched, then showed to Harbaugh).
Then, go find out which 4 QBs in the NFL Harbaugh personally scouted, hoping to acquire them.
When you’re done with all those ideas, get back to me and tell me how you’re feeling about our franchise QB.
When Kaepernick delivers a Super Bowl like you have been saying and predicting that he gives us the best chance, I will personally send you a Xmas card. Until then the jury is still out and I can discuss my skepticism however I like. Just like you have been trashing Smith all those years.
So friend, you can shut your pie hole and stay off my jock til we see Kap play and win when schemed against and he delivers #6.
NO, franchise? Super Bowl? After two and half games you have come to that conclusion?
Sorry, I’m gonna need a bit more “body of work” to put CK in the same category as TB and BR as well as winnin a SB. Excuse me for not having your optimism after 2.5 games and a defense gifting him a couple TD’s and one against a poor back up QB in Campbell.
Smithers,
Nothing but sour grapes huh? Hofer, you still all in. All arrows up!! Bwahahahahahahah!
Prime
I’m impressed that you were able to research steps 1-5 so quickly!!! You must be really good with the Internet!
If you just blew off my ideas for you and replied unknowingly, then I may have to put you in Bill Maher’s bubble.
NO winning is all that matters. Comparisons and stats are for losers.
Look Kap needs to win a SB. Otherwise it was a bad decision. If JH would have stuck with Alex an he didn’t win a SB, he would be gone. See how this works. This is the NFL where winning is the only measurement and standard. Predicting and speculating success based on a limited body of work and physical attributes means what? SQUAT!
With all of CK’s upside, strong arm, elusiveness, running ability and “it” factor, he still hasn’t won a playoff game. Stay tuned…
Really, Prime?
None of what I set out for you has to do with stats. Just become acquainted with the history of the NFL, with CK, and with why Harbaugh likes him.
Alex’s career winning percentage is barely over 50%. Without Harbaugh, he wouldn’t have been a Niner in 2011, never mind 2012.
If you are just dead-set against supporting the Niners franchise QB, that’s fine. But it’s you who loses out. It’s FUN to be excited about watching CK on Sundays.
Out.
NO so I should base my opinion on wether CK will be successful on the history of the NFL? No sorry, every player will determine his own fate based on how he plays and especially how he performs in the NFL playoffs. Then and only then will I be excited when he wins a couple playoff games and a SB. Not because of what potentially might happen or what physical tools he possesses.
Okay, Prime. It’s your decision. But keep that list. It will make you happy, I promise.
For now, just know this:
• Kaepernick has physical tools superior to every other QB in the league.
• Kaepernick has mental tools superior to most other QBs in the league.
• Kaepernick intends to be a Hall of Famer, not wants, intends.
• Kaepernick is the most prolific dual-threat QB in the history of college football.
• Kaepernick is undefeated in his pro career.
• Kaepernick has something Smith doesn’t, the full faith and confidence of Jim Harbaugh, the guy who hand-picked him, the same guy who hand-picked Andrew Luck and RGIII coming out of high-school.
Hofer, i think we must keep both Qbs. And lets roll with CK and see how he plays. GO NINERS
Roman is now one of the hottest man for many vacant job opening in both NFL and NCAA, which makes me think he really can raise his stock with Kap.
With Alex, his beautiful play calling wasn’t showing up at all and thus, not showing off his abilities to all those interested parties. I was starting to wonder what made him so special after watching the boring calls, but these past 2 games have been THRILLING
We gotta come up with a better nickname than RoboKap for the kid, that’s horrible. 23Jordy, please lets look for other possibilities?
What’s with all this nickname crap? KGun, KapGun, RoboKap….they all sound douchey as can be, and are an embarrassment to Colin Kaepernick. Simply call him Kaep or call him by his name like everyone else. I’ve never understood some people’s obsessions with creating nicknames. Are we in 3rd grade?
No freakin nicknames. Sheesh.
Hey Sled,
We may need a contest bro. Maybe Grant set up a poll question.
LSX,
We know who was truly embarrased today. ALEX SMITH AND THE SMITHERS! If you don’t like the name, thats on you!
you should be embarrased by your stupidity…
Kaeptain Colonic, Public Enema #7: no opposing septic tan stands a chance
Cannon
Magnum
Genesis
23Jordan is too dumb to come up with anything else
Randy, are you disappointed that Alex got benched. Why the namecalling Randy? I’ve not ever even exchanged a message with you. What’s your deal?
Little Randy,
I see what you’re doing now. Trolling like a little punk! Enjoy talking to yourself little randy.
23J – Reminds me of when I was a little squirt, when we used to play ding-dong ditch…….Ring door bell and run like cowards.
I think Coach Harbaughs’ official nickname for him is The Kaepper.
Is his throwing motion shorter than when you got him a year and a half ago?
“At times, yeah. I think it’s more efficient.”
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How about following that up with :”What abut the other times?”