This is the first half of my Friday article on Colin Kaepernick.
SANTA CLARA — There is a lot of romanticism about Colin Kaepernick, and he is very good. Jim Harbaugh may in fact have showed his genius by making the switch to Kaepernick midseason.
But where is Kaepernick at this point in his career?
In a Thursday interview, Alex Smith, the quarterback whose job Kaepernick took in November, talked about what impressed him about Kaepernick.
“Obviously physically, Colin’s a tremendous player,” Smith said. “A guy that strong, he can make all the throws. For me, the thing that’s jumped out is just how fast he’s processed it. I think that’s the thing with young quarterbacks — no matter how gifted they are physically, I think they’re behind usually going out there and mentally processing things, making quick decisions. Colin’s done a great job of that, preparing throughout the week and playing fast on game day with his head.”
Smith said, outwardly, much of Kaepernick’s preparation involves keeping to himself.
“He’s always got his headphones on. He’s very unique, especially as we get closer to game day. Just kind of keeping to himself — mentally preparing as we get closer to game day. I think kind of making sure his mind is right, at least that’s what I think he’s doing. He’s very locked in, especially as we get closer to game day. Very focused guy.”
The focused Kaepernick has also grown more comfortable with asserting himself, Smith said.
“(He’s) more confident, for sure,” Smith said when asked how Kaepernick had improved. “More confident in what he’s doing, especially in the times when there’s some gray, some indecision. He’s more confident just making a decision and going with it. That just comes through experience.”
Smith’s praise is flattering, for sure. But there’s another aspect to Kaepernick’s story, and it would be unfair to present this story without all its aspects.
But for all his gifts, Colin Kaepernick is inexperienced, certainly compared to Smith, who has already won a playoff game and who beat Green Bay earlier this season in Green Bay and outplayed Aaron Rodgers in every statistical category. That’s a lot for Kaepernick to live up to Saturday.
Here’s how one former NFL offensive coordinator expects the Packers to play the inexperienced Kaepernick:
To read the full article, click here.
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Grant, I have a suggestion for a future article by you. I think the past year’s draft class has not been a great one for Trent Balke. Hindsight is 20/20 but I think it would be interesting to go back to the 2012 draft and outline the players the 49ers should have taken, round by round, based on the 49ers needs. We can know who was available at the time the 49ers drafted if the 49ers did not pick them. We wouldn’t know of course if AJ Jenkins would have still been there in the second round at the 49ers position. As an example I think Alfred Morris would have been a great pickup, and of course the 49ers had lots of opportunities to get him. Just would be interesting to know what an “ideal” draft looks like. Thanks in advance!
All you have to do is go back to the late March early April discussions and look at his mock drafts, knowing Grant he hasn’t changed his opinion one bit.
That’s an article better suited for a few years down the road. For example Mel Kiper just redrafted the 2007 class.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2013/story/_/id/8821298/re-drafting-2007-nfl-draft-class
Pat willis goes 4th 1st linebacker(niners chose 11th)
Joe Staley goes 7th 2nd tackle(9ers chose 28th)
Dashon Goldson goes 22nd(9ers chose 126)
Ray Macdonald was a close call(5th round pick)
That’s good drafting, was that Donahue or Mcloughan?
Donahue was long gone by ’07, it was McTipsy.
A toast to the man. Great job.
I’m sure ol Tipsy McStagger has had quite a few already.
Can you cut and paste … never ever ever gonna pay ESPN for access to East Coast biases.
That was all the good stuff. but here’s the rest.
If you want to define this draft by anything, try length! The first round was six-plus hours. As for the picks, it gets some obvious historical demerits because of the quarterbacks — or total lack thereof. It’s almost a comically bad QB class. The leading passer, through six seasons? Try Trent Edwards. So as you start seeing non-stars among the first-rounders, blame the QBs. As we re-draft, however, you have to consider the parameters:
1. This order doesn’t just reflect what players have done, but what they still have left.
2. I’m not concerned at all with need, or an attempt to rewrite history. It’s about performance.
3. Positional value still matters. So a good tackle could edge a star guard, for instance.
Why six years? Well, it started when we did 2005 two years ago, in looking at Aaron Rodgers’ rise. Last year, we did 2006. The order follows the actual order.
It should be noted that 2007 No. 4 overall pick Gaines Adams would almost certainly have a place here. He passed away in 2010.
Oakland RaidersRecord: 2-14Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
It’s really the past two years where Megatron has become something of an all-world star. But he rises this high because after six years he appears to be just reaching his peak, and he was always a brilliant physical specimen. He could ostensibly reach 1,000 catches and 14,000 yards in his career if he stays healthy.
Previous draft spot: No. 2
’07 pick: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Detroit LionsRecord: 3-13Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
He now has 8,849 yards, is coming off a brilliant 2,097-yard season, has a 5.0-yard per carry average for his career and doesn’t seem bound by Earthly limitations of the human body. Peterson only drops based on positional value and future expectations of health compared to Megatron, but I never expect to be disappointed. Awesome player.
Previous draft spot: No. 7
’07 pick: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Cleveland BrownsRecord: 4-12Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
Mike Tannenbaum got fired, and Eric Mangini is no longer around, but the Jets made one of the great trade-up moves of all time in moving to No. 14 overall to draft Revis, who came out of Pitt after his junior year. When healthy, the best pure cover corner in football.
Previous draft spot: No. 14
’07 pick: Joe Thomas, T, Wisconsin
Tampa Bay BuccaneersRecord: 4-12Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
He has over 150 more tackles than any other player in the draft class, has been to the Pro Bowl every year he has been in the league and is the heart and soul of arguably the best defense (and easily the best group of linebackers) in the NFL. Great pick by the Niners at No. 11.
Previous draft spot: No. 11
’07 pick: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Arizona CardinalsRecord: 5-11Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
Could be higher, really. The most consistent left tackle in the NFL since he was drafted, only he and Willis have been to a Pro Bowl in every season among players in this draft class. In six years, Thomas has started 96 out of a possible 96 games.
Previous draft spot: No. 3
’07 pick: Levi Brown, T, Penn State
Washington RedskinsRecord: 5-12Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal
He has totally reinvigorated his career in Seattle, and could easily crack 10,000 yards for his career if he can maintain some health. Lynch has run for 2,794 yards over the past two seasons, and has been voted to three Pro Bowl teams. A very good RB career, and a great awakening after it appeared to go sour in Buffalo.
Previous draft spot: No. 12
’07 pick: LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Minnesota VikingsRecord: 6-10Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
I’m not sure many fans outside of San Francisco know much about Staley, but he’s one of the best offensive linemen in the league, and he does it at a premium position. The Pro Bowl left tackle is a significant part of what the 49ers accomplish on offense.
Previous draft spot: No. 28
’07 pick: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Atlanta FalconsRecord: 7-9Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue
A vastly underrated player across from DeMarcus Ware, Spencer doesn’t pile up sack totals. But not only can he rush the passer in his own right (32.5 career sacks), he’s arguably the best 3-4 OLB run defender in the NFL. Not a huge name, but he could be in free agency this year.
Previous draft spot: No. 26
’07 pick: Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
Miami DolphinsRecord: 6-10Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida St.
He would be higher based on his current level of play, but remember that Timmons didn’t start until his third year in the league, as he worked his way up the Pittsburgh depth chart and earned the respect of Dick LeBeau. Maybe a little high based on accomplishments, but he’s one of the NFL’s best interior linebackers now.
Previous draft spot: No. 15
’07 pick: Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State
Houston TexansRecord: 6-10LaMarr Woodley, DE, Michigan
He leads every defender from this draft class in sacks with 52.0, and he became an integral part of the Pittsburgh defense early in his career. Woodley came in with the reputation of a pass-rusher, but he also plays with leverage and succeeds against the run.
Previous draft spot: No. 46
’07 pick: Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
San Francisco 49ersRecord: 7-9Marshal Yanda, T, Iowa
Drafted as a tackle, it took some time, but when Yanda was moved inside to guard he found his role and has been voted to two straight Pro Bowls. Another player who rises here because he should have a lot of good football left, perhaps as one of the best players at his position.
Previous draft spot: No. 86
’07 pick: Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
Buffalo BillsRecord: 7-9Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
He’s no star, but since he was made a starter, Johnson has 33.0 sacks over the past three seasons, and seems to have really figured it out. He was seventh in the NFL in sacks in 2010, and sixth in 2012. Not bad considering where he was taken.
Previous draft spot: No. 83
’07 pick: Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal
St. Louis RamsRecord: 8-8Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Megatron has 488 catches, and Bowe isn’t exactly light years behind in this class at 415. Not bad when you consider how up and down the QB situation has been in Kansas City. There’s a pretty good chance Bowe will be choosing where he wants to play in 2013, and it’s not hard to imagine his career actually spikes late.
Previous draft spot: No. 23
’07 pick: Adam Carriker, DT, Nebraska
New York JetsRecord: 10-6Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn
Well, he’s not Revis, but Grubbs has been a starter since he arrived in the league, and has a Pro Bowl to show for his steady play over the years. He was actually drafted as a true guard, and has stuck there.
Previous draft spot: No. 29
’07 pick: Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh SteelersRecord: 8-8Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
It’s not Revis who leads this class in interceptions — it’s Hall. He has 22 since entering the league. He has started 81 of a possible 96 games since he arrived from Michigan, and is a leading player in maybe the deepest secondary in the league at the corner position.
Previous draft spot: No. 18
’07 pick: Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State
Green Bay PackersRecord: 8-8Eric Weddle, S, Utah
Maybe he should be higher. Weddle isn’t a headhunter, and doesn’t appear in the highlights all that often, but I’m not sure there’s a steadier safety in the NFL. He’s easily one of the top few cover safeties in the league, but he also adds a ton in the run game. Complete player.
Previous draft spot: No. 37
’07 pick: Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
Denver BroncosRecord: 9-7Michael Griffin, S, Texas
He has started 89 of a possible 96 games, has been to a Pro Bowl and played well early in his career. He struggled in 2012, and could be challenged for his job, but he has ability and has carved out a decent career.
Previous draft spot: No. 19
’07 pick: Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
Cincinnati BengalsRecord: 8-8Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
After six full seasons in the NFL, Rice is still only 26 years old and keeps a reasonably high spot on this list because, if healthy, he has a shot to put together a number of good seasons in the coming years. He had a big year in 2008, and finally healthy this season, he rebounded with 50 catches for 748 yards. It was the first time in six seasons he started all 16 games.
Previous draft spot: No. 44
’07 pick: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Tennessee TitansRecord: 9-7James Jones, WR, San Jose St.
His career sounds a lot better when you consider that within this draft class, he trails only Johnson and Bowe in receiving yards. Jones has never had an alpha role in the Green Bay offense, surrounded by so many other good pass-catchers, but has been remarkably efficient when he gets the chance. Could be Pro Bowl for years to come.
Previous draft spot: No. 78
’07 pick: Michael Griffin, S, Texas
New York GiantsRecord: 10-6Ryan Kalil, C, USC
Nothing sexy about a center at No. 20 overall, but this is what a first-round center looks like. When healthy, you can pretty much pencil Kalil onto the Pro Bowl roster, which is where he landed from 2009 to 2011.
Previous draft spot: No. 59
’07 pick: Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
Jacksonville JaguarsRecord: 8-8Jon Beason, LB, Miami
He only falls because he has been lost to injury for the bulk of the past two seasons. It’s a shame, because when Beason is healthy, he’s a total stud, playing at the level of a guy like Willis and in the discussion as one of the best linebackers in the league, period. His first four years, he started all 64 possible games.
Previous draft spot: No. 25
’07 pick: Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
Cleveland BrownsRecord: 4-12Dashon Goldson, DB, Washington
He came into the league as a corner, but Goldson had the size and the hitter’s mentality of a safety, and that’s where he is today. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons, and the big question now is whether the Niners can keep him.
Previous draft spot: No. 126
’07 pick: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Kansas City ChiefsRecord: 9-7Jermon Bushrod, G, Towson St.
A project pick out of Towson, down the road from me, Bushrod didn’t see much of the field for two years. But he cracks the list where he does because he has played at a Pro Bowl level and has been on the blind side of Drew Brees for four years now. He has made all 48 starts over the past three seasons.
Previous draft spot: No. 125
’07 pick: Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
New England PatriotsRecord: 12-4Reggie Nelson, DB, Florida
He has 78 starts in his six seasons, and has quietly become one of the top 10 safeties in the league. Nelson can make plays in the passing game, and does a decent job in run support. Not a star by any means, but a good player who can start for any team.
Previous draft spot: No. 21
’07 pick: Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami
Carolina PanthersRecord: 8-8Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
Among players from this class, only Johnson and Bowe have more total receptions. Olsen has averaged just over 50 through six seasons, not bad at all given the situations he has been in, a solution for new QBs in new systems in both Chicago and Carolina.
Previous draft spot: No. 31
’07 pick: Jon Beason, LB, Miami
Dallas CowboysRecord: 9-7Brian Robison, DE, Texas
Really? Well, the case for Robison is it’s possible he’s in the midst of some of his best football, with more to come. He has 16.5 sacks over the past two seasons and has been a big part of a strong front on the Vikings’ defense. It’s only his second full season as a starter, so he may have some miles left on the odometer.
Previous draft spot: No. 102
’07 pick: Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue
New Orleans SaintsRecord: 10-6Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Marshall
From this draft, only Peterson and Lynch have more rushing yards than Bradshaw, who has 4,232 yards through his first six seasons. That’s a major success story for a player that nearly fell out of the draft completely.
Previous draft spot: No. 250
’07 pick: Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
San Francisco 49ersRecord: 7-9Brent Celek, TE, Cincinnati
With 280 catches for his career, he’s second to Olsen in the class among tight ends, and could end up on top, because he has proved himself to be a reliable pass-catcher and a guy who knows how to find and create space as a route runner. The Eagles got a steal down the board.
Previous draft spot: No. 162
’07 pick: Joe Staley, T, Central Michigan
Baltimore RavensRecord: 13-3Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St.
He’s actually second in the draft class in total tackles, with 469 in his career. He falls down the board only because of positional value, and because he has merely been solid, never rising to the level of impact player. He had a good 2012, with 139 total tackles.
Previous draft spot: No. 34
’07 pick: Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn
San Diego ChargersRecord: 14-2LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Particularly in terms of his coverage ability, Landry just isn’t where he was as a player when he came into the league, but at that time he had a stretch as one of the top safeties in football, and earned a Pro Bowl appearance for those efforts. Injuries have slowed him since he started 47 of his first 48 possible games.
Previous draft spot: No. 6
’07 pick: Buster Davis, WR, LSU
Chicago BearsRecord: 13-3Brandon Mebane, DT, Cal
Not a star, but he played a key role for Seattle this season as a defensive tackle, and is a good one on a rotation basis. Mebane has started 85 games over six seasons.
Previous draft spot: No. 85
’07 pick: Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
Indianapolis ColtsRecord: 12-4Zach Miller, TE, Arizona St.
Not an explosive tight end in the mold of some of the younger stars who have defined the position, but Miller has been reliable and carved out a solid career. He has averaged just under 50 catches per season since he was drafted, and avoids injuries.
Previous draft spot: No. 38
’07 pick: Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State
Close calls: Le’Ron McLain, Alan Branch, David Harris, Michael Bush, Eric Wright, Brandon Meriweather, Kevin Kolb, Samson Satele, Ray McDonald
Special teams picks: Nick Folk (K), Brandon Fields (P)
Notable undrafted players: Pierre Thomas, Eric Weems, Matt Moore, Mike DeVito, Nick Roach
Supplemental draft value: Jared Gaither
Kaep will be ready and he will be up for the challenge. I am more worried about our defense, can we have a decent rush, I don’t see Justin Smith being a factor, can we play like we did at the start of the season, can our special teams play well and let’t pray it does not come to do Akers.
You don’t know if Justin will be a non-factor,
None of us know right now. I don’t like talking about assumptions, and that’s why they play the game. Only then will we all see wether or not he can play & play effectively. We’ll see
GC, I enjoyed the read but don’t see “romanticism” (??) in this context. I believe I understand what you are saying, but not sure it works here. I’ll try to be open minded though. LOL
I don’t think you know what romanticism means in this context, but this being an online forum with no sarcasm font, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.
I’m giving GC grief. Relax. LOL (Football romantic much??)
I have been saving this for the right time, but there really isn’t the right time to say goodbye. There are only fewer opportunities to do so as a players journey with a team approaches the end.
To Alex Smith,
The 2004 season came to an end with a loss against the New England Patriots. It was the teams fourteenth loss of the year and the end to a brutal season. There was a glimmer of hope on the horizon though, as a new coach would be hired and he would use the teams first overall draft pick to land a franchise QB. The Yorks were still in charge, but there was hope. I wanted the Niners to pick Aaron Rodgers, mostly because I watched him play the previous two seasons and I am a huge Cal fan. As the draft process winded down, it seemed as though the Niners were going to go with you. I was fine with that, especially since your perceived upside would develop alongside the team as it was rebuilt. I watched the draft and celebrated you as the first overall pick. I looked to the future. We had a QB! Unfortunately, we didn’t get the right coach to develop you and that became obvious very quickly. Coaching hires usually have a “tell” that, when looked at in hindsight, provide an indicator of future competency. For me, the first tell (red flag) of the Nolan era was when he came out and talked about getting rid of the “smell in the building.” It seemed like such a contrived statement. It wreaked of ego, as if this new coach was intent on being the reason for this teams turnaround. It was all about him, not the players on the field. When Nolan inserted you into the lineup, it was obvious that you were simply not ready, nor did you have the supporting cast around you to be successful. You were quickly injured and returned later in the year to throw your only TD of the season in the last game. McCarthy left for Green Bay shortly after the season ended and the team hired Norv Turner. This was fantastic because he was known for developing young QB’s and had a proven offensive system. You played every single snap that season and showed some promise, especially at the end of the year. Turner left after the season and was replaced by……Jim Hostler. You were injured early in the season and later pressured to play by an idiot coach who had no understanding of coaching QB’s. He publicly questioned your toughness. You missed most of the next two seasons with the injured shoulder and when you were finally healthy enough to play again, you were told you weren’t good enough to beat out J.T. O’Sullivan. This was all about Mike Martz, and his desire to prove to the NFL that his success was all about his offensive system, not the players playing in it. We all know how that turned out. Thankfully, Nolan was fired during the season, only to hand the reigns over to the Khaki dropper extraordinaire, Mike Dingleberry. Like I said before, coaching hires usually have a “tell” that when looked at in hindsight, provide an indicator of future competency. For Singletary, this tell came (let’s just skip the pants dropping halftime show for now) when he started interviewing offensive coordinators. Nobody wanted anything to do with this job, which seemed very strange. Rumors started popping up that OC’s around the league were laughing at ingletary’s proposed offensive philosophy, and wanted no part of it. He ended up hiring Jimmy Raye, who seemed like that old person that always falls asleep and you check on them from time to time to make sure they are still alive. It was a disaster. Singletary wanted to hit people in the mouth and he wanted winners, but he had no clue on how to accomplish that. He became the Tony Robbins of the NFL. Sorry Sing, but Denzel won’t be playing you in a future movie. Singletary was fired before the season finale, with Tomsula coaching the season finale. You actually played very well in that game, with the shackles of Singletary gone. You made it clear that you didn’t anticipate returning to the Niners after the season. You had had enough. Then the rumor mill started churning out news that the Niners were going after Harbaugh. The fan base went nuts, sign on the dotted line already! Stephen Ross swooped in on his private jet and we thought it was game over, but it wasn’t. Harbaugh became a 49er, and immediately stated his desire to bring you back. He drafted a young stud in Kaepernick and picked up Scott Tolzien. There was hope for the future! There sure was, as you helped lead the Niners to a 13-3 record during the regular season and made it to the NFC Championship game with a inspired performance. You were the guy, maybe not elite, but more than capable of winning with this team. You had endeared yourself to this fan base again with your regular season and playoff performance. You would be re-signed during the off-season as the unequivocal starter. As the off-season progressed, rumors started popping up that Harbaugh had visited Peyton Manning back east for a workout. Why would he do that to you after the season that you just had? You, of course, knew better than anybody how ruthless the NFL is. You took the punch and kept going, like you always have. You displayed the moxy and leadership of a starting NFL QB, and you were voted one of the team captains. You said the right things to the media, but inside you were upset and had every right to be. You came to camp ready to go and looking sharp. There were expectations this year, Super Bowl expectations. You had mostly solid performances at the beginning of the season, with a couple of off games. There were questions about the effectiveness of this team if the defense wasn’t on top of their game. Last years new toy, Colin Kaepernick, started to get some playing time and generally looked good when on the field. After a rough two game stretch in which you threw four picks and just one TD, you performed very well against the Cardinals. It was a fine performance and provided an emotional lift after the previous two weeks. The following Sunday, you sustained a concussion before halftime against the Rams. You didn’t feel right and let the medical staff know. CK came in and played to mixed results and the team ended the game with a tie. You would do your best to be ready the following week to face Chicago and their vicious defense. The medical staff didn’t clear you to play and CK got his first career start. To everybody’s surprise, CK played an exceptional game. He was in command, he was accurate and he got his first win on a national stage. He got his second start the following week against New Orleans, and won again. You stood ready on the sidelines, willing to help your team if called upon. By the end of the game, Harbaugh’s intentions were obvious. CK was his starter, and barring injury, your career as a 49er was most likely over. You were upset, but never naive. You didn’t allow your anger to divide the team, and you didn’t take it out on CK. To the contrary, you were right there to help him out every time he stepped off of the field. You asked him what he saw on the field, and helped him break it down and learn from it. You did what was best for the team and you helped Colin, a smart and motivated young man facing many of the same pressures that you had faced, if not the same circumstances. You accepted that your time in S.F. was coming to an end, and instead of just checking out, you were a role model to Colin and other athletes who will eventually face the same athletic fate. During the season finale, with the game in hand, you got the call to go into the game. This probably wasn’t the most appealing decision to you, but you did the right thing, as always. You walked onto the Candlestick turf for the last time, emotions swirling inside. The briny Candlestick air appeared to awaken eight years of memories within you. You understood the moment, and were obviously holding back your emotions after the faithful started chanting Alex!…..Alex!…..Alex! You realized how much the moment meant to the fans, to the faithful. I stood in my living room and soaked it in. I had goose bumps and my eyes teared up. As you came off of the field, you were tearing up and trying to stay composed. I was as well, and I have no problem admitting it. This moment was not about free agency, stats or money, it was about respect. Respect for your hard work, character, determination, loyalty, charity and perseverance. It was about saying thank you for shepherding this franchise through a dark period. It was about saying thank you for always doing the right thing, despite having valid excuses to take the easy way out. After eight years of ups and downs, the ovation you received was indicative of our appreciation and respect for your leadership, and for you as a person. As your time comes to an end in San Francisco, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for helping foster youth in the Bay Area. Thank you for helping CK. Thank you for always doing the right thing. Thank you for being the leader that this team needed. I know you will do well in your future endeavors, and I truly wish you and your family the very best.
Sincerely,
BigP
“Adversity doesn’t build your character. Adversity reveals your character.”
BigP,
Simply outstanding read! You just spoke for many of us that respect all of those AS characteristics you described to perfection and heartfelt. Classy and well done. Bravo!!!
Another point to add is when AS took it upon himself to learn the new offense and help others learn the offense during the lockout. We’ll really never know how much this helped the 9ers outstanding 13-3 season in 2011, but we know it was helpful. Class act all the way.
Kind of funny when you look back to Montana / Young. The difference is pretty astounding.
Back then it was about sabotaging the upstart and now it’s about helping a teammate.
Weird.
Good stuff.
One correction, it was in that 4th season that Nolan brought in Martz, who brought in JTO. We all, even the staff, had thought Smith had recovered from the injury in year 3, but after some poor performances in the preseason it was obvious and Smith underwent surgery on the shoulder again. He was out that entire 4th season, the season in which JTO started, Nolan was fired, JTO was pulled for Hill and Hill almost took that team to the playoffs with a late season push, falling short against Az on Monday Night, a game that would decide the division. That offseason Martz was fired, Raye was hired, and Hill was the starting qb, only to be pulled 6(?) games in for Smith vs the Texans, connecting with Vernon on 3 long TD passes in the 2nd half, only to fall just short of a win. Smith finished out that season as the starter, was the starter the next season. That season we saw the “We want Carr” chant on Monday night, I laughed at all those fans idiocy, and the eventual qb merry-go-round with Troy Smith. Raye was fired 2 games in after the blowout to KC, Johnson took over, Smith for Smith after the injury again to Alex’ shoulder, then Sing wouldn’t step down after he blew it vs St Louis, he was fired, Tomsula took over with Johnson allowed to truly call a game and the Niners, with Alex leading them, destroyed Arizona. Do you remember the phrase “keep doing what youre doing, but favor the run”? Singeltary knew nothing of offense.
BTW, if we ALL can agree that both Nolan and Singletary knew nothing about offense, and were horrible with the qb, why do people still berate Alex? I truly don’t get it. All I know is Alex will go else where and if its a good situation, which all qb’s need to succeed, he will have success and may still have the last laugh.
Great write up BigP!!! You actually made me tear up a bit. We invest so much into this team as true Faithful fans and it has been a crazy journey these past 8 years. I wish Alex nothing but the best going forward BUT… his time here may not be over yet. God forbid but if CK gets banged up.. Alex may still have to step up to the plate and lead this team again this post season.
Bravo, BigP!
How about three sentences to a para graph? That dense prose is unreadable even though it might be very good…
How about learning to spell paragraph? I did it on my WP and when I copied it over it messed up the formatting. Sorry for offending you with such an egregious error.
It was a little tough to read but worth the reading.
Nicely done Big P.
Perfect just the way you wrote it. Good job!
Good read Big P.
I watched (NFL Network) the first game of the season last night with the 49ers @ Green Bay and Alex looked very sharp and confident in the pocket. In short (with so many kudos being given to AS), Alex looked like ‘da man.’
As Eric Davis said recently, the NFL is another acronym for the “Not Fair League.” No case examplifies that more than that of Alex Smith’ career.
But AS has more than survived and in fact has enjoyed a renaissance under J.Harbaugh. His favorable comments about CK only further confirms what we all already know; PURE CLASS!
BigP,
Fantastic job! Excellent, and you captured my sentiments exactly.
To Alex Smith,
Thanks for your service as a 49er and best of luck in the future.
Big P,
I’m out of my chair clapping. Nicely done.
Big P,
Good stuff and nobody ever doubted AS character and being a good role model, and ofcourse the Niners have set him up for life and his family for decades to come. I don’t feel sorry at all for AS, and do respect him as a man. I don’t know what his future will bring, but I also wish him the best.
X 10000
I would sign this right with you.
Way to go BigP.
You nailed it. It’s about respect.
Nice read!! You took us down memory lane there with a few descripencies about his injuries, I think….
Grant: you should post this from us to Alex some time in the future in your paper.
GREAT read, BigP.
Big P,
Well done. Ive been harder on Smith than anyone on this board. However, I do respect hos as a man. I’m sure Smith always did the best ge could. If you don’t have it all, you give tge bezt you have. I respect hus character. This article days a lot for who is. Good luck Alex. Unless
youre playing my Niners. Prove me wrong about
You.
I wouldn’t say harder. You made up a ton of crap that your fellow hater clique picked up as gospel and ran with like 15-year-old girls stampeding each-other to get to the prom. To suggest otherwise is disingenuous in the least.
That’s not really critiquing a guy’s play. More about hate, ego and a bunker mentality.
I have hope for you though, you’ll learn… eventually. ;)
Adam you often sit here acting like some sort of wise old grandfather of the blog. Pleeeaaase.
A lot of people who haven’t gone to extremes, one way or another, find you perfectly disingenuous as well.
This blog could learn a thing or two from the “wise” don’t you agree? All good.
Well, at least it’s *perfectly* disingenuous, new guy.
You contribute much around here? Don’t recall seeing your name before.
Adam,
The truth is the light. I just didnt kiss anyones azz on this blog while I expressed. Myself. You dont have to like my delivery, but you have to respect the fact that I told this entire blog 3 yearw ago that Alex Smith was not the answer and he needed to be replaced. He has been replaxed. He is done as a ni er as he should be. We are trying to win a super bowl. We need the best playeds on the field.
I told you what he wasnt capable of doing. Yes he quarterbacked his team to a playoff game win. He not a franchise QB. The die has been cast. I didnt have followers. Those were objective football fans that knew Smith didnt quite have it. The truth is the light.
The truth is the light? Is that a page from Singletary’s bible?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX-1RoWiJk8
Who is this #11 throwing those deep passes? Can’t be Smith, all he does and is capable of doing is dink and dunk. HAHA.
Idiot…
After 8 years, you can surely find a couple of minutes of AS Highlights.
If we look hard enough we might even find some Neal highlights.
Thats from his 2nd season only…..
Adam, not here, we’d have to look on LC’s blog!! LOL
Adam and Hof
Hahaha , you guys are so funny, but hey it a joke. :D
Better to be funny and happy than bitter and angry. ;)
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20130109/colin-kaepernick-alex-smith/?sct=hp_bf3_a5
And the rebuttal http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20130109/harbaugh-kaepernick/?sct=uk_t11_a2
Excellent article on Colin Kaepernick from Gwen Knapp. I highly recommend that you read it.
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/40896864/
“In the grip of bubonic plague, he won the Iditarod” hah!
Thanks for sharing that Claude, it was a really good article.
Nice read on CK.
He’s handled the change really well.
I love athletes who play with a chip on their shoulder. CK7 fits that mold. Combined that with his competitive nature and athletic ability and the sky is the limit for him.
Terrific writeup, thanks for sharing the link, cb.
Does anyone know what bball position Kaep played in HS? Hopefully it was point guard like some other previous Niner QB :)
Grant regarding Alex Smith have you heard any rumblings as to whether or not its more likely the 9ers will be able to pull off a trade for Smith before April 1 or whether its more likely they will have to release him?
They probably wouldn’t get much interest in a trade the common knowledge that the 49ers probably won’t want to pay Smith what he is due for his Apr 1 roster bonus.
Depending on if Roman gets a HC gig and wants AS, my guess would be Cleveland … I heard on a San Diego radio station today that Norv Turner is likely to land as the Browns’ next OC.
Good point Larry, unless a team really wants him and they don’t want to compete with other teams after April 1.
Secured my tickets!!! I hope they don’t confiscate my voo voo zella. I blew the ish out of it at last years Saints game.
See ya there!!! Tailgate at the E-Pole!!!
Yeah Buddy! Me too, I just traded 3cs of wine for 2 tickets! I get to bring my ten year old to his first NFL game. Sooooo stoked!
LET’S GO NINERS…LET’S GO NINERS!!!