SANTA CLARA — This is what Jim Harbaugh said about Colin Kaepernick Monday in the media tent, courtesy of the 49ers.
You always talk about trying to improve one percent every day. Have you seen that in QB Colin Kaepernick? Have you seen him improving game to game, week to week, play to play?
“Yes.”
What areas just generally would you say he’s grown the most in?
“He was good to start with. I think he came into the season good. When he got his first opportunities to play very early in the season he was very good. And then when he got his first start was very good. But, just being in the situations he’s been in. The way he’s handled himself in those situations. At this point we could say just about everything that a quarterback could face. And he’s done well. So, I’m not saying it’s dramatic improvement in any one area because I think he was good to start with. But, there’s been good improvement across the board.”
I’d like to follow up on that. When you made the switch from QB Alex Smith to Colin, was it something that you had pondered, planned throughout the season? And was it inevitable? Or after Alex got hurt and you saw that Colin did well, did you think he’s done well I don’t want to go back to the other guy? How did the decision get made?
“No, it was not a predetermined move. The decision was made when Alex got hurt. Colin played, played well in his first start. Came back the next week, still felt that that week against New Orleans that Colin gave us our best chance to win. He was healthier and played well. And then after that I saw enough really good things that wanted to have the same faith and trust in Colin that we had shown in Alex. And it’s pretty well documented how we felt about both guys. That one’s our left arm, one’s our right arm. And both are very good quarterbacks. And we felt we could win with either quarterback. And we’re in a great situation having both those men on our team.”
You complimented Alex in that game for his legs, for his arm, and for his mind. How much does the quarterback’s mind come into play, and particularly a young quarterback going up against the Green Bay defense?
“It’ll be a big challenge, and one that Colin is very excited about. And he’s so far, now it’s early, but expectations will be high that he will be on it as well. And he’s got a good grasp of the game plan so far. I’m excited. It’s a bit savant-like the way he’s handling it so far this week. So, that’s really encouraging.”
You said that, if I wrote this down right, that Kaepernick is a little savant-like as far as how he’s handled it this week? Can you elaborate on that? What exactly do you mean by that? I think I know what you mean, but can you elaborate?
“Just that it’s so early in the preparation and so early in explaining the game plan, but, just his understanding of it this early in the week is, the way he’s understanding it is savant-like.”
Do you give the game plan all at once? Does Colin have it all, or do you give it to him in pieces throughout the week?
“Everybody gets it in pieces.”
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OK so we’re going with he Savant with the Hot Hand!
Looks like Kaep is getting the Alex Smith treatment, with all the empty compliments.
How long til we see him carrying JH’s golf bag?
Okay so I’m curious with the Alex Haters and the CK Lovers, and you know who you are:
We’re playing the Packers in round 1. Alex proved that he was able to beat them in the first game in the season. He actually played well: 20-26 2 TDs, and the team looked dominant.
Would you feel comfortable having Alex as the starter for this game, or would you prefer CK, but where we can’t be sure if he’s going to have a great game or a so-so game.
Or maybe you think a so-so CK is infinitely better that the best Alex can do — which happened to be enough in the first game.
Just curious — keep the hate to a minimum!!!
77
I’m a pragmatist, don’t hate Alex, love CK’s talent. Got that? Okay, now to your question:
I’m comfortable playing Alex against the Packers, but not because he beat them before. The reason is that the Packers do not possess a dominant front-4. Raji is good, but he is fat and not complemented by much other talent along the line. Matthews is a great player, but again, not complemented in the LB group. Also, Fangio is from the Capers tree, so the Niners have familiarity with Packers’ blitz packages, which they would have to utilize to consistently maintain pressure on the QB. Alex is good against blitz packages because he knows how to beat them from a pre-snap read. He is pi**-poor against a defense like the Niners/Seahawks/Giants possess, however.
So against the Packers, yes. Against the Seahawks, no. I don’t know Altlanta’s personnel or schemes on defense well enough to prognosticate on Alex’s capacity to play well against them.
All that said, your phrase “we can’t be sure he’ll have a great game or a so-so game” applies to every QB in the league, not just the young ones like CK. my preference against every team in the NFL, between the two QBs, would always be Kaep because of his vastly superior talent.
You’re right about the QB play. I think CK playing at his best can be just as dangerous as the best in the game.
Can’t say that about Alex, although he can manage and help the team win. My question was whether this was the year to pull the trigger…
Fan,
So how did you come to the conclusion that Kaps play would be so-so and that alex would play like he did the 1st game? Your bias keeps shiwing through. I’m going with JH decision. Can you find a way to accept it? The QB that gives us the best chance to win is our starter. JH responsibility is to play the guy that gives the team tge best chance to win. So apparently Kap is better.
77
That wasn’t your question. Look over your proposition and point me to that question… or don’t. To answer this new question, yes, this was the year, but the move should have been made before the first Packer game.
Jor,
It’s funny how everyone wants to judge or claim someone is this or that. Your bias is also very clear. I didn’t say that Alex would play great, but using the sample of the game he played in the beginning of the year.
It’s not to wish KAP will do bad or the team will lose.
your bias is very clear as well. It’s a hypothetical question, which you’re dodging by saying I’m pro Alex, anti CK.
You can trust Harbaugh all you’re want.
Fan,
I didn’t create the s enviro, you did. Your hypothetical. I was just wondering how you assumed Kap would play so-so and Alex would play like he did the 1st game? So many variables are different right now with this offense. For example, look at all the injuries we have now on offense as compared to the 1st game. No Hunter, Manningham or Williams. I watched the 1st game today. Both hunter and Manningham had significant roles in that win. I posted earlier today that Smith had a good game.
my position has never been unclear with regards to Alex Smith. I saw him for what he was. He was an average to below average QB. Below average before JH. Average with JH. That’s the truth, whether you want to believe it or not. The proof is in the pudding. never forget that he was a free agent this year and nobody wanted him. NOBODY!
I don’t care who plays. These are two different teams since week 1. The little bit of advantage we have this time is they haven’t seen ck in person yet. They’ve already seen Smith. Again and I know its coming if the 49ers don’t win the Superbowl. “Ck couldn’t do it and Smith would have” that’s safe to say! However the defense was and still is the key to our Superbowl. They dominate and the offense puts up TD’s an not just FG’s and nobody will stop this team. IMO the season rests on the play of J Smith.
Oh and some may think they’re Smith lovers and ck haters. Lol
You just asked a very pointed question 77,
You make it sound like Alex playing well is an inevitability while Kaep playing well is a 50-50 proposition.
I’ll take Kaep’s floor over Smith’s floor and Kaep’s ceiling over Smith’s ceiling.
I feel CK would be the better fit because Alex hasn’t played in so long. Although my name suggest I’m a Smither( he was the qb when I made it) I am neither a smither not a Kaeper, but a fan of the team. I did not feel the switch came at the best time, but support the coaches decision and feel like Kaep has done a great job. Could smith have matched his play or out done it, who knows? But the fact is that Kaep is now the starter and because he has been for the last 8 weeks, he now gives the 9ers the best chance to win.
Fan,
you lost me the second you said, “Or maybe you think a so-so CK is infinitely better that the best Alex can do”.
You show your true colors with a statement like that. Nothing else needs to be said.
Your man crush is coming up again don’t get so defensive over your crush he asked a question don’t be so insecure about ck the stage could be too big and the experience in the playoffs could be the difference if ck is lights out then you have nothing to worry about p.s. I hope your wife doesn’t find your A Smith adult video you brought up. I know you’re in to male on male fluffing and all but yikes better get a safe for that sort of thing…..
Cue neal bays white knight in three two…..
Yeah Sourdough Sam! What you said! It’s a hypthothetical! Have you see that dude’s posts? They go on forever!
We have the right guy at QB. People keep questioning Kaep, like the offense started slow against AZ, but that was because they tried to run the ball first. Once they used Kaep, it made running possible.
While the offense might have been a bit more mechanical and efficient with AS, Kaep is more than adequate to move the chains regularly and he’s the only one of the two capable of a big play at any given moment multiple times throughout the game.
AS reminded us who he is when he threw the one pass at the end of AZ game. It was a 3 yard pass (approx) low and at the knees of the receiver, who then had to gather himself to try and beat of the defenders who were now bearing down upon him. It shows on the stat sheet as a completion. He was 1 for 1, but got us nowhere.
If we had to play Alex I would be good with it, but I would prefer Kaep.
Logic is simple: when Kaep loses, it’s still better than when Alex wins.
If Har-Har is REALLY smart, he would start AS the first Quarter since the pack is preparing for Kap. Depending on the score I’d change to Kap at halftime or 2nd Q. That would really throw them for a loop. But we are going conservative, we;re going with Hot Hand.
I like your style!
Never let the insane run the asylum.
It took seven years and a good coach for Alex to beat any good teams.He is history,get over it. We were forced to move on from Montana to Young. Nobody thought Young was even close. Let’s give Colin a chance. He can’t be any worse than Smith.
It’s obvious you were not a 49er fan from 2005-2009 since those were the darkest days of the franchise. Poor drafts, no leadership, no talent, and no professional NFL level coaching. To use those years to evaluate any player is simply insane!
No one could perform under any of those circumstances as evidence of not even a sniff of a .500 record let alone a playoff berth.
Lol
Prime
Didn’t Patrick Willis play okay during some of those years? Stay real, Prime.
Prime’s right. 49ers had the worst o-line in football for that period. No QB would have had much success in that environment.
I’m all for Kaep moving forward, but let’s not blame Smith for things beyond his control. He’s shown the last 2 years, that with competent line play and playcalling, he can play rather well. Just leave it at that.
Mr E
Since you brought him up whats P Willis starting record ?
Fansince 77,
“Would you feel comfortable having Alex as the starter for this game, or would you prefer CK, but where we can’t be sure if he’s going to have a great game or a so-so game.” You sound like you are guaranteeing that Smith would have a good game. Is that what you are saying? What if he played like he did against the Giants earlier in the year? What if CK played like he did against the Patriots? Have you actually compared CK’s worst performance to Smith’s? His best performance compared to Smith’s? CK is the starter because Harbaugh believes that he gives this team it’s best chance to win a championship. He has made that crystal clear, time to get on board.
The Niners and the Packers are completely different teams, compared to their week-one matchup. What is most important is solid play by the defense, especially the secondary. Frank Gore has to be able to get free and not fumble or fall down. The coaches have to get out of their comfort zone. Those items are way more important than any Alex/Colin comparisons…
Alex had an exceptional game against Green Bay – on the road, some prove-yourself pressure against A. Rodgers, etc.
Having said that, I am very comfortable with Kaep leading this team.
i’d feel a whole lot better if we had MM, KW, KW, and a fully healthy J.Smith on the roster. pass rush was a key in the first game – i hope Fangio can dial something up for this game and the next one, in which we crush Seattle.
It’s not that Colin is better then alex at this point… It’s that Colin can exploid the hole field and that is the difference. Colin gives u deep threat ability, run ability and of coarse he has more of a killer instict which alex lacked on. Alex will look for dump offs before throwing deep which in the other case Colin looks for deep shots and dump offs after if nothing is there.
octo,
Hey bud, it looks like you debated with yourself and CK won (lol).
At this juncture we must conclude and accept the fact that Harbaugh views CK as being better on the same points that you just mentioned.
You and Coach are on the same page, not bad.
Grant, now that Standford TE Zach Ertz has declared he will be in the 2013 draft, what’s your take? Didn’t he break some Fleener records?
Ertz is a natural pass catcher and a better blocker, but not as fast as Fleener. He would be good on the Niners. Delanie is a FA. Just sayin.
Space
Dump Vernon and his oversized salary and pick up Ertz while signing Delanie.
But Vernon is a really good blocker! ;)
Whew…..I was thinking the exact same thing before this last draft……send VD to Indy, along with the entire lot of picks from this last draft (none of which have made an impact, I might add) for the rights to a can’t miss at QB……but, thats hindsight….Ertz would be a great fit for this team…
Lol I was thinking the same thing before I went and posted LOL
I would feel comfortable with Alex in any game, anytime. I would prefer to start CK.
Mr. Everything… I really wish you worked for every other team but the 49ers. We would never lose again with your suggestions.
Josh
Vernon is overpaid. He’s the best blocker in the league. He’s very fast, but has no lateral agility or jumping ability and therefore can be easily covered by safeties. He is not a productive pass-catcher. I hope he replicates his extraordinary 2012 playoff performances this year, but am not holding my breath.
Dump him for a 1st round pick. He would fetch it.
I think do they can use him in more creative plays though. Maybe shorter passes and let him break tackles. Or VD in the backfield.
When’s the last time you saw him run over somebody or break a tackle. Vernon is a lumbering guy. I wonder what his cone-drill time was; he has very little capacity for quickness and short area burst.
Jsand,
Sorry bro. VD doesnt break tackles. I bet this entire blog $100 two years ago if they find me video of VD putting his head down and attempting to run over a cornerback or safety. They produced some bogus video all the Smithers jumped on board. He doesn’t have that mean streak in him. I think its the art! Lol.
@23jordan:
Yeah, we all remember. You owe me $100, welcher.
With all this social media stuff and internet…The PD should have you do a Bama-’Dame live blog. Dang,I should have suggested you suggest to the Ed. sooner.
Even Christians want to see’Dame blasted just so we can tune in to the Fitz show at noon manana. Hee-hee-hee.
I picked the right word. “Blast”
Time to sing to Notre Dame “Back too life,back to reality”…They were never that good.
Norte Dame can’t hang with ‘Bama. Oregon or even K State would have put up a bigger fight.
V Davis will respond on the big stage he did last year nice you guys dig at one if not the best TE in the NFL that’s why people call us whiner fans. Learn to be the 12 Man! Not a douche wand like neal/jordo/bay
I agree big fan of Vernon he is a franchise player.
I love Vernon, but he definitely ain’t earning those $8M…
Sam,
You have no credibility on this blog. Why dont you go back to posting your childish stupid eri. Rodgers crotch cheese jokes like you used to. Youre a buffoon. What did you do? Finally wantex to retire from trolling? Youre still a troll clown!
Says the man with less credibility than anyone. Sam, don’t listen to jordan. He’s known for two things: welching and being laughably ignorant when it comes to football. Ask him to tell you about how the Eagles play prevent defense in the red zone.
Claude he clown.
You show up unsolicited too?? What a surprise. No cut n paste?
Claude,
You still butt hurt about Alex Smith? he’s gone, why are you still here. Your boyfriend is leaving, please see if he’ll take you with him.
@23welcher:
To the extent I am “butt hurt” about anything (what are you, 16?), it’s that you welched on paying me the $100 you owe me.
You’re a joke Sourdough, go back to niners nation blog or wherever you came from.
crabs,
Sourdough is the idiot who used to post all the garbage about Erin Rodgers cheese crotch last year. Nobody responded to that garbage last year. He’s a complete clown. Biggest troll here.
23J – I’m familiar with that clown suit.
BigP nailed it earlier, If you polled all 32 NFL GM’s and asked:
Would you rather have Alex Smith or Kaepernick as your starting QB? How many would choose Alex?
Nada…..Zilch!
Crabs,
Exactly.
Jordo your the guy that welched on his bet last year when alex came back as the starter you are the joke and have zero respect gtfo
Sam,
What happen to Erin’s crotch? What happen to that whole scam? Why don’t you give us some more of that? You thought that was amusing? Goes to show how young and dumb you are. Learn how to punctuate before you ask for permission to use a blog. Try using a period and not all the run on sentences. You sound illiterate up here.
Phil Sims and Troy Aikman may have been as savant as a fire hydrant, but they got the job done.
Phil Simms is the worst announcer in the NFL.
I love Harbs but his QB decision answers are very puzzling to me.
“It’s pretty well documented how we felt about both guys. That one’s our left arm, one’s our right arm.”
What?!!! Are we a left handed or right handed team Jim?
“We felt we could win with either quarterback.”
What?!!! Win what Jim, the Super Bowl?
I’d rather hear “no comment” from Jim than this nonsense.
I don’t even think Harbaugh believes what he’s saying.
If Harbs is going to answer these lame questions still (with lame answers), let’s debate the Alex benching all the way to the Super Bowl….What the hell
I agree Crabs… Seriously JH you have TWO QBs? You have one… and a back-up who’ll be looking for a new team next year.
That answer was just strange to me. Unless he was really just trying to play up Alex so he can get more for him in trade?
Panda – I hear ya….Strange man.
Grant,
Do any of the local reporters take Harbaugh seriously in his pressers?
Houston – The local press should get together and not show up at one of Farmer Jim’s useless pressers, stage a “Harbout.”
They should set up a remote boom-box and play Twisted Sisters “Were not going to take it” song full blast, when Harbs walks into the media tent.
That Dee Snider sure is a handsome fellow. :)
Let the good times roll………
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbxMz5h11CU
That’s the fastest I’ve ever clicked on my back arrow. Thanks for reminding me NY Giants traveled across country to our backyard and ended that good moment.
So Cundiff or Akers?
It is funny. I am genuinely excited about the prospect of Alex Smith playing for KC or Minnesota- I think he could go far in the playoffs with both teams. I think he is a top 10 QB in the NFL.
But the Smithers drive me up the wall.
Kaepernick is a potential MVP/Hall of Fame type QB. He has an amazing arm (strongest than i have ever seen in a niners jersey), smart, more elusive than Steve Young in his prime, and the way he can throw accurately across his body while running full speed is something I have never seen ANY QB ever do.
If Kaepernick doesnt get a big head, and works as hard as Tom Brady learning his craft (which it sounds like he does, Walker says he is first in and last out)- there is no limit on how good he will be.
And so many people are blind to it because they have their feelings hurt about Alex Smith- it is crazy.
Suede,
I’ll never forget your comment during the 1st Arizona game. I won’t because I felt the very same way watching Smith play for years. That’s why I never stopped posting my position about Smith. I couldn’t figure out how some of the coaches we had couldn’t see it. It was almost as I’d the team had invested so much money in Smith, that they were trying to get a return. The guy just does not have it and he never did. JH was a lifesaver for this guy. However, I can’t ay that there are 20 other coaches out there that can get the same results from Smith. What JH has with QBs is really unique.
Jordo
Would you mind posting that Suede comment, since you seemingly have it filed away somewhere?
I really do think Smith is a decent QB. He is Trent Dilfer 2.0- give him a ray lewis type back and a possession receiver and he can be good.
Mr E,
I’ve never forgotten it. I know where it is though. Check the live game blog for the Arizona game in the 4th Qr possibly. maybe big suede will explain it to you. He basically said that watching Smith was pretty boring. he an tell you better than I.
I was mostly whining that Alex Smith was doing just enough to keep Kaepernick on the sidelines and Smith’s play was boring and ugly. I think I may have wished him injury so Kaepernick could get in the game.
And lo and behold…..
Suede
Perfect post. Not a change to be made.
Big Suede,
Go far in the playoffs with Kansas City?? I’d have to disagree with you there bro. Clearly , if Ponder can ride with the Vikings to the playoffs, then Smith probably could too. Good defense and a great running game. That’s the perfect scenario for Smith. However K.C. Does not have that.
Jamaal Charles is a STUD. And KC has much more talent than you would think, especially if they hang onto Bowe. They just had horrible coaching, no QB, and a linebacker who killed himself.
If you go back to many football pundits predictions at the beginning of the season- most had KC in the playoffs this year- the team has talent.
If Reid could get a solid defensive coordinator- maybe Lovie Smith or Rivera- and draft Jarvis Jones.
I don’t know how they wouldnt be among 4 Super Bowl contenders in the AFC with Alex Smith starting
Big Suede,
The problem is Peyton Manning. KC can’t win that division in the next 2 years at least. That defense has major holes and the offense has Charles and Bowe for now. Bowe may be gone next year. He does want to be there and remember he was in the trading block this season. Smith is going to struggle away from JH just like he did before JH got here.
23- Next year I think KC could contend for the AFC with Bronco’s, Colts, and Texans. dolphins could be big next year too.
And I don’t think any QB has ever struggled under Andy Reid. He has made stars out of Koy Detmer, Jay Feely, and Kevin Kolb. I think he could make a star out of Alex Smith.
Suede,
Respectfully disagree. I just don’t believe KC is near ready to compete. The teams that made the playoffs are far more talented than the Chiefs. Remember, the chiefs won 2 games this year. That means they were the worst team in the league. There is not an Andrew Luck in this draft. Andy Reid might help this team. But getting them to the playoffs is a stretch.
As for those QBs you mentioned being stars. I beg to differ. These guys are all journeymen. None of them have been stars in this league. Stars make pro bowls. They sell jerseys. They excel. These guys are all tomato cans. You’re still my guy. We just don’t agree on this one. Alex Smith is in the same league as all those guys you mentioned. He is certainly not a star. He’s a good person but he’s not a star football player.
As for KC being a top 4 super bowl contender with Alex Smith. Big Suede, you’re starting to worry me. Is that sarcasm? Look at the 4 teams left int he AFC. Pats, Ravens, Broncos and Texans. Look at the other playoff teams in the AFC. Colts, Bengals. There is no way KC is remotely close to these teams. KC lost twice to the Raiders this year. They were 2-14 for a reason. I’d love to see Alex Smith with KC next year so we could further discuss this. Smith will be a below average QB again without JH. Just like he was without JH before he got here.
23Jordan how old are you?
Those three names i listed- they all had GREAT games with the eagles and then went other places and failed. Why? Because Reid knows QBs.
And I qualified my statement that the Chiefs need to get a top defensive coordinator- and i think there are a couple elite guys out there.
The chiefs were terrible because Cassel was god awful and the three and outs exposed the defense. Just trust me- KC is a talented team-
Even if we don’t win Super Bowl this year (I think we will) the Kap move was the right one. Even if we lose to Packers/Atl or Sea, we have a foundation of great young players mixed in with veterans. We are not like the Cowboys, who are desperately trying to win 1 Super Bowl. This Niner team is built for multiple years of Super Bowl contention and we have a hungry, talented head coach…..That’s the key fellas/9erGirl.
Kap is getting valuable playoff experience in only his 2nd year……..Priceless for us!
Crabs,
I’m not settling bro. we’re getting #6 this year man. I gotta have it!
Crabs,
“Even if we don’t win Super Bowl this….” WTF? Let your balls drag and go into that foxhole ready to kick some ass! This team can beat anybody when they play to their potential. It’s playoff time. Watch this video to get your mojo back: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzToNo7A-94
BigP – Lol…You’re right, that “even if” comment was pathetic. Hofer’s negativity must have briefly caused a mental lapse. :)
We are going 3-0 bro!
The “No More Excuses” war cry still applied.
Because Kaep>>AS, why not?
But… but…. It’s win now because this team has a window! Justin Smith and Frank Gore are not getting any younger.
We have we heard that before?
jordo/welcher your and bay need to start a fan club for your man crush on ck his nice tan clouds your mind like a smither with his blue eyes
It’s not a tan dude, it’s called mellanin. It comes from being half black.
I supported Alex throughout his career, I felt that he got the worst deal possible when he was drafted, we all know the deal, no talent on the roster, bad coaches etc etc, I was loving it when Harbaugh turned up and flipped his career around, and was disappointed when Jim dropped him for Kaepernick, but I’ve always been one to keep an open mind so I eagerly waited to see what Kaep could do. To start with I have to admit I thought it was the wrong move, but I can’t deny that Kaep just has something that Alex doesn’t , I’m not talking about the legs or the deep threat, there just seems to be an x factor that separates Colin and Alex, I think the pundits call it intangibles. But the thing that jumps out to me more than anything else is that Colin is a lot better at hitting his receivers in stride, putting the ball in that one small space that enables the receiver to extend the play after the catch, Crabs would agree with me I’m sure. I still feel for Alex because the way it went down was horrible, to lose your job when your playing badly is one thing, but Alex was playing the best ball of his career and I think he was still improving, all that being said I support the decision and I beleive the Niners are now in a great position to go and get number six! The packers don’t scare me, nor do the Falcons as for the Hawks? Can you say revenge? If the hawks and niners meet at the stick next week?Well does anyone remember the 1989/90 championship game against the Rams? Nuff said!
D, what i like about CK the most is his competitive nature! You can tell he wants to win and he just has this fierce demeanor regardless of what happens! Ck will continue to make mistakes but he has the ability with Jim H to grow and become a top notch QB in this league! Go NINERS
DClark,
Very good post sir!
Week one of the season was a long time ago and both teams are much different! Packers are playing good football and their offense is clicking again. I am not concern about CK or Alex playing. I am concern about the game plan, Justin Smiths health and the defense showing up to play a very physical game! Also, our special team must play well if we are going to win this game! If you take a look at the Green bay special team they have two great returners and a not so consistant kicker! Lastly, VD and Jenkins must contribute to the offense because greenbay is going to go after crabtree!!!
Is the condition of the Candlestick playing surface a legitimate issue, or is this just the media looking to extend the moralizing that arose after Pete Carroll bitched about the condition of the field at Fed Ex stadium?
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/08/candlestick-park-looks-a-lot-like-fedex-field/
I ask because none of the 49ers’ major leg/foot injuries this year occurred at Candlestick. Fleming was injured at training camp in Santa Clara; Jacobs was hurt in Houston; Kyle Williams and Hunter went down in New Orleans; Manningham was injured in Seattle.
C Balls – Good post……It’s not the field. Pete Carrol’s a mouth open gum-wad chewing cry baby! Fluke injuries in NFL happen
in all field conditions. Many college/high school fields are crappy and I don’t hear them complaining.
Some in the media are so starved for material they reach for anything.
@ Crab15:
Thanks. That’s what I suspected. Here’s a picture showing more of the field:
http://www.bayareasportsguy.com/billy-cundiff-photos-facebook-show-candlestick-parks-horrible-turf-49ers/
While there are places in the middle of the field that are thin/bare, most of the field looks fine. Also, I have never read of a player/coach criticizing the field at Candlestick like Carroll did with Fed Ex. Apparently, even Shanahan conceded that the condition of the field “wasn’t perfect.”
The fake grass fields are 100x more dangerous than any real grass field could be. I’ve suffered 2 significant injuries on that stuff since college, but in my entire playing career all the way through college, all on grass, didn’t get injured once.
For me it is real simple: Alex Smith makes the WR work to catch his throws. Low at the knees, too high, or behind. Sure AS does make some nice throws once a while, and it seems most of those throws are to VD.
CK is able to hit receivers in stride. It is no coincidence that Crabtree took off when CK took over. When AS was throwing to Crabtree, the defenders arrived the same time the ball arrives. Whereas now, the pass is thrown so fast and hard, that Crabtree is making his move before the defender gets to him. CK is more accurate and makes faster decision. When the game slows down for CK, watch out!
Wokingfool,
Good post. I agree with you 100%.
Good post, you are no fool.
Coach Harbaw,
Savant is a type of word which you do not use until afterwards. “After what?” he asks. After your team gets at least one playoff win. If your season ends Saturday night, then Colin is not a savant at quarterback and you will not be considered a savant as a head coach. Do you see how it works? Last year you were coach of the year. This year could be over sooner than you think. Stay tuned. Stay sober. Try and enjoy your last “football fight” of the 2012/2013 season.