Cam Newton dismantled the Falcons’ defense twice this year. He completed 38-of-59 passes for 502 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He also ran for 202 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Are the Falcons vulnerable to dual-threat quarterbacks like Cam Newton? Do you expect Colin Kaepernick to torch the Falcons defense like Newton did this year?
Keep in mind the Falcons dominated Cam Newton in 2011, intercepting him five times and holding him to a 56.2 passer rating.
49ers RSS feed
Loading ...
Cam Newton has been average in his 2nd year. Kap will never regress because Harbaugh wont let him and Kap is a student of the game.
As for this upcoming game, Roman is going to put together another masterpiece to get himself the head coaching job he wants.
Grant why no props for Roman after the game? That game plan was perfect!
Cam Newton wasn’t quite as special in 2011 as some would have you believe.
The edge Kap has over Cam is desire and work ethic. He’s a humble kid who lives and breathes football. Cam is a great talent but is about the show as much as he is about the game. The work ethic Kap has will take him to greater heights than Cam will reach.
The edge Kap has over Cam is also INTELLIGENCE. Don’t be afraid to say it. Kap is much more aware of what it takes, and has the mind to get there and digest everything he sees.
Contrary to the public persona, the word from coaches at Auburn was that Newton was actually an extremely hard worker and was a very good student. He did have some maturity issues initially but they say he got over that. They say he’s a fun loving kid who’s a really good person. I kind of root for him after hearing all that.
As far as the comparison, I don’t really care for the comparison. I like Harbaughs approach. Everyone’s different. Both guys are great QB’s and we should just appreciate their talents.
Gotta wonder if, when Harbaugh called Newton “plutonium grade talent,” he was secretly describing Kaepernick.
Kaep seems to be a bit more accurate than Cam and he actually goes through his progressions. What little I’ve seen of Cam has been one read and run.
Wilson also tore up the Falcons. They don’t seem to handle mobile QBs very well.
The edge Kap has over Cam is a better attitude and a better team around him. Owner down the 9ers are better than the Panthers.
Cam Newton was special enough this year to lead his team in passing AND rushing while improving his QB rating, throwing fewer interceptions and leading his team to more wins than the previous year. So many people wanted him to fail this year but he didn’t.
Grant
In response to the limited scope of your question, Kaep is Cam2012 not Cam2011.
Your topic, more broadly drawn, might provide you some fascinating angles to work with this week, should you pursue it. Is Kaep Cam Newton? Is Kaep RGIII? Is Kaep Andrew Luck? Maybe you could provide a link to your fairly old topic about whether CK might be considered amongst the league’s top-5 within 5 years. You recall that one?
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/2012/12/inside-the-49ers/ranking-young-quarterbacks-part-ii/
I should have had Russell Wilson on that list.
Nobody knew. Before the draft, I said they should take him in rounds 5-7 if he was still available, but that would have been irrelevant. He’s a year younger than you but he talks like a 60 year old. Must have grown up a ton when his dad died.
Cam Newton can’t even hold Kaepernick’s jock.
Unlike Newton, Kaepernick has proven he can tear your heart out from the pocket just as easily as he can best you outside of it.
Cam Newton would be way better if Harbaugh was his coach.
One more win by CK and there will be no more doubt about the switch or his place as a top QB in the league. Then if he wins it all we can attach elite to his game.
There is already no more doubt. Oh except to a lost forgotten group called the Smithers who gather at support meetings. One topic of discussion is how many games Kaep has to win before they can feel better about the switch….
He’s arrived. He’s a star and will be a top five QB in the league next year. With the production to justify it.
Smh.
Claude
Why are you always shaking your head? Does that mean something to you? Is it Prime or is it Bay? At whom do you shake your head this time?
I agree Claude. I also shake my head when certain fans publicly list a number of wins our young QB must attain before handing over their loyalty to him….
Our young QB who just helped destroy the Packers and is one win away from going to the superbowl. Yes I too SMH…..
@ Mr. E:
Both.
Bay, why is this year any different from last year? No mercy remember? CK is outstanding but if the 9ers don’t get to the SB and win, it is a disappointing year.
Those two agreeing, getting along and not calling each other filthy names, I know the apocalypse is right around the corner! :P
Prime,
Only Alex Smith freak, like you, would say if he wins next week, no doubt about the switch, give me a break, every GM in the NFL would take Kaep over Smith. Every GM in the league would take Kaep over any QB, as their QB for the next 10 years, the only debate would be Russell Wilson.
You guys obviously don’t read anything outside of the Bayarea media. Try reading something outside of the west coast and see what other nationally recognized journalist are saying about CK and the 49ers.
Just because other fans or journalist have a different perspective you children have to resort to name calling. Then again that’s all Neal and Bay have as a rebuttal to any argument.
Prime
Everyone in the country saw the same thing on Saturday and everyone, including Merrill Hoge, Heath Evans, and Marshall Faulk, the three most outspoken critics of Harbaugh, reacted the same way: by declaring that CK is ridiculous and Harbaugh was clearly right to make the switch. Nobody on earth with an iota of football savvy would pick Smith over Kaep after watching Saturday’s performance.
What are you reading/watching that says otherwise? Please provide links. Thanks.
I agree, CK is for real, I said he proved me wrong about his inexperience showing in a pressure game. All I am saying is that there will always be scrutiny around a Niners QB. CK is no different. He has to live up now to the standard of superbowls. It’s SF, it’s always been that way.
Prime
Don’t change your stance. It looks like you were implying that there are plenty of scribes outside the Bay Area that wouldn’t take Kaep over Smith. Provide links.
Where did I ever mention Smith? If you have been following the news around the NFL the argument was the timing of the switch. Pay attention and don’t turn this into an Alex Smith debate. Most of us have moved forward except for Neal, Bay, and you. I guess that makes you guys an elite club!
Prime
The timing of the switch from Alex to Kaep. You can’t seriously believe that you can talk about a switch from A to B without comparing A and B?
Don’t regress to your former ignominy. You’ve been relatively decent lately. Thanks.
Provide links that still say after Saturday that the switch FROM ALEX TO KAEP was a wrong move. Links. Prime, just the links.
Thanks.
Prime he’s there man. There is no doubt any longer, at least there shouldn’t be. Smith did a really good job in the year and a half he played under Harbaugh, but Kap just performed at a level Smith doesn’t have in his game. What we potentially have in this kid is mindboggling, and for him to be this good after 8 starts is amazing. It’s time to end the Smith/Kap stuff, turn the page and enjoy the future because it’s looking like a hell of a ride.
Good Points Rocket but Prime hates to be wrong.
If either of you read my post after the game you would know where I stand with Kap. Rocket once again you jump to conclusions and Neal you still have no clue so no point in explaining anything to you. Hof is right, you need new material to keep up in here.
No Prime I didn’t read your post after the game. It sounded above like you were still hedging your bets in the Alex/Colin debate. If I was wrong in my interpretation I apologize.
No worries Rocket. My point only was I believe CK has arrived. However many different media outlets are saying that a win Sunday will justify the switch because the controversy surrounding it entails two things. One the timing of it because of Alex’s injury and two, Ale won a divisional game, so did CK now the next game and a win will cement CK as the best decision moving forward.
I’ve heard guys on the NFL network and ESPN talk about it. Maybe it’s just media trying to build it up but there is still people who question it. I’m not agreeing, just listening being a fan.
Ok Prime point taken. The media always has to make a story whether it’s real or fiction.
You can love Ck for the way he plays, and he’s well on his way to being a top QB because of his unique skills, ability to throw, and he’s smart. But he hasn’t won anything yet, so before he does, we shouldn’t assume he’s there yet.
Ck reminds me of Bo Jackson. Just a pure physical athlete that had strength and quickness.
And what has AS ever won.
What kind of bogus crap is that? Here let me answer that for you, it’s the kind of crap that comes out of the mouth of someone who isn’t a fan.
How much more exciting can it get. We have a new QB that our head coach of the year drafted. He deems him ready to lead the team. Inserts him halfway through the year. CK responds by going 5-2 ( should have been 6-1) Beats Brees in N.O. and Brady in N.E.. Helps destroy the Packers at home in his first playoff game and is one game away from the superbowl.
And then you get MORONS that say stuff like, “But he hasn’t won anything yet, so before he does, we shouldn’t assume he’s there yet. ” And “One more win by CK and there will be no more doubt about the switch or his place as a top QB in the league.”
And then you have Claude who just wants to insert himself in the conversation so he can cut and paste his way into attempting to win a debate…..
Bay, it is true. As much as CK has been outstanding, if the 9ers don’t win SB’s, it doesn’t mean anything. This is not a debate regarding QB’s, CK has more talent plain and simple. If the talent doesn’t produce wins, there will be scrutiny. It’s always been that way in the NFL – fair or not.
Ok Hofer,
I give up. There will be scrutiny. Ok, what type of scrutiny Hofer?
@ bay:
At the risk of being politically incorrect, I am going to assume that it’s your time of the month. Take a deep breath, pop a couple of Midol, and enjoy the victory.
Bay, the same type of scrutiny any talented QB receives that never wins a SB. It’s a stigma. Plain and simple, like it or not. Do we have a better chance with CK? Absolutely.
That said, I think this is the perfect storm brewing for the 9ers. I think it is just their year period.
That make you feel better Clod? YOu got your little “jab” in….
Let the men talk football Clod…
Let the men talk football
Well, they let you in on the conversation …
C nuts,
Since you are a AS freak, with that stupid chauvinist pig comment about women’s period, you sound like a old fart, anyway sorry you lost your FREAK.
Hofer – On ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption today Tony Kornheiser said Kaepernick looked like the best player in the entire NFL Saturday.
I agree with you Hofe, it’s about winning Super Bowls. Kap is the man but I need a Super Bowl appearance to be satisfied. We are going to get more than that Hofe, bank it bro! Start planning your SB party and get the bubbly and confetti ready!
Neal
Where was ur chivalry when u were calling our backup Alice?
Hypocrite fraud
I agree that Kap is not there yet, but I think we can all agree he is the best option at QB now?
The goal is to win a SB and anything less is a failed attempt, but what I saw on Saturday was the beginning of something special in regards to the future of the team. A Patriots type existence to be exact, where this team will be a contender every season because there is a difference maker at the QB positon. Now Kap could still take a step back of course, but his talent and desire are undeniable so it looks pretty good going forward.
Having a QB with the ability to take over a game like this is extremely rare and keeps the SB window open beyond the turnover elsewhere on the team. That is what has me so excited about the future today.
BOS 49
Get off your white horse.
Neal, can’t you just enjoy the 9ers success? Why are you always looking to cause trouble? I know you are better than this.
FAN, are you kidding me! please tell me you are just joking right! Colin has proven a lot to this organization after just seven games as a rookie!!! Colin is not perfect and he will make mistakes just like the last year MVP Aaron Rogers, Drew B, PM, RGIII, Brady and any other nfl QB, however Colin will get better with his passion for the game and the physical ability as well as his IQ! Believe my friend in Colin!
Crab-
Kornheiser said he was gonna get a Kaepernick tramp stamp. lol
CK has to get that “one more win.”
This is SB or bust.
CK has all the tools, is an incredible athlete but if he doesn’t win it all, he’s not considered elite. He didn’t get his chance yet. If he beats ATL, he will. If Nolan finds a way to slow him down. he won’t.
AS didn’t win it all so he’s not elite.
Dan Marino didn’t win it all. Not elite.
It’s the standard.
Don’t be so quick to judge and get your panties all tied up and accuse others of not being fans just because we see the world a little bigger and differently from you.
Heck, look at what they say about Peyton — He’s great in the regular season but chokes in the playoffs. And he won a ring. Lost one too.
>>But he hasn’t won anything yet, so before he does, we shouldn’t assume he’s there yet.
How many years did Young have to toil, and with damn good teams, to get that monkey off his back? That Kaep might get it done after 9 games is completely amazing.
Fan,
I respectfully disagree. Dan Marino was elite. Apparently, you never saw him play. I don’t think super bowls make all QBs ekite. Dilfer wasn’t elite. Neither was Jim Plunkett. But they both have won super bowls.
Jordan winning one super bowl does’nt make you elite IE Trent Dilfer but winning 2 Does IE Jim Plunkett. He did’nt do it pretty but those teams won because of Jim Plunkett. IMHO
Coach,
I disagree. Plunkett was not elite. He saved his career from being a bust when he got to Oakland. He certainly contributed to those rings but he was nit elite. You need a history playing at an exceptional level for an extended period of time.
Beefcake
If you think Alex would have come back to tie the Rams in the game he got injured in, or beaten the Patriots at Foxboro, then you are in serious need of some help.
Harbaugh benched Smith when he did because the upcoming schedule at the time was one that required a QB with more talent. Since he already had that QB, Harbaugh made the switch then and there. And what Kaep did against the Packers, no matter what happens next game, cements him as a better QB than Smith. Compare the two games if you need to. Kaep accounted for 10 yards per play against the Packers, and 28 points of offense. Smith had a nice game too, but nowhere near as special. Smith made doubters cry with joy. Kaep brought an entire nation to its bewildered knees. What Smith did was a real positive for him as an individual. What Kaep did seemed impossible and will change the way football is played for decades to come.
That was deep …….
E says “What Kaep did seemed impossible and will change the way football is played for decades to come”
I think your speaking on emotion and emotion only right now. The read option has been around a long time.
Prime
Kaep ran the pistol, not the read option.
Kaep is Mr. 10/4.
The Kaep we saw Saturday was the real Kaep. Expect more of that, not the KaepLight Harbaugh showed us during the regular season.
You’re right, I’m excited. The Niners own the top offensive output in the playoffs thus far. Nobody expected that, but I don’t think it was a fluke.
unless I’m mistaken, the pistol is a formation and the read option is a play… so he would have ‘lined up’ in the pistol, and ‘ran’ the read-option… and yes he did run some read option plays.
I would say Kaep just needs to do better than 1-13 on 3rd down to cement his status as an upgrade.
If crab brings his 2012 game instead of his 2011 game he will no doudt
Prime if CK can help us win one more game he will be a legend however regardless of what happens CK is the better QB on our roster. The QB controversy is over for this team and CK is our future QB. GO NINERS
He is the future but legendary status? That will take multiple superbowls to have that anknowledgement! You don’t hand those out like candy after a Super Bowl berth.
What comparison? There is none.
+1
I said on your blog long time ago that he reminded me of cam newton just based on skill set. He has a better head on his shoulders and the best coaching staff in the league. Scary combination
Cam is a diva!
He’s an entertainer and an icon!….:)
Crabs,
Respectfully disagree with you my friend. A tad bit immature but not a diva. He’s certainly got some growing up to do. He will get it. Anytime you’re a big fan of kids, you can’t lose. He’s big with the kids. He’s a winner in my book. Every touchdown he or his teammates scores, he gives that ball away to a kid. That’s home and away. You gotta respect that. He’s touching a lot of lives. Divas just don’t have time for that.
Jordan,
How about when he does his “Superman” routine when his team is getting killed in the fourth quarter of a game in which his team is behind because of his mistakes? There’s no real cure for the personality that results in that kind of behavior. Cam will never be a true great, he may rack up tons of stats, but he won’t be in the same class as Kaep, Luck, Griffin, and Wilson.
Ex,
I said he has some growing up to do. Look at the last 7 games of the season and see if you find any of that. You’ve seen that one time and you can’t even say for sure if his mistakes caused his team to lose the game. Cite the game and let’s analyze it. I’ve got NFL rewind. Which game did you see that?
How long have you been reading futures of NFL quarterbacks? Anyone and everyone has a right to change. Remember, the guy isn’t even 25 yet. Life has a way of humbling us. None of us are perfect. There’s always room and time for change.
23J – I was being sarcastic bro. I thought calling Cam a diva might be funny, coming from me.
I should’ve added a smiley face.
I don’t like Cam for the same reasons xgolfer gave but he’s not a diva.
I think he’ll be very good. I just don’t think he’ll be great.
As far as the game in which he did that, I can’t remember. Just like I can’t remember the date of the stabbing deaths that Ray Lewis was involved in. That doesn’t mean either thing didn’t happen.
What some of you guys don’t get — and it stinks of you-know-what — is that Colin is a highly intelligent man. He has the physical tools for sure and the drive to compete. But he also has the gray matter to put it all together. Colin is just getting started…
Impossible!!! He is a “running QB”
And he is, to the tune of a record smashing 181 yards of poetry in motion. You can be a smart QB who brings a threat to run the ball. People make the mistake of assuming that “running QB” is an insult, and somehow an indication that he can’t pass from the pocket.
Kaep is for sure a running QB, and I love it. Oh yeah, he is also pretty damn good in the pocket too!
What’s beyond plutonium grade? Cuz that’s what I saw on Saturday night…..I’ve never seen anything like it before.
Angus
Kaep takes it as an insult.
Mr. E,
I daresay I wouldn’t want to categorize him. How about “multidimensional”, or perhaps “f’#@ing awesome”?
Your comment, Angus, “People make the mistake of assuming that “running QB” is an insult” was a good one. Reminds me that some people think calling a QB a “game manager” is an insult (mostly the guys with “fantasy football” minds). From what I’ve seen, you’d better be able to run AND manage, if you want to survive and succeed in this league!
Rusty,
I was going to mention “game manager”, you’re right. I think in both cases, people use the term, and mean it in a negative sense, but it isn’t, literally, a negative comment, in either case.
i give you guys credit i come on here and you guys talk about some real good things i like that about you guys as fans keep the positiveness going i like reading the comments good stuff.
Thanks RalphieBoi! We’re all about the positiveness here! Gets your chi lined up right, gets your karma warmed up. Positive….puff, puff…..vibes, man….dig it.
RalphyBoi, a piece of advice: Leave. NOW! Don’t ever come to this site again.
Otherwise, you’re in for a big disappointment!
So if CK does not deliver a SB win, do you doubters suggest we go back to Alex Smith? Well, it ain’t happenin’ folks!
Win or lose, CK will be the 49ers QB for years to come. At this point, I would venture to say that even AS’ most avid supporters in the locker room care very little about The Switch.
Why are we even talking about this when we are only one win away from a SB appearance?
CK has nothing left to prove IMO. What I have seen him do in only 8-9 weeks has me fully convinced that he is ‘Da Man!’ as another 49er once said.
AES, I haven’t read anyone here suggesting the 9ers go back to AS. He is gone in April. The question that is posed is if the 9ers don’t win a SB, is CK above scrutiny? I don’t believe any QB is above scrutiny. Some will be more lenient, but fans want a winner and in the NFL that is the SB. Now that the team has a dual threat at QB, expectations will be high every single year. If they fall short, there will be plenty of scrutiny to spread around. Just the way it is.
All players need scrutiny, since the QB gets the accolades he also gets the brunt. Anyways its not about the QB its about how it came about and that is even pretty much a mute point. My expectations at the begining of the year are still the same – Super Bowl victory.
Hofer this is the NFL! Its all about winning or you will be scrutinize! Just think about last years super bowl and Tom Brady! or How about PM and his interception that cost the Broncos the game against the Ravens! Regardless of what happens Colin will be back and hopefully continue to improve for years to come. GO Colin and the NINERS
I hope not
Cam regressed in year 2. Whether thats because teams figured out how to stop him or he rested on his laurels I dont want CK to follow that path. I think CK has a chip on his shoulder that drives him for being overlooked. Cam meanwhile was taking offers as to which school he would play for and winning the Heisman so he has a bit of a sense of entitlement. There is a great ESPN the mag article about Cam at the pro bowl how he rubbed all the veterans the wrong way and thought he was the $hhh so much so that the AFC team was pass rushing him wicked hard trying to knock his head off.
I hate to be a debbie downer but can we please reign in the accolades a bit. I get it CK is awesome and the future looks bright but the NFL is littered with players who had a brief “flash in the pan” and fizzled out. M Cassel threw for 27 td one year and went to the pro bowl. D.Anderson went to the pro bowl for the browns. Fitzpatrik had a blistering 7 games for which he got a fat contract and has sucked ever since. Im not expecting that to happen to Kaep but it has happened before to people who looked like cant miss superstars in the making.
There’s only one think that idiot in Carolina has in common with Colin…
BOS
Open your eyes. Kaep is no Cassel. Right? I mean, you watched what he did and how he looked doing it, no?
I hear you Bos, and I’m really not usually the type to overreact/fawn over one performance. This was different to me though. When a young QB shows that kind of command and poise after 8 starts, and more importantly his first playoff start, it’s eye opening. It could all come crashing down obviously but watching the talent combine with the mind to play at a level far beyond what he should be this early is stunning.
Let’s face it, GB’s defense wasn’t impressive, although of all of the playoff teams, they weren’t the worse at #11. The Ravens and Pats are still in the AFCCG with worse defenses ranked at 17th and 25th. Atl is ranked 24th. It’s hard to believe that the 4 teams left in the playoffs, only the 9ers are in the top 5 with a #3 defense. It’s astonishing really.
*worst*
Hofer,
Green Bay’s defense in the top 1/3 of the league isn’t a bad defense. They were playing exceptionally well besides having Peterson rip them up. however, there were very few teams that were going to stop the Niners on Sunday. Everything was working and they got a few breaks as well. That rookie fumbling that punt reminded me of Williams back there. Too big of a game to rely on a rookie back there.
They are a pretty good defense. Especially with Woodson back there. They just got bullied!
Jordan,
GB’s defense was overrated, and played poorly. That been said, I agree with you, nobody was stopping the 9ers on Saturday night. I’m expecting another big offensive display Sunday. Less than 30 points and I’ll be surprised.
Green Bays defense is soft! When you have Woodson as a safety who shys away from contact, you know that’s an invitation to run the ball. Same with Matthews, he is a pass rusher, he also does not like to tackle.
ANgusin,
Green Bays defense didn’t play poorly. They just got “deKapatated!” There was no way to stop him. NO WAY!
Was Green Bay’s defense great? No, but they were ranked #22 during the season. I’ve heard many trumpet the victory over the Saints in the playoffs last year, and they had the #24 ranked defense during the season. The Niners also had a +4 turnover differential in the Saints game and only a +1 against the Packers. They scored more points against a better defense with less opportunities coming from turnovers. It’s the triple crown of why CK is the starter.
I see where you’re coming from BOS and I’m restraining myself as well. Last year I got excited when Smith had a great game against the Saints and then came crashing back to earth when he went back to normal against the Giants.
Right now I’m cautiously optimistic about Kaep. He looks like he’s got the tools but after the last 10 years it’s hard to trust a 49ers quarterback.
After abstaining for 7 games, afraid to commit, afraid to get hurt, I’ve let go, now I’m delirously drunk, leering and smirking. We’ve got the ultimate weapon, that has turned this team into a team that can win multiple Superbowls.
Of course, in my college days when I got drunk and leering, I tended to get drinks thrown in my face, then vomit and spend the next day in bed…(until about 4:00 pm, when it was time to get ready to do it again). I hope I don’t end up vomiting this one up.
Bos,
Cam Newton is an amazing talent. he has some growing to do but he will be a Top 5-8 QB in this league for years to come. The main difference to me is that Cam has just as big an arm but he is not as accurate as Kap.
They both have some growing up to do. After 8 games, Kap can’t be knocked. I didn’t see to Sunday’s game to know what he was made of. All JH has to do was let the kid play. Cut him loose. Don’t treat him like Alex Smith because he is not. The key to Kap is that he does make some silly mistakes. However, you won’t see those same mistake twice. You won’t see that foolish personal foul penalty for taunting again. His coaching is too good for that.
Those of you criticizing Cam Newton, take a look at his last 5-6 games of the season. he was one of the hottest in the league. Cam and Kap are both unique and amazing talents. cam is just a bit more immature at this stage of his career.
Here 9ner fans that say cam don’t have touch. Or accuracy…… Go to youtube and watch his highlights….get your stuff together and research. .
Jasun,
CK is a better athlete than Cam, he has a better arm than Cam and he is a leader. The only thing that Cam has that Colin doesn’t is an arrest record. I think most NFL teams would take Luck, RG3, Wilson or CK over Cam at this point. He is very talented, but he will never maximize that talent because he already thinks he has arrived. He was dissing other NFL players at the Pro Bowl last year and generally acts like a child.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/09000d5d81f54896/article/kaepernick-holds-slight-athletic-edge-over-newton-trainer-says
Big P,
You will see the New Cam Newton next year. He has already started to alter that at the end of this season. He’s maturing. He’s not perfect but none of us are. Steve Smith is in his ear and on his behind. He’s cleaning it up and he’s lucky to have a vet like Smith to mentor him. Cam Newton will be fine. He’s a star and he’s marketable. He will shine, just like Kap.
Jordan,
Cam is a douche. When you speak about yourself in the third person, you immediately achieve douche status.
Big P,
I hear you bro. He’ll learn. In time. In time.
Jordan,
Steve Smith isn’t the person you want molding a young man in need of guidance. That guy beat up [I don't mean fought with, I mean beat up, as in trip to the hospital] for normal training camp/practice smack talk. That wasn’t an isolated incident, either.
SS has serious anger management issues. Unless SS is telling CN, “Don’t do what I did, do what I say,” the Panthers should want to keep CM away from SS.
I like KAP as a person over CAM and they are both very similar physically. CAM did win the Heisman and a national championship.
When CAM gets in the red-zone it’s hard to stop him from getting a TD. He wants to win, and he wants to be Superman. His team is not as good overall as the Niners.
KAP is just getting started. He hasn’t won it the big one yet but he’s got a good smart coach, the eagerness to get better. The sky’s the limit.
Colin Kaepernick is a superior player in every way, shape, and form. Talent, intelligence, leadership, everything. Came Newtown can only dream about being half as good as Kaep
If JH had trusted what he saw from Kaepernick what he saw in the preseason, he would’ve started Kap game 1 against Green Bay. JH was caught up doing damage control for Alex Smith because of the Peyton Manning “evaluation.” JH didn’t want to hurt Smith by having him lose his job in the preseason.
We all knew that Smith looked horrible in that Giant game. JH knew he had to do something. I called for Kap after the Minnesota game. In the limited plays he had, his electricity was evident. I told you all we needed to warm Kap up. Even Bay didn’t believe Kap was ready. The velocity and combined accuracy. The speed of this kid! There was never any doubt that he needed to be playing right after the Minnesota game. To see how lifeless we were.mhow we struggled to even put up a fight. I’m just thankful that we aren’t wasting out offensive weapons any longer.
Yeah, I don’t hate to say it but. “I TOLD YOU SO!” Go NINERS!
Jordo, the only person deserving the accolades is CK. Let him enjoy his success without trying to pilfer some of it. Go 9ers!!!
Hofer,
Still just a tad bit bitter huh? CMon man. Your posts are still a little sad. It’s okay Hofer. You can put your Smith jersey on Craigslist now!
Jordo, you have just failed at mind reading my emotions but good try. I’m enjoying the ride profusely. Good times.
@ 23welcher:
Yes, you told us so. You told us that “Kap is not the answer.” Your ignorance will not be forgotten.
Nor will your welching.
You guys are F’ing ignorant. Cam has statistically had the best first two seasons ever. Take off your red and gold shades. If Can had the 49ers D he woulda been undefeated. Literally. You are all talking out of your ass…crowning Kapernick after 9 games. The only word to describe 99% of you all is ignorant. Oh and please beat the Failcons.
Now go back to the Raider blog and discuss how your team will win more than 5 games next year.
Wow after being bottom dwellers for the last 10 years…
Tommy,
You are a tool. Cam is a ego-maniac that didn’t live up to expectations in year two. His attitude and immaturity have been on display for two seasons now. How many other franchise QB’s need to have veteran teammates pull them aside to bark at them about their energy, attitude and field presence? None, just Cam, who can be found pouting at the end of the bench with a towel over his head, away from teammates. Well, he can be found there when he isn’t speaking in the third person to the media. “Everybody knows Cam come from a spread offense.” Lmao, that is the sure sign of a straight up buster!
Tommy,
I agree about some of what you said. I said so myself up above about Cam. Cam is a supreme talent. He does have some accuracy issues in the 17-25 yard range. Lots of QBs do.
About Kaepernick. You’re wrong. The kid is special. just keep your eye on him. Cam would not be undefeated with this defense. He turns it over a bit much. It’s not just about Kaepernick. We have the best QB coach in the league and he is our head coach. All you need to do is look at what he did with Alex Smith. Kaepernick is a monster Tommy. He has been chomping at the bit for this opportunity. If he can’t throw it over you, he will run it over you. Dont be a hater. Trust your eyes. The kid is the real deal.
Oh and about those Falcons, C’MON Tommy!!! Lol.
You 49er fans are twisted. Ck is great no lie but you also have arguably the best o linein the league and an amazing defense. Top draft picks for years leads to a lot of elite talent. Put ck atqb on the panthers and see what happens
Yeah I was going to say the same thing. CK would be the first to admit the O-Line that Nolan and Singletary drafted is part of the reason for CK’s success.
Fan,
Let me tell you my opinion about our offensive line. They are good run blockers. They are not very good pass blockers. Take a look at the Green Bay game again. The offensive line collapsed on several pass plays. That’s why Kap got the yardage he did running. He escaped a pocket that didn’t hold up very long for him. The packers got plenty of penetration from the edges. Kap just broke up the middle on them and gashed them with his feet.just like I said he needed to.
23 Jor,
I think they’re great run blockers and so-so pass protectors too.
CK saw the running lanes and took off. He saw man to man coverage and just went. I’m not sure if those opportunities were not there in Rams game of the Seattle game.
I do think that O-Line is built for run blocking and Read Option style blocks. They don’t do well with stretch plays.
I love all the things that CK can do, but at the same time he was in a perfect situation to succeed, with all-pro talent around him. Put Cam Newton here and physically he has the tools, maybe not the brains or the attitude.
But you put CK behind that Panther O-line and he may not be as explosive. That’s not hating, just observations to kill some time til the next game on Sunday!
Fan,
Just know that Cam has a very good offensive line. The protect and run block very well. Pathers just have no secondary. They have a very good defensive line but no help on the back end. That’s the wrong division to be in if you can’t defend in the secondary. Kap is going to enjoy his most success u der JH just Lo,e Alex Smith did. JH is the dude with these QB’s bro.
CK has it all. Speed. Strength. Accuracy. Mental toughness. Brains. The way he dominated the GB defense, reminded me other great athletes. Bo Jackson for one – once he got going he was a threat to score a TD every time he touched the ball.
Like I said, I was all in with CK next year, not this year.
But now I think Jim Harbaugh had a master plan, almost from the beginning of the season, I think. He was going to figure a way to work Colin in. There were kinks to be worked out – how much was it disrupting the reg flow of the offense, etc.
He might have switched to CK even without the concussion. an ESPN writer wrote how the Niners didn’t even use the pistol in week 16 and 17 so that GB would think they were abandoning it.
But in the practice week, we saw Gore hit the hole in the pistol with authority.
The way GR game-planned the GB game was genius. That ran plays from a variety of formations. CK may have even audibled out of, or into the pistol based on that he saw. They said that RG3 only has one or two reads, you can see how CK has multiple reads.
CK’s attributes that I like the most are his work ethic and his desire to be great. Players that have the skills and athletic abilities to match that work ethic and desire are rare and – barring injury (ala Bo Jackson) – have nearly unlimited ceilings.
If Kaepernick is Newton then the Niners still need to find a QB.
Here is a great interview with Chris Ault, the creator of the pistol offense and Colin Kaepernick’s coach at Nevada. Ault provides some great insight into the pistol offense.
http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_22373815/colin-kaepernicks-college-coach-his-pupil-just-awesome
Ault is 66, and he just retired. If Roman departs, I don’t see Ault joining the staff as a full-time coach, but I could see him signing on as a consultant.
Both Newton and Kaep have a chance to be great. Kaep’s got the advantage of having superior talent around him, and superior coaching (although I think Riviera’s not too bad, and they’ll be in the mix for the playoffs next year).
I think that it’s what’s inside each man will determine their limits. That’s why I’m so excited about Kaep. He seems a bit ahead of Newton on the maturity scale.
As far as the comments about Newton regressing this year, take a look at the 2nd half of the season. He was very dominant, and the Panthers went like 6-2 or something…..look out for them next year.
Sorry but Newton is a wuss. He’ll be out of the league within three years…
Ok DS….
I.P.
Whats your basis for that comment? You dont have any. Just being ignorant.
Bro.
I.P. Daily, you’re an idiot. Cam Newton had the highest qb rating in the league over the last 8 games. Kaepernick is decent, however we have all seen him struggle just as Can has. However all this talk about regression??? Can through for more yards, less pics, and a higher QB rating then his stand out rookie year. Be realistic when talking football you quimby.
Cam is a great talent, and I don’t profess to know much about him, but he seems like a kid that needs to grow up and likes the off field attention a little too much. If his work ethic and dedication are good or improve, he can be great with his natural ability, but Kap is already there in terms of ability and attitude. A big part of that is probably a chip on his shoulder from being drafted after 5 other QB’s.
“Cam Newton dismantled the Falcons’ defense twice this year. He completed 38-of-59 passes for 502 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He also ran for 202 yards and 2 touchdowns.”
Here’s the trouble with reading a blog by a guy who’s more into (and knows a LOT more about) Fantasy Football than Actual Football. Those of us who follow the actual sport ARE impressed by Newton’s skillset…but less impressed by the fact that the Falcons beat the Panthers in one of those two matchups (9.30, score was 30-28). It’s WINS, Grant, not stats.
Rusty,
Here’s the trouble when you make stupid, unsulting posts. You make yourself look stupid, which is insulting yourself, really.
Newton did dismantle the Falcons defense. That was Grant’s point, nothing more. His team lost because the Panthers defense is absolutely atrocious.
The Panthers secondary in the first Falcons game made the Denver safety in the Ravens game look All-Pro.
This is very cool!
http://insidesportsillustrated.com/tag/colin-kaepernick/