Colin Kaepernick says Alex Smith taught him how to manipulate defenses

SANTA CLARA – Colin Kaepernick was interviewed in the 49ers’ locker room Wednesday afternoon. Here’s a transcript.

Q: What is it going to be like facing Alex Smith on Sunday?

CK: I really don’t get to face him, my defense does, but Alex has done a lot of great things in this league, a lot of great things to help me. Nothing but the utmost respect for him.

Q: Do you still have a relationship with him? Do you still talk to him?

CK: We have talked here and there. Great guy, but we have our own things that we’re doing as well.

Q: What’s the biggest thing you either observed watching him or he taught you?

CK: Just how he viewed the game as far as defenses, how to attack them, what routes are good versus which defenses and how to manipulate defenses.

Q: When you took over the job, how much grace did he show during that time?

CK: He’s one of the classiest people I’ve ever been around. Just an all around great guy. I don’t think anyone could have handled it any better than he did.

Q: Do you think the way he handled it went a ways towards how the locker room ended up handing it? That he set the tone for the way the locker room reacted to the news?

CK: I think he definitely made things go a lot smoother. The way he handled things, didn’t turn it into a controversy in the locker room, that just shows the character he has, not just as a player but as a man.

Q: Did you sense any uneasiness during that time?

CK: Obviously you want to be playing. He had been playing. He had been playing well. Did he want to be on the field? Yes. But he wasn’t going to let that get in the way of what the team was trying to do.

Q: Why were you the better choice for the team going forward?

CK: You’re going to have to ask Coach Harbaugh that one. I’m just trying to do my job.

Q: Do you believe you were the better choice?

CK: I’m not going to say that publically because I know you’re going to try to make it sound like something else. But I do feel like I’m a good player, yes.

Q: Almost from the day you came here, you stated your goal was to be the starter. Was that something you ever discussed with Alex during that time? You were his backup for a year and a half.

CK: It’s not something you talk about, but no one comes to this league and says, “I want to be a backup.” Not me, at least.

Q: What did these first four games show you about where this offense is going?

CK: Constantly evolving, constantly getting better. We’ve done a lot of things well. We can do a lot of things better.

Q: What is No.1 on your list of things you need to do better?

CK: Execution.

Q: You’re running the ball a lot more it seems. Are you enjoying that aspect? Do you feel like you’re getting the allowance to do that?

CK: It really depends on what the coaches are calling. If that’s the way they feel like we can get a win, I’m all for it.

Q: Is there a preference you have between running a quarterback sweep or running a read option?

CK: As long as I’m in open space, I’m good.

Q: Alex Boone said one of the reasons the offense has trouble getting the plays off before the play clock expires is players are talking too much in the huddle and you have to tell them to shut up. Is he just joking around or is he serious?

CK: No, I mean, part of it you’re trying to organize things from the previous play so it doesn’t happen the next play or you’re ready for it the next time it happens. So part of it is making adjustments constantly.

Q: So you’re not having to babysit players in the huddle?

CK: No, I’m not a babysitter.

Q: Deion Sanders said on Sunday that he heard the 49ers’ players want Jim Harbaugh out. What was your take when you heard that?

CK: I would like to know who the source is. When you get a source from that, then we can talk about that. Until then, that’s the media.

This article has 33 Comments

  1. Wait. What? Alex maniplulated defenses? *Attacked* them? Are you telling the trurh, Colin? Several bloggers on this site had me nearly convinced he merely took what the defenses gave him.

  2. “….CK: I would like to know who the source is. When you get a source from that, then we can talk about that. Until then, that’s the media….”

    Booyeah !

    Tim Kawakami .. this Bud’s for you !

    1. I love it. It’s time to start calling people to the “carpet”. Quit letting stuff slide. Give up your source then we’ll address. Until then, you’re a liar, making things up. I feel they should make the reporters and the alleged sources squirm. If there really is a source

    2. BINGO!!!! That guy skipped “class” years ago. Irrelevant so now hes gotta go dirt. Id like to see that guy at a game and let him know what kind of reporter he really is.

  3. Kap learned how to manipulate defenses?
    .
    What has he manipulated defenses into doing this year…beating the 9ers offense???
    .
    (not joking)
    .
    .
    .
    ~ALOHA~

  4. Kaauai and nuttin to say ..

    ya can’t do much when yer running’ for your life ..
    wait ’till the O-Line jells..

    1. No way you can put this all on the o-line.
      .
      He HAS had time in the pocket.
      .
      He needs to STAY in the pocket.
      .
      I’m the biggest Kap fan out there…but c’mon…we have to be real about what we’re seeing, right?
      .
      He’s indecisive, missing reads, and he’s been late on his throws.
      .
      I have no doubt it’ll get better…and Kap will get better.
      .
      But he doesn’t look like a top-teir QB right now.
      .
      Just being real…
      .
      .
      .
      ~ALOHA~

      1. That o-line has been bad. While it’s not all on them, the games are won in the trenches. You’re only going to stand in the line of fire for so long before you get ansi. Ask Nick Foles.

        1. You’re not comparing Philly’s o-line problems to ours, I hope.
          .
          Not a fair comparision.
          .
          .
          .
          ~ALOHA~

          1. I’m not comparing o-lines. Im saying if you are dealing with defensive players getting running starts at you it’s hard to keep your poise. That’s what happened to Foles, it’s also what is happening with Kaep

  5. I’m glad that Colin didn’t say that Alex taught him to ” keep your helmet on while standing on the sideline” when you become the backup. You know, so that he can be ready in the event that he’s needed to come in…..

  6. Grant reading this interview CK came off as relaxed and forthcoming. Do you feel this interview was much better than his usual post game interview. Do you find him to be easier to interview during the week than after games?

  7. Though he was uncommonly gracious, Kaepernick sure showed his edge whenever discussing anything relating to the media. Too bad, because the media is the only way we ever get to hear his views, banter, and insights.

  8. Q: Alex Boone said one of the reasons the offense has trouble getting the plays off before the play clock expires is players are talking too much in the huddle and you have to tell them to shut up. Is he just joking around or is he serious?

    CK: No, I mean, part of it you’re trying to organize things from the previous play so it doesn’t happen the next play or you’re ready for it the next time it happens. So part of it is making adjustments constantly.

    Very interesting take. I never thought to think of that. So I guess CK will have to become a babysitter, or they need to get on the same page. Is it WR pleading their cases after every play? Is it missed blocks from the o-line frequently happening? Either way it better get fixed quick.

    1. You know that is intersting. In high school and at the small college I played for you usually talked about what you’re seeing on the field after the possession in the sideline with your coordinator or position coach. If that’s the case they need to shut up and get on to the next play. Do all the talking, pleading, and apologizing on the sideline.

    2. … part of it you’re trying to organize things from the previous play so it doesn’t happen the next play or you’re ready for it the next time it happens.

      It sounds like he is talking about the blocking schemes and making adjustments thereto based upon the previous play. Is that something that happens frequently?

      1. It is but it should not be happening on the field. Those adjustments should come on the sidelines. The coaches in the booths should be telling the coaches on the field the defensive formations, stunts, etc. Plus they have pictures. On the sideline is where they should be making those adjustments.

      2. “Is that something that happens frequently?”

        In my experience it happens almost every play, but when the QB steps into the huddle it was his/my job to take control and get them quiet and to the line.

        1. Right. I recall a QB in a huddle shout
          “This is not a democracy, stfu!” We did.

        2. YEP. Listen up” Was what we heard from the qb’s mouth. Then the play, and sometimes an extra direction from him. Break and run the play. Sounds like CK needs to start becoming a General in the huddles.

      3. There should be nobody talking in the huddle other than the QB. The protections are Kilgore’s area I believe and if he’s having issues, that needs to be dealt with on the sideline with the OL Coach.

  9. Great comment by Ck! You want to talk then let’s talk,who is losing the locker room?

  10. From what boone is saying – it confirms the lack of discipline on offense and how people can conclude they players don’t respect the coach…..

  11. No matter what is said about the team, the coach or the players, some of you twist it beyond recognition.

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