For Kaepernick and Wilson, two paths to the spotlight

This is my Thursday column. Jim Harbaugh isn’t helping Colin Kaepernick. All this talk of greatness is a burden. Here’s what Harbaugh said at Sunday’s postgame press conference: “(Kaepernick) is a great player. I don’t know how everybody else doesn’t see it that way. Great with a capital ‘G.’ At the highest level of great.” Never mind that Kaepernick’s passer rating ranks 17th in the NFL. Never mind that he…

November 26, 2014
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49ers pass defense by the numbers

The 49ers run defense has been outstanding the past three games, allowing just 61 rushing yards per game — second-best in the league behind the Seahawks over that span. The 49ers pass defense hasn’t been outstanding the past three games. 49ers defensive stats and NFL ranks over the past three games: Opponents’ passer rating: 87.1 (20th-best in the NFL) Opponents’ completion percentage: 63.36 (22nd) Opponents’ yards per pass attempt: 6.7…

December 30, 2013
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Fangio on Glennon: “He’s got deceiving pocket presence.”

SANTA CLARA — Vic Fangio spoke in the media tent Thursday afternoon. Here is a transcript courtesy of the 49ers’ P.R. department.   Do you sense any, I don’t know if let down is the right word, but is it tough for these guys to get back to work after a big win against Seattle? “No. I don’t think so. Like I told you last week, the last four games…

December 12, 2013
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Harbaugh: “I don’t ever talk about any jobs other than the one I have.”

SANTA CLARA — Jim Harbaugh spoke in the media tent Wednesday afternoon. Here is a transcript, courtesy of the 49ers.   So, when are you heading off to Austin, Texas? “Trying to be funny?”   Yeah, trying. Any comment on rumors that you are going to be up for that University of Texas job? “I don’t ever talk about any jobs other than the one I have.”   With this…

December 11, 2013
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Where will the rookie quarterbacks get drafted?

It is reported the Seahawks have traded Matt Flynn to the Raiders. It is reported the Raiders have traded Carson Palmer to the Cardinals. And it is reported the Bills have signed Kevin Kolb. How will these transactions affect the quarterbacks in the draft? Predict which team will draft each of the top quarterbacks – Geno Smith, Matt Barkley, Mike Glennon, Ryan Nassib, Tyler Wilson, Tyler Bray, E.J. Manuel and…

April 1, 2013
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Cosell breaks down the QB prospects in the draft

Greg Cosell recently broke down the draft’s quarterback prospects on Yahoo’s Shutdown Corner podcast. Here’s his breakdown. Q: What do you think of Geno Smith? COSELL: There is no question he has an NFL arm. He’s an NFL talent. Now, he’s got some other issues. First of all, he’s got some footwork issues. I think that can be corrected. He plays almost exclusively from the shotgun. He’s a bit of…

March 7, 2013
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Tyler Wilson is the best QB in the draft

Who do you think is the best quarterback prospect in the draft? I am not fond of the consensus No.1 QB prospect, Geno Smith. He had a hot start to the 2012 season, defenses adjusted to him and then his performance went south. He’s being overrated because he can run a 4.5 40-yard dash and has experience playing in the Pistol formation. I believe the best QB prospect in the…

March 6, 2013
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