Well, in a late breaking development, Alex Smith didn’t pass the final contact drills for his concussion, so he is out for tonight’s game against the Bears. So, we have Cappy vs Campbell. Jason and the Sluggonauts vs the raw Reno talent. Jay Cutler may or may not be the gift that keeps on giving, but he’s not a mobile as Campbell. Which may actually help the Bears and their sieve-like front line. Campbell IS a backup, though. He failed pretty miserably as a starter in both Washington and Oaktown (not that he had a shit-load of help) so the hope is the Niners can force mistakes and get some turnovers from him.
Offensively, the hope is the Niners can maybe use their new big-armed QB weapon for some longer passes, but I expect to see a steady dose of Mr. Gore to start the game. If the Niners can establish the run early, then the game should go their way. If the Niners are forced to lean on their passing game, this is where things can get dicey. Chicago is very good at creating turnovers, and they have forced 30 turnovers already. Charles Tillman himself has forced 7 fumbles. The Niners are pretty good at keeping the ball, they have only 9 turnovers, but time will tell. As far as I can tell from here, the weather looks good. Although it may be colder/wetter down by the ocean tonight.
All in all, an interesting game with Cappy getting his first start in real-time. He has shown some impressive arm strength and some nice runs out of the pocket in his limited action. We’ll see how he does against an aggressive defense. I think screens may be in order, and also some misdirection/trap/draw plays to get those active linebackers out of position.
Forty Niners Forever 
So, you’re in the conspiracy camp now? Harbaugh got the dr to unclear Smith?
If I was going to say that, I’d say it, Chuckles.Just giving you some facts, as with the game plan.
I have no idea what changed-or why. Harbaugh did say the decision to start Colin was made yesterday- as of then Smith had been cleared. As I’ve said several times, if there was any doubt about Smith’s health, he should sit. But you’d have to be a fucking idiot not to see the difference between what was reported just a day ago and what went down this morning. If he worsened- they should say so. It’s Harbaugh who is creating doubt about what went on.
The Chicago game plan was to stop the run. They were playing 8 and a few times 9 guys in the box. The Niners came out throwing. VD was left in single coverage because Chicago brought their safeties up to stop the run. It did’t work at all.
Smith was never cleared by a nuerologist as far as I heard. Frankly I don’t care. All this err on the side of caution is different now?
He had to be cleared by a neurologist to even particate in practice.
“The player should not be considered for return-to-football activities until he is fully asymptomatic, both at rest and after exertion, has a normal neurological examination, normal neuropsychological testing, and has been cleared to return by both his team physician(s) and the independent neurological consultant,” the policy states.
I never said that they should’t err on the side of caution. I’m interested in what happened to make the team doctor “unclear” him after he was cleared by a neurologist. If that was because of additional symptoms appearing, of course he should have been sidelined. It’s a reasonable question.
I don’t see this one game and last week’s three quarters putting Kaeppy in the starter’s role. Yet. Alex should not get pushed out from a concussion. When he’s ready, he should come back and start and continue to prove why he should stay the starter. That’s no different than any other QB in the league. The only thing really changed is now the coaches know Kaeppy is not an “if”, they know he CAN play on the big stage. That’s called real competition, and I don’t see how that’s a bad thing…
They know that Kappy might be a legit starting QB. Alex is not on the hot seat anymore than, as you say,any other QB. More than most, however, he’s now proven he’s a winner.1 and 3/4 of a game does NOT prove that Kappy is anything more than a talented but still unproven commodity. He had a great game. Repeat: game. Singular. There are dozens of barbacks and truck drivers who had a a few good games. But I posted long ago-while I’ve been a Smith fan since he destroyed an NFL style Pitt team in the Fiesta Bowl- unlike some here, I root for any QB who plays for the team. If Kappy proves to be better than Smith, he should become the starter. That hasn’t happened yet.
My take on it is they know what they have with Alex. They don’t yet know what Kap can do week by week, but after the Ram game and now the record setting first start against the leagues best defense, if I was Harbs I would stick with Kap.
It’s the higher risk gambit but he has the insurance of Alex off the bench so I think the kind of play Kap has shown he brings to this offense is worth the risk. Kap will stumble without a doubt, he lacks experience and there is only one way to fix that with 7 games to play before playoffs.
The personal feelings of either QB have no bearing on the decision of which QB is more capable of winning the next Lombardi. VD likens Kap to Tom Brady in one particular throw, ironically he took over the starting QB position from Bledsoe in similar circumstances and after being benched Bledsoe came off the bench to win a game that year. Brady was back at starter the following week and has been there ever since.
6 games to play
For once, Ratto was right- if Smith loses his job due to injury, considering his record under Harbaugh- Harbaugh has lost him. Might as well make Tolzein the 2 QB.
I don’t really agree with that Twin. It would be a blow to Alex without a doubt, but he has shown repeatedly he is able to take such blows and come back from them. I don’t think he is a “fold the tent’s” kind of guy.
I have to agree…I don’t see that as Alex’s MO. He has always been “the good soldier,” and with his next two years (remaining on the 24 mil contract) not guaranteed, all the more reason he would tow the company line.
Throw in Harbaugh’s ringing ‘hot hand’ endorsement, and you have uncertainty at this point. Could be a ploy to keep NO off guard as to who’s playing, but once, or if, Smith is cleared to play, he’ll get the start. I’d think. But now that Cappy has some real playing time, the urge to make the switch has to be a little more in the front of Harbaugh’s mind..
That would be the safe play Chuck yes. I think they traded up in the second round for a reason and after 6+ quarters of play, and that no player on the team has rejected the idea of Kap as a starter, in fact he got high praise from Alex’s closest supporters, I would think the locker room would be supportive of a switch.
Clearly the offense has more dimension to it with Kap playing like he did. If he could sustain even close to that level of play I think we are superbowl favs.
All the counter arguments are curable with more playing time and if he falters we have a proven player on the bench.
Kap won with his arm and mostly in the pocket. Yes they schemed to stop the run but their game plan evolved as Kap was beating them and he continued to do it. He read the defense, he called audibles at the LOS, he threw intermediate and deep throws some of which Alex simply can’t make.
My question would be what more does he have to do to win the starting position or rather what else would he have to do? If we conclude he did more than enough in his 6+ quarters then why wait further since the missing piece is experience and only way to get it is to play.
I have felt Alex deserved to start based on his strong play. Kap played as good in most respects and better in some and the whole offense was utilized. I think it’s worth the risk to start Kap as I feel he is more capable in the long run.
I would be mildly surprised if Kap isn’t starting next week.
Well, Harbaugh sure hedged his bet yesterday as well. It’ll be an interesting week.
Both guys have tangibles that the other does not. Both have strenghts and weaknesses. I am not sure how I feel about who should start in New Orleans.
On one hand, Alex went there last year, in the playoffs, and lead the team to a crucial victory. On the other hand, you cannot discount the positives that Kap brings to the table.
Brian Murphy on KNBR this morning was talking how he would be good with either scenario. And to be honest, I feel the same way, too. Both scenarios are intriguing in their own way. Regardless of whether or not Alex is cleared to play this week, I hope Harbaugh keeps it close to his vest in announcing his starter…make the Aints guess a little.
Oops…scratch that “Alex went there last year” piece…Alex put it to the Aints in our house. Regardless of that mistake, I still feel the same.
New thread is up . . .
And, thanks for coming over, Chi . . .