One of my favorite lines from the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Anyhow, remember the thrilling days of yesteryear, when the Niners were coming off 2 resounding division wins, they were 6-2, 1st place in the NFC West, and there was a clear cut starting quarterback on the 49ers? You know, 16 days ago? Well, on that fateful day 16 days ago, the 49ers played the hapless St. Louis Rams. A team that was 3-5 and stumbling around pretty aimlessly under 1st year head coach Jeff Fisher.
Most everyone figured a crushing defeat for the Rams, but a funny thing happened on the way to the victory party. Steven Jackson ran the ball down the Niners throat. Jerry Amendola caught a ton of balls for a ton of yards, and with some stupid decisions on both sides, plus a few missed FGs, the game ended in a tie. And, Alex Smith was knocked out of the game in the 2nd quarter after sustaining a concussion. Colin Kaepernick did well enough down the stretch of that game to win it, and also made a play which could have lost it. Fisher made some very dumb calls, but all in all, it felt like a loss for the Forty Niners, given the circumstances.
Fast forward to the present, and the Niners know now that the Rams, for all their faults and growing pains, aren’t a pushover. Jackson shredded the Niners defense early, and the D missed more tackles in that game than in all the rest of the other games combined. Bradford had way too much time, and Amendola torched Carlos Rogers all day. I heard Fangio this morning stress tackling and say if their effort is the same as the previous game, the results will be similar. I don’t see that happening.
Offensively, both QBs did well vs the Rams. The run game gained steam going along, and both QBs made some good throws. We should know by tomorrow who gets the call. Other than that, KW is out, and also it looks like Kendall Hunter is also lost for the remainder of the season. Jewel Hampton, an undrafted RB, has been promoted from the practice squad to take Hunter’s place. The Niners are going with 52 guys for now, but I’m sure someone else will be added shortly.
BREAKING NEWS: NaVorro Bowman has been signed to a 5 years, $48.5 million extension through the 2018 season.
San Francisco 49ers Forever 
Is that Jerry, Danny’s twin brother?
It was a reference to Jerry Rice.
And I couldn’t remember his 1st name.
The players who said the Ram game felt like a loss were right- it was a game we had no business tying, let alone winning.I can’t prove this of course, but I was 100 percent certain that Akers would miss that potential game winner. Why? Because while we all know that God doesn’t choose sides in sporting events,She does have her standards- and there was no way She was letting anyone win that game. Not being expert on football, She checked the rules and was unhappy to learn She could not make both teams lose.
if you don’t follow the news closely, you might have missed that both coaches have had locust infestations since the game, however.
That was funny and probably true
I figured they’d go heavy on signing Bowman before his contract ended next year. Glad to see them go all out now. All 4 starting LBs are inked through the 2015 season. Got to like that.
Yep.. Good news after the initial bad news on the offensive side of the team.
Just need a little more beef for the rotation up front and a DB to stay ahead of the game.
Paraag Marathe handles these things, he does a fantastic job.
With a name like Jewel Hampton the dude must be a baller.
So Kaepernick is The Good, Smith is The Bad and Harbaugh is The Ugly?
potd
The Bowman signing couldn’t come at a better time, we have been injury free for the most part of two years now and what a great moral booster this must be for the team. This is where the rubber hits the road in signings like this.
Jesus. Morale
Earl Morale. QB for the Colts, right?
Threw for over 20000 yards and went to the Super Bowl twice, once as the starter and once as the handmaiden. I could live with that kind of Morale from a career backup.
I’ll assume regardless of who is the Niner QB (maybe Harbaugh will make himself active), that Fangio is dialing up some method to counter Amendola. That last game he was ridiculous. Stuff him at the line, whatever. Can’t have him operating like that again…
Don’t know about you guys, but I’m more than a little concerned losing Hunter. More concerned than losing Kyle Williams. That plethora of extra running backs just got sliced to a pleth, and none are as good, as versatile and talented, as Hunter…
If they use Jacobs right, he can be a big force. And that’s not in short yardage situations. He needs time to get going- pitch outs,sweeps…IMO. He was 5 for11 on 3rd and 4th and 1 last year. Just wonder about his attitude.
Jacobs should get some looks, and I’d like to see LMJ mixed in as well. He’s more of a Hunter type. Smaller and faster though. I’d like to see AJ as well.
I’m not a big Jacobs fan. I’ve watched him for years and he’s easily the biggest back I’ve ever seen who so easily goes down with the slightest bit of decent contact. Watch how he plays if you haven’t seen it. If he doesn’t get through the LOS he goes down easily. If he does get through he usually finds an extra gear. But for a running back of his size, I would expect he wouldn’t be so easy to stop with the first hit……….
The “soft'” label has been the knock on him. And you never like to hear the words “when motivated”. But I’ve seen him a lot and he can do some major damage when he does clear the LOS. How about RBBC? Even with Kendall out they have what should be a formidable group to implement the diverse running game that should work very well with Coiln’s assets.
I am biased because I watched so many LMJ games in college. He is the fastest player I’ve ever seen play football. I don’t give a shit about his experience or why it’s taken him so long to get activated. I want to see his speed on display on Sunday……….
I could see LMJ in an Amendola type role in the slot as well as a scat back.
I picked the Niners at 12-6. One playoff win with Alex, then a loss.
I still think they were damned lucky the Saints DC decided to go single coverage on Vernon at the end.
You’ll notice nobody does that anymore.
The playoffs are a carpshoot. The ball bounces funny, and stuff happens. You just get there first, then get homefield if you can.
I only voted for Kappy once. I still agree with Coach that you go with the hot hand.
I actually never voted, I figured the answer was fairly easy to come to……..
Having said that, wouldn’t it be a hoot if JH started Smith this week? That would an epic move of surprise that no will have seen coming. Some writers are saying the same thing but I don’t think they believe it they’re just throwing shit out there to possibly look like geniuses if it actually happens—bumps up the twitter followers you know………..
We’ll see tomorrow, maybe. I would not be surprised at all, either way. JH loves him some media trolling.
Well, it would be a bizarre move. Even though Smith dd nothing to lose his job, once lost Kaepernick has done nothing to lose his.Quite the merry-go-round-which QB who did nothing to lose his job will lose his job this week? I’m for throwing a wrench into the whole deal and going with Tolzien..
That’s week 14, Twin.
Barrows says the niners have invited kickers for tryouts.
Yeah, Grump. I said the same thing on Skeebs blog. It’s been such a fucking hairdo these past 9 days that I’ll believe anything.
Harbaugh should just activate himself as QB and let the other two grab clipboards and wear helmets…
Jimbo’s career was mostly rather average,
Captain comeback.
Jim also got to within an eyelash of the Superbowl, in 1995 with the Colts- Jimbo threw a Hail Mary that would have won the game if completed- the pass somehow got to Aaron Bailey, surrounded by Steelers. Bailey had it- the Colts were goin’ to the Super Bowl! Then Bailey didn’t have it..
http://tinyurl.com/d774rpa
I just wanted to point something out before today’s supposed QB announcement. Lots of blogs, including this one have had some posters say about the NO game that the D won it by giving 14 points. Not to diminish those points, they were awesome and timely, but Kap got the offense into scoring position enough to win the game without the D points. The kicker Akers missed 2 FG, 6 lost points, which if made would have meant a 23-21 Niner win and that was after the D points were on the board and the play calling had gone conservative to preserve the win.
Ergo Kap did do enough, as far as the QB can, to win the game outright, in NO, in a hostile environment, against a grudge team in a must win situation with his second NFL start. I was very impressed.
Film is now rapidly accruing and you can bet college tape is being closely examined, teams will scheme to beat him if they can. He is a potential star QB and already very good.
Colin played well. The first big play was the 4 yard pass to Manningham that Mario took another 36 yards. For the game 131 of Colin’s 231 passing yards were YAC. That is no knock on him- he averaged just slightly less than Smith did in the lenghth of his throws. In the Bear game, he threw more downfield, so we’ll see what the trend is as he plays more.
Which Alex game are you referring to with length of throw Twin?
I’m referring to Smith’s average air time- 4.3. The same as Brees and Manning, a little more than Schaub and Brady. Coiin still leads the league, largely because of the Bear game. That’s why I said we’d need to watch the trend.As I pointed out to Fear, it’s not a knock on Colin to point out that in the NO game, he didn’t go downfield much. His air yards were 100 out the total 231. NoFraidyCat dissed Smith for throwing short, I don’t fault either one if they’re effective.
So in your statement you compared Kap’s NO game against Alex’s aggregate where Kap came up short. Then after I asked specifics you compared Kap’s aggregate against Alex where Kap has the better numbers. I’m glad I asked.
Why are you boys treating this as a criticism of Kap?. It shows he can actually throw some touch passes and lead a receiver properly to get those YAC. You may notice that the top five in AirYPA are Colin ( the NO game was similar to the averages of the best QB’s in the league), Newton, Eli, Luck, and Wilson. Alex at 4.3 is with Manning, Brees, Brady..
I’m not taking it as a knock on Kap Twin, I am studying how you are choosing to use stats to present something, ditto using a statement from Maiocco after the Bears game and presenting it as though spoken after the NO game. It goes to whether I am comfortable taking something at face value or not.
Both LMJ and AJ comported themselves pretty well in preseason, For that matter, so did Brandon Jacobs. James is bad-ass, and I know he goes against Harbaugh and Baalke’s idea of big players, but he’s a rocket. Get him loose on some screens and let him fly.
Jacobs reportedly got himself into much better thape than he was when he left the Giants. I was looking forward to the new attitude he would bring, but I fear all that is gone with the fact that he’s seen one play so far this year. It’s unclear why they aren’t using him in short yardage situations. Smith got dinged on a short yardage play, and Gore has been historically not-so-good in that role. Look at Dixon in the NFCCG last year. He failed miserably 2x to get one yard.
As I posted yestrday, Jacobs was 5 for11 on 3rd or 4th and one. That’s a big part of why he’s ours. .
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/56392/jacobs-and-nfc-west-short-yardage-guys
I’ll say it again. I think Harbaugh goes with Smith. The Cappy deal was merely a test and a taste of what Cappy offers.
Harbuagh’s telling statement was Smith shouldn’t lose his job due tro an injury.
Could be.
As I said yesterday, benching Colin would give Jimbo the rare coaching two-fer: sitting 2 QBs who did “nothing to lose the job”. I can see that going viral: “Gee, boss. What did I do wrong to get canned?”
“Smedley, you did nothing to lose your job.”
“Uh, OK, thanks. I feel better now.”
I read on one of the beatwriters blogs that how he treated JJ who Harbs had called “like a son” was telling. When cuts were anounced JJ was one of them despite Harbs saying he was in a dead heat with Tolzien for 3rd QB. Not a lot of sentiment in Harbs despite his sentimental proclamations.
The eye-opening pass for me was the deep cross to Walker. It’s those kinds of plays that I don’t think Smith can make with regularity. But I think the Cappy test os over.
The Walker pas (and catch!!!) was a big time pressure throw, that and the flagged throw to Crabs were very telling in what this kid can do under intense pressure.
12th, the thing is if Brees doesn’t throw that pick to close out the 1st half, and instead drives for a FG (or even TD), the score is possibly 21-7 leading into the 2nd half, instead of 14 all.
Without the 1st pick 6, you likely don’t get the 2nd pick 6. So, it would have been an entirely different game.
Yeah agreed Chuck but the point I was making was that Kap did put the team in scoring position enough times to win the game offense to offense, Brees put up 21 and Kap would have put up 23 if the FG were made.
If we were down 21-7 at the half the play calling would have been far different in the second half but we are playing what if now.
It very well could happen, Twin. And it won’t surprise me at all.
The more I think about it, the more I think it’s the right move. Smith needed the week off to fully recover, and the Niners now know that they have an excellent backup in Colin Kaepernick.
The controversy can start next year, provided Smith kaaps up his stellar play.
*##!@# Hypocrite! Such blatant hypocrisy should not get a pass.
The mere mention of YAC associated with Alex brought the howls of banshees and curses of “liar” yet it’s first out of the holster in an attempt to blunt the efforts of the new sheriff.
From someone who imagines everyone is lying and conspiring against him you don’t do much to make your own case for impartiality by complaining about YAC now after trying to make it taboo in regards to Alex.
Really, pal? You denigrated Smith for his “air yards”. Colin’s were less than Alex’s average in the NO game. And I have no problem with that, idiot. He was effective, just as Smith was in the short passing game.
You’re dreaming or lying yet again if you say I was complaining about YAC.
Bad move to go back to Smith unless and until Kaep screws the pooch in a game.
If Smith starts and loses to say, STL, Harbaugh looks a fool and has two pissed off QBs and a whole bunch of pissed off fans.
I wouldn’t rule it out NF but it would certainly surprise me if he goes back to Alex now.
it would surprise me and make about 1,000 “experts” go postal if Smith was named the starting QB. It’s not easy to find many who think Alex should be the QB. I realize that Jimbo doesn’t give a shit about the reaction either way-in fact maybe he would make Smith the QB just to create even more controvsery, that’s how far off of Sanity Avenue he is right now. I mean, really; What’s your deal, Jimbo?
Yeah, either decision is going to have ramifications. The talk today in the locker room was one of backing Harbaugh, no matter what the call is. They all seem to realize that this is a strange situation, but one that is actually a good thing going forward. Seeing as St. Louis was the team to knock hinm out, maybe Smith gets his revenge.
Like Twin said, neither guy has done anything to lose the job, but someone will.
ESPN is going live at noon to the Niners press conference. Can’t believe Comcast Sports isn’t.
It’s a big national football story today.
ESPN has Jerry on now, he thinks Alex.
Colin it is . . .
Kaep to start for the Niners (just announced by Harbs)…
Kap starts
No surprise at all.
on balance no.
I’m a little surprised, but Colin IS the guy Harbaugh drafted. Smith knows the deal now. He’s not in their plans going forward.
The future is now.
Truly sucks for Smith. I guess he just wasn’t “elite” enough for old back stabbing Harbaugh. Unless Kaapernick gets hurt I guess that wraps his career in SF.
Jerry surmises Kap is looking down the road 7 weeks to playoffs and believes Harbs thinks the team has a better chance in the playoffs with Kap than Alex.
I agree.
On a human level that is a tough go for Alex.
Without Harbaugh, Alex Smith is likely out of football, or at best a backup somewhere.
Harbaugh resurrected his career, and this gives him a shot with another team going forward. Very possibly as a starter.
Totally agree. Smith should get a good, not great, multi-year deal with somebody in the offseason, one of the low on the totem pole squads that have dogmeat for QB right now. Alex will be an upgrade. Might we see him in a Cardinals uni next season? Without these two years of improvement under Harbaugh, Alex’s future in the NFL would have been much dimmer…
What is Alex’s average pass in the air, Twinfan?
If it was as much as your anti-Alex posts, it’d be about 4,250 yards per . . .
http://wp.advancednflstats.com/airYardsStats.php
That’s kind of what I expected to see. Alex is slightly above average of the starting QB.
So did you miss Kaep’s game stats on the same site you linked, or are you simply making up shit? You know, lying.
Twin compared Kap’s single NO game against Alex’s aggregate. He revised it after I asked specifics to include Kap’s aggregate which although is a small sample size verifies what we thought we were seeing, Kap throws further.
I noted Kap’s average after the Bear’s game,also.. There’s nothing yet to show that Kap will go downfield more than Smith. If the Air Yards site shows anyrhing, it’s that Smith, Manning, Brady, Rodgers, Brees are all “average:” QBs..you and Fear are sounding like real Size Queens, dearie..
Kap had an 11 AirYPA in the Bear game. Even a Room B drooler knows that was an outlier,since the leader among :”regular” starters is 4.6. His AirYPA against the Saints was 4.0. This is why I noted that we’ll have to see how it proceeds in the coming games. There’s nothing either way to show a definitive trend.
If there’s no trend there’s no outlier. Who’s the can’t-get-over-his-own-bias drooler?
Whatever, pal. What’s clear is that and 11 *is* a fucking outlier when 4.6 is the high among guys who have started all year. He’s had an 11 and a 4. pretty fucking obviously the 4 is a hell of a lot more likely to be closer to where it will end up. But amusing is how you avoid where Smith’s average stands. Fact is, mid to lows fours is what virtually of the top QBs average. But what’s bizarre is why you think it’s a criticism of Colin to point out that he was efficient against the Saints. The reigning MVP averages 3.8 AirYPA,
I really couldn’t care much less about it, pal. It’s just another stat. It’s only interesting to me that you put it out to tamp down Kaep’s stats after complaining so fiercely whenever it was mentioned in connection with Alex. Sheer hypocrisy.
If we are cherry picking I would think the Bills and Jets game did wonders for Alex’s air yds too with the difference being Kap’s big yds game came against the #1 defense in all of football. You are consistently trying to snipe at what little Kap has achieved Twin. There is a theme to your posts, even the positive ones such as they are have some loaded caveat to them, if Kap does well so does the team. Alex has had a resurrection under Harbaugh and when he leaves the team he will get a better payday because of Harbaugh and maybe a starting role too, no need to shed tears for his position.
It may be raining outside, but there’s sunshine in my heart. Goodbye Alex.
Good for you. The team doesn’t need fans like you. You were the drooling idiot that Harbaugh was referring to last week. The one that doesn’t care if they win or lose, only if Alex did poorly.
Thank you. It is good for me. I feel better now. And so should all Niner fans.
Well, I hope he stays ready. Kap could get hurt and then it’s back to Smith. And he can’t just say *fuck you*. He’ll want to have added to his resume with whatever he’s asked to do for the rest of this season. The Niners will buy him out for a mil, shake hands and finally go their separate ways. It’ll probably work out best for him in the end—a fresh start with a new team. I’d love to see him go to Arizona— what great theater that would be
With Kap likely doing a good bit of running per game, the injury risk is certainly there. We just saw 2 guys go down for the season on one play. It can happen. Alex will keep himself ready, he’s a pro…
As far as this never happening, well, the NFL is cut-throat and ruthless. Smith has had a long, crazy career here, but he’s made enough coin to support his great great grand kids in style. He could have split a number of times, yet wanted to finish the job here. And he came oh-so close last year. Hell of a job to overcome a ton of adversity and lousy coaching for years.
Sure, it sucks for him, but know what? Them’s the breaks. It is a shitty situation for him down the stretch of this year, but he’s got to suck it up and be ready. Until he leaves next year.
I’m sure Alex would LOVE to go to AZ, provided they get an offensive line. He’d be sacked 10x a game behind that line. And I certainly don’t see a sign-and-trade thing beofre 4/1/13, but I suppose it could happen.
Ariz, Buffalo, Cleveland and a coupla more teams would probably kick the tires hard on Alex. Wherever he goes as a starter, he won’t get the benefit of a better OL than the Niners OL…
On a secondary level, the Niners must think Tolzien is a keeper, since he’ll be the new backup if, as we should now expect, Alex is no longer in the plans for next season…
I like Tolzien, I think he is a gamer too.
Obit number 68 for Alex here. Settle down. We’ve seen it takes one blow to take a guy out or a couple picks if it’s a young guy. Smith could certainly end up starting again- and depending on the outcome, he could be baaaaaaaaaaccccccccccccccccccck in 2013..
Smith bought into Harbaugh hook line and sinker only to get lubed up and bent over. After the recent off season he should have known better I suppose. At some point Smith has to have some self respect and move on.
I’m not surprised. The whole thing played out strange. But I’m glad he made a decision, and I think it’s the right one. CK may stumble in some of the remaining games, but I think AS would have too. All about the upside.
Suuuuper stoked about Bowman. Gotta appreciate proactive front offices.
Suuuper bummed about Hunter. Like Snarkk said above — he’s a bigger loss than Williams, IMO. Who knows what James can do. Hunter was a stud — dude almost always gained positive yardage, and almost always more than I thought he would as I saw the play unfold. It’s a tough loss. Stay healthy, Frankie.
Yep, I think the Hunter loss is going to hurt. LMJ probably won’t play much, they may not trust him, and I heard on the radio he’s had trouble picking up the offense. Jacobs is a plodder, a short yardage guy, he doesn’t replace Hunter’s skills. They’ve apparently brought in some new RB or activated a guy off the practice squad that I never heard of — that’s not encouraging. Chuck probably knows…
Kap’s running ability might have even been a small factor in giving him the reins, with the running game taking a hit with Hunter out now…
Jewel Hampton was described as a “bowling ball”. He is supposed to be a decent runner with power and hard to take down. Don’t know much more than that.
Kaepernick should avoid collisions when running. Just ask Michael Vick and lately Cam Newton. They have absorbed beatdowns. Randall Cunningham’s career ended on a run.
“CK may stumble in some of the remaining games, but I think AS would have ”
I don’t think Colin has the job regardless of how he does. He wouldn’t have to stumble much for Jimbo to change again.
Well I was wrong on that one. I really thought last week was to err on the side of caution with Smith and to see how well Colin handled the hostile environment in NOLA just in case Smith went down come PO time. Well, I’ve been wrong before and all I have to say right now is – Kaepernick, go out and kick some ass.
Where LMJ may hurt is blitz pick-up. An integral part of the Niner offense is to have RBs pick up blitzing LBs and safeties. If he ain’t getting it, the Cappy era may be a short one.
Might not be that big of a deal if we keep going with two and three tight ends. Harbaugh and Roman can find a spot for a speedy scat back if anyone can.
Just to be clear, Harbs said Kap was the starter “this week” and did not confirm Kap as the starter going forward when pressed on it. As Twin says, this is still a fluid situation, although I believe it would take a couple of QB disaster games to switch back at this point, a couple of interceptions isn’t close to be enough.
Look, I posted that at this point Jimbo should stick with Colin. But two losing games with him playing poorly before Jimmie would switch back? I don’t think so.
You also posted a couple of interceptions gets Kap the hook. It’s hardly a secret where your preferences are in this but do you really think that’s the case?
Well, I agree with Maiocco, who reiterated today:
“Coach Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday is expected to supply the answer to the question, Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick?
In order to answer that question, though, Harbaugh first had to ask himself something else.
Which quarterback gives the 49ers the best chance to advance in the playoffs this season and win the Super Bowl?
That’s it. That’s all that matters.”
I know that you don’t believe that but we’ll get a pretty good idea by how Jimbo handles it if Colin performs poorly.
That has nothing to do with my preference, it has to do whether one believes that Harbaugh based his decision on what Maiocco says. If Matt is right, Jimbo won’t hesitate to go back to Smith quickly.
Love what Kornheiser just said, BTW: if he were Alex he’d wrap his hands around Jimbo’s neck and squeeze with fury…that’s a paraphrase but if it errs, it’s a conservative error..
Actually Twin I completely believe this is about how far Harbaugh thinks each QB gives the team the better chance to win in the playoffs and have repeatedly said so. Just in case you missed it here it is again. IMHO I think this team has a better opportunity to beat good teams and go to the superbowl with Kap over Alex.
Not sure why you think Maiocco’s comment bolsters your thought that 2 interceptions means Kap gets the hook. Alex threw 3 in a game this year.
Alex is throwing over 20 yds at a rate of less than 3 per game, Kap is throwing at 5 per game and some of those are far more than 20.
Alex takes just a smidgen under 3 sacks per game, Kap 0. Kap has 1 interception this year in just over 2.5 games and that comes with an asterisk, Alex has thrown 5 including 3 in the Giants game no asterisks needed and all of these stats are with Alex throwing the least of any starter in the league.
Too small a sample size with Kap to see a trend but so far so good considering both starts were against hot and highly ranked teams.
In short, Kap moves the chains more, so far.
Kornheiser’s an ass. The best day in Alex’ Niner life was when they hired Harbaugh. What, Alex would have loved another 2 years of Sing? Harbaugh, an ex QB, has pushed Alex’ skills and rep to a level he would not have attained otherwise. That’s worth something to Alex — whether he still plies his trade with SF, or somebody else next year…
I feel for the guy somewhat on a human level. He has performed what was asked of him well and been successful by anybody’s standards in terms of wins and wasn’t yanked for failure. Having said that, Harbaugh saved his ass big time. When Alex was on the out not a team in the league would have started him, he was destined for the career clipboard. Now he has a chance to be a starter elsewhere if that’s how this plays out. He has lost out to a more talented guy, no reason for recriminations. It happens in all walks of life everyday including football.
I beg to differ. Harbaugh was free to go in either direction. He knows he’s crushing Alex’s ego with this move. Kaepernick has some rookie mistakes ahead and no one knows that better than Harbaugh. Barring injury or total disfunction I don’t see a way to bench Kaep and still look like he develops QBs.
Shit, 12th. This will never end . . . We’ll have breathless Harbagh press conferences every week.
Name that Starter . . .
Scary stupid isn’t it.
Who’s got it better then Alex?
Well Kappy does!!
Well, as everyone in the locker room knows: for now.
Calm down, guys. The name of the game is Meet Me in St. Louis. After that, we’ll see if we have a QB controversy.
But LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
Win a Ring from the sidelines and filling in, Alex, then help rebuild the Chiefs. They need you bad.
AZ is idiotic except for revenge. Did they get an OL while I was asleep?
Sorry, Alex, you won’t be a starter in Sea or St Loo. Or Minnesota or Green Bay or Chicago, either. Maybe Detroit? Not.
So, Atlanta? No. Tampa Bay? No. NO, get real. Car? The QB is the only good player on the team.
The Iggles, Not Quite Dead Yet Jerry’s team, or off to the AFC if you want to be a starter again.
Jacksonville would be good for you, or KC. KC’s a far more talented team. You might have fun there.
Buffalo is, well, Buffalo. My Mom was born there. Your shoulder would never last the winter.
The more I think about it, the better I see you fit into KC, a real football town. You’ll need to take a salary cut no matter where you go, so what? Are you poor?
Brady Quinn and the former starter Matt Cassel? They have a good young team with a top #1 pick.
And a gaping hole behind center. KC would put up monuments to you if you could help turn them around.
Well, if Turner stays, San Diego is a possibility. Rivers is up the creek. AZ is a real possibilty, IMO. KC also.
But Smith has absolutely for sure no question about it thrown his last pass for the Niners a few times now. I’m seeing Alex as the OC in 2034 and Alex Jr. under center. Face it, boys, a York ancestor raided the tomb of an Egyptian deity and the curse is an Alex Smith under center for eternity..
Az would be a rotten career move for Alex. He would go down behind that “line” like a wet burlap sack of potatoes.
I’m not joking about KC. They beat the Saints in NO, lost to the Steelers in Pitt by 3, lost to the Ravens by 3, and darn near beat Peyton’s Broncs.
And they have the #1 coming.
Alex is what, 28?
Turners a gonna but I agree the Chargers makes sense as I wrote yesterday. Just as you say, Rivers is way off the mark this year and not great last either.
If I’m Alex, if he leaves next year and has a choice, I’d short list teams based on their OLine strength. That’s the only way. Receiver stable comes second. Bad OL, he’ll get creamed…
Bottom feeders looking for a starting quarterback most likely have weak lines.
IMHO there is absoulutely no chance Turner stays unless he wins them the Super Bowl this year. Not happening.
As I recall Alex was wearing a SD cap a couple years back in the locker room as the Sing era thankfully ended as he was clearing out his locker.
Could easily see a fit with the Chargers,and he did grow up in that area (LaMesa) I believe playing HS football with Reggie Bush.
I really think Alex could be in the SB in 5 years in Kansas City. San Diego, maybe his family and he will be happier. I can’t fault that, ever. But he’ll be lucky to sniff the playoffs a couple times.
AZ isn’t a long shot by any means. They have a talented defense, and just need to build a serviceable line for someone like Alex to do well there. KC and SD are possibilities as well. He’d be crazy to even think Jets.
Alex as Jets QB? Alex is a bright guy, no way he’s walking into that lion’s den with bloodthirsty fans. They’ll probably have a new HC and staff next season anyway…
Harbaugh talks like the QB spot is now a week to week reservation, like a short term apartment. Kap is starting this Sunday, but much pussyfooting around, hemming and hawing, and no official word that he’s definitively “the starter”. Dumb, IMO. Harbaugh appears to be headed for a great HC coaching career on the field, but as for PR and media relations, he’s terrible, and appears to like it that way…
That to me is the biggest disrespect he is doing to Smith. Stop jerking him around and just make the choice and go with it. Maybe he has given it to him straight privately but considering Kaepernick didn’t know he was starting in NO until late Saturday it’s likely JH just addressed the team and that was that.
Well, other than the players ( not hearing much “free at last, free at last” from VD) , the least convincing happiness about the move has to be from Puddinghead AKA Denny. Face it: was anybody happy when it was thought there would be no Tricky Dicky to kick around? Alex is Tricky Dicky for the Menace.I’d be shocked if Denny wasn’t on the ledge as we speak. He hasn’t been as bummed since Akin lost his seat..
Won’t you ever stop your incessant whining?
We’ve made a step forward. You having attached yourself to Alex’s fortunes notwithstanding.
Dennis is probably the best natured guy on these blogs and you constantly wish him dead because he doesn’t like Alex Smith’s quarterbacking skills.
Quite small of you my man.
And I think plenty of players are quite pleased with the move but have the class and enough respect for a fellow player doing his best that they aren’t blabbing it all over the media for your pleasure.
STFU. Denny is a birther, racist, “good natured” wet brain. He’s made serious enough threats to Smith and York that he’s on the 49er security watch list. He’s also threatened the life of Obama-. your kind of guy for sure.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, who hasn’t?
Doesn’t sound any worse than your threats. Is it a crime to be a birther or a racist?
With Kap in lately, there’s been an actual Delany Walker sighting or two catching balls. I’m hoping that with more thrown at him, he’ll actually manage to catch a few and gain some yardage. Since here, he hasn’t shown the greatest hands in the world…
I might be wrong but it seemed to me early on in Walkers time with the team he was a pretty good pass catcher, wasn’t he a former WR in college? Don’t have any stats to back that up it was just my impression.
Don’t know about his college career, and yes, it seems to me he WAS better earlier. But, it’s my impression the last two seasons he’s not too great when it comes to catching and then holding onto, the ball…
Last Sunday, I thought I saw Akers take a little limp after he missed that 50 yarder. I think Harbaugh made some passing reference sometime in the past two days to a possible injury situation with Akers, but as usual, pretty much a “nothing” snippet from Harbaugh. They brought in some kickers today to try out. I’m wondering if Akers has been dealing with a pull of some sort for a while, and they’ve just kept it hush hush, as usual…
Akers was back at practice today kicking.
If they keep the single roster spot open for a few days it would seem that the reason would be to evaluate if Akers is able to kick or needs to take a rest.
Davis had one pass thrown to him and dropped it. Then nothing, .Last week he had 6. Walker got 3 for 80+ yards. Last week he had 1 for 9 yards.. Moss had one thrown to him, had to make a good play to stop the INT.Mario had 5 catches. It’s kinda the way it goes regardless of who the QB is. The defense and the game plan to attack it can dictate who gets more passes throw their way. Kap hasn’t freed or jailed anyone anymore than Smith did,
Except that Davis had a completion, including 14 yards of YAC that got called back by holding call on Goodwin (IIRC) and had an injury.
One of the local sportswriters at least, has been harping on that “only one target that he dropped” so much I’m thinking it’s Twinfan.
So you’re unable to grasp the concept? Davis actually had 1 pass besides the drop- for 9 yards. But passes wiped out by penaltdon’t count for Kap anymore than they did for Smith, pal. The point is the same- Coiln hasn’t freed anyone from pass catching jail.
Are you really that anal?
Let’s say Vernon catches five passes that don’t get into the stats because of penalties, are you going to spout off that he never got a single target all day?
Don’t give me shit off the stat sheet. He caught the pass at the 30YL and was down at the 44YL, maybe 43. That’s YAC, regardless of where the LOS is.
You said: “Davis had one pass thrown to him and dropped it. Then nothing,…” remember?
Still writing praise about the 2nd string QB? Go for it.
Didn’t praise Smith for anything. Just noted a fact about the receivers and how often their targeted.
Let’s say we’ll discuss that when he has 5 catches wiped out by penalty. Are you so motherfucking stupid that you don’t get that who gets targeted varies week to week depending on many factors. You made a HUGE BFD out of Vernon getting freed at last. Now he hads zero catches, 2 thrown at him and you’re postal because Kappy doesn’t get credit for a 9 yard Fine. Vernon had a big day, freed from the manacles of oppression, he had one catch for 9 yards.Happy, asshole?
Fear says:
” Is it a crime to be a birther or a racist?” I think we got your frequency.
Answer the question you PC punk.
You talk a lot of shit like a little girl. Is it the meds or you’re really a little girl?
I’ll try be annoying around the league’s blogs. It’s fun.
You can argue until dawn comes and one of your dogs is missing cuz he get et by coyotes.
Alex is #2, the backup QB for the game in St. Louis. Fuckin’ run with it.
CHUCK brings up two good points about kappy vs. alex …
1 ” .
One stat of note: 6 passes of 30+ yards in 79 attempts for Cappy, 6 passes of 30+ yards in 273 attempts for Smith. ”
and
2
kappy reminded me (rob) of joe cool in the pocket ! wow !
so
imho kappy beats alex for arm , legs and pocket being cool in the pocket !
btw any thoughts on the injury to hunter and what it might mean to our chances going forward ?
Fear queried:
” Is it a crime to be a birther or a racist?”
Is that the question you want me to answer, pal?
Kaepernick brings a whole new dimension to the Niner offense. With Kendall down, that’ll be tough, since Frank is giving everything he’s got. I’ve seen horses that way, run until they drop.
But the play-options open a whole old chapter in football playbooks.
Do you defend the middle? Obviously not, when Frank is out.
Do you defend the edges? Kaepernick can run for 10-20 yards at the drop of a hat.
Defend deep? He can throw there, too.
What do you defend?
I’m writing about the San Francisco 49ers #1 QB. Any objections?
I think Colin has played very well. No prob..
But Fear piqued my interest, he asked if it’s a crime to be a racist or birther. What say you?
Clearly it is not a crime Twin.
Smith’s downfall started really with his lame-ass girly throw attempt in the Giants playoff game against.the Reds.Worse looking 30 ft 10 hopper ever.Sure even JH cringed then chuckled at that feeble effort.
Shit even Old Prez George Bush threw a perfect strike with better heat then Alex after 911 at Yankee Stadium.
I say it’s a discussion that should be done on a political blog. I’ve written plenty of politics on here, as has NoFear. The election is over. Obama won.
Colin Kaepernick is the #1 San Francisco 49ers QB going into St. Louis.
“The election is over. Obama won”. I think that’s kinda Fear’s problem. One of them.
I’m going to go with it’s a crime before the Lord. Maybe Chuck will put a poll up.
Sorry, Twin. Not gonna go there. Ignorance isn’t a crime. It’s annoying as hell, but not a crime.
Speaking as a minority: +1.
He asked whether it was a crime.When it’s accompanied by a threat to the President of the country, yes it is. Your boy’s response to that was “Yeah, yeah, yeah, who hasn’t? ”
Pretty astounding that you have fucktards threatening the president, defendiong racism and birthers, and you jump my post. I’ll put down as in agreement with Fear..
You want to contimnue baiting him, I’ll delete you both. This is a tiny little Niner blog, Twin, not the New York Times Op Ed page.
Watts v. United States
In the case of Watts v. United States (1969), the United States Supreme Court ruled that mere political hyperbole must be distinguished from true threats. At a DuBois Club public rally on the Washington Monument grounds, a member of the assembled group suggested that the young people present should get more education before expressing their views. The defendant, an 18-year-old, replied:
“They always holler at us to get an education. And now I have already received my draft classification as 1-A and I have got to report for my physical this Monday coming. I am not going. If they ever make me carry a rifle the first man I want to get in my sights is L. B. J.”
According to court testimony, the defendant in speaking made a gesture of sighting down the barrel of a rifle. The audience responded with laughter and applause, which the Court of Appeals would later view as potentially ominous: “[I]t has not been unknown for laughter and applause to have sinister implications for the safety of others. History records that applause and laughter frequently greeted Hitler’s predictions of the future of the German Jews. Even earlier, the Roman holidays celebrated in the Colosseum often were punctuated by cheers and laughter when the Emperor gestured ‘thumbs down’ on a fallen gladiator.”
The boy was arrested and found to be in possession of cannabis, but a Court of General Sessions Judge suppressed the cannabis because he found that there had been no probable cause for the Secret Service agents to believe the defendant’s words constituted a threat to the President.[49] This did not prevent a federal court from convicting him for threatening the President. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit affirmed his conviction, but the Supreme Court reversed, stating, “We agree with petitioner that his only offense here was ‘a kind of very crude offensive method of stating a political opposition to the President.’ Taken in context, and regarding the expressly conditional nature of the statement and the reaction of the listeners, we do not see how it could be interpreted otherwise.” In a concurring opinion, William O. Douglas noted, “The Alien and Sedition Laws constituted one of our sorriest chapters; and I had thought we had done with them forever … Suppression of speech as an effective police measure is an old, old device, outlawed by our Constitution.
Are you afraid of him? Why the fuck aren’t you going after Fear? You actually allowed the threats, the racist crap, the whole 9 filthy yards.
I doubt Denny would ever get jailed for his threats. And I don’t think racism and the Birther movement are illegal. Except as I noted: before the Lord. Or when accompanied by action. i have no way to know if Denny or Fear have ever acted upon their twisted beliefs, I’m sure we all hope not..
i answered :”before the Lord”. You disagree, Chuckles?
Well this is going to come as another shocker to you then, the Kenyan is the biggest racist I’ve encountered in a long time. Something tells me you’re full of white guilt among other putrid stuffings.
It’s also been my experience that when someone expends so much in effort and dollars to keep something hidden there’s usually a reason behind it, and always one that makes the hider look bad. So if the birthers give you fits, maybe it’s because they have reasonable questions about the leader of the free world that should have been answered long ago but still remain. Largely with the complicity of the fourth estate and muffinheads like you branding the questions racist.
So, Jack, what do you think the offensive plans in St. Louis are going to be with the new #1 QB?
Give me a honest answer, and I will respect that.
You know what? The game plans isn’t that different. Cappy finds the deeper reads.
ROBB! I didn’t make the Joe coment, but I did say:
Cappy: 6 plays of 30+ yards in 79 attempts
Smith” 6 plays of 30+ yards in 273 attempts.
Something I saw last game was the run was barely featured in the first half. Gore was 12 yds on 4 attempts. I expect a more balanced game against the Rams in the first half. The second half play calling is predicated on what happens in the first half.
Stats be damned the sniff test is real enough. Kap throws deeper more often and more successfuly
I disagree, Chuck. Frank is a jewel, but tired, and without Hunter to spell him we could be getting into Jimmy Raye territory.
The Lambs have that guy on the DL you cannot avoid unless you scramble.
I say whip it downfield a few times and test out Colin’s arm while on the road under pressure.
37-16 on turf.
Grumpy, I’d say they relaxed whatever standards were in place for the eight years W occupied the office.
Twinfan, you drag my question through the blog in hopes of picking up supporters or demanding Chuck ban me like all the rest of the posters you can’t cow.
I asked you for answer not a poll. Spineless chickenshit.
The sine qua non of free speech is not the protection of popular speech, but the protection of that which is unpopular. The Supreme Court allowed Nazis to march in Jewish neighborhoods, NOT because they wore jackboots, but because in the marketplace of ideas, the suppression of unpopular speech and ideas can all too quickly lead to the suppression of any idea those in power find inconvenient.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Twin, you started this with your 5:15 comment.
Please stop.
It was started by Fear misrepresenting what your dear Denny is.But I ended it already and everyone is in agreement that being a racist and birther is not illegal per se.
Football blogs need bar rules: No politics and no religion period.
Yeah second that. Seems like twinfan has taken the demotion of Alex quite poorly so now we gotta listen (or just skip) his tantrums. Boring shit
Well, I think both of us have shown where we stand, Fear. Your question has been answered sufficiently.
Happy Holidays.
Now: RT asked for an honest answer on the game plan for St. Louis. That puts me in a bind because I wanted to say they were going to go with the Wishbone on offense and an 11 man front on defense.
So, I guess I have to say I have no idea. I’ll talk to Jimbo and get back to you. I’m guessing they mix running and throwing. Just a guess, though.
Because you don’t have a clue what you are talking about? Running and throwing, what a concept. I’ll have to check my late uncle’s Nebraska Cornhuskers playbook for that one. From 1939.
You don’t “get”: much, do you , RT?
The game plan is “running and throwing”.
Good job, Jack. You just predicted every football that will ever be played.
Ok I will take a stab at it. The Rams are aggressive at pass rushing so I expect to see a handful of screens/bubble screens and some designed QB runs. Kap natural ability to escape the rush is a bonus with that too. I would think some shot plays downfield are in order and Moss should see one or two of those. Ginn if healthy for punt returner and LMJ for kick returner. If Ginn is out maybe we see AJ punt returning. Crazy how we are back to inexperienced return guys again.
Jacobs will see more action but not crazy more as well as Dixon. I would be surprised to see LMJ in the backfield.
On D Amendola can expect to get jammed at the LOS more and maybe Cox (Rob loves Cox) will get to cover him at times out of the slot.
Rushing 5 a little more on Bradford to take him out of his timing throws he made all day.
I can’t imagine Seeley allowing another punt fake so tighter coverage on the gunners.
Oh and Kap to have a big day run and pass.
One would have thought the Wishbome and 11 man front would have clued RT on the nature of the post.
I think we’re looking at a potential Niigerian 419 victim here. RT: DON”T send any money to the brother of Nigerian prince. Too late? Bummer, dude.
Oh Twin. Making friends wherever you go.
LMJ should be used for screens and maybe a few draws. He’s got to get on the field for some plays. He’s a better option than Jacobs for more situations. Amendola absolutely has to be jammed. And they have to stop Jackson better.
Loved LMJ in college, lightning fast and a playmaker. As we haven’t had the benefit of seeing him play in the Pro’s it’s tough to judge but my thinking is blitz pickup is a big part of the Niner offense for their RB so I would presume Dixon gets the call.
I think I’ll agree with 12. Well, he agrees with me:running and throwing. I’m thinking there could be some kicking, too. What we don’t want is a lot of dropping things.
Jack, just what the fuck are you writing about? A Nigerian price? Where did that come in?
Jack Pardee’s son used to post on the Insider. He probably still does.
Doesn’t mean he was right, just knowledable. I beat him on a couple things; caught him on off-days, I guess. I wouldn’t dream of coaching against him. My hide would be sore for a million Sundays.
You were in the broadcast booth with the Pack; I just thought you were a Niner fan and would root for Kaepernick.
RT, the runnin’ and throwin’ thing was a joke. And I do root for Colin. I root hardest for guys I have doubts about. Never rooted harder than for Cody Pickett ( that’s a joke, too)
Peace.
Mike, we’re spectators. But I’ve seen 5 in person and I’m hungry for 6.
Besides, in the winter in New Mexico there’s nothing to do but change clothes every hour, winter, summer, make up your damn mind!
RT, my Dad used to brag that he never an agent. He also claimed that he was paid 800 bucks for doing the first Super Bowl ( as you know, not called the Super Bowl then). I’m not sure I believe the 800 buck claim, but when he told me that, I said “Dad, get an agent”..
never “had” an agent,
But he made the Hall of Fame. Of which,we should all be proud.
Of course I’m proud of him. Actually, he’s in a few Halls of Fame. It just blew me away when he said he got paid 800 dollars for that Super Bowl.Another interesting thing (to me, anyway). He got 55 dollars a week when he started out in Johnstown, Pa. The last work he did before he died was High School football in Billings, Montana.It was really a favor for an old friend, but the guy insisted on paying him something- 55 bucks a game.
maybe the 800 dollars was true, he would have worked for nothing, truth be told.
You don’t have to do what your Dad did, Mike. You know plenty of football and baseball on your own. Just my opinion.
I’m not sure I know what you mean doing what my Dad did, RT.
I meant he made the Hall of Fame.
RT, my life has been just fine. I loved my father and was proud of his accomplishments in his field, but I never felt any desire to emulate or best him in any way . You’ve spoken of your father and how you helped him when he became ill. If I have any regret at all about my Dad, it’s that we weren’t close in his later years.
This one has meaning for me Twin.
I took care of my Dad at the end when the family had abandoned him. It’s a tough fuckinh decision.
I prefer horses and dogs and cats, now.
Not an easy thing to do RT
A few of us talked about family and aging parents and such on the Flap yesterday. I can’t talk much about my experiences here, but I respect what others have gone through, having experienced much of it myself. That was a moving song, 12. And RT should be proud of what he did for his father, as I’m sure he is. Night all.
There are certain numbers of plays where they can use LMJ’s speed where he doesn’t have to block. Screens and draws spring to mind. He looked real good in his oppos in preseason.
Well if your’e right that gets 2 dynamic young guys on the field. Just hope he doesn’t do what the RB did to Steve Young (lawrence?) and miss his assignment. That RB went on to have a great career after that, in crime.
LaMichael had a rough childhood, I’ve looked forward to him getting a chance here.
I’m not familiar with his history outside on on field. I was happy to see him picked but a bit puzzled since we had Gore and Hunter.
They got AJ and LMJ For more team speed. Whether they use it or not remains to be seen.
They also signed Chad Hall to return kicks.
Did Hall go to the PS?
200+ comments, not reading them all. Can someone tell me what is going to happen if and when Colin loses 2 in a row, or he loses the 1st playoff game he is in? Alex won last year. So with picking Colin it is SB or bust. What happens if Colin does not take the Niners to the Promised land? Is he still the Starting QB next year, and will the Niners draft a QB if Colin does not win it all. To me this is what is wrong with going all in in the middle of the year with an unproven guy. No, No, 2 games does not make him the Guy.
The last 2 days is nothing but the Cappy/Smith debate, Kevin. And what it means if Cappy doesn’t reach the Super Bowl.
Truth be told, this teams is built on running and defense, so the passing game may or may not be the determining factor of getting to the promised land.
The safe call would have been Smith. And Smith starting some more this season hasn’t been completely ruled out, but it isn’t likely.
To answer you question, Kevin, Harbaugh is “all in” on Kappy until he’s not all in on him.It is correct that Jimbo is going for all the marbles this year- so he will not hestiate to switch back if Kap fucks up. Depending on all of the circumstances that may or may not affect Colin’s standing as the QB of the future, but Jimbo is hardly going to stand by and let Colin screw that proverbial pooch. He is going for the Super Bowl this year and thinks Colin gives him the best shot- THAT is the reason for changing now. If Colin does anything to shake that confidence, Jimmy isn’t going to stick with him until the doggy dies.
Harbaugh’s going all-in with Cappy. His guy. Come hell or high water. The Niners will likely release Alex after this season, but before the $8 mill is due him on 4/1/13.
Unless Cappy gets hurt or flat bombs out before the playoffs.
ESPN, NFL network, think Alex will get picked up by a team that needs a QB. Think Jets, Miami, Texans?? Of Course the next question is where do the Niners draft a QB next year?, early first round? Inquiring minds want to know.
Jimbo is madly in love now but we’ve seen what a ficlkle fella he is. Never the less,even if Smith has to bail him out this year, Colin will stiill most likely be considered the QB of the future.
IMO Alex will have some options next year if that’s how it plays out. He has a good track record since Harbaugh came. I don’t expect a hot market for him but he would be an upgrade on some teams right now.
Yes I think Harbaugh takes a QB next draft but probably a mid to back end guy. He has Kap and Tolzien so he needs a 3rd.
This is no fault of Jimbo, Kap, or any of the other “players:” in this little soap opera, but as many are now reporting, Smith losing his job is going to be a big setback for player safety after a concussion. Smith was thought to be OK before he self reported the concussion, in fact he played at a high level after suffering the concussion. There’s no rule and can’t be one to protect players who refuse to protect themselves. Players will now decide if they should report symptoms or not, I’m sure Alex is wondering whether he should have.
Alex is a cerebral guy, no way he puts playing before a brain injury. He is in a good position if he calls it a day now though, he has made 70 Mil or so from the 49ers. Other players are maybe more dumb, or “tough” in a stupid way, or have not made much money yet. I agree Twin it has the unintended effect of sending a “don’t report” message. Of course this is not new, the game was composed of that message for it’s entire history until 3 years ago. This is national news today and wrapping for dog poop tomorrow.
A storm in a tea cup. With the spotlight on concussions now we see players routinely examined after a hit, in Alex’s case it came on a QB sneak so there was not hit to be seen but that’s hardly usual.
A different angle. Where has Harbaugh steered this team wrong in his 1.5 years? Does anybody here doubt the man knows quarterbacking? Does anybody doubt his competitive nature and his need to win? Does anybody think he is being an asshole for it’s own sake or because he is trying to improve his team? What should a coach of the year do about having a more talented guy on the bench? Almost all coaches would have stayed with the safe decision, hard to complain if he had made that decision. I can think of only 2 coaches willing to put their reputations on the line to do what they think is right in this particular situation, Harbaugh and Billicheat.
I think Harbaugh deserves high praise for having the guts to do what he feels is in the teams best interests.
Aspects of his handling of it stink, it’s tough for Alex to swallow, fans are going to be vocal with either decision.
Nobody has a crystal ball. Nobody can say that with Alex this team can win X or with Kap Y. Looking at last years results and setting it as a benchmark for success of a QB makes no sense, he is a player on a team.
Harbaugh’s job is to field his best team to try to win a SB same as it is for the other 31 HC’s. In these parity days about 10 teams each year have a legitimate shot at going to the bowl and the Cowboys think they do every year but don’t.
Harbaugh is doing what he thinks is right and in the best interests of the team and that’s what he was brought here to do. If fans only want him to do the safe thing we should have stuck with Singleneuron or some other unimaginative HC.
This Niner team has as good as shot as the other 9 top teams to go to the SB, if Harbaugh believes Kap gives us a better shot at it then I am all in with him.
I am a fan of Kap for as much as I have seen and not a big fan of Alex also for what I have seen, but having said that I respect what Alex can do under Harbaugh’s system and guidance and yes it is possible Alex could take us to a SB game and he still might, but this is a game of talent and Kap has more and coupled with his decision making makes him more likely to get the team to the bowl and that is Harbaugh’s thinking not that of an armchair critic.