Divisional Round: Thoughts after rewatching the game...

Originally posted by pwillis52beasty:
Colin Kaepernick played a fantastic game and he sure does look like a star in the making. However, the debate won't end until we win the NFC championship game. Kap has to get this team farther this year than Alex Smith did last year. Alex Smith was only progressing as a quarterback. It's as simple as that.

Also, you're absolutely right Smith could not break off those kinds of runs. That is obvious. But I am very tired of people claiming that Alex Smith can't make the throws. Kap has a much stronger arm than Smith, no doubt. Smith still has a good arm and he's made some amazing throws in his own right. Let's not act like he hasn't darted balls into receivers before and put balls right on the money. Can we please stop dissing Alex Smith. Let's be happy that we have two very good quarterbacks on the roster. I hate that when Kaepernick plays great we have to say "see Alex Smith could never do that!?" There is no need for that.

Oh and yeah again, there is no need to imply that teams didn't think Alex Smith was any kind of Quarterback. Let's praise our players, not praise one while dissing another at the same time. I really do enjoy reading your posts though.

Fully agree. Even Marvin's very good summary starts off with a long tribute to CK that almost seems like he wants to say something else but stops just short. I think everyone here realizes Kaepernick has certain abilities that Alex Smith does not, however, other than his running ability, the arm strength issues are nothing near what some writers would like us to believe. They are simply different QBs who have both been very successful when given a full deck.

was impressed with CK's reaction to pressure. In the past, he'd head for the sidelines, often giving up yardage to escape. On Sat, he moved up into the pocket and even broke a few up the middle.

Originally posted by dj43:

Originally posted by pwillis52beasty:
Colin Kaepernick played a fantastic game and he sure does look like a star in the making. However, the debate won't end until we win the NFC championship game. Kap has to get this team farther this year than Alex Smith did last year. Alex Smith was only progressing as a quarterback. It's as simple as that.

Also, you're absolutely right Smith could not break off those kinds of runs. That is obvious. But I am very tired of people claiming that Alex Smith can't make the throws. Kap has a much stronger arm than Smith, no doubt. Smith still has a good arm and he's made some amazing throws in his own right. Let's not act like he hasn't darted balls into receivers before and put balls right on the money. Can we please stop dissing Alex Smith. Let's be happy that we have two very good quarterbacks on the roster. I hate that when Kaepernick plays great we have to say "see Alex Smith could never do that!?" There is no need for that.

Oh and yeah again, there is no need to imply that teams didn't think Alex Smith was any kind of Quarterback. Let's praise our players, not praise one while dissing another at the same time. I really do enjoy reading your posts though.

Fully agree. Even Marvin's very good summary starts off with a long tribute to CK that almost seems like he wants to say something else but stops just short. I think everyone here realizes Kaepernick has certain abilities that Alex Smith does not, however, other than his running ability, the arm strength issues are nothing near what some writers would like us to believe. They are simply different QBs who have both been very successful when given a full deck.

Well nobody can accuse Marvin of being biased because in the past he would rate Alex in every game and he was usually very favorable in his assessment.

I think the only reason he is bringing Alex is because some posters still believe that Alex is better than Kap. All Marvin is doing is showing that is not the case.

Originally posted by dj43:

Originally posted by pwillis52beasty:
Colin Kaepernick played a fantastic game and he sure does look like a star in the making. However, the debate won't end until we win the NFC championship game. Kap has to get this team farther this year than Alex Smith did last year. Alex Smith was only progressing as a quarterback. It's as simple as that.

Also, you're absolutely right Smith could not break off those kinds of runs. That is obvious. But I am very tired of people claiming that Alex Smith can't make the throws. Kap has a much stronger arm than Smith, no doubt. Smith still has a good arm and he's made some amazing throws in his own right. Let's not act like he hasn't darted balls into receivers before and put balls right on the money. Can we please stop dissing Alex Smith. Let's be happy that we have two very good quarterbacks on the roster. I hate that when Kaepernick plays great we have to say "see Alex Smith could never do that!?" There is no need for that.

Oh and yeah again, there is no need to imply that teams didn't think Alex Smith was any kind of Quarterback. Let's praise our players, not praise one while dissing another at the same time. I really do enjoy reading your posts though.

Fully agree. Even Marvin's very good summary starts off with a long tribute to CK that almost seems like he wants to say something else but stops just short. I think everyone here realizes Kaepernick has certain abilities that Alex Smith does not, however, other than his running ability, the arm strength issues are nothing near what some writers would like us to believe. They are simply different QBs who have both been very successful when given a full deck.

I'll put it this way....

I like Alex. I really do. I've been a fan for a long, long time and have ALWAYS thought he was getting a raw deal. I would have been happy keeping him for the long term and going into the playoffs with him.

Kaep is just on another level.

It's not the arm (tho I love it). Its not the legs (those are great too). It's not even the deep passing accuracy (maybe a little bit). It's the POISE.

He makes a mistake. He moves on. It NEVER lingers. He goes to NE where he's supposed to lose and acts like he owns the place. You can't "get to him". Its something all the greats possess. I'm not putting him there yet, I'm just saying its not just the physical tools that have made me such a Kaepernick fan. Its the stuff you can't measure. Its the guy you can't intimidate.

I know people view this as "Alex-bashing" and I apologize for that, but I've watched Alex play since college and I know what I know. I know that while he has become a very good QB who could take a very talented team to the playoffs, he's not a GREAT QB who one day can put this team on his back. We don't know that yet with Kaep either, but its that quality I was just talking about that really makes me think he can.

Finally, when I say its a pass that Alex can't make, it doesn't always mean he can't physically make it. Sometimes it means he WON'T make it or that he would make it a much lower % of the time compared to Kaep. I will continue to make this comparison because people are still arguing with me on it. I think the case is closed but I still have peeps who say he needs to win the next game.

Originally posted by susweel:

Originally posted by dj43:

Originally posted by pwillis52beasty:
Colin Kaepernick played a fantastic game and he sure does look like a star in the making. However, the debate won't end until we win the NFC championship game. Kap has to get this team farther this year than Alex Smith did last year. Alex Smith was only progressing as a quarterback. It's as simple as that.

Also, you're absolutely right Smith could not break off those kinds of runs. That is obvious. But I am very tired of people claiming that Alex Smith can't make the throws. Kap has a much stronger arm than Smith, no doubt. Smith still has a good arm and he's made some amazing throws in his own right. Let's not act like he hasn't darted balls into receivers before and put balls right on the money. Can we please stop dissing Alex Smith. Let's be happy that we have two very good quarterbacks on the roster. I hate that when Kaepernick plays great we have to say "see Alex Smith could never do that!?" There is no need for that.

Oh and yeah again, there is no need to imply that teams didn't think Alex Smith was any kind of Quarterback. Let's praise our players, not praise one while dissing another at the same time. I really do enjoy reading your posts though.

Fully agree. Even Marvin's very good summary starts off with a long tribute to CK that almost seems like he wants to say something else but stops just short. I think everyone here realizes Kaepernick has certain abilities that Alex Smith does not, however, other than his running ability, the arm strength issues are nothing near what some writers would like us to believe. They are simply different QBs who have both been very successful when given a full deck.

Well nobody can accuse Marvin of being biased because in the past he would rate Alex in every game and he was usually very favorable in his assessment.

I think the only reason he is bringing Alex is because some posters still believe that Alex is better than Kap. All Marvin is doing is showing that is not the case.

Bingo.

Originally posted by dj43:

Originally posted by pwillis52beasty:
Colin Kaepernick played a fantastic game and he sure does look like a star in the making. However, the debate won't end until we win the NFC championship game. Kap has to get this team farther this year than Alex Smith did last year. Alex Smith was only progressing as a quarterback. It's as simple as that.

Also, you're absolutely right Smith could not break off those kinds of runs. That is obvious. But I am very tired of people claiming that Alex Smith can't make the throws. Kap has a much stronger arm than Smith, no doubt. Smith still has a good arm and he's made some amazing throws in his own right. Let's not act like he hasn't darted balls into receivers before and put balls right on the money. Can we please stop dissing Alex Smith. Let's be happy that we have two very good quarterbacks on the roster. I hate that when Kaepernick plays great we have to say "see Alex Smith could never do that!?" There is no need for that.

Oh and yeah again, there is no need to imply that teams didn't think Alex Smith was any kind of Quarterback. Let's praise our players, not praise one while dissing another at the same time. I really do enjoy reading your posts though.

Fully agree. Even Marvin's very good summary starts off with a long tribute to CK that almost seems like he wants to say something else but stops just short. I think everyone here realizes Kaepernick has certain abilities that Alex Smith does not, however, other than his running ability, the arm strength issues are nothing near what some writers would like us to believe. They are simply different QBs who have both been very successful when given a full deck.

I appreciate the point made and definitely agree that there is no point in thinking we can't praise one player without the need to bash the other. However, up until this last game (and for many up until this NFC Championship game) a lot of people were questioning the decision made by Harbaugh to switch to Kap, which triggered natural comparisons between the two players. There were several people on this forum bringing stats and other information to establish that Alex Smith was still, at this point, the better option at QB and gave the Niners the best chance to win. Moreover, many were quite openly saying that the outcome of this game would be the verdict which either vindicated Harbaugh or condemned him. Therefore, it should be expected that there would be comparisons made after Saturday's performance.

Agree. I think the pick 6 actually helped Kaepernick. Instead of forcing it where it shouldn't go he learned that he should just beat them with his legs. Cannot recall how many times my buddy had to hear me yell "run" at the TV. Its the playoffs, you do what you have to do because if you don't there isn't a tomorrow.

Agree with Walker. Can only shake my head.

Justin Smith? Oh my god! What a damn stud.

Staley? Those are stones kid!

Crabtree? Those big boy pants look good on you! See, a training camp works wonders!

Roman? He's good most of the time. He's like an alzheimer patient. Seems like he has good and bad days.

Goldson? Just tackle. You can pay me $10k a game to stand on the sideline and remind you. I'm cheaper than the NFL!

Whitner? If he is down you only have to touch him.

Atlanta Falcons? Remember that cartoon where the girl is tied to the train track and screaming for help? Well, you are tied to the tracks and no one is coming to save you? Choo Choo!

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by susweel:

Originally posted by dj43:

Originally posted by pwillis52beasty:
Colin Kaepernick played a fantastic game and he sure does look like a star in the making. However, the debate won't end until we win the NFC championship game. Kap has to get this team farther this year than Alex Smith did last year. Alex Smith was only progressing as a quarterback. It's as simple as that.

Also, you're absolutely right Smith could not break off those kinds of runs. That is obvious. But I am very tired of people claiming that Alex Smith can't make the throws. Kap has a much stronger arm than Smith, no doubt. Smith still has a good arm and he's made some amazing throws in his own right. Let's not act like he hasn't darted balls into receivers before and put balls right on the money. Can we please stop dissing Alex Smith. Let's be happy that we have two very good quarterbacks on the roster. I hate that when Kaepernick plays great we have to say "see Alex Smith could never do that!?" There is no need for that.

Oh and yeah again, there is no need to imply that teams didn't think Alex Smith was any kind of Quarterback. Let's praise our players, not praise one while dissing another at the same time. I really do enjoy reading your posts though.

Fully agree. Even Marvin's very good summary starts off with a long tribute to CK that almost seems like he wants to say something else but stops just short. I think everyone here realizes Kaepernick has certain abilities that Alex Smith does not, however, other than his running ability, the arm strength issues are nothing near what some writers would like us to believe. They are simply different QBs who have both been very successful when given a full deck.

Well nobody can accuse Marvin of being biased because in the past he would rate Alex in every game and he was usually very favorable in his assessment.

I think the only reason he is bringing Alex is because some posters still believe that Alex is better than Kap. All Marvin is doing is showing that ==

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by dj43:

Originally posted by pwillis52beasty:
Colin Kaepernick played a fantastic game and he sure does look like a star in the making. However, the debate won't end until we win the NFC championship game. Kap has to get this team farther this year than Alex Smith did last year. Alex Smith was only progressing as a quarterback. It's as simple as that.

Also, you're absolutely right Smith could not break off those kinds of runs. That is obvious. But I am very tired of people claiming that Alex Smith can't make the throws. Kap has a much stronger arm than Smith, no doubt. Smith still has a good arm and he's made some amazing throws in his own right. Let's not act like he hasn't darted balls into receivers before and put balls right on the money. Can we please stop dissing Alex Smith. Let's be happy that we have two very good quarterbacks on the roster. I hate that when Kaepernick plays great we have to say "see Alex Smith could never do that!?" There is no need for that.

Oh and yeah again, there is no need to imply that teams didn't think Alex Smith was any kind of Quarterback. Let's praise our players, not praise one while dissing another at the same time. I really do enjoy reading your posts though.

Fully agree. Even Marvin's very good summary starts off with a long tribute to CK that almost seems like he wants to say something else but stops just short. I think everyone here realizes Kaepernick has certain abilities that Alex Smith does not, however, other than his running ability, the arm strength issues are nothing near what some writers would like us to believe. They are simply different QBs who have both been very successful when given a full deck.

I'll put it this way....

I like Alex. I really do. I've been a fan for a long, long time and have ALWAYS thought he was getting a raw deal. I would have been happy keeping him for the long term and going into the playoffs with him.

Kaep is just on another level.

It's not the arm (tho I love it). Its not the legs (those are great too). It's not even the deep passing accuracy (maybe a little bit). It's the POISE.

He makes a mistake. He moves on. It NEVER lingers. He goes to NE where he's supposed to lose and acts like he owns the place. You can't "get to him". Its something all the greats possess. I'm not putting him there yet, I'm just saying its not just the physical tools that have made me such a Kaepernick fan. Its the stuff you can't measure. Its the guy you can't intimidate.

I know people view this as "Alex-bashing" and I apologize for that, but I've watched Alex play since college and I know what I know. I know that while he has become a very good QB who could take a very talented team to the playoffs, he's not a GREAT QB who one day can put this team on his back. We don't know that yet with Kaep either, but its that quality I was just talking about that really makes me think he can.

Finally, when I say its a pass that Alex can't make, it doesn't always mean he can't physically make it. Sometimes it means he WON'T make it or that he would make it a much lower % of the time compared to Kaep. I will continue to make this comparison because people are still arguing with me on it. I think the case is closed but I still have peeps who say he needs to win the next game.

I will say this. I have rooted for Alex Smith since we drafted him. It is hard not to. He has been nothing but professional and never made excuses for himself. He has endured more than a lot of other people in his situation could have. He finally started to play well and all of us "supporters" felt really good for him and the team. Alex is a smart QB who can make some plays.

Now with all of these people saying that Alex would or would not have made that play is just dumb. He might not be able to make the same plays as Kaep but he would probably make other ones. I agree that A LOT of Crabtree's recent success is due to Kaep making the throws to him but lets not forget what Vernon and Smith can do (or did). Kaep seems to miss the big throws to Vernon that Smith didn't. Smith seemed to miss the big throws to Crabs that Kaep doesn't. Everybody seems to forget what Smith and Vernon did to a similar defense in the Saints. By similar I mean talent wise.

The most notable difference is Kaep's running ability. He broke an NFL record in his first playoff game for rushing yard by a QB and has a monster arm to boot.

I must admit that after the pick 6 I thought to myself "Great, the change at QB was wrong and stupid Harbaugh F*cked us". I was obviously wrong and very happy I am. I thought the QB changed was premature and wrong but I will support Kaep from now on (I always did because he is our QB but felt bad for Alex). No matter how many mistakes he makes from now on. The kid is just a beast and when he is on point. If Saturday was just a taste of things to come then I am VERY excited for our future.

I will also say this and probably get crap for it but oh well. I am a huge Alex Smith fan for what he has gone though. Warranted or not, it is what it is. I am 100 percent happy with Kaep moving forward. That being said, I will ALWAYS root for Alex Smith no matter where he goes. Even if he is a Cowboy (which won't happen). I really hope he ends up in KC or Jacksonville so it will be easier to root for him. If we are not in the big game, I will root for whatever team he is on (if they are in it). I bleed red and gold but the guy just has my respect.

Originally posted by real9erfan:

Originally posted by dj43:

Originally posted by pwillis52beasty:
Colin Kaepernick played a fantastic game and he sure does look like a star in the making. However, the debate won't end until we win the NFC championship game. Kap has to get this team farther this year than Alex Smith did last year. Alex Smith was only progressing as a quarterback. It's as simple as that.

Also, you're absolutely right Smith could not break off those kinds of runs. That is obvious. But I am very tired of people claiming that Alex Smith can't make the throws. Kap has a much stronger arm than Smith, no doubt. Smith still has a good arm and he's made some amazing throws in his own right. Let's not act like he hasn't darted balls into receivers before and put balls right on the money. Can we please stop dissing Alex Smith. Let's be happy that we have two very good quarterbacks on the roster. I hate that when Kaepernick plays great we have to say "see Alex Smith could never do that!?" There is no need for that.

Oh and yeah again, there is no need to imply that teams didn't think Alex Smith was any kind of Quarterback. Let's praise our players, not praise one while dissing another at the same time. I really do enjoy reading your posts though.

Fully agree. Even Marvin's very good summary starts off with a long tribute to CK that almost seems like he wants to say something else but stops just short. I think everyone here realizes Kaepernick has certain abilities that Alex Smith does not, however, other than his running ability, the arm strength issues are nothing near what some writers would like us to believe. They are simply different QBs who have both been very successful when given a full deck.

I appreciate the point made and definitely agree that there is no point in thinking we can't praise one player without the need to bash the other. However, up until this last game (and for many up until this NFC Championship game) a lot of people were questioning the decision made by Harbaugh to switch to Kap, which triggered natural comparisons between the two players. There were several people on this forum bringing stats and other information to establish that Alex Smith was still, at this point, the better option at QB and gave the Niners the best chance to win. Moreover, many were quite openly saying that the outcome of this game would be the verdict which either vindicated Harbaugh or condemned him. Therefore, it should be expected that there would be comparisons made after Saturday's performance.

This

All you have to do is read Marvin's assessment of Kaep in preseason to know he is not biased. Lets not turn this into a Alex vs Kaep debate. It's obvious to all but the most stubborn the extra dimensions Kaep brings to the offense. Atlanta is going to be a great test and I'm more excited then I've been in a decade for a game so lets goooooooooo!

Originally posted by BloodWolf209:

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by susweel:

Originally posted by dj43:

Originally posted by pwillis52beasty:
Colin Kaepernick played a fantastic game and he sure does look like a star in the making. However, the debate won't end until we win the NFC championship game. Kap has to get this team farther this year than Alex Smith did last year. Alex Smith was only progressing as a quarterback. It's as simple as that.

Also, you're absolutely right Smith could not break off those kinds of runs. That is obvious. But I am very tired of people claiming that Alex Smith can't make the throws. Kap has a much stronger arm than Smith, no doubt. Smith still has a good arm and he's made some amazing throws in his own right. Let's not act like he hasn't darted balls into receivers before and put balls right on the money. Can we please stop dissing Alex Smith. Let's be happy that we have two very good quarterbacks on the roster. I hate that when Kaepernick plays great we have to say "see Alex Smith could never do that!?" There is no need for that.

Oh and yeah again, there is no need to imply that teams didn't think Alex Smith was any kind of Quarterback. Let's praise our players, not praise one while dissing another at the same time. I really do enjoy reading your posts though.

Fully agree. Even Marvin's very good summary starts off with a long tribute to CK that almost seems like he wants to say something else but stops just short. I think everyone here realizes Kaepernick has certain abilities that Alex Smith does not, however, other than his running ability, the arm strength issues are nothing near what some writers would like us to believe. They are simply different QBs who have both been very successful when given a full deck.

Well nobody can accuse Marvin of being biased because in the past he would rate Alex in every game and he was usually very favorable in his assessment.

I think the only reason he is bringing Alex is because some posters still believe that Alex is better than Kap. All Marvin is doing is showing that ==

Originally posted by Marvin49:

Originally posted by dj43:

Originally posted by pwillis52beasty:
Colin Kaepernick played a fantastic game and he sure does look like a star in the making. However, the debate won't end until we win the NFC championship game. Kap has to get this team farther this year than Alex Smith did last year. Alex Smith was only progressing as a quarterback. It's as simple as that.

Also, you're absolutely right Smith could not break off those kinds of runs. That is obvious. But I am very tired of people claiming that Alex Smith can't make the throws. Kap has a much stronger arm than Smith, no doubt. Smith still has a good arm and he's made some amazing throws in his own right. Let's not act like he hasn't darted balls into receivers before and put balls right on the money. Can we please stop dissing Alex Smith. Let's be happy that we have two very good quarterbacks on the roster. I hate that when Kaepernick plays great we have to say "see Alex Smith could never do that!?" There is no need for that.

Oh and yeah again, there is no need to imply that teams didn't think Alex Smith was any kind of Quarterback. Let's praise our players, not praise one while dissing another at the same time. I really do enjoy reading your posts though.

Fully agree. Even Marvin's very good summary starts off with a long tribute to CK that almost seems like he wants to say something else but stops just short. I think everyone here realizes Kaepernick has certain abilities that Alex Smith does not, however, other than his running ability, the arm strength issues are nothing near what some writers would like us to believe. They are simply different QBs who have both been very successful when given a full deck.

I'll put it this way....

I like Alex. I really do. I've been a fan for a long, long time and have ALWAYS thought he was getting a raw deal. I would have been happy keeping him for the long term and going into the playoffs with him.

Kaep is just on another level.

It's not the arm (tho I love it). Its not the legs (those are great too). It's not even the deep passing accuracy (maybe a little bit). It's the POISE.

He makes a mistake. He moves on. It NEVER lingers. He goes to NE where he's supposed to lose and acts like he owns the place. You can't "get to him". Its something all the greats possess. I'm not putting him there yet, I'm just saying its not just the physical tools that have made me such a Kaepernick fan. Its the stuff you can't measure. Its the guy you can't intimidate.

I know people view this as "Alex-bashing" and I apologize for that, but I've watched Alex play since college and I know what I know. I know that while he has become a very good QB who could take a very talented team to the playoffs, he's not a GREAT QB who one day can put this team on his back. We don't know that yet with Kaep either, but its that quality I was just talking about that really makes me think he can.

Finally, when I say its a pass that Alex can't make, it doesn't always mean he can't physically make it. Sometimes it means he WON'T make it or that he would make it a much lower % of the time compared to Kaep. I will continue to make this comparison because people are still arguing with me on it. I think the case is closed but I still have peeps who say he needs to win the next game.

I will say this. I have rooted for Alex Smith since we drafted him. It is hard not to. He has been nothing but professional and never made excuses for himself. He has endured more than a lot of other people in his situation could have. He finally started to play well and all of us "supporters" felt really good for him and the team. Alex is a smart QB who can make some plays.

Now with all of these people saying that Alex would or would not have made that play is just dumb. He might not be able to make the same plays as Kaep but he would probably make other ones. I agree that A LOT of Crabtree's recent success is due to Kaep making the throws to him but lets not forget what Vernon and Smith can do (or did). Kaep seems to miss the big throws to Vernon that Smith didn't. Smith seemed to miss the big throws to Crabs that Kaep doesn't. Everybody seems to forget what Smith and Vernon did to a similar defense in the Saints. By similar I mean talent wise.

The most notable difference is Kaep's running ability. He broke an NFL record in his first playoff game for rushing yard by a QB and has a monster arm to boot.

I must admit that after the pick 6 I thought to myself "Great, the change at QB was wrong and stupid Harbaugh F*cked us". I was obviously wrong and very happy I am. I thought the QB changed was premature and wrong but I will support Kaep from now on (I always did because he is our QB but felt bad for Alex). No matter how many mistakes he makes from now on. The kid is just a beast and when he is on point. If Saturday was just a taste of things to come then I am VERY excited for our future.

I will also say this and probably get crap for it but oh well. I am a huge Alex Smith fan for what he has gone though. Warranted or not, it is what it is. I am 100 percent happy with Kaep moving forward. That being said, I will ALWAYS root for Alex Smith no matter where he goes. Even if he is a Cowboy (which won't happen). I really hope he ends up in KC or Jacksonville so it will be easier to root for him. If we are not in the big game, I will root for whatever team he is on (if they are in it). I bleed red and gold but the guy just has my respect.

Not surprisingly, I'm going to disagree on the bolded.

We are in a forum whos entire point it is to debate this stuff. If people are going to make the argument you make here in that it was a mistake to make the switch to Kaep (even if you support Kaep now), then I am going to make the comparison.

Yes...there are passes that Alex would make that Kaep wouldn't. Of course thats the case. IMO tho I would MUCH rather have the guy who has a 60% comp% on passes over 20 yards (1st in the NFL). I want the guy who doesn't shut down after he makes a mistake as Alex has done in the past. Remember...I'm a fan too. I like ALex, but I can see whats happening out there just as well as the next guy.

As always, great analysis Marvin. Agreed on all points.

Have my DVR set to record the replay on NFL Network... can't wait to watch it again!!

Originally posted by natrone06:
All you have to do is read Marvin's assessment of Kaep in preseason to know he is not biased. Lets not turn this into a Alex vs Kaep debate. It's obvious to all but the most stubborn the extra dimensions Kaep brings to the offense. Atlanta is going to be a great test and I'm more excited then I've been in a decade for a game so lets goooooooooo!

LOL.

True.

Hey, none of us are perfect.

Wheres the popcorn ?!?!

I will say this. I have rooted for Alex Smith since we drafted him. It is hard not to. He has been nothing but professional and never made excuses for himself. He has endured more than a lot of other people in his situation could have. He finally started to play well and all of us "supporters" felt really good for him and the team. Alex is a smart QB who can make some plays.

Now with all of these people saying that Alex would or would not have made that play is just dumb. He might not be able to make the same plays as Kaep but he would probably make other ones. I agree that A LOT of Crabtree's recent success is due to Kaep making the throws to him but lets not forget what Vernon and Smith can do (or did). Kaep seems to miss the big throws to Vernon that Smith didn't. Smith seemed to miss the big throws to Crabs that Kaep doesn't. Everybody seems to forget what Smith and Vernon did to a similar defense in the Saints. By similar I mean talent wise.

The most notable difference is Kaep's running ability. He broke an NFL record in his first playoff game for rushing yard by a QB and has a monster arm to boot.

I must admit that after the pick 6 I thought to myself "Great, the change at QB was wrong and stupid Harbaugh F*cked us". I was obviously wrong and very happy I am. I thought the QB changed was premature and wrong but I will support Kaep from now on (I always did because he is our QB but felt bad for Alex). No matter how many mistakes he makes from now on. The kid is just a beast and when he is on point. If Saturday was just a taste of things to come then I am VERY excited for our future.

I will also say this and probably get crap for it but oh well. I am a huge Alex Smith fan for what he has gone though. Warranted or not, it is what it is. I am 100 percent happy with Kaep moving forward. That being said, I will ALWAYS root for Alex Smith no matter where he goes. Even if he is a Cowboy (which won't happen). I really hope he ends up in KC or Jacksonville so it will be easier to root for him. If we are not in the big game, I will root for whatever team he is on (if they are in it). I bleed red and gold but the guy just has my respect.

Not surprisingly, I'm going to disagree on the bolded.

We are in a forum whos entire point it is to debate this stuff. If people are going to make the argument you make here in that it was a mistake to make the switch to Kaep (even if you support Kaep now), then I am going to make the comparison.

Yes...there are passes that Alex would make that Kaep wouldn't. Of course thats the case. IMO tho I would MUCH rather have the guy who has a 60% comp% on passes over 20 yards (1st in the NFL). I want the guy who doesn't shut down after he makes a mistake as Alex has done in the past. Remember...I'm a fan too. I like ALex, but I can see whats happening out there just as well as the next guy.

Marvin I think you are mistaken in what I mean. I never said I would rather have Smith out there. I never said Harbaugh making the QB change IS a mistake. I said that at the time I thought it was. I see now that it wasn't and am all in with Kaep. I said I am supporting Kaep 100 percent no matter what. The kid is a beast and can make some damn good plays. I was only talking about people saying that Alex CAN"T make those plays. It is stupid to say that BECAUSE Alex would make other ones. Example: The touchdown pass that Kaep threw to Crabs against AZ. On the run (to his left) he made a deep accurate pass to crabs for a long score. Alex Smith NEVER could have made that play. BUT who is to say that he doesn't hit Vernon on a deep corner route or something for a score. ALL that I am saying is that saying somebody might not be able to make a play IS POINTLESS because he isn't out there. Who knows what plays Alex would make IF he was out there. I am pretty sure the QB debate is over.