Originally posted by RishikeshA:
Originally posted by NCommand:
Except he hasn't developed anyone yet. CK has tons of raw talent coming out of every pore in his body BUT he still leads a 30th ranked offense at the end of the day and ESPN the Magazine showed that Kaepernick had an accuracy rating of 54.6 percent under pressure last season, the worst mark in the NFL. Meanwhile, he was sacked on 20.2 percent of snaps when under duress, the fourth-worst rate among starters. Alex Smith used to be sacked a ton as well under Harbaugh's oversight but had a much higher completion percentage and spread the ball around much better but didn't have the explosive ability or upside CK has. Also, there are still many questions and concerns around CK's footwork, basic QB mechanics, one-read abilities, accuracy outside the sideline/intermediate passes, decision making esp. in the RZ, lack of use and accuracy in the short and deep passing game, etc. Let's also note too that CK was considered by many, most fans to have "regressed" last year.
Personally, with this archaic offense, I'd still need 2 more years before being in position to say, "Harbaugh developed CK."
I guess getting to a SB and an NFC Championship game does not count for much. Low pass completion, poor foot work, bad mechanics, only one read mechanics, if we can get as far next year I'll take all the shortcomings.
Not when you are evaluating JUST the QB. When you have PBers in Staley, Boone, Goodwin, Boldin, Crabtree, VD, Gore, Miller, etc. and a top rated defense, you SHOULD make the playoffs every year and go deep. As to your rationale? Sure, CK was the reason we were even in the NCFCG (he was our only game plan, apparently) but he was also the one who turned the ball over 4 times (lost 3 on the final 3 possessions) and not one fan said he IMPROVED over last year...in fact, the talk has been with how much he regressed. Now, personally, a think a TON of this has to be put at the footsteps of Harbaugh himself, QB coach and esp. this archaic offensive philosophy and play calling and very very poor situational awareness. With a primary one-read offense (or AR 1 or 2), I don't think it would be hard to bring in any athletic and mobile QB to do this very job. That said, CK's potential and work ethic is through the roof but he still has a very very long ways to go and I'm skeptical if this system/coaching will help him get there. To me, CK is a 12-15M QB at best.