QB Controversy in SF? Team Smith or Team Kaep?

The 49ers this year have been a good team with Alex Smith guiding them to a 6-2-1 record as the starting QB. Week 11, however, had the 49ers looking to Colin Kaepernick to lead them due to the fact that Alex Smith was out due to concussion symptoms still lingering from last week's game vs. the Rams. Not everybody was sure how well Kaep would do in his first start as an NFL QB. After last night, 49er fans are left wondering if they want it to be his last start for them this season.

Colin Kaepernick played amazing last night leading the 49ers to victory 32-7 over the Chicago Bears who have one of the toughest defenses in the country. He made solid throws, good decisions, and extended plays to help get them a victory. Kaepernick went 16/23 for 243 passing yards and 2 TD passes; no interceptions thrown to the turnover creating Bears. He was simply amazing on how he lead the team.

Like any 49er football game, not all credit can go to the QB. There was solid rushing, a great defense that wouldn't leave Jason Campbell of the Bears alone, and a seemingly more solid pass protection that benefited Kaep. Still, after all of this, Kaepernick seemed to be able to lead this group of playoff ready players superbly and makes us Niners fans start to think on whether or not we want this guy in as QB now.

Not only does the pressure and the questions start from the fan base and the local media, it starts coming from the national media. Kaepernick and the 49ers had this huge win on Monday Night Football with a national audience watching and being amazed at what this 25 year old from the University of Nevada can do.

So now the question must be asked that could affect San Francisco's season by simply asking it. Who should be the starting quarterback for the 49ers: Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick?

There are pluses and minuses to both sides. For Alex Smith, he has been the guy all year long and has managed to turn his career around with the insertion of Jim Harbaugh as head coach. He is no great QB like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning but he has become dependable and consistent enough to be entrusted the starting job. If used effectively, he's a game manager making underneath routes letting the receivers do the work as opposed to trying to create something with risky passes and turning the ball over in the process. At his best, he's not likely going to win a lot of games pulling a team along but he won't lose a lot either.

As for Colin Kaepernick, he seems different. His first start has shown that he can make some of the throws that Alex cannot and possibly throws that QB's like Tom Brady does make according to Vernon Davis. His ability to extend a play better than Smith and his ability to take off and run occasionally also makes him a better player and threat if used properly. However, coupled with his ability is his lack of experience. It was his first start and while he might have a future in the NFL whether it be with the 49ers or not, he might not be able to lead this team as effectively down the stretch as Smith who has been with them all year. He also still has a slower delivery than Smith's and while not on a Tebow or Byron Leftwich level, it can affect how opposing defenses do against him.

I know Alex Smith and his limits and I saw what Kaepernick did last night but I still cannot make up my mind on which QB the 49ers should go with. Due to that, I say play it safe and put Smith back in when you can and try to finish out this year with him at the helm and settle this in the off season.

Now there is a controversy either way just because of the way Kaepernick played. However, it becomes a wildfire with the fuel dumped on by head coach Jim Harbaugh when asked who is the starting QB in San Francisco postgame.

“We’ll see,” Harbaugh replied. “We usually tend to go with the guy who’s got the hot hand and we got two quarterbacks that have got a hot hand…”

P.S. For my full recap of last night's game, click here. Be sure to check out the 49ers section at Prosportsblogging.com for my scoop on the team before and after each game.