I love it when an owner and player have a contract dispute... at least when it's on other teams.
There were plenty of reasons why the Ravens overpowered the 49ers in the 1st half of their Super Bowl victory. One of those reasons was Anquan Boldin. Six catches for 104 receiving yards and one touchdown to start the scoring off. Even though he had left Arizona, he was still a pain in our butt.
Now it seems like he will be a pain in our opponents behind.
A trade agreement between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers now sends Anquan Boldin our way as first reported by the Baltimore Sun. In exchange, the 49ers will give the Ravens a 6th round draft pick for the 32 year old receiver. Baltimore had asked Boldin to take a large pay cut with Anquan refusing to do so and Joe Flacco backing him up. It's likely the contract dispute is what lead up to this trade.
49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick seemed excited by the trade when he talked to ESPN.
"If it's true, it's a great trade," Kaepernick said. "We're happy to have him. Having a play maker like that at receiver is something you always want. It's another weapon for our offense and our team."
This is a great get for the 49ers as they are clearly trying to make a large effort to improve their passing game. Getting Anquan Boldin is a good fit for the team as he will be a solid receiver along Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis. He's also a different kind of receiver than Randy Moss is which is a slot receiver which will work nicely along the demands of the team.
On top of that, the 49ers didn't have to waste too much to get him. They traded a meager 6th round pick to get Boldin and still have 14 picks in the upcoming draft. The whole thing seems like a no brainer.
P.S. I'm still not picking the 49ers as the Super Bowl favorite in 2013. Not now, not ever.
Showing posts with label Colin Kaepernick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colin Kaepernick. Show all posts
Monday, March 11, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Goodbye Alex Smith: Truly a Rollercoaster Ride
It seems all but official as Alex Smith's time in San Francisco is up.
Sources are telling ESPN that San Francisco has agreed to trade Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs. In return, San Francisco will get KC's 2nd round draft pick in the 2013 draft (34th overall pick) and a conditional mid-round pick in the 2014 draft. This effectively ends the former #1 pick's tenure with the 49ers leaving a mixed legacy behind.
Eight years in San Francisco over. It's been an interesting time with Alex leading the offense. He was the #1 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft and would forever be remembered as being picked before Aaron Rodgers. Smith never really had any luck in his first 6 seasons being plagued with injuries and different offensive coordinators year after year. Jim Harbaugh brought some stability to the 49ers in 2011 and helped Alex's game along with the offense. In those two years as a starter under Jim Harbaugh, Smith was 19-5-1 before losing his job to backup Colin Kaepernick after Smith sustained a concussion in the middle of the 2012 season.
Smith now heads to Kansas City where he and Andy Reid are looking for fresh starts. While Smith is no star college QB coming in the draft, he certainly can bring some stability to the offense if put in the right system. Reid, however, doesn't typically run the style of offense found in San Francisco. He's a very pass happy guy and Alex might not be the quarterback for him. Maybe Smith's college stats say differently but the pro stats says he's not suited for that.
While I would've liked Alex to go somewhere else, I honestly wish him the best and hope he has a fruitful career in Kansas City. That being said, the Chiefs are definitely not going to the postseason next year.
P.S. Alex might be the best option among available quarterbacks at this time but he won't likely be the savior for the Chiefs. I hope to be wrong.
Sources are telling ESPN that San Francisco has agreed to trade Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs. In return, San Francisco will get KC's 2nd round draft pick in the 2013 draft (34th overall pick) and a conditional mid-round pick in the 2014 draft. This effectively ends the former #1 pick's tenure with the 49ers leaving a mixed legacy behind.
Eight years in San Francisco over. It's been an interesting time with Alex leading the offense. He was the #1 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft and would forever be remembered as being picked before Aaron Rodgers. Smith never really had any luck in his first 6 seasons being plagued with injuries and different offensive coordinators year after year. Jim Harbaugh brought some stability to the 49ers in 2011 and helped Alex's game along with the offense. In those two years as a starter under Jim Harbaugh, Smith was 19-5-1 before losing his job to backup Colin Kaepernick after Smith sustained a concussion in the middle of the 2012 season.
Smith now heads to Kansas City where he and Andy Reid are looking for fresh starts. While Smith is no star college QB coming in the draft, he certainly can bring some stability to the offense if put in the right system. Reid, however, doesn't typically run the style of offense found in San Francisco. He's a very pass happy guy and Alex might not be the quarterback for him. Maybe Smith's college stats say differently but the pro stats says he's not suited for that.
While I would've liked Alex to go somewhere else, I honestly wish him the best and hope he has a fruitful career in Kansas City. That being said, the Chiefs are definitely not going to the postseason next year.
P.S. Alex might be the best option among available quarterbacks at this time but he won't likely be the savior for the Chiefs. I hope to be wrong.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Why 2013 Will Also be a Lost Cause for the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a great team that just fell short by a few yards of achieving their goal of winning a Super Bowl. As good as they were in 2012, they will not even get back to the Super Bowl in 2013. Here's why:
1. No losing team in the big game has gotten back to the Super Bowl since the Buffalo Bills of the early 1990's (last appearance 1994). Forget the fact that the Pats are the last Super Bowl winners to return the next season. History is not on San Francisco's side.
2. Frank Gore will be 30 years old next season. While the team will likely be moving towards an offensive system that will be more beneficial for Colin Kaepernick, they will still be reliant on a running game and their star back isn't getting any younger. More carries might be given to Kendall Hunter and/or LaMichael James which means instability in the backfield.
3. Front line was very fortunate this season. There might've had minor hits and bruises but nothing serious affected the offensive front line which was very fortunate for the 49ers in 2012. Their luck up front, however, might run out next year.
4. Can Colin Kaepernick manage to stay healthy an entire season? He doesn't seem to run it as much as Robert Griffin III or Michael Vick but the verdict so far on running quarterbacks is that they cannot last an entire season without being out for some time. Making sure that Colin is healthy for the 2nd half of the year and possibly the postseason is another reason why a solid running game (reason #2) is important along with trying to create a more friendly quarterback playbook for Colin.
5. A tough NFC West to fight through now. Seattle proved to be a very tough team in 2012, so much so that they were labeled as a Super Bowl contender. Mix this in with the fact that the Rams looked solid with Jeff Fisher as their coach and the Cardinals are looking to reboot somehow with their new coach Bruce Arians makes it no guarantee that the 49ers even make the postseason in 2013.
As pessimistic as I do seem to be about the 49ers chances next season, they can still be considered contenders. The team overall is still solid, they are now strong at the quarterback position, and they have Alex Smith as a marketable commodity.
If there is one thing that San Francisco needs to improve the most during the off season it's their secondary. Pass defense is something that needs attention which seems weird to say considering they were fourth in the league in pass defense. However, their defensive line was a big reason for that coupled with the fact they made team's one dimensional with their run defense. Getting some better (and less homophobic) defensive backs will make that team a true nightmare to move the ball on.
Despite how good the team looks now and the moves they will make during the off season, there is no way I am picking them to win the Super Bowl next year. I don't have a guess for 2013 yet, it's way too soon to do that. But I can say it won't be my beloved 49ers.
1. No losing team in the big game has gotten back to the Super Bowl since the Buffalo Bills of the early 1990's (last appearance 1994). Forget the fact that the Pats are the last Super Bowl winners to return the next season. History is not on San Francisco's side.
2. Frank Gore will be 30 years old next season. While the team will likely be moving towards an offensive system that will be more beneficial for Colin Kaepernick, they will still be reliant on a running game and their star back isn't getting any younger. More carries might be given to Kendall Hunter and/or LaMichael James which means instability in the backfield.
3. Front line was very fortunate this season. There might've had minor hits and bruises but nothing serious affected the offensive front line which was very fortunate for the 49ers in 2012. Their luck up front, however, might run out next year.
4. Can Colin Kaepernick manage to stay healthy an entire season? He doesn't seem to run it as much as Robert Griffin III or Michael Vick but the verdict so far on running quarterbacks is that they cannot last an entire season without being out for some time. Making sure that Colin is healthy for the 2nd half of the year and possibly the postseason is another reason why a solid running game (reason #2) is important along with trying to create a more friendly quarterback playbook for Colin.
5. A tough NFC West to fight through now. Seattle proved to be a very tough team in 2012, so much so that they were labeled as a Super Bowl contender. Mix this in with the fact that the Rams looked solid with Jeff Fisher as their coach and the Cardinals are looking to reboot somehow with their new coach Bruce Arians makes it no guarantee that the 49ers even make the postseason in 2013.
As pessimistic as I do seem to be about the 49ers chances next season, they can still be considered contenders. The team overall is still solid, they are now strong at the quarterback position, and they have Alex Smith as a marketable commodity.
If there is one thing that San Francisco needs to improve the most during the off season it's their secondary. Pass defense is something that needs attention which seems weird to say considering they were fourth in the league in pass defense. However, their defensive line was a big reason for that coupled with the fact they made team's one dimensional with their run defense. Getting some better (and less homophobic) defensive backs will make that team a true nightmare to move the ball on.
Despite how good the team looks now and the moves they will make during the off season, there is no way I am picking them to win the Super Bowl next year. I don't have a guess for 2013 yet, it's way too soon to do that. But I can say it won't be my beloved 49ers.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Baltimore Holds On for Super Bowl Win 34-31
So close and yet so far.
The Baltimore Ravens managed to hold off the surging San Francisco 49ers by a final of 34-31. Colin Kaepernick lead the 49ers down field for one last shot in the end zone with under two minutes remaining and failed to convert a 4th goal pass intended for Michael Crabtree in the back corner of the end zone.
“I think that last drive when we got the ball and had time to go down and score a touchdown, we thought it was our game,” Kaepernick said afterwards.
The Ravens then killed all but 4 seconds of the clock with the subsequent drive ending in a safety in which punter Sam Koch ran it out of the end zone. The following punt ended with Ted Ginn Jr. getting tackled as time expired leaving the Ravens as the victor.
“Our guys battled back to get back in,” 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “I thought we battled right to the brink of winning.”
Ray Lewis ends his 17 year career with a 2nd Super Bowl ring, other being earned in early 2001. This career ending sendoff came in a season where he had to come back from from a triceps injury sustained in October not making his return until the beginning of the postseason when the Ravens played the visiting Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card round.
“It’s no greater way, as a champ, to go out on your last ride with the men that I went out with, with my teammates,” Lewis said. “And you looked around this stadium and Baltimore! Baltimore! We coming home, baby! We did it!”
Baltimore coach John Harbaugh now has a 2-0 coaching record against his younger brother Jim Harbaugh. The first meeting between the two brother occurred on Thanksgiving day 2011.
“How could it be any other way? It’s never pretty. It’s never perfect. But it’s us,” John said afterwards. “It was us today.”
On the flip side, this is San Francisco’s first loss in the Super Bowl making them 5-1 in the big game.
“I really wanted it for us,” 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis said. “I wanted to bring it back to the Bay… We came up short. We were there and we came up short.”
The 49ers were down by as many as 22 points early in the 3rd quarter. Momentum seemed to turn around after a power outage in the 3rd quarter. The outage lasted over a half hour. San Francisco then managed to score 17 consecutive points to finish the quarter.
In part because of the power outage, it was the longest Super Bowl in history timed at 4 hours, 14 minutes.
Baltimore managed to recover a bit in the 4th quarter scoring two field goals by Justin Tucker. Tucker tried a fake field goal run earlier in the game that failed to convert a first down near the 49ers end zone.
Kaepernick scored a 15 yard touchdown run in between those Tucker field goals but a poor pass to Randy Moss failed to convert a two point conversion that would’ve tied the game at 31-31. Kaepernick finished the game with 62 rushing yards. Through the air, Colin went 16/28 for 302 passing yards, a 31 touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree, and an interception thrown to Ed Reed in the 2nd quarter. It was the first interception ever thrown by a San Francisco quarterback in the Super Bowl.
As for Crabtree, he finished the game with 5 catches for 109 receiving and the one touchdown. Vernon Davis finished the game just 5 yards shy of him with 104 receiving yards in 6 catches.
The star of the night was Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco who shined predominantly in the first half of the game. Flacco went 22/33 for 287 passing yards and three touchdown passes, all of which came in the first half. Flacco finishes the postseason with 11 touchdown passes, no interceptions thrown, and as Super Bowl MVP.
“People should shut up about Joe,” said Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin. “I’m so sick of people saying Joe’s not an elite quarterback. For all the critics who say he’s not, ask them how many rings they have.”
Anquan Boldin also had a fine game with 6 catches for 104 yards and one touchdown off a 13 yard pass from Joe Flacco in the first quarter. It was the first score of the game for either team and it came on Baltimore first possession.
Another star for the Ravens was Jacoby Jones who made one of those Flacco touchdown catches on a 56 yard catch in which he fell down and got back up to get into the end zone. Jones out did that, however, on a 108 yard kick off return for a touchdown to start the 2nd half. It was the Ravens only touchdown of the half and it proved to be a difference maker.
The 49ers ground game was fine but it could’ve gone better. Frank Gore ran for 110 yards on 19 carries and a six yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The 49ers, however, may have missed Kendall Hunter in this one. 2nd back and rookie LaMichael James fumbled the ball early in the 2nd quarter which was recovered by Baltimore defensive end Arthur Jones. The subsequent Ravens' drive lead to a one yard touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta to them up by 11.
As for Baltimore’s ground game, they were not efficient against San Francisco’s defense getting only 93 yards on 35 carries. Ray Rice carried the ball 20 times for just 59 yards. Rice, however, had a fumble in the 3rd quarter which resulted in a 34 yard David Akers’ field goal.
Akers would make two other field goals in the first half of play. One in the first quarter from 36 yards out and the other to end the first half from 27 yards out. Akers accounted for all of San Francisco’s 6 first half points while Baltimore was on top by 15.
In overall numbers, San Francisco had 468 total offensive yards while Baltimore had 367. The Ravens had the ball a bit longer controlling it for just over 32 minutes of the game. The 49ers also had six red zone attempts only converting twice for touchdowns.
Inexperience showed for San Francisco against the veteran squad of Baltimore. With the team around them, however, there is always next year.
“We will use this as fuel,” 49ers safety Donte Whitner said. “It’s tough getting shoved off the field, watching the other team celebrate. We’ll be better from this. We’ll be back.”
The Baltimore Ravens managed to hold off the surging San Francisco 49ers by a final of 34-31. Colin Kaepernick lead the 49ers down field for one last shot in the end zone with under two minutes remaining and failed to convert a 4th goal pass intended for Michael Crabtree in the back corner of the end zone.
“I think that last drive when we got the ball and had time to go down and score a touchdown, we thought it was our game,” Kaepernick said afterwards.
The Ravens then killed all but 4 seconds of the clock with the subsequent drive ending in a safety in which punter Sam Koch ran it out of the end zone. The following punt ended with Ted Ginn Jr. getting tackled as time expired leaving the Ravens as the victor.
“Our guys battled back to get back in,” 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “I thought we battled right to the brink of winning.”
Ray Lewis ends his 17 year career with a 2nd Super Bowl ring, other being earned in early 2001. This career ending sendoff came in a season where he had to come back from from a triceps injury sustained in October not making his return until the beginning of the postseason when the Ravens played the visiting Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card round.
“It’s no greater way, as a champ, to go out on your last ride with the men that I went out with, with my teammates,” Lewis said. “And you looked around this stadium and Baltimore! Baltimore! We coming home, baby! We did it!”
Baltimore coach John Harbaugh now has a 2-0 coaching record against his younger brother Jim Harbaugh. The first meeting between the two brother occurred on Thanksgiving day 2011.
“How could it be any other way? It’s never pretty. It’s never perfect. But it’s us,” John said afterwards. “It was us today.”
On the flip side, this is San Francisco’s first loss in the Super Bowl making them 5-1 in the big game.
“I really wanted it for us,” 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis said. “I wanted to bring it back to the Bay… We came up short. We were there and we came up short.”
The 49ers were down by as many as 22 points early in the 3rd quarter. Momentum seemed to turn around after a power outage in the 3rd quarter. The outage lasted over a half hour. San Francisco then managed to score 17 consecutive points to finish the quarter.
In part because of the power outage, it was the longest Super Bowl in history timed at 4 hours, 14 minutes.
Baltimore managed to recover a bit in the 4th quarter scoring two field goals by Justin Tucker. Tucker tried a fake field goal run earlier in the game that failed to convert a first down near the 49ers end zone.
Kaepernick scored a 15 yard touchdown run in between those Tucker field goals but a poor pass to Randy Moss failed to convert a two point conversion that would’ve tied the game at 31-31. Kaepernick finished the game with 62 rushing yards. Through the air, Colin went 16/28 for 302 passing yards, a 31 touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree, and an interception thrown to Ed Reed in the 2nd quarter. It was the first interception ever thrown by a San Francisco quarterback in the Super Bowl.
As for Crabtree, he finished the game with 5 catches for 109 receiving and the one touchdown. Vernon Davis finished the game just 5 yards shy of him with 104 receiving yards in 6 catches.
The star of the night was Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco who shined predominantly in the first half of the game. Flacco went 22/33 for 287 passing yards and three touchdown passes, all of which came in the first half. Flacco finishes the postseason with 11 touchdown passes, no interceptions thrown, and as Super Bowl MVP.
“People should shut up about Joe,” said Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin. “I’m so sick of people saying Joe’s not an elite quarterback. For all the critics who say he’s not, ask them how many rings they have.”
Anquan Boldin also had a fine game with 6 catches for 104 yards and one touchdown off a 13 yard pass from Joe Flacco in the first quarter. It was the first score of the game for either team and it came on Baltimore first possession.
Another star for the Ravens was Jacoby Jones who made one of those Flacco touchdown catches on a 56 yard catch in which he fell down and got back up to get into the end zone. Jones out did that, however, on a 108 yard kick off return for a touchdown to start the 2nd half. It was the Ravens only touchdown of the half and it proved to be a difference maker.
The 49ers ground game was fine but it could’ve gone better. Frank Gore ran for 110 yards on 19 carries and a six yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The 49ers, however, may have missed Kendall Hunter in this one. 2nd back and rookie LaMichael James fumbled the ball early in the 2nd quarter which was recovered by Baltimore defensive end Arthur Jones. The subsequent Ravens' drive lead to a one yard touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta to them up by 11.
As for Baltimore’s ground game, they were not efficient against San Francisco’s defense getting only 93 yards on 35 carries. Ray Rice carried the ball 20 times for just 59 yards. Rice, however, had a fumble in the 3rd quarter which resulted in a 34 yard David Akers’ field goal.
Akers would make two other field goals in the first half of play. One in the first quarter from 36 yards out and the other to end the first half from 27 yards out. Akers accounted for all of San Francisco’s 6 first half points while Baltimore was on top by 15.
In overall numbers, San Francisco had 468 total offensive yards while Baltimore had 367. The Ravens had the ball a bit longer controlling it for just over 32 minutes of the game. The 49ers also had six red zone attempts only converting twice for touchdowns.
Inexperience showed for San Francisco against the veteran squad of Baltimore. With the team around them, however, there is always next year.
“We will use this as fuel,” 49ers safety Donte Whitner said. “It’s tough getting shoved off the field, watching the other team celebrate. We’ll be better from this. We’ll be back.”
Sunday, January 20, 2013
49ers and Ravens Advance to First Ever Har-Bowl
There is one family in America that is ecstatic and that is the Harbaugh's.
In the NFC Championship game, the San Francisco 49ers lead by Jim Harbaugh, went into Atlanta to face the Falcons. After being down 17-0, the 49ers fought a great 2nd half and managed to grab the lead with a Frank Gore touchdown run in the 4th quarter. It was their first lead of the game. Atlanta tried to take back control of the game but after a failed 4th and 4 conversion attempt, the Falcons were all but done. The 49ers with Colin Kaepernick at the helm (not Alex Smith) managed to win the game 28-24 and advance to thier first Super Bowl since 1994.
As for the AFC Championship game, the Baltimore Ravens lead by John Harbaugh, Jim's older brother, went into New England and managed to keep Ray Lewis' career alive for one more final game. After being down 13-7 at the half, the Ravens defense clamped down while Joe Flacco and the offense took off. Flacco threw 3 touchdowns in the 2nd half with the last two going to Anquan Boldin. The Pats, meanwhile, couldn't put up any 2nd half points and managed one touchdown all game long. In their 2nd straight AFC Championship game vs New England, the Ravens overcome the Patriots 28-13 and go on to their first Super Bowl since 2000.
Super Bowl XLVII is set with the Baltimore Ravens vs. the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans. This marks the first Super Bowl in which the opposing head coaches are brothers. Definitely adds a bit to the term "Sibling Rivalry."
P.S. For a full recap of the 49ers win in Atlanta, click here. Be sure to visit the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for updates on the team before and after the Super Bowl.
In the NFC Championship game, the San Francisco 49ers lead by Jim Harbaugh, went into Atlanta to face the Falcons. After being down 17-0, the 49ers fought a great 2nd half and managed to grab the lead with a Frank Gore touchdown run in the 4th quarter. It was their first lead of the game. Atlanta tried to take back control of the game but after a failed 4th and 4 conversion attempt, the Falcons were all but done. The 49ers with Colin Kaepernick at the helm (not Alex Smith) managed to win the game 28-24 and advance to thier first Super Bowl since 1994.
As for the AFC Championship game, the Baltimore Ravens lead by John Harbaugh, Jim's older brother, went into New England and managed to keep Ray Lewis' career alive for one more final game. After being down 13-7 at the half, the Ravens defense clamped down while Joe Flacco and the offense took off. Flacco threw 3 touchdowns in the 2nd half with the last two going to Anquan Boldin. The Pats, meanwhile, couldn't put up any 2nd half points and managed one touchdown all game long. In their 2nd straight AFC Championship game vs New England, the Ravens overcome the Patriots 28-13 and go on to their first Super Bowl since 2000.
Super Bowl XLVII is set with the Baltimore Ravens vs. the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans. This marks the first Super Bowl in which the opposing head coaches are brothers. Definitely adds a bit to the term "Sibling Rivalry."
P.S. For a full recap of the 49ers win in Atlanta, click here. Be sure to visit the 49ers section at prosportsblogging.com for updates on the team before and after the Super Bowl.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Andy's Choice... So Easy (Yet Please Reconsider)
Andy Reid gone from the Eagles means that a team will scoop him up and hire him as their next head coach. The two most likely destinations at this point for Reid is either Arizona or Kansas City. Reid will likely choose a spot very soon... hopefully not too soon as for no one to be interested in this post. Both KC and Arizona have just fired head coaches themselves with the Chiefs letting Romeo Crennel go while the Cardinals dumped Ken Whisenhunt.
Where would Andy Reid be most comfortable? It would be very tempting to say Arizona but I could make a good argument for Kansas City instead. It really has to do with strength of the division (and possibly the conference). Arizona might be alluring with Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald but you have to think about how strong the NFC West is right now and how strong it will stay for the foreseeable future. With young guns of Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson being the competing QB's along with great defenses behind them, how well do you think the Cardinals are suited for all of that? Andy knows the ins and outs of a strong division and how uncertain it can be.
So why not Kansas City and the AFC West instead? While Peyton Manning and the Broncos might be kings there now, age catches up to everyone and who's to say how long Manning can delay father time's arrival? You also have to look at the fact that the AFC West has no strong #2 team. The Chargers have the next best record in that division at 7-9 and while there is uncertainty to how well Philip Rivers can play under a new coach, you have to think without viable targets to throw to his career might be in decline.
Despite my attempts to try and sway Andy Reid, he will probably end up in Arizona. The Cardinals are more suited to passing the ball as opposed to the Chiefs who are currently built more for the run at the moment. Kansas City might have the #1 pick in the draft but it's a year too late for maximum value. Seeing the QB class lacking in the draft, Reid will likely choose the Cardinals over the Chiefs.
P.S. Hey, who says you have to keep that draft pick? Why doesn't Andy join the Chiefs and then trade the #1 pick to Seattle for Matt Flynn and some extra picks? It would be a development project for a bit but it could work.
P.P.S. Yes, I am really trying to think of ways to convince Andy to go elsewhere.
Where would Andy Reid be most comfortable? It would be very tempting to say Arizona but I could make a good argument for Kansas City instead. It really has to do with strength of the division (and possibly the conference). Arizona might be alluring with Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald but you have to think about how strong the NFC West is right now and how strong it will stay for the foreseeable future. With young guns of Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson being the competing QB's along with great defenses behind them, how well do you think the Cardinals are suited for all of that? Andy knows the ins and outs of a strong division and how uncertain it can be.
So why not Kansas City and the AFC West instead? While Peyton Manning and the Broncos might be kings there now, age catches up to everyone and who's to say how long Manning can delay father time's arrival? You also have to look at the fact that the AFC West has no strong #2 team. The Chargers have the next best record in that division at 7-9 and while there is uncertainty to how well Philip Rivers can play under a new coach, you have to think without viable targets to throw to his career might be in decline.
Despite my attempts to try and sway Andy Reid, he will probably end up in Arizona. The Cardinals are more suited to passing the ball as opposed to the Chiefs who are currently built more for the run at the moment. Kansas City might have the #1 pick in the draft but it's a year too late for maximum value. Seeing the QB class lacking in the draft, Reid will likely choose the Cardinals over the Chiefs.
P.S. Hey, who says you have to keep that draft pick? Why doesn't Andy join the Chiefs and then trade the #1 pick to Seattle for Matt Flynn and some extra picks? It would be a development project for a bit but it could work.
P.P.S. Yes, I am really trying to think of ways to convince Andy to go elsewhere.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, September 3, 2012
2012 NFC West: Go for Gold
The NFC West was my favorite division to watch last year mainly because my 49ers were there kicking a** and taking names. They were one of the surprise teams of the NFL what with the season they had in 2010 and how good their defense was performing last year. It's obvious who my favorite here is.
But before I claim the title of "Captain Obvious," let's see how the rest of the division fares. Two of the other teams have interesting QB conversation. The first being the Seahawks naming Russell Wilson as their starter instead of Matt Flynn who they traded for. There is no doubt that Russell Wilson was the better starter in the preseason and he deserves the starting role but that team is likely going to be middle of the road at the best, even with Matt Flynn as their starter.
The other team with the QB controversy is the Cardinals. They name John Skelton as their starter instead of Kevin Kolb who was injury prone a season ago. It might not matter at all who they put out there considering they still have Larry Fitzgerald to throw to.
As for the Rams, I'm not sure which direction this team will be headed, especially at the QB slot. Will we see an improved Sam Bradford or the one we saw last year? They might still have Steven Jackson but I don't see them doing much in Jeff Fisher's first year as head coach.
So the favorite is no doubt the 49ers. Now anything can happen in the NFL but I have to believe after last year's performance that the 49ers are the best team in the NFC West. I have watched them all preseason long and while they don't look great I still like what I see. They still don't have a great pass defense to go along with that amazing run defense they showed last year but as long as you can make the other team one dimensional you have a great defense.
The offense could still use improvement. Alex Smith hasn't been impressive but he hasn't been horrible either. Maybe Jim Harbaugh is not tipping his hand so to speak. Quite frankly I'm hoping that this is the case. What I did see, however, was a very good Colin Kaepernick. I was very impressed with his performance in that last preseason. He seemed like he could step in no problem if something happened to Smith. Now I am routing for Smith to do well (which is something I haven't done in a while) but it's nice to know where the back up is.
49ers are the favorite this year and have to be considered Super Bowl contenders seeing how far they got in the postseason. Here's hoping they get a bit further.
P.S. Despite my enthusiasm for the team, I can't help but feel worried. I am a pessimist at heart so this whole post is out of character. I can't help but feel like something will go horribly wro wro wro.... I shouldn't think this.
But before I claim the title of "Captain Obvious," let's see how the rest of the division fares. Two of the other teams have interesting QB conversation. The first being the Seahawks naming Russell Wilson as their starter instead of Matt Flynn who they traded for. There is no doubt that Russell Wilson was the better starter in the preseason and he deserves the starting role but that team is likely going to be middle of the road at the best, even with Matt Flynn as their starter.
The other team with the QB controversy is the Cardinals. They name John Skelton as their starter instead of Kevin Kolb who was injury prone a season ago. It might not matter at all who they put out there considering they still have Larry Fitzgerald to throw to.
As for the Rams, I'm not sure which direction this team will be headed, especially at the QB slot. Will we see an improved Sam Bradford or the one we saw last year? They might still have Steven Jackson but I don't see them doing much in Jeff Fisher's first year as head coach.
So the favorite is no doubt the 49ers. Now anything can happen in the NFL but I have to believe after last year's performance that the 49ers are the best team in the NFC West. I have watched them all preseason long and while they don't look great I still like what I see. They still don't have a great pass defense to go along with that amazing run defense they showed last year but as long as you can make the other team one dimensional you have a great defense.
The offense could still use improvement. Alex Smith hasn't been impressive but he hasn't been horrible either. Maybe Jim Harbaugh is not tipping his hand so to speak. Quite frankly I'm hoping that this is the case. What I did see, however, was a very good Colin Kaepernick. I was very impressed with his performance in that last preseason. He seemed like he could step in no problem if something happened to Smith. Now I am routing for Smith to do well (which is something I haven't done in a while) but it's nice to know where the back up is.
49ers are the favorite this year and have to be considered Super Bowl contenders seeing how far they got in the postseason. Here's hoping they get a bit further.
P.S. Despite my enthusiasm for the team, I can't help but feel worried. I am a pessimist at heart so this whole post is out of character. I can't help but feel like something will go horribly wro wro wro.... I shouldn't think this.
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