Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks to throw a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Packers 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Some people are starting to question why 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick wasn’t inserted into the starting lineup last year, after seeing him flourish in his sophomore season. The answer is plain and simple, he wasn’t ready! The quarterback position is by far the most important position in football, and to just hand over the duties to a rookie quarterback, can be both physically tough and mentally draining. 

 

So why is Colin Kaepernick thriving in his second year? It goes back to the old saying, “patience is a virtue.”

December 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) jogs onto the field before the start of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Take for example, the top three quarterbacks today: Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers. All three of these quarterbacks have one common denominator- they were all groomed into the position. They each had at least a year of experience, on how to run the quarterback position from an NFL standpoint, before taking the reigns. From dissecting game film, to performing on Sundays, they became familiar with the process, and had an idea of what to expect. And Kaep was no exception.

Coming in as a rookie quarterback, I knew the kid could play. He passed for well over 10,000 yards and rushed for 4,000 more, which set an NCAA record. There was no doubting his potential. However, despite those eye-popping stats, he wasn’t NFL ready, in my opinion. He was very raw, his side-arm release was questionable, and his ability to run a pro-style offense was debatable. 

Those are huge question marks for a rookie quarterback to be named the starter. Apparently Harbaugh thought the same. Plus, the 49ers already had a proven winner in Alex Smith, who they hadn’t given up on, so it was wise for Kaep to sit out, at least his rookie year, and learn from a veteran like Smith.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Packers 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Fast forward a year later, and Kaepernick and the 49ers now find themselves in uncharted territory, as they will be representing the NFC in Super Bowl XLVII. The player known for his “Kaepernicking” celebration and pistol offense, is now the unquestioned leader, of a 49ers team, destined for stardom.

His cannon for an arm, and ability to run Jim Harbaugh’s complex West Coast Offense calmly put doubters to rest. The player that found his very own fan base torn between him and his teammate Alex Smith, was another obstacle for the young promising quarterback to overcome. His combination of poise, leadership, and athletic ability is what separates him from his peers. He’s a very unique quarterback and one that seems to have that “it” factor.

With the Super Bowl only 11 days away, look for Kaepernick to prove to the world, he is right where he belongs.

Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

In the 49ers Monday Night Football matchup against the Steelers last season, there were two storylines that will be remembered: First, were the lights going out twice at Candlestick Park.  Second, was the 49ers dominating defense which held the Steelers offense to only three points, forced two fumbles and three interceptions.  The game was not and will not be remembered for 49ers players going after Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Bounty Gate style.  Here is a quote from Roethlisberger on the Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday in response to a question about the most recent time an opponent took shots at him to cause injury:

Um, wow, that’s tough.  I don’t really complain about that stuff, either. But I think when we played San Fran, I felt like there were some things going on, some extra …Now, obviously, I did have the ankle [injury] and I was playing, so there was kind of a bull’s-eye on there anyway. But for the most part, guys play tough and you go into a game expecting it. I expect to be tougher than them.

Roethlisberger did not say the 49ers coaching staff instructed players to hurt or target his ankle, but he does think the hurt ankle played a role in what happened after plays were over:

Sometimes you get guys —- things happen under piles and, you know, the little extra twisting of the ankles and poking, things like that. But this whole bounty thing —- I don’t know if I’d sit there and say, ‘Wow, that guy really tried to end my career.’ Honestly, I don’t know.

It should be noted the 49ers had seven penalties in their 20-3 win over the Steelers, none of which were roughing the passer or late hit calls on Roethlisberger.  The 49ers defense had eight hits on the Steelers QB including three which were sacks.  Also, I don’t recall any jarring hits on Big Ben that would suggest the 49ers were going after him.  As far as the stuff happening under the pile after plays were over, that’s part of the game.  Roethlisberger could not have said it better, “guys play tough and you go into a game expecting it. I expect to be tougher than them.”

Here we go! The San Francisco 49ers will host their first playoff game since 2002 and guess who we get to play? None other than the number one offense in the NFL; yes I am talking about the New Orleans Saints. It will be strength versus strength in this divisional playoff round matchup. The Niners possess one of the best defenses in the league. Throughout the season the Niners have been known for their ball hawking defense. They lead the NFL in turnover differential, fewest rushing yards allowed, and second in points allowed. But will that be enough against the Saints who are riding a nine game winning streak, lead by a red hot offense. The odds makers believe that it will not be enough. The Niners are the only home team this playoff weekend that is an underdog. At the moment the Saints are 3 ½ point favorites. Who cares!?!? The Niners have been underdogs before and they have excelled when faced against a difficult adversary. Here are some games the Niners were expected to lose, but would prove the doubters wrong. (more…)