Smith-Kapernick: Did Harbaugh just kill the 49ers?

[Hoofbite]

Is Smith "very popular"?

The thing about Harbaugh is, I don't think he'll hesitate to go right back to Smith if Kaepernick plays like crap.

I don't think he's so arrogant to constantly pound his head against the wall trying to force something that doesn't work. I think he's gonna play the guy that gives him the best chance to win, no matter who it is. I think all coaches should do that. They owe it to their teams to do that.

[bklyn1028]

Originally Posted by Doomsday

I think it is a good decision, one I doubt JG would have the stones to make. He is going with the guy he thinks gives his team the best chance to win a title.

But the problem is it isn't fair to Smith. The guy got injured it happens. How would you feel if Sean Lee was ready for the next game and Garrett said (what's his name Connor?) is staying because he's playing well?

The issue is...........Kapernick played ONE game. He played it well, but it's still one game. This isn't a situation where Smith was out for 6/7 games and Kapernick during his tenure went 5-1 or 5-2...it's one game. I don't think it's the right thing to do for the team....he has on track record, just one game. And i'm not fan of Smith...i think he's a mediocre QB at best but he did take them to the Championship game last year, and almost won. He had a good record what 7 -2?.....Harbaugh is wrong.

Which lets me believe he wanted Kapernick all along and Smith's injury opened the door.

[Hoofbite]

Originally Posted by bklyn1028

You don't replace a starter because of injury. Harbaugh is dead-wrong ( I can't stand him anyway) he's a sore loser and I hope to God this blows up in his face. Smith is a middle of the field qb, but the starter nontheless. Kapernick is a rookie, and as good as RG3 is etc, the playoffs are a completely different animal then the regular season.

Harbaugh is embarrassing the organization and pretty much the NFL for doing what he is doing. One game doesn't make a Staubach etc.

Why don't you?

If someone behind you plays outstandingly while you are hurt, why should they not get a chance to keep playing?

The idea that he's doing something wrong is completely irrational. He's doing what he, and everyone else on the planet, thinks gives his team the best chance to win.

Alex Smith is not someone who has earned any sort of leeway by being so spectacular.

Kaepernick looked great, far better than anyone would have ever expected Smith to look. Kaepernick is a 2nd year player, BTW.

The idea that a guy shouldn't lose his job while hurt is so ridiculous. You earn your job while healthy. If what you have done while healthy has not been enough to keep you your job when you get hurt, look in the mirror. The Pats wouldn't bench Brady no matter how good his backup looked, he's Tom friggin Brady.

In the case of Smith, Harbaugh knows he has a bus driver. Bus drivers aren't winning championships that often. He needs something more than someone who's primary focus is to not lose the game for his team. He has everything else he would ever need. Defense is outstanding and they can run all over anyone.

They need a legit QB. He owes his team the chance to win by letting the best many play.

[Nirvana]

It is such an easy thing to ponder when one is asked if the 49ers are making progress under Harbaugh, unlike the Cowboys with Garrett. I agree with the move at QB. I always thought that was a liability with Smith.

[BringBackThatOleTimeBoys]

Originally Posted by Hoofbite

The Pats wouldn't bench Brady no matter how good his backup looked

Remember how Captain Comeback II became a starter? When Bledsoe was injured. Great QB - he has a lot in common with the original Captain Comeback, down to his jersey number.

[17yearsandcounting]

Originally Posted by BringBackThatOleTimeBoys

Remember how Captain Comeback II became a starter? When Bledsoe was injured. Great QB - he has a lot in common with the original Captain Comeback, down to his jersey number.

I cant believe you have to remind people of this.

Pay attention folks.

[Joshmil53]

Originally Posted by bklyn1028

But the problem is it isn't fair to Smith. The guy got injured it happens. How would you feel if Sean Lee was ready for the next game and Garrett said (what's his name Connor?) is staying because he's playing well?

The issue is...........Kapernick played ONE game. He played it well, but it's still one game. This isn't a situation where Smith was out for 6/7 games and Kapernick during his tenure went 5-1 or 5-2...it's one game. I don't think it's the right thing to do for the team....he has on track record, just one game. And i'm not fan of Smith...i think he's a mediocre QB at best but he did take them to the Championship game last year, and almost won. He had a good record what 7 -2?.....Harbaugh is wrong.

Which lets me believe he wanted Kapernick all along and Smith's injury opened the door.

There's a difference. Sean has consistently played well, this is Alex's first "good" year.

[JohnsKey19]

When you have an OL that blows the opponent off the ball and a nasty defense, you can afford to take this sort of risk. Even if Kapernick struggles, they'll still be in the game because of their run game and ability to play defense. And like the previous poster said, Harbaugh wont hesitate to go right back to Smith if needed.

[dexternjack]

I live in the Bay-Area now and the Niners organization, media and fans have been looking for a way to get rid of Alex for a couple of years now. They are convinced they would have won the SB last year with anyone other than Smith.

Brady Quinn could have played decent last week and they would be clamoring for him to become the starter, or insert any other name.