Hey Y'all it's your favorite rising #SportsGeek, SportsGal89 In the Buildin'. I have been coming back slowly with my blogging on the sports world and the month of November has seemed to see a lot of typing action considering that football season is well under way.
So of course tonight's topic will be Football and we'll focus a little bit on the 49ers. Two weeks ago 49ers starting QB Alex Smith ended up with a concussion during the Rams game. This ruled him out to play against the Chicago Bears in last week's MNF. Bring in Colin Kaepernick, definitely not a rookie, but not the starter to this 49er Offense. On MNF, Kaepernick shined an amazing 243 Yds and 2 TDs and a game that was absolutely won off of the offensive skill. The Kaepernick led offense routed the Bears with a 32-7 loss.
What happened after was a well played media hype about what would happen in San Francisco. Smith would be more than likely cleared to return for the Sunday Funday matchup against the Saints and with Kaerpernick's game on MNF, was he making a bid for the starting position.
Here's what I saw during and after MNF- the soundbite heard round the league "QB Controversy in San Fran," "Who will start," different commentators making their predictions. Tweets, FB posts and memes going up about Alex Smith losing his job. But was it necessary? Was this perceived media hype around the "controversy" something that was real or fictional? Did the organization play into it, or was their decision made based on a logical decision? And how much of the media hype played into what we ended up seeing on the field tonight?
Alex Smith was cleared for game day this evening against the Saints, suited up and ready to go, Alex Smith didn't see a minute of play because, yup Kaepernick was starting. Yes, I think he had one HECK of a game last week. But do you always go for what's hot, just because it's hot? Why not start Alex and see what he can do and give him a chance to get it back. I mean it was Alex who routed the Saints from their playoff track last season. Wouldn't he be able to do the same. And even if he didn't play his strongest in the first or second qtr, pull him out and go with what was hot.
So here we are tonight- post the Saints game:
Kaepernick led the team to a 31-21 victory in the Superdome, which is often hard to do. But there were still moments in that game that consistency was lacking- 1 INT, some sloppy attempts at 3rd and out conversion. Moments that some might say I was being too critical. But had the game gone the other way, the commentators and the fans would have been down Harbaugh's throat about why he kept Kaepernick in as long as he did.
Here's the thing, I could honestly care less about what happens in San Francisco, as it doesn't impact me personally. I like what I am seeing from the Niners over the years and I think they have a great shot at making it to the Super Bowl. But I think just on the principle, I think that what happened post the MNF game was more of the media influence and all the second guessing by analysts that really set the tone for "controversy" in San Francisco.
I think Smith got the short end of the stick, starting the season 6-2 is not bad at all. So does Kaepernick deserve it, yes I mean for now, if he can take the team to the playoffs then yes. But once you get there, who will you keep as the starter? Alex Smith who has made it to playoff games, or Kaepernick because right now his streak is hot?
As for the future, Alex Smith almost lost his starting role to taking a backseat to Peyton, had he decided to head to SF. So already having to feel like you need to prove yourself yet again, is your time in the "Golden State" over?
Furthermore, what can be learned about this in other teams around the league? Maybe the true QB controversy should have been focused on the Meadowlands and the Jets, because that is still one that keeps me scratching my head.
Well that's all she wrote folks! Til next time.
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