Here is the opening to my Monday column about Alex Smith: We assume Alex Smith will not be a 49er next season. We assume the 49ers will trade him. They will not release him because they would get nothing in return, and that’s just bad business. One way or another, he is gone. So how do we remember Smith, the first pick in the 2005 draft? He never deserved to go first, not in an Aaron-Rodgers draft. Picking Smith so… Read More »
I always approved of Jim Harbaugh subbing out Colin Kapernick for Alex Smith. I still do. Here’s what’s complicated. I don’t think Smith could have brought back the Niners the way Kaepernick did, to make it a close loss in the Super Bowl. I also don’t think Smith would have fallen that far behind in the first place. I could be wrong. One thing I’m not wrong about. If the Niners trade Smith, I wish him well. He is a… Read More »
Here is the opening to my Tuesday column about Jim Harbaugh’s handling of the quarterback switch from Alex Smith to Colin Kaepernick: SANTA CLARA It is take-stock time for the 49ers. As they approach Saturday’s do-or-die playoff game against the Packers, it’s time to answer two significant questions: Was Jim Harbaugh correct to go with Colin Kaepernick over Alex Smith starting Nov. 19 against Chicago? And did Harbaugh handle the transition the right way? The answers to these questions have… Read More »
It’s possible the Vikings will win this game. The Pack is not that impressive. But backup QB Joe Webb simply has no feel for passing the ball. At least he doesn’t through most of the first half. So I wonder, is this really the Vikes’ backup QB? This is the guy they went to in emergency? Gee. The Niners have Alex Smith if their starter goes down. Alex Smith is much better than Joe Webb.
I have received emails and comments this morning by readers ticked off at me because the Niners’ offense hasn’t been boffo. Many write that Colin Kaepernick is doing no better than Alex Smith, and they seem steamed at me for backing the switch to Kaepernick. Fine, I can take it. I still believe Kaepernick is a better QB than Smith and I support the switch. If you don’t like the change, don’t get on my case. I have no power… Read More »
I know Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman attended a top secret workout for Peyton Manning and, according to them, never fell out of love for Alex Smith. So I ask you — who’s a better QB, Smith or Manning? Does Harbaugh still think Smith is better?
If you were running the 49ers which quarterback would you start next week, Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick? I’m serious about this. I would love to hear from d harte on this one to get things kicked off with a bang.
The fact that Jim Harbaugh dumped Alex Smith — yes dumped — so unceremoniously after an injury shows what he really thinks about Smith and what he always thought. I can’t say I disagree.
Alex Smith’s analysis of losing his job, according to what he said today is, “It sucks.” From his point of view, it sure does. I wonder how he now feels about being Harbaugh’s caddie at Pebble and driving a car as Harbaugh did in the Giants parade.
Here is my Thursday column about Jim Harbaugh naming Colin Kaepernick his permanent/temporary starting quarterback: It’s tough to make up your mind. Just ask Jim Harbaugh, who made up his mind about his quarterbacks and reluctantly shared his mind with the media on Wednesday in one the most anticipated, most dramatic 49ers’ news conferences I can recall. There may have been more dramatic ones I don’t know about — but I’ve been covering the 49ers for only 33 years. The… Read More »
