Graham Blog: Tonight, It's Kaepernick's Turn
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Mon, 11/19/2012 - 2:21pm
Event Date:
November 19, 2012 (All day) Colin Kaepernick has a chance, a shot, to prove to the NFL world that he can indeed start an NFL game and be successful. With Alex Smith unable to pass the vital tests to get back to playing football, the 49ers turn to Kaepernick to make the start against the Chicago Bears. Alex Smith knows firsthand how hard it is to prove yourself to the fans and coaches.
Colin could not be stacked up with a tougher defense to play against, well except, maybe his own. The Bears have one of the best defenses in the NFL this year. Chicago’s defense has 19 interceptions (leads the NFL), 16 fumbles forced (2nd to New England), only 12 TD’s allowed (tied for first in the NFL with SF), and they also have a top-10 defense in sacks this year with 26 sacks so far through 9 games. That is good enough for 10th in the league.
One thing Colin has on his side is his speed and scrambling ability that can get him out of trouble as well as create trouble for the opposing defense. Colin is quick on his feet, and fast enough to burn the defenders. The University of Nevada saw that for the better part of four years in which he help made the Nevada Football program one of the best on the west coast and the nation took notice. Colin became the first quarterback in NCAA history to rush for over 4,000 yards and pass for over 10,000 yards in his college career. He also was the first QB in NCAA history to have three consecutive seasons in which he passed for over 2,000 yards and rushed for over 1,000 yards.
Colin in my view is talented enough to be a starting QB in the NFL and tonight may be the night to prove that with a victory over the Chicago Bears. Will this win him the starting job in SF? No, probably not, but it will sure put him on the map as a starter in waiting. Alex Smith has flourished under Jim Harbaugh and his staff. Smith led the 49ers to an NFC West title last year and made it all the way to the NFC Championship game, and nearly the Super Bowl. That has earned Smith the right to be the full time starter until he proves he cannot win consistently under Jim.
With all that said above, I will be rooting hard for my favorite team the San Francisco 49ers and Nevada Wolf Pack alumni Colin Kaepernick to do very well tonight against a formidable defense in the Bears. Do well Colin, this is your time….YOUR TIME!
