Harbaugh Not Announcing Starting QB
Posted by on November 23, 2012 – 2:21 PM
Jim Harbaugh’s not saying who will start at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday in New Orleans. He’s also not saying if he’s even informed Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick of the decision.
What the 49ers coach is saying is that his veteran quarterback is close to being cleared to return to action. Smith passed his final contact test on Friday and will be officially cleared for contact by the team’s Medical Director, Dr. Dan Garza, if he shows no symptoms on Saturday.
Harbaugh also said Smith has felt no concussion symptoms since Tuesday. Smith suffered the concussion on Nov. 11 vs. St. Louis.
“That’s a real positive,” Harbaugh went on to say.
As for naming Smith or Kaepernick as Sunday’s starter, Harbaugh felt there was no benefit to releasing the information in the days leading up to a big NFC matchup.
“We feel like there’s no competitive advantage for us to release that information for our organization and our team,” the 49ers coach explained.
Harbaugh didn’t get into the specifics of the situation much more than that.
“Like any position,” he said, “we don’t get into what the roles going to be and how we’re going to use it.”
Harbaugh fielded several questions about the decision and its potential impact on the locker room, but with each inquiry, Harbaugh avoided diving deep into the topic.
“Again, it’s not something we think is an advantage for us to talk about.”
When asked about several national reports that came out this week discussing the quarterback decision, Harbaugh said all of them were “not factual.”
So while the football world, and more importantly the Saints defensive coaching staff continues to wonder who will play under center for San Francisco come Sunday, Harbaugh is focused on the task at hand and not at the outside world’s opinion on his two, hot-handed quarterback conundrum.
“It’s going to be a hostile environment,” Harbaugh said of the challenge of playing in the Superdome, one of the league’s noisiest stadiums. “We prepared with the noise all week long, darn near every snap had noise.”
The team cranked up stadium noise and loud music throughout the week of practice in preparation for what figures to be a rowdy atmosphere.
Harbaugh closed his press briefing by sharing his respect for Sunday’s opponent and how New Orleans’ No. 32 ranked defensive standing can be misleading.
“This is a team playing a high level of football on offense, defense and special teams,” Harbaugh said. “It’ll be a difficult challenge for us, I have a lot of respect for that that team.”
Tags: Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Jim Harbaugh
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By ninermaniac on Nov 23, 2012 | Reply
WHOOOO!!!!
By 49thsamurai on Nov 23, 2012 | Reply
I think the Saints are much more worried about Aldon and the rest of our D a bit more than who is starting at QB. And if they are not they should be.
By SB on Nov 23, 2012 | Reply
Crafty Harbaugh will start Colin Kaepernick against the Saints. But, 49ers can win with either Alex or Colin. No big deal.
By stig flodihn on Nov 23, 2012 | Reply
As long as both QBs agree, and give support, it is an advantage to be able and play either one QB. Both have been excellent. Harbaugh is doing excellent.
Smith or CK, anytime. Go 49ers. – SF -
By all9ers on Nov 23, 2012 | Reply
Alex=>Garcia=>short throws=>weak team=>another disappointing post season (no matter how much you love Alex)! I like to win and “almost there” or “2nd place” isn’t winning, Alex can’t win! The reason the defense did so go with Kaep against the Bears was that they were rested because there weren’t that many early 3 and outs. There was also a reason Vernon spoke of handcuffs or shackles coming off, I felt the same way just watching the game. I give a huge amount of credit to the special teams, O-line, and defense but instead of having to play at 140% with Alex, they relax and play at 100% with much better results with Kaep, they finally get to breath, think, and play even better. I don’t hate Alex, he is a great game manager but he can’t compete with the elite and will certainly lose in the post season. I wish he would prove me wrong but I know he can’t. This is a business with a lot of $$ on the line, guys get cut all the time. This is my advice to COACH if he wants to win: Play Kaepernick until you are sure that Monday against the Bears was a fluke, if it was a fluke then go back to Alex. If Kaep isn’t “the guy” then make sure to get a quarterback in the offseason. Then have Alex and/or Kaep as backups.
By Alice-Sinn on Nov 23, 2012 | Reply
i tHinK iT’s GenIUs! Two QuarTerBacKs thAT cAn alterNate EverY wEEK or ThrOughoUt eVeRy GamE. kEepS teAms guEssIng aS to Who To dEfenD agAinSt.
By by... Jim Dandy on Nov 23, 2012 | Reply
No brainer…Alex if he clears from the Docs. Don’t force him to go backwords. He deserves to be starting QB unjtl proven otherwise. Kaep will be there, What a great potenial that young man has. Where blessed with 2 great QB’s. Jim Dandy
By 49er/NFL Fan on Nov 23, 2012 | Reply
Don’t take the New Orleans Saints lightly at all. They have the best quarterback in the league. The stats show it. Saints’ 5-5 record isn’t a fluke. The comissioner had hands on that. The 49ers have a tough match up. The niners’ may win if they stop their running game early. Then the Saints’ wil be one dimensional, but containing Brees isn’t easy. The 49ers have one the best defenses’ in the NFL, but the secondary can be suspect at times. I’m talking about what I’ve seen since preseason. Offense is good too. Well balanced, but Michael Crabtree needs a breakout game. This could be the game he could show his worth. Frank Gore’s a freak without question, Vernon Davis is a top notch tight end, and additions of Moss & Manningham helped out a lot. If Alex starts, which I doubt. He will be biltzed, and he will need to run to compensate ball control. Kaepernick is good. If he does start. He will be at an advantage because he has better accuracy than Alex. He’s also a better. Despite what the critics say, the Niners’ can go all the way.
By Jerome on Nov 23, 2012 | Reply
If Alex didn’t get reps yet with the 1st string then we should go with Colin for now, but put Alex on immediate stand by in case things get ugly for Colin. Other than that Alex should be starting this game simply because he has a lot more expirence than Colin.
By Rod on Nov 23, 2012 | Reply
I don’t think the starting QB on Sunday is much of a mystery at all: The guy with the most reps during the week is going to start. period. Harbaugh is doing some PR and ego management to make sure his players see him in the same light. One can’t lose the faith of the troops at this juncture of the season. Fact is, I think some of the blood in Harbaugh’s head wasn’t draining properly following his own medical issues over the past 10 days. He said some things he wouldn’t have otherwise said.
By 9erLifer on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
Frankly, I’m surprised about all the Kaep talk… Yeah I agree, he had a great game. That often happens when you have nothing to lose and can just let it fly. But Alex finally has a coach and an offensive line and has got us here and you want to immediately throw him under the bus? What? Admit tingly, I wasn’t an Alex fan for along time however, he has proven me and so many others wrong. —–Hey All9ers, Your comment: “Alex=>Garcia=>short throws=>weak team=>.” Is dead wrong! What do you think a “West Coast offense” is?That’s what Bill Walsh and the 49ers invented and everyone copied. It’s called: “MODERN FOOTBALL”. I agree with most of the rest of your comment but your opening sentence is dead WRONG!
I would play Kaep one more week and see how things go as Alex can heal some more. Also, It’s a smart card for Harbaugh to play. Our opponent doesn’t know who to prepare for!
By Lifelong Niner Fan on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
I can’t believe how quickly so many people forget Alex’s performance against New Orleans last year. He won that game, not the defense who gave up almost back-to-back 50+ yard TDs. CK had a good game last week, and he has a strong arm and isma running threat, but his performance doesn’t warrant replacing #3 rated QB (Smith) if he’s healthy. Kap didn’t beat the Rams (remember his 2 fumbles?) Gotta trust Harbaugh on this decision, and hope the locker room can dismiss media hype and stay focused as a team. GO NINERS!!!
By Humble Gold on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
Right-On, Right-On, Coach Harbaugh is surely smiling, maybe grinning at the sudden media-rush, confusing our foes and idiot football experts, bla.bla.bla.
Smith, Kaepernick and Tolzien will do fine, this is NOT a 49er superstar show.
Always Remember, Football is a Team-sport. Don’t judge what you don’t know.
Those players who talk preference… should be canned.. as rotten apples.
We trust Coach Harbaugh. Go 49ers, -SF-
By jakedasnake on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
did anyone watch last season? alex smith is winning games. he stuck it out through so many ups and downs with SF and deserves to b the starting QB. every season except last year he was left for dead. then he does a great job and gets left out with the payton thing. still sticks it out and now this!! one day he wont b their.. one day he wont have our backs. lets have his backs for once. how many times are young QBs thrown in and are not ready?? way 2 many! brady, rogers, and even steve young sat back and watched the game before they became great. lets let CK7 watch, learn and become the future of the Niners..
By 49thsamurai on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
The sad thing is if Kyle Williams didn’t make those two mistakes we would have been in the Super Bowl and people would have had a tough time to dismiss Smith so easily. Bottom line is i hate the fact that the so called fans dog him just because they think Kaepernick is better. Us real fans are excited about both QB’s because with either one our chances of winning are 547347% better than with let’s say J.T. Osullivan haha dose anyone remember that guy?
By Hermie on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
If Alex is cleared, I believe Harbaugh will start him, with a short leash. I believe CK has all the physical and, if the Bears game holds true, mental ability to be more than a good QB in the NFL. He just seems to have the awareness that I have rarely seen in Alex. But, I have been touting CK since Harbaugh moved up two spots to draft him last year. I think the kids hungry!!
The QB’s split reps this week, so both should be prepared. Game plan will be somewhat different with CK in there versus Alex (more downfield stuff with Kaep). Looking forward to seeing what he can do if he gets the nod!!
By SMILEE on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
I hope is kaep,, I would like a healthy QB,, into the playoffs ! Nothing against my boy Alex! He is our future hall of famer, he made this team to what it is!!!
By curtis on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
I would think that both QB’s will see action tomorrow, trying to keep NO off balance.
By julian on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
Alex Smith has given his heart and soul to the Niners, and yes in all fairness he deserves to be athe starting quaterbck. He has eraned it.
But beyond fairness, just looking at ability, there is no question that Kuepernick is a more gifted player. Smith has to try so hard to do the things that Colin just does intuitively.
Its a tough situation, because we have all hungwith Alex for so many years now, and of course would love to see him get a Super Bowl Ring..
But if the niners really want to get to the super bowl this year, they may have to make to make the switch.
Lets face it, the last four games have barely gone to the niners. They were way too close, and really not very impressive.
That game againt Chicago showed a totally different team. They dominated at every level, and scored at will. It was a much better team than the team of the previous four games and we all know why ….
By 11yearswithalex on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
ummm alex smith hall of fame…..wow ..now the boots come on
By 11yearswithalex on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
if alex smith makes it into the hall of fame i will stop watching football and buy an alex jersey you have to be kidding me ….if he was anywhere near that calliber he would have been scooped up in freeagency …he would have been the hottest thing out there and not coming back to the niners with his tail between his legs …he makes hios own bed and if he gets kicked out it is on him not another QB not the line …not a rookie filling in ..in a championship game you make excuses for alex for 8 years and a rookie makes some rookie mistakes and you blast him lol …no real fan walks around with blinders on they see and look for all the info to make their own opinion and yes …say what ever but not hall of fame you just make the hall seem so trivial at that point and make all those greats seem piontless …please do not do that again
By 11yearswithalex on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
and where are all the …well now that we have moss alex will rock ..people at …..alex plays soft football …if that is how you would like the niners to play then ok but not me …the niners are 5-0 in the superbowl and you really think by watching alex and his checkdown bonanza will win a superbowl like that he can not even beat the giants at home because a good team with good personel will crush alex all day long …..if alex played the bears game we would have lost and bad they were ready for alex and that showed by how CK kept checking off plays at the line and makeing the bears look silly for doing it …..they were ready to take alex down and they blitzed all day long because that was their game plan and CK made em pay ….sure the saints are going to do something different reguardless of who is QBing
By Rik on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
I think that Alex should start. But if Kaepernick does then i hope its okay with ALEX.
By truefaith49 on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
alex won 20 out of 26 give him some credit already colin is the future no doubt bout it,, but alex isnt done yet and he has been playing like it with our 7-2 record
By 805faithful on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
Another good test for the Kape crusader. If our D plays like they did on Monday Night we’ll be alright.
By TJ on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
Coach is showing more loyalty to the team than to Alex. it is a tough call but one that had to be made.
By 11yearswithalex on Nov 24, 2012 | Reply
still do not know who is the QB for the game ……everyone says the coach knows best when he stayed with alex so give him the credit he deserves for whatever QB is given the nod dont be a hipocrit
By tony on Nov 25, 2012 | Reply
williams made mistakes in nfccg, but everyone seems to have forgot he was open in the end zone. If smith didnt overthrow him then there no ot and we win. How mant times do you see smith miss the target? people blame kape for rams game but dont mention the two missed td chances from smith against hawks. Especially the pick when moss was running in end zone wide open waving his arms for the ball, how did smith not see him? he still has trouble seeing the whole field not just his primary target.
By Susie on Nov 25, 2012 | Reply
One game with no pressure and good protecection doesn’t does not calculate to consistency. Alex is the man until otherwise.
It’s business, nothing personal.
By KDB on Nov 25, 2012 | Reply
As my wife put it to me this morning. Me being a big Alex fan since he has overcome soooo much and basically shut the critics up because he’s proven he’s a top 10 QB, end of story that no one can refute. He put it in the FACE of Sooo many last yr.
Now, if Kap is better I’ve always said that I will go with what coach H decides. If he chooses Kap for us to win more then so be it, I’m in. But I will always appreciate what Alex has done but I still thinnk he’s starting Kap because of Alex’s consussuion and because he has a window to see what Kap does.
Cant argue with it, they are both excellent QB’S.
Like coach H said that everyone seems to have missed. He said we will let it play out and I believe him because he doesn’t BS.
go Niners!!!
By KDB on Nov 25, 2012 | Reply
Let’s B clear about something. Alex BEAT Brees at his own game last yr in the playoffs, end of that story and Kap hasn’t made a hrow that Alex can’t yet. Now does he have a bigger arm, but put it into perspective. The GREAT Montana’s arm isn’t any better than A. Smiths’. Ales isn’t Joe but you get the point..
Yes, I love Alex but I am a Niner Fan, period.
By Mario J on Nov 25, 2012 | Reply
To think we can’t win in the post season with Alex is wrong. Remember one thing, we lost, gave, to the Giants once Vernon Davis jumped on the stage to show off. That was the start of “field position” that we gave them and the turnovers. I still can’t watch the game because of the errors, but they are there. I hope Kamperneck can do well in the dome…..let’s watch and pray. I’m a true niner fan, but can’t jump on a wagon because of one great performance. I’m not even on the Alex wagon after all these years, and a great season last year. However, I am giving him much more respect. Last but not least, don’t forget, we have 3 very good QB’s. Our ace in the hole, Tolzien. Spelling may be wrong, but you know who I’m talking about. Have a great day my fellow niner peeps. Let’s win today……….
By stayathomedadbz on Nov 25, 2012 | Reply
As much as I think that Alex Smith is a good QB, The young rookie QB Kamperneck gives the 49ers more with his ability to scramble and keep the play alive, he also has a strong arm which allows him to throw a deep acurate ball, which is something Smith has trouble with. I think Kamperneck should continue as the starter unless he start struggling and chokes under the pressure.
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By MC33 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Well, the new “dynamic offense” of the 49ers with Kaep at the helm did 17 points of offensive damage to the SAINTS defense. I think Kaep WILL be phenomenal. He is the QB of the future. But they dared him to win they slowed the run game a bit and so Kaep got a few shots down field. Alex Smith is tied 3rd (.6 from number one) in yards per completion by QBs who’ve played more than 5 games. AND he has the highest completion percentage in the NFL.
By MC33 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Crying about bad calls against the 49ers is like the saints fans crying about the bad calls against the saints. You can look back at the game and see without a doubt that Kaep was confused by the defense to the point of having 2 delays of game and trying to win with his legs but running into his own blocker when there were 2 open right up the field within his vision. Kaep is going to be GREAT! but he needs more work than the Alex haters think. They love anything but Alex and disqualify all their babble ith “if it were Alex then . . .(something worse) . . . would have happened.” If it were Alex there would have been no interception at the end of the second (Alex’s statistics defend that) and Gore would have had 40 more yards and a rushing TD and the 49ers Defense would have been more rested so who knows what more it would have done to poor Drew.
By MC33 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
This “better” offense scored only 17 points on the SAINTS defense.
By MC33 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Splitting the running between Kaeps legs and the run offense and a few down field shots.
By MC33 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
How is the above better than running more effectively because you can afford to since the defense is think more about the quick outs and slots and short posts. All thile Alex Smith still posts 70% completion at 8 yards a completion, which is tied 3rd highest by QBs with more than 5 games played this year.
By MC33 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
All the 49ers now have is what they already had. A scramble when you want one. But they go without clock control and forcing a defense out of dedicating to the run either from the qb or the other backs. You don’t ice the qb with the highest completion percentage in the league, tied 3rd highest yards per completion for qbs that have played more than a couple games and 3rd highest rating. The total offense didn’t net more yards over it’s average with Kaepernick, didn’t even score more than 17 points against the “improving” Saint’s defense. Down field more but with less time and no difference in average points scored by the offense.
By Hermie on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
MC…Sounds like you are saying it’s the same offense with or without Alex. I have to disagree with you there. I was a little surprised when Harbaugh did start CK after Alex was cleared, but I was excited to see if Kaep could play at a high level again and I think he did that.
By Hermie on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
He will go through his growing pains and have some bad games (but Alex has them too). I say the more experience he gets before the playoffs the better off we will be. Alex could not have made some of those throws CK did yesterday and would have been sacked a couple of more times. However, Harbaugh goes, I am all in with him. The coaches see these two all week long.
By Hermie on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
New Orleans is one of the hardest (if not the hardest) avenues to play in and I think CK did great.
By Randy K. on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Who would be naive enought to think he would need to at this point?
By Kerstin Williams on Nov 28, 2012 | Reply
Alex Smith will start against the St Louis Rams on Sunday? Coach Jim Harbaugh said.
By chitown ninerfansince81 on Nov 28, 2012 | Reply
once we lose in the playoffs agian with alex all you guys will be screaming for kap alex is a game manger thats it thats all people brady or drew? the rest is history
start kap or waste a nother season saying we almost won with alex
By chitown ninerfansince81 on Nov 28, 2012 | Reply
he is a great story but we need to win now alex has shown he is not moblie enough to beat the giants be for real niner nation we benched joe for steve who cares about poor alex let go and move on
By Angel on Nov 28, 2012 | Reply
KEEPING IT THOUGHTFULLY HONEST: The 49ers currently are the best defense in NFL that wins! But the best kept secret of this 49er team is how the offense compliments it’s strengthen, our Defense! It allows our defense to take risk and not get over-worked (like in the past) to stay fresh to take advantage of its speed and toughest tackling! So who best fits in to lead a mistake-free, dynamic but ball control offense? Let’s face it: Our Coaches have a true dilemma. On most other teams, fair or not, Kaepernick has earned the right to play! However, due to Harbaugh’s successful quarterback preparation, he has created delicate juggling act that may “implode, quickly and destructively, if Smith – the perfect gentleman to this point – lets his simmering frustration bubble into open anger.” So Harbaugh has unique coaching situation to avoid spurning or disrespecting a team leader. So by saying that, “Alex Smith is our starting quarterback. He has not done anything to lose that job. He’s playing at a very high level. But you can’t categorize Colin Kaepernick as a backup quarterback, because he’s started and played very well.” THE INCONVENIENT TRUTH: Our 49ers truly have a unique situation: They have two quarterbacks playing at a very high level. One is his captain and starting quarterback. The other has played exceptionally well the last two games. So what is the plan going forward? Fortunately, Coach has built a successful work climate where the 49ers focus is about the team and winning not anyone individual! So what is the wise and prudent course of action based upon team’s short term and long range goals to get that sixth ring? So Coach, its your call, when you hear, “Put me in coach, I’m ready to play, today.” Besides, Coach Harbaugh this is “All Your Fault” for being so dam good at what you do! Regardless, of who starts, who plays or who plays more, both QBs owe you for your quality work and preparation as well as team mates must be both thoughtful and diplomatically and be ready to perform!
And finally, as 49er faithful since 1955, hey 49er fans we do remember when nothing was working a few years back, so regardless, Coach we GOT YOUR BACK!
By chitown ninerfansince81 on Nov 28, 2012 | Reply
ck it is let’s roll niners we got the best man for the job in there i feel like this maybe be like brady and drew ck gone take us to the super bowl!!!
By ahosfield on Nov 28, 2012 | Reply
This is not Harbaugh’s first quarterback controversy and I agree that he is handling it diplomatically, even if it is a bit vague. I can’t help but feel for Alex Smith, as it seems everyone in San Francisco has just been waiting for an excuse to replace him. I understand that Kaepernick brings another dimension to the game with his athleticism, but I believe his inexperience could be harmful come playoff time. Do you think its possible that his success could be a bit of beginners luck?