Time for Kaepernick to shine

Jim Harbaugh made a quarterback change with the posteason in mind. The 49ers coach decided to stick with Colin Kaepernick as his starting quarterback rather than insert Alex Smith back after coming back from concussion. Harbaugh made the change with the idea that Kaepernick can throw downfield better than Smith. Plus, the second-year player can avoid sacks and make plays with his mobility. We find out what Kaepernick is about in tonight’s divisional playoff game against the Packers at Candlestick Pick. In the seven games the current 49ers quarterback started, he did a good job by throwing 10 touchdowns and was 136-for-218 in completions. He was ranked fourth among QBs with 415 rushing yards. The 49ers never missed a beat under Kaepernick. The team was winning, and they were scoring points. Still, it’s about what he does in January that matters. Quarterbacks are judged based on their work in the postseason. No one wants to hear about a quarterback’s great numbers in the regular season. It does not result to postseason wins. It does not result to a Lombardi trophy. Kaepernick knows that. Smith knows that, too. Smith lost his job after Harbaugh realized he could not win with his quarterback’s deficiencies  which he couldn’t throw the ball deep enough to the coach’s liking.  The 2005 first-round draft pick is more known as a game-manager. If Kaepernick is average, people will savage him for not being good enough. He is being held to a high standard, which 49ers fans expect greatness after watching Joe Montana and Steve Young led their team to championships. Plus, there will be critics ripping Harbaugh for changing quarterbacks. It’s bad enough Harbaugh is not well-liked as a coach., but there is outrage about Smith losing his job after an injury. That’s the type of pressure Kaepernick has to deal with. It’s not fair, but that’s what the quarterbacks sign up for. That’s why quarterback is a demanding position in all sports. To Kaepernick’s credit, he is ready for the challenge. He knows he’s good enough to lead the 49ers to a championship. He has that calming assurance that rubs off on his teammates. This is what happens when a quarterback is talented. This is Kaepernick’s time now. He can’t wait forever to get a chance to show what he can do. This expereince is good for the second-year quarterback whether he does well or not. He can learn from his mistakes and get better in the next few years. Kaepernick does not want to wait to get his first playoff win. He knows if he can’t get it done, Harbaugh is not afraid to find someone else who can. He knows the NFL is not-for-long league. The sooner he can win a playoff game, the better off he and the 49ers will be. The sooner he wins a championship, the better off he and the 49ers will be. Kaepernick gets it. He understands the responsibility that comes with his role. It will be interesting how he fares tonight with the spotlight on him. He said all the right things about what he has to do in the postseason, but results mean more than quotes. His postseason performance will determine if he has the goods to be a Super Bowl quarterback. One has to think Kaepernick will be okay, but no one knows until he proves it. That’s why people are curious to see what he can do. It’s imperative he starts off well, and not fade off as the game goes on. With him, he feeds off from confidence. That will be the key to the game. The 49ers offensive line have to do what it takes to make sure the Packers defensive line to rattle Kaepernick. For the quarterback to do well, he needs protection from the offensive line. That will also be the key for the 49ers quarterback to have success. There’s so much intrigue about the 49ers heading to the postseason. There are people who want to find out how good the team is. There are folks who want to find out about Kaepernick. The 49ers have the talent and coaching to win the Super Bowl. It comes down to the quarterback being a difference maker in the postseason. We find out if Kaepernick has what it takes starting tonight.   The post Time for Kaepernick to shine appeared first on Bay Area Sports Nut.