Don’t Come A Colin. Why the NY Jets Should Avoid Kaepernick

February 4, 2016February 4, 2016 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

It has been reported that quarterback Colin Kaepernick wants out of bay area to become a quarterback on Broadway for the New York Jets. Even if Kaepernick wants to be the new leader of the Jets, the issue is that New York should have no interest in him.

Before this dream can even happen, a lot will have to happen with the 49ers. There are many different avenues the organization can explore. The first, and most likely is to keep him as their quarterback because of the lack of enticing options in the upcoming draft and more importantly the franchise has brought in Chip Kelly. Kelly’s option offense and use of a mobile quarterback seem like too much of a perfect fit in his system and I personally feel that one of the reasons Kelly wanted to be in San Francisco was to insert Kapernick into his offense.

However, Kaepernick has shown regression in throwing from the pocket and appears to have lost the locker room around him. Don’t froget, he played so poorly that the 49ers felt that Blaine Gabbert was a better option at quarterback. There are many things that are open to debate in the NFL except for this, Gabbert stinks.

If the 49ers are ready to move on they have until April 1st to cut Kaepernick before his $11.9 Million contract for 2016 becomes guaranteed. True, the Jets could sign Kaep as a free agent, but if the 49ers really want to move on, they will try to trade him in order to get some type of compensation.

Even if the stars do align and Colin Kaepernick becomes available, the Jets should not sign Kaepernick. There are a myriad of reasons why New York should not be enticed by the young quarterback.

For one, he has shown regression in throwing from the which is the most important aspect of playing the position in the National Football League. Another major reason is the contract. The Jets cannot afford Kaepernick at his current salary and even if they could sign him, the team is limited in what the can do for cap space.

But the biggest reason for New York not to pursue Kaepernick is that they already have a better and more cost efficient solution, Ryan Fitzpatrick. Now does Fitzpatrick have the potential upside of a Kapernick? No, but he’s a more consistent quarterback who is

Brandon Marshall is already endorsing Fitzpatrick to be the starter in 2016

coming off his best season as a pro. Also with a year under his belt in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, Fitzpatrick could take another step forward in 2016 while the organization continues to develop last year’s fourth round pick Bryce Petty. It’s also clear that despite his horrendous three interception game in Buffalo to end the season, his teammates are confident in his abilities for next year.

On ESPN’s First Take Brandon Marshall vehemently responded when asked about Kaepernick to the Jets said “I don’t want Kaepernick,” … “I think he’s good. My guy’s Fitz. It’s nothing against Kaepernick. … I have my quarterback, so I’m good.” For good reason both Marshall and Fitzpatrick are coming off career years with Marshall snagging 14 of Fitzpatrick’s 31 touchdown passes.

While the Jets may think that the grass on greener with Kaepernick under center, their best option for 2016 is already in the building for a fraction of the cost.

San Francisco’s Championship Window Has Officially Closed

March 10, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

It’s over. The championship window for one of the NFL’s bedrock franchises has slammed shut. After three straight NFC Championship game appearances, the 49ers finished 2014 with an 8-8 record and inexplicably fired a coach with a career .688 winning percentage. While it was going to be an uphill battle without Harbaugh, in the span of 24 hours the 49ers championship window came to an abrupt end.

The once vaunted defense lost its leader in Patrick Willis who after eight seasons and at the ago of 30 decided to suddenly retire. Veteran defensive end Justin Smith soon followed suit in announcing his own retirement while key players were lost in free agency. Guard Mike Iupati will head to division rival Arizona, feature back Frank Gore has moved on, and Michael Crabtree have all played their last snap for the 49ers. While the team did sign defensive end Darnell Dockett, they still have fallen behind the rest of the division.

The Seahawks have landed arguably one of the best tight ends in the game in Jimmy Graham while St. Louis may have found their franchise quarterback in Nick Foles. While the toughest division in the NFL continues to get tougher, the 49ers have regressed not only on the field, but also on the sideline.

The biggest question for the 49ers will be Colin Kaepernick. Two years ago Kaepernick had the fourth best QBR in the NFL. In 2014 his QBR fell to seventeenth in the entire league. There is no question that he has regressed and there are rumors that organization maybe shopping their starting quarterback.

True, the 49ers could rebound in the draft, but with rumors swirling that quarterback Colin Kaepernick is now on the block, the question could be not if but when San Francisco will blow up the current roster and start to rebuild.

Super Bowl XLVII

February 1, 2013February 3, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

It’s brother versus brother in the first ever sibling Super Bowl

It’s finally here!!!! After the long journey that began in August 32 teams began the season, but only 2 remain. However, football is like Highlander in that there can be only one! This Super Bowl has been anointed the Harbowl as we see the classic sibling rivalry of whose is better. I know one thing it’s sure going to be awkward at the dinner table in the Harbaugh house after this one. Maybe Mrs. Harbaugh should ask Archie Manning how he deals with his boys. Getting back on track the Ravens have ridden the inspirational words of Tim Tebow, whoops I meant Ray Lewis on a magical playoff run. Sorry Ravens fans I love Ray Lewis but I think he’s going a little overboard with the religious references since he decided this would be his last playoff ride. The question remains can Lewis inspire his team to overcome the 49ers in his last game? The 49ers, on the other hand, have ridden the tattooed cannon arm of Colin Kaepernick since he took over for Alex Smith midway through the season. Remember when there was a supposed quarterback controversy only a few weeks ago? He’s been an unstoppable ground and aerial assault throughout the postseason and is looking to cap off his amazing season with the 49ers sixth Super Bowl in franchise history. Both teams have taken very different paths to get top New Orleans, but surprisingly they are similarly constructed. Both have very good defenses, quarterbacks that can make the big play, and great running backs. Here’s my preview of why I believe both teams could win the Superbowl.

Why the Ravens will win

The Ravens will need to ride their emotional leader

The Ravens success this postseason is because of the strong quarterback play out of Joe Flacco and their resurgent defense with the return of Lewis. Baltimore has been flying high since Lewis announced that this will be his last season with the team. The win one for the gipper attitude has spread throughout the Ravens locker room as they try to give number 52 one more ring as he walks into the sunset. One of the biggest reasons that the Ravens are in this position is because of their leader under center. Joe Flacco has thrown 8 touchdowns with no interceptions this postseason and while the offense is usually the achilles hill for the Ravens, it has been their strength this postseason. Don’t forget these Ravens have beaten both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in their respective buildings. Last time I checked they were two of the best quarterbacks in the game. While the defense has been good it hasn’t been anywhere near the dominant defense we’ve come to expect from the purple and black. This two-week layoff benefits this banged up unit and will allow them to get some much-needed rest. The keys to for the Ravens to win is they must have a big game on the ground with Ray Rice. This is a battle of defenses and the best way to beat a great defense is to keep them on the field. If the Ravens can wear down the formidable 49ers defense it will not only wear them down but give them more favorable deep ball match ups. This is where the Ravens need to make play is down the field and use Flaccos big arm. They need Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin to stretch the field. I believe that the Ravens have the better special teams entering this game while also having the major x factor of Ray Lewis’ retirement for added motivation. You can’t tell me they’re not going to give everything they have for their leader so he can go out a champion. On the defensive side of the ball the Ravens need to figure out how to slow the read option. This will be a test, but the Ravens have one of the most seasoned defenses in the NFL and aren’t fooled easily or for long. They need to play Raven defense which is to play physical and break the will of the 49ers. If the Ravens continue to play at the level they’ve been playing, especially Joe Flacco, it could be an easy win in the Big Easy.

Why the 49ers will win

My the difference a year can make. A year ago the 49ers were kicking themselves because of the butter fingers their special teams had. This team feels that they should have been in the Super Bowl over the Giants and that this should be a repeat year. However, this season they have made it but not in the way that most 49ers fans, and football fans in general, expected.

Running and passing Kaepernick leads the multi-dimensional 49ers attack

The multi-dimensional Kaepernick leads the 49ers offensive attack

Ever since the glory days of Montana and Young the quarterback position for the 49ers has been a question mark. It still is but today it’s a riddle that gives defensive coordinators headaches. Coming into this season the 49ers were highly favored to be in this Super Bowl and that Alex Smith would finally get the monkey off his back, much like Steve Young, and get ride of his “Bust” tag that has haunted him since being the number one draft choice. However, Alex Smith is riding the pine pony as his replacement Colin Kaerpernick looks to win the 49ers sixth Super Bowl in franchise history. Even coming into this postseason there was a “quarterback controversy” about who would lead this team. However, Kaerpernick has run away with this job much like he had all season. The read option has added a new dimension to the dominant running game that the 49ers have built since Jim Harbaugh took over. Run the ball and play great defense a memo that both the Ravens and 49ers have flourished with. However, the Ravens do not have a dominating offensive line or a stable of running backs that have the first ranked rushing attack in the postseason. They also don’t have the dynamic quarterback that can shred defense with both his legs and his arm. Add in the top overall ranked defense and you have the recipe for the 49ers success. San Francisco can win this game if they just continue to do what they do best. Play fast and physical defense and force the opponent to make mistakes. On offense run the ball!!!!!! Use the dynamic rushing attack to wear the Ravens older defense down and keep their offense off the field. By running the ball you give Kaepernick more big plays by opening the field with both rushing and passing lanes. If Vernon Davis can match the performance he gave against the Falcons that will really open up the middle of the field and give Kapernick a great target in the seam. While they might not have the same explosiveness on the outside like the Ravens, they do have the advantage in the TE position and can control the middle of the field. Don’t forget the Raven defense is old, wearing them down and keeping them on the field is crucial for the 49ers to be successful. If the 49ers play like they have all postseason they could bring back the sixth Lombardi trophy back to San Francisco.

And the Winner is ……………..

49ers 27 Ravens 24

This is why I’m picking the 49ers. I think that while Joe Flacco has played great this postseason he is a quarterback known for mistakes and I think he is well overdue. The Ravens defense this postseason has played great this postseason they have played against passing offenses. They’re great against stopping the past and have been mediocre at stopping the run. They haven’t played a physical team like the 49ers and while I think the Ravens can stop the run early as the game wears on they will wear down. I understand that the field goal kicking unit has been shaky for the 49ers but I think overall they have a better defense then the Ravens. While the Ravens have the better passing game the 49ers have a slight edge in the ground game with their dynamic offense and these new looks will catch the Ravens off guard. Overall I do think this will be a close Super Bowl and has the potential to be one of the best ones ever. Do you agree or disagree? Take the poll at the the bottom and vote for who you think the Super Bowl champion will be.

49ers and Ravens who will be the last one standing??