Kaepernick took over for Alex Smith midway through Week 10. In his limited 2012 action, he totaled just over 1,800 yards passing with 10 TD’s, three interceptions, a 62.4 completion percentage and an efficiency rating of 98.3.More captivating, however, were Kaepernick’s 38 plays of 20-plus yards on the season.
He set, and then tied, a 49er’s franchise record with 50-yard runs against the Rams and Dolphins. He then one-upped his own mark by rushing for a 56-yard score and an NFL QB-record 181 yards and two TD’s against the Packers in the divisional round.
Many of those 38 plays included passing gains of 40-plus yards as well, with two coming in the Green Bay matchup.
But before he even started a game the 49ers Coaching staff feel in love with him. They moved up with the 36 pick to grab him in the second round. The front office cheered when he was still available. They understood that he need to get acquainted with how the NFL works and with Alex Smith playing good last year, it made sense to sit him. But they knew that Alex c couldn’t take them to the promise land. So they flirted with Peyton and stuck with Alex until Kap was ready. then it happened Alex goes down and Kap shows off what he can do.
His first start was epic. A prime time game on MNF against one of the best defenses in the league, the Chicago bears who usually eat rookie quarterbacks alive. Kaepernick completed 16 of 23 for 246 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a 32–7 win against a highly ranked Bears defense. 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke highly of Kaepernick’s performance after the game, leaving open the possibility of Kaepernick continuing to start. “Usually tend to go with the guy who’s got the hot hand, and we’ve got two quarterbacks that have got a hot hand,” Harbaugh said. A quarterback controversy began. Smith was ranked third in the NFL in passer rating (104.1), led the league in completion percentage (70%), and had been 19–5–1 as a starter under Harbaugh, while Kaepernick was considered more dynamic with his scrambling ability and arm strength. The rest is history.
San Francisco now has that dynamic play caller to match that violent defense. They have big play ability every play now. One of the reason Randy Moss, Kyle Williams and Ted Ginn jr under performed is because Alex couldn’t throw it far enough to make them go get it. Last year in 18 games Alex smith only had 21 plays of 20 yards and more. In 8 games Kap has 31 and counting.
It’s clear as day now what that front office was doing. they knew what they had waiting in the wing and didn’t want to throw him to the wolves to early. So they stuck with Alex and made him feel good about himself until they had to make the tough decision. I do think that the injury threw them for a loop and made everything speed up, But in the NFL timing is everything. Colin stayed ready and when given his shot he became a star.
The last hurdle he has to jump is bring them a step further than what Alex did last year! So far in all of his biggest games he has shined, lets see if he can keep it up!