Ravens Not Afraid Of Kaepernick, Still Has Some Growing & Learning To Do

[FootballMaestro]

During the cess pool, I mean black out, Solomon Wilcox reported that Ray Lewis said about 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick, "He's a one read Quarterback. He looks for Crabtree. And as soon as he doesn't see see Crabtree open he runs. We'll just have to be ready for that". That was reported during the black out.

Ironically, near the end of the game, Kaepernick (as if the very religious Lewis was prophetic), looked for Crab tree 3X in a row, and couldn't find him. He wasn't looking for anyone else. Lol

Later, when being interviewed on the NFL Network set, when Baltimore coach John Harbaugh was complimenting Kaepernick, he stopped and made a point to say "they scheme very well. They know how to get their guys open". Agreed. They schemed well for Alex Smith, and now they scheme well for Colin Kaepernick and his deficiencies, like Smith's. This reminds me so much of the Redskins offense (the scheming, while the young QB gets all the credit), which brings up three thoughts:

1) Baltimore was overlooked (not by me) in this game by many, cause Flacco (11 TD 0 INT's) was the true hot QB going into this game, and Not Kaepernick--as well as he played previously.

2) Based off Ray's comments and Harbaugh's, the Ravens weren't afraid of Kaepernick, and saw his flaws and how he was still a young, inexperienced QB who they could confuse and contain. Lucky for the 49ers, that Power Outtage saved them or they would have been rolled, I think. Even after the power outtage, Kaep had a hard time running the plays quick enough, and Harbaugh had to blow a costly time out late in the game.

3) Kaepernick is a very talented young QB, and I like him. But he still has a ways to go, compared to the media hype he received and will receive. This is one of the reasons why I love Cam. He may not be where he needs to be yet. However, I think he, Russell Wilson and Luck are the best pocket passers of the young QB's. Kaepernick appears very jittery when his receivers aren't open (as Ray Lewis indicated), and he normally has a year to throw the ball with that great offensive line (waiting for that one receiver), or/until he runs.

Normally (like RG3) Kaep makes quick or determined throws to one receiver, who's usually clearly open. The difference is, Kaepernick has more of a pro arm and Offensive Line (as far as throwing down the field), than the dink and dunk RG3 and Redskins. I'm not sure how Kaeps elongated throwing motion is going to work under constant pressure. However, he's blessed with a great line, so most of the time that's not an issue. I think both he and RG3 still have a lot to prove, when defenses hone in and concentrate on them in the future (and facing pressure, confusing defenses or covered receivers in the pocket). Luckily, they both have good coaches and schemes.

Now the 49ers may get a lot of hype next year, but I wouldn't be surprised if both they and Kaepernick took a step back and some other teams out West contest or win the division. Already, neither they or the Ravens are favored to be back at the Superbowl next year at this time. It's New England actually.

What do you guys think about what Ray Lewis and coach John Harabaugh said about the 49ers and Kaepernick? What about your thoughts on him, his team and their chances of making it back ot the Superbowl next year?

[Khaki Lackey]

When asked who I thought was going to win, I said Ravens, when asked why, I said, "This game is too big for a kid with 10 starts."

I think I was right.

[Udogg]

Terrell Suggs said that they thought CK was going to break but he didn't and played very well the second half. The Terrell Suggs who hates every QB not on his team .

http://sports.yahoo.com/video/suggs-shockingly-nice-comments-kaepernick-040000278.html

He was a questionable hold call from winning that game. Would they have come back if not for the power outage? Who knows. So even if they knew what he was doing, he damn well did it anyway. That's with 2 weeks prep to stop him.

[fieryprophet]

The 49ers entire offense is single read. Or do people still think Alex Smith turned into a good quarterback overnight? No, the 49ers don't have a complex offense, they just run it down less-talented team's throats.

[FootballMaestro]

The 49ers entire offense is single read. Or do people still think Alex Smith turned into a good quarterback overnight? No, the 49ers don't have a complex offense, they just run it down less-talented team's throats.

This is true.

There isn't much change in scheme from Smith to Kaepernic, except the downfield throws. Now of course, Kaepernick's run threat, creates an entire different dimension.

I feel with out the power outtage, SF would have been embarrassed. They caught a big break there.

Kaep and the rest of the team, would have broke, but they were able to catch their collective spirits, and make it a game due to Ravens malaise, including an awful punt and Ray Rice fumble. That doesn't happen with out the power delay.

[Russian Bear]

Phil Simms would beg to differ.

[CPF4LIFE]

Agreed, he is not to different from RG3 although i give Kap the edge because he actually throws down field more and can hit covered receivers.. Both of them have a ways to go to be true pocket passers. Great offensive lines and run games help them out a lot.

[Anybodyhome]

Instead of busting the kid's balls, why not just give him some, just a little, credit for being a very talented, young QB who made his 10th career start in the Super Bowl. And it took every ounce of Baltimore D to stop a 10-start QB on the biggest stage in the game.

No small fete- don't downplay the accomplishments. Just give him his due.

[Mr. Scot]

That's not a huge shock from an inexperienced quarterback who's only been taking second team snaps up till a few months ago. Lots of offenses get simplified when you have to move a backup into the starting spot.

I'd say he's got the tools to get better over time though.

[Guest BlueBoy]

Why do people have to come up with crap like that once a team lose. They lost by a FIELD GOAL after a goal line stand. For crying out loud. Ray was just crapping at his mouth as usual to hype his team up. Everybody says the same thing that Kaepernick can be a sit in the pocket and throw dime QB without his running ability. The guy throw for over 300 yards in a superbowl. How many yard have Cam threw in a playoffs: ZILCH. So stop coming up with crap like that to discredit this young man's talent. How come there is no thread on why schaub and dalton were so mediocre.

We can't keep hiding Cam behind the 'he is in a bad team' forever while we're criticizing superbowl playing QBs. Feels like I am on a Colts forum(yes, I lurk!). Come on, now! Kaep was fitting those balls in tight spaces throughout the playoffs. If his first read is open why the hell should he go for another read? Both Davis and Crabtree had over 100 receiving yards with 6 and 5 catches respectively.

Plus, most of the throws Flukko made to boldin were one read and boldin wasn't even open when he throws to him. Reality is, the 9ers offense was moving the ball easily down field.

And, can we stop including Luck in those conversations. His style of play doesn't fit in here. He is pocket passer, remember!

[Guest BlueBoy]

The 49ers entire offense is single read. Or do people still think Alex Smith turned into a good quarterback overnight? No, the 49ers don't have a complex offense, they just run it down less-talented team's throats.

What's a complex offense? You don't think all the formations the 9ers have complex enough? So, you think Brady bouncing up and down looking for a receiver to finally get open because he has so much time in the pocket and incapable of picking up first down with his legs complex? Come on, dude. If you're gonna post at least put some thoughts into it.

[Guest BlueBoy]

This is true.

There isn't much change in scheme from Smith to Kaepernic, except the downfield throws. Now of course, Kaepernick's run threat, creates an entire different dimension.

I feel with out the power outtage, SF would have been embarrassed. They caught a big break there.

Kaep and the rest of the team, would have broke, but they were able to catch their collective spirits, and make it a game due to Ravens malaise, including an awful punt and Ray Rice fumble. That doesn't happen with out the power delay.

Momentum IS NOT considered an advantage the same as you can't report that your mojo or groove was stolen. Momentum as it relates to sports is too abstract to quantify. Thus it's best to focus on the plays on the field and their results. Momentum in sports is as factual as voodoo. So, if you want to discredit Kaepernick's talent you better come up with something other than MOMENTUM. I know athletes are dumb but I didn't realize the fans are even dumber.

For example, how do you know for sure SF would have been embarrassed? How do you prove something like that? Both team had their best 11 players on the field. Both team received the 30 minutes blackout break. In fact, after play resumed SF failed to convert on a 3rd down, thus giving the ball back. And not to mention, SF did the same thing in all 3 of their playoff games. Down by a lot and crawl back up.

[Guest BlueBoy]

Agreed, he is not to different from RG3 although i give Kap the edge because he actually throws down field more and can hit covered receivers.. Both of them have a ways to go to be true pocket passers. Great offensive lines and run games help them out a lot.

That true pocket passer crap is overrated and will become obsolete soon. It's all about putting points on the board and the 9ers does that pretty well. If pocket passing were so great Jim Harbaugh would have stuck with Smith. There are over 20 mediocre pocket passing QBs in this league. Teams are trying to do away with them because they can barely get to the playoffs with them and when they're in the playoffs they're barely competitive. Did you watch pocket passing Schaub in the playoffs with that weapon filled team. Imagine if you stick a Cam or Kaepernick on that team. Big time!

[thefuzz]

The only person that I thought could lose the game for the 9ers was Colin, and I was partially wrong.

Usually they play very sound football, but last night, allowing a fumble, INT, and a kickoff return was very strange.

The lights were just a little too bright for Kaep last night. It won't be the last time we see them in the playoffs though.