Journal 6 Revised: A Closer in Football?

Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick quarterbacks for the 49ers. (Courtesy of David Dermer/Diamond Images/ Getty Images http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/43466/fourth-and-short-niners-could-use-a-closer-qb)

      I recently looked at an article by Bill Barnwell. In his article, Barnwell talks about Alex Smith current role on the 49ers. He makes the argument that Alex is a great decision maker, and that he could come in late in the game to play a closer role. Barnwell has a lot of valid points including the fact that it would give Smith a chance to stay healthy if the 49ers make a playoff push. He also makes that argument that this would give current quarterback Colin Kaepernick a chance to develop and improve. Although Barnwell makes a sound argument, he forgets to mention one of the most important attributes a quarterback has. Announcers and broadcasters constantly talk about a quarterback and an offense getting into a rhythm. In Barnwell's scenario, Colin would be pulled in the most critical point in the game, while a quarterback who has not had the chance to warm up is put in. This would disrupt the entire teams movement and rhythm. A second idea that could be used is to include Kaepernick into the offence in would to place him into a role  similar to Tim Tebow in New York. Kaepernick could come in on short third down situations to put both the threat of pass and run. This would also give the chance for Kaepernick to get game time experience while the starter Alex Smith is getting a quick breather. This would be an overall better option for the 49ers in my opinion. Barnwell raises a very interesting question. Having a rotation at quarterback has never been done in the NFL and is definitely something that the 49ers and other teams should look into.                                                                                                                                   

     The article can be found at http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/43466/fourth-and-short-niners-could-use-a-closer-qb