Reading Between the Tweets: Kaepernick Cools QB Debate

The 49ers got back on track on Sunday, beating the Miami Dolphins 27–13 at Candlestick Park, after dropping a game in overtime to the St. Louis Rams a week before. Kap had a good performance capped by a fantastic, game-sealing touchdown run—something Team Kaepernick really needed after last week's lowlights. Still, while Alex Smith was on the sideline, smiling and high-fiving after his teammate's big run, one has to wonder if the quarterback controversy is really settled at this point.

Smith proponents like to point out that Kap hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in the last two games and has questionable clock management skills. Yours truly even overheard a "We want AL-EX!" chant at Candlestick during the first half. But after Kap's second-half performance, Team Smith may be grasping at straws. And what does Twitter think? Nine insta-pundits have their say.

One fan developed a simple formula for computing success:

@Thinderpaldult: Colin Kaepernick > Alex Smith.

Another used the same method to produce opposite results:

@HiMyNamesJustin: Alex smith > Colin Kaepernick

Some think the win puts a stake in the controversy:

@VinL29: Colin Kaepernick is now 3-1 as a starter.. What controversy?

Others, not so kindly, think Kap is getting too much credit for that record:

@klew24: "He's good.. He has a winning record!" Stop glorifying the stronger armed, unibrowed, no pocket presence having version of Alex Smith

Still, KNBR 1050 sports radio host Damon Bruce vehemently supports Kap:

@DamonBruce: Many Alex backers say Kap's #'s are just like Alex Smith's. Um, EXACTLY! 5 starts into career, Kap's just as good, if not better.

But there's a counter-argument to be made for Smith, statistically:

@MadSports8: Colin Kaepernick has thrown for 3 TDs in 4 starts, and 0 in his last 2 starts. That cannot continue to be a trend if SF wants to win.

Some fans who are on the fence want more evidence from Kaepernick before crowning him:

@hashim_cole: Still not a believer in Colin Kaepernick. Now if he can pull off a win in Foxboro next week then I MIGHT think otherwise.

Others went to unnecessary levels of criticism:

@angeloslamhoe: Colin Kaepernick is the new Tim Tebow #youhearditherefirst #guysucks

But for now, it's very likely that Kaepernick will be starting again in New England this weekend:

@MaioccoCSN: RT @jdub1998 you think there any chance harbaugh starts Alex next week? > No chance at all. Kaepernick is the 49ers' starter.

Let us know what you think by following and tweeting @sanfranmag – are you Team Smith or Team Kaepernick?

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