Alex Smith vs. Colin Kaepernick: Is There a QB Controversy in San Francisco?

The San Francisco 49ers have an incredible defense, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis. And as far as many of their fans are concerned, they have an occasional-conduit-but-usually-impediment-to-victory lining up under center.

So should the Niners give Colin Kaepernick a chance to start over Alex Smith?

Absolutely not.

Now, let's check out the reasons why.

It Took Six Years to Create that Game-Manager

When Jim Harbaugh came to town, he decided he was going to roll with the incumbent quarterback. For better or for worse.

He didn't draft a quarterback in the first round. For better or for worse.

And he turned Smith into an okay-but-not-game-winning quarterback. Smith put up 3,144 yards on a 61.4-percent completion rate in 2011. He also threw 17 touchdowns against only five interceptions. 

Those numbers are nothing to write home about. But they were good enough to lead the Niners to a 13-3 record and within a score of the Super Bowl. 

What has Kaepernick Done to Warrant a Place in this Discussion?

Last I checked, Kaepernick has never started an NFL game. In fact, he's only attempted 14 total passes in his professional career.

And it isn't as if Kaepernick has shown incredible precision or undeniable arm strength on those tosses. He's basically been Alex Smith Lite. No touchdowns, no interceptions.

Until some practice tape comes to light that shows the backup quarterback throwing 80 yards in the air or beating Ted Ginn, Jr. in a foot race, there isn't any reason to presume Kaepernick is a starting quarterback.

The Niners are 5-2

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

San Francisco is 5-2, in first place in the NFC West, and finished as the second-best team in the NFC last year. They're doing just fine as currently composed. 

Why mess with a good thing?

Quite frankly, dumping Smith now is the equivalent of Danny DeVito divorcing Rhea Perlman. You're not going to do any better at this point and you spent all that time creating something comfortable. Why throw in the towel now?