Colin Kaepernick's Decision Making Impresses Alex Smith and More NFC West News

Without question, second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick had the opportunity of a lifetime when he was put in under center while Alex Smith sat out with a concussion. Very few quarterbacks lose their job amidst a 6-2 record, but when you play as well as Kaepernick did against Chicago, it would be hard for any previous starting quarterback to keep his job.

When Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com asked Smith if he is still enjoying the 49ers run to the Super Bowl, here's what he had to say: "Absolutely, yes, very much so." Obviously he didn't expect it to happen this way, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been impressed by the way things have unfolded.

"

"I think the thing I've been impressed with most is, not so much the play-making. I knew that and the guys around here knew that," Smith said. "I think it's the lack of young mistakes that's really jumped out at me."

"

Smith makes a very good point. There are plenty of young players who come in and make spectacular plays, yet they make a handful of dumb ones to go along with them. Kaepernick has consistently made good decisions as he has only turned the ball over six times.

Four of the six turnovers have come on interceptions and the other two have been fumbles lost. Hard not to like those numbers considering Smith turned the ball over six times before being benched. The Super Bowl is indeed the biggest stage, so Kap should make sure February 3, 2012 doesn't start the same way the Packers game did.

Arizona

Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer says Brenston Buckner is finalizing a deal to become the Cardinals defensive line coach.

Tyler Poslosky of Bleacher Report takes a look at six teams that will regress in 2013.

San Francisco

ESPN.com reports on 49ers running back Frank Gore and the fact he was fined for wearing his socks too low.

Brandon Burnett of Bleacher Report begs the question: Is David Akers a serious risk to the 49ers' Super Bowl hopes?

Seattle

John McGrath of the Bellingham Herald tells us why Russell Wilson is just the guy to liven up the Pro Bowl.

Jason Henry of Bleacher Report breaks down five potential landing spots for quarterback Matt Flynn.

St. Louis

According to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Rob Ryan is still the favorite to land the Rams defensive coordinator position.

Dan Hope of Bleacher Report analyzes who the safest picks in the 2013 draft are.