The NFL is called a game of inches. It's much more of a speed contest. Games are won and lost in nanoseconds. Comments about the speed of the game being the toughest hurdle for rookies increase each year. Adapt to the speed, be blessed with speed and you succeed. Delay, fail to adapt, and you're a footnote. The game is won in split seconds. A nanosecond's delay and windows close. You see it in the play of the elite. A ball placed at the right time is a completion. Hesitate... an interception is the outcome. Or, the opportunity lapses and a sack ensues. The latter is Alex Smith's millieu. His history is to blame, in part. Fear of failure motivates him. The irony here is heavy. He may lose his job because of that fear and hesitating. Each week is colored with missed opportunities due to delays in making a decision. It keeps Alex an also ran, not elite. Kaepernick is not saddled with Smith's history. He is less fearful. He will take the risks Alex won't. His arm strength is evident and that can overcome tight situations. That strength is needed to temper his lack of experience. Time will tell if Colin can make it. But his willingness to to risk and make the plays Alex hasn't is why he is starting. He gives the team a better chance of winning IF he continues to make those plays.

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