Proposed 49ers Quarterback Usage for 2012

The quarterback race (for the backups) is heating up as Josh Johnson and Scott Tolzien have each had their turns with the second-team offense (and in some cases, first team offensive line). Neither has really separated themselves from one another, although Colin Kaepernick appears to be the #2 QB, per Jim Harbaugh.

I've been thinking for a while now that the 49ers should get creative with how they use their QB's on game-day this season. They have different talents and it would be wise to let them use those talents rather than try to shove them into a box in which they don't fit.

Case-in-point is how well Kaepernick runs the read-option. Alex Smith could run this as well but let's face it, he's no Colin Kaepernick in terms of running the football.

Conversely, Scott Tolzien (my favorite to win the third-QB job) looks comfortable in the pocket, often absorbing hits in order to give his receivers time to run the route before releasing the ball at the last-minute.

More after the jump.

So here's what I think they should do:

Kaepernick is listed as the second QB on game-day, Tolzien third. Kaep will get some snaps on offense even with Alex healthy, as he should. It gives defenses something else to account for and if Kaep can throw the ball with some consistency, they can't just play the option-run.

However, if Alex were to be injured, you'd have two options:

1. Let Kaepernick finish the game with "Playbook B" that includes a lot of the things he does well, including the runs and boots, etc.
2. Let Tolzien come in and be your pocket-passer, more similar to what Alex Smith does.

I know there are rules about the third QB on game-day. I believe if he plays, you have to deactivate another QB. I believe if Alex were hurt and couldn't return, this would satisfy that rule (someone back me up here). Fooch's Note: Inactives no longer need to include a QB Then both Kaepernick and Tolzien could play the "In Pocket/Out of Pocket/Hot Pocket (hehe)" rotation that Alex and Kaep previously played.

This could be GENIUS! Discuss.