The quarterback scenario in San Francisco reminds me so much, in more ways than one, of the predicament that Woody from Toy Story found himself in.
In the movie, Andy – the boy who all owns all the toys – receives the latest thing as a gift for his birthday… the space hero Buzz Lightyear. When the toys meet Buzz for the first time, they feel threatened by him and wonder if he’s replaced Woody as Andy’s favorite toy. Woody reassures everyone that no one is getting replaced and introduces everyone to Buzz, and they are immediately enamored with all his features.
Clearly peeved at the attention Buzz is getting, Woody steps aside to Little Bo Peep and comments, “You think they’d never seen a new toy before.”
“Well, sure, look at him!” she replies. “He’s got more gadgets on him than a Swiss Army Knife!”
As the story progresses, it’s clear that Woody is being replaced and he builds a strong resentment toward Buzz.
This is basically what’s happening in 49erland. Colin Kaepernick is Buzz Lightyear – the new toy with all the bells and whistles – while Alex Smith is Woody – the lovable but plain, and somewhat ordinary, best friend who’s been there through it all.
Now, nothing wrong with Woody, because he’ll get the job done. It won’t be flashy or anything, but it’ll get done. But when you have a fully functional Buzz Lightyear at your disposal, it’s kinda hard to choose between the two.
Well last night, coach Jim Harbaugh (Andy) took his fully loaded Buzz Lightyear into Foxborough against the big, bad Tom Brady… and the results were beyond what anyone could have imagined.
Kaepernick threw four touchdown passes enroute to 41 points, orchestrating the most impressive 49ers victory in recent memory. Again, like in the previous games he started, he showed off one key feature that won him the job in the first place – the deep ball. Three of his TD passes came on such passes, and he was able to put the ball 40-50 yards downfield with the heat and accuracy that Woody probably wouldn’t have been able to make.
In other words, Buzz beat the great Tom Brady… at his own game. In his own house.
Andy must be finding it more and more difficult to go back to Woody as the weeks go by. And, although Woody is seemingly “okay” with everything, it must surely be a different story in his head.
I will be the first to say that I have supported Alex Smith in all the years he’s been a 49er and will continue to do so for as long as he is… but man, that Super Bowl trophy sure does look good. And I’m talking this year.
To infinity and beyond, Colin.
