Greg Roman pulled an Obi-Wan Kenobi, these-aren't-the-droids-you're-looking-for today when asked about the play Sunday in which quarterback Colin Kaepernick lined up as a wide receiver.
The play occurred in the second quarter after Kaepernick, in for one of his four first-half plays, handed off to Frank Gore for a one-yard loss. After the play, Alex Smith trotted back onto the field and Kaepernick trotted off of it. But not entirely off. He lingered by the sideline, then lined up as a wideout -- uncovered -- before the Jets noticed the ruse and called time out.
What was Roman thinking at the time? "I don't know what play you're talking about," he said. ...
Told it was shown on television, Roman said the 49ers have "ways to get rid of that. ... Yeah, I think he (Kaepernick) was talking to the official about the previous play. Next question."
Later Roman was asked about his philosophy on trick plays. "I don't look at them as trick plays - they're football plays," he said. He said the objective for those types of plays is to keep the defense guessing and unsure so as to take a bit of aggression out of their play.
Last year, he called a pass for left tackle Joe Staley, and on Sunday the 49ers nearly connected on a touchdown pass to defensive end Will Tukuafu, who was lined up as a fullback. That is, you can bet that Roman has more tricks, er, football plays up his sleeve this season.
-- Matt Barrows
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