Harbaugh: Sounds Like Packers Are Targeting Colin Kaepernick

Aug 23, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Mathews (52) looks down his bench during the pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers LB Clay Matthews plans to deliver hits to the San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick whenever he is allowed to. With the 49ers incorporating a lot of the read option in their play call design, Mathews plans to hit the quarterback and let him know that he is there:

"“One of the things that the referees have told us is that when these quarterbacks carry out the fakes, they lose their right as a quarterback, a pocket-passing quarterback, the protection of a quarterback,” Matthews said. “So with that, you do have to take your shots on the quarterback, and obviously they’re too important to their offense. … So you want to put hits as early and often on the quarterback and make them uncomfortable.” – NFL.com"

It sounds like Kaepernick better watch his tail throughout this game. It also sounds like the referees better keep their eyes out for any extra curricular stuff.

Coach Jim Harbaugh has already put it out there that all this “tough talk” is targeting a certain player on their team. He is just trying to get that warning out to the referees before the game.

The chess match has already begun.