National Football League

49ers QB Controversy: Ponder makes more sense than Kaepernick

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:49 p.m. ET

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Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Christian Ponder (5) throws a pass during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers should continue to start Blaine Gabbert. But if they do choose to move on, Christian Ponder makes more sense than Colin Kaepernick as the next man up.

The San Francisco 49ers have had a rough season so far, going 1-4 with plenty of questions on offense, defense, and coaching decisions. Blaine Gabbert has not played particularly well, but he has few weapons to work with. Carlos Hyde can’t be expected to move the ball much on the ground without a passing game. The defense needs to step up too, but this proves challenging when the offense can’t give them a breather.

So it makes sense that some are calling for the Gabbert to be benched. While I still think Gabbert is the best option at QB, if the 49ers are going to switch, Christian Ponder makes more sense than Colin Kaepernick.

Ponder, of course, busted out of Minnesota. He sat out last year unable to make a team. Yet, paradoxically perhaps, he may be the best choice for the 49ers — and he’s a better bet than Kaepernick.

Kaepernick is still not back to his playing weight, and his recovery has perhaps been delayed with a diet change inspired by his girlfriend. While I realize there are many potentially good reasons to eat vegan, I do have to question the wisdom of such a decision when trying to regain weight post-surgery.

Apparently I am not the only one. per CSNBayArea.com teammates are questioning Kaepernick’s dedication, in part due to his inability to regain weight.

Furthermore, Gabbert consistently outperforms Kaepernick in practices. Ponder, running the scout team, cannot be compared quite as evenly until he is given a chance. Yet, per CSN Bay Area, Ponder has been more consistent than Kaepernick as well.

When your passing offense ranks dead last in the NFL, the quarterback will under pressure. As one 49ers team member told CSN Bay Area, “Ponder is the best option for quarterback on the roster.”

This sentiment appears to be shared by others in the locker room as well. Locker room support should not be taken for granted either — just look at the support Kaep lost the past two years.

The Niners also chose Ponder over the potential of Jeff Driskel. This means something: the 49ers were not comfortable at QB this season. Thus, they chose to develop a quarterback for the future. They needed an third quarterback who could play this season if need be. Ponder is that QB.

If the 49ers move on from Gabbert, Ponder is a better option than Kaepernick.

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