Why Colin Kaepernick Is Losing 49ers QB Competition
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick had an opportunity to shine against the Green Bay Packers in his first game back since last year. Instead, he delivered a lackluster performance that left fans wondering who will lead this team for the upcoming season.
In the past year quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been through a lot to say the least.
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He’s gone from respected franchise quarterback to sidelined backup. After the demotion, his decision to have shoulder surgery cost him half of the 2015 NFL season.
Soon after beginning his rehab process, trade talks began that lasted several months. When preseason began, he was unavailable for the first two games due to shoulder soreness and fatigue.
At the begining of the third week, speculation began that he may start against the Green Bay Packers. Later on, it was decided that he would see action with the first team offense, but the initial snaps of the game would be had by quarterback Blaine Gabbert. The very man that took his starting job one season ago after many unsuccessful starts from behind the center.
At the start of the second quarter last Friday night, Kaepernick made his long-awaited preseason debut.
August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Unfortunately for the 49er faithful, the mere fact that he would see the field proved to be more exciting than the level of play he left on the field.
Was it long-awaited hype building up his return that made the performance seem so less than average, or has Kaepernick forgotten how to lead this team?
His best play of the night was a 12-yard pass to wide receiver DeAndrew White on 3rd-and-7 of his first drive.
After converting the first down, the 49ers were eventually forced to punt, and the next drive resulted in a 3-and-out possession. Kaepernick finished 2-of-6 for 14 yards on three series and 12 snaps. This was not the action that fans were hoping for.
Jitters and rust in the pocket are to be expected after rehab and excessive time away from the field. But Kaepernick looked lost and, when he took off to run, it seemed as though he was holding back.
The stage was set for an amazing return. It had the potential to be the pivotal moment of the 49ers offseason. But instead, it turned out to be just another quarter that resulted in an uncertainty for the teams future.
Before the game, Kap was 3-1 when facing quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. He has beaten them twice in the postseason and has recorded some of his greatest success to date against the franchise.
If Kaepernick had come out and dominated against his favorite rivals, then head coach Chip Kelly would have no reason to hesitate when naming his starter.
Despite Kap’s absence, the quarterback race was still considered to be close after the first two games. Gabbert should have been able to run away with the starting job, but his ability to wow the coaching staff didn’t happen.
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Now the 49ers head into the fourth and final week of preseason. On Thursday night, they will play the San Diego Chargers with the hope that one of these quarterbacks will pull ahead in the competition and lead this young team back to the postseason.
This week there will be many cuts — that’s a given — but most importantly for the franchise a starting quarterback will be named.
Kaepernick isn’t out of the race for first just yet. However, he needs to step it up and pull ahead to win the job.
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