Colin Kaepernick: Tracing 49ers QB's Efforts over Last Three Games

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has shown signs of improvement since taking over the starting job in Week 6. Although the Niners have yet to win a game since the switch, Kaepernick has given them the best opportunity to do so over the last three weeks.

Colin Kaepernick’s play has been surprisingly well over the last three games. The 49ers signal-caller is not the same player he once was under former head coach, Jim Harbaugh, but he has looked the best he’s looked in almost two seasons.

In the last three games prior to Week 12, Kaepernick has completed 57 of 99 passes for 814 yards and five touchdowns. He has also rushed for 110 yards and one touchdown over that span.

Looking to revive his career and prove that he can still be a starting quarterback in the National Football League, Kaepernick is making a strong case. Over the last three games, Kap has kept the 49ers in games with his athleticism and play-making ability.

Kaepernick vs. New Orleans Saints (Week 9)

Kaepernick had his best game of the season against the New Orleans Saints.

Despite a loss, Kaepernick torched the Saints secondary for a season high 398 passing yards. Kap did throw an interception to Saints linebacker Craig Robertson, who seemed to be reading Kaepernick the entire time.

That was Kap’s only mishap in the game.

Kaepernick moved the ball down the field well, putting drives together and using quick pass plays to do so. Kap got some help from his teammates, who turned short passes into long touchdowns.

One play Kaepernick completed a pass to tight end Vance McDonald on a short crossing route, who then outran the Saints defense for a 65-yard score. On another play, Kap checked down to running back DuJuan Harris on a swing pass and Harris took it to the end zone for a 47-yard touchdown:

Kap used his legs to buy time and made some nice throws on the move. He also showed that arm strength was no longer an issue as he fired multiple throws in tight windows for completions. Kap looked poised and confident in the pocket and tried to rely on his arm to make plays rather than take off running.

The score of the game could have been a little closer than the final score showed. Kaepernick led the 49ers downfield with ease, but a fumble by running back Mike Davis inside the five-yard line gave the ball back to the Saints, leaving the 49ers down by 11.

I wouldn’t say he looked like “vintage Kap, but Kaepernick looked like a legit starting quarterback in this game and gave 49ers fans plenty to be hopeful for moving forward.

Kaepernick vs. Arizona Cardinals (Week 10)

Kap’s play stayed consistent in the game against the Cardinals. The 49ers run game was shut down in Arizona, but that is one reason Kaepernick was effective.

Kaepernick carried the ball 10 times for team-high 55 yards and even added a touchdown on the ground. Most of his carries would come on scrambles where he would extend the play with his legs.

In the first half of the game, Kap completed 11 of 14 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. But just like in many cases this season, the offense would stall in the second half. Kap ended the day 17-of-30 for 210 yards.

Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs the ball during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Although the 49ers couldn’t get anything going in the second half, Kaepernick would lead a game-tying drive. With a little over two minutes left, the 49ers drove 57 yards downfield that was capped off by a four-yard bootleg run by Kaepernick.

It was a positive sign to see a bit of a clutch-factor from the Niners quarterback. Kaepernick also did not commit any turnovers in the game, which is always a positive.

Kaepernick vs. New England Patriots (Week 11)

There were many positive takeaways for Kaepernick in the Week 11 loss to the New England Patriots.

The 49ers offense played with a good and quick tempo, and Kaepernick was able to move the ball down the field and put drives together. Although there was only 17 points put up, (including one garbage-time touchdown late in the fourth quarter), Kap and the Niners offense seem to be moving in the right direction.

We also learned that Kap has worked on his touch pass. He completed a wheel route down the sideline to running back Shaun Draughn where he dropped it right in between two New England defenders. Another case where he showed this was his second quarter touchdown pass to McDonald.

With the offense establishing the run game against New England, it took a little pressure off of Kaepernick. Play-action passes would open up, and Kap was able to make smarter decisions with the football. The 49ers did not commit a turnover for the second straight week.

Kaepernick’s play digressed in the second half of the game. He started making bad throws and overthrowing his receivers. This isnt a surprise though, because its been a trend for Kap and the entire 49ers offense to go silent in the second half of games.

Kap finished the game 16-of-30 for 206 yards and two touchdowns. He didn’t use his legs as much in this one as he only carried the ball four times.

Next: 49ers hope to avoid franchise-worst 10 game losing streak

Kaepernick has given 49ers fans plenty of things to be positive about. His play along with the rest of the Niners offense has improved week-to-week. Kap looks to continue to build on his performances Sunday in Miami.

Tracing 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick Efforts over Last Three Games

By Vincent Berrones | Nov 28, 2016

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has shown signs of improvement since taking over the starting job in Week 6. Although the Niners have yet to win a game since the switch, Kaepernick has given them the best opportunity to do so over the last three weeks.

Kaepernick vs. New Orleans Saints (Week 9)

Kaepernick vs. Arizona Cardinals (Week 10)

Kaepernick vs. New England Patriots (Week 11)