Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players Who Exceeded Expectations in 2015

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) on the sideline during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. The Arizona Cardinals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) on the sideline during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium. The Arizona Cardinals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback Blaine Gabbert

2015 Statistics

49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert hinted during the preseason his efforts in 2015 would be better than what was seen the year prior in San Francisco and even during his tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Gabbert assumed the starting duties following the benching of fellow QB Colin Kaepernick in Week 9 and finished the year with a 63.1 completion percentage, 2,031 passing yards and 10 touchdowns against seven interceptions. His 86.2 passer rating was also the highest of his career.

None of this was supposed to happen given Gabbert’s reputation from Jacksonville and his forgettable efforts during the 2014 preseason.

But there are still marks against Gabbert. His ineffectiveness on third downs is a problem the 49ers offensive will need to evaluate moving forward. Eric Branch of SFGate.com tells all that is needed to know here.

With Kaepernick likely gone this offseason, Gabbert has put himself into a position to be the starter in 2016 even if the 49ers select a quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft.

San Francisco will likely be landing a new offensive coordinator to replace Geep Chryst, so one can only hope the new offensive mindset will help Gabbert improve on his current shortcomings.

Next: Jimmie Ward