San Francisco 49ers: 5 Positional X Factors for 2016 Season

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Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback

Last, but certainly not least, let’s talk Gabbert vs. Kaepernick. The most talked about story of the offseason in San Francisco, this ought to be a great battle once training camp rolls around and things heat up.

Kaepernick hasn’t been happy with the 49ers, but who has? Faithful maybe, but no pleased. Since requesting a trade early in the offseason, Kaepernick has been forced to reevaluate his stance on leaving the 49ers. He’s playing the part of someone who wants to stay, and was finally seen throwing some actual passes during Thursday’s session as the 49ers wrapped up OTAs, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.

Gabbert has been the No. 1 quarterback, just along for the ride.

Who will start Week 1? Leave your comments at the end of the slideshow! Please and thank you!

Let’s break down each quarterback’s fit in Kelly’s offense. First, Colin Kaepernick.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs the ball past Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Erik Walden (93) and inside linebacker Brad Jones (59) for a touchdown during the third quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Colin Kaepernick

Kaepernick can flat out run, and everyone on earth wants to see Chip Kelly’s offense run by a duel threat quarterback. This would really suit Kaepernick, as he’s great as a runner in open space.

Chip Kelly can also make reads easier for Kaepernick. The offense relies on timing and rythm, but Kelly is smart enough to make almost any quarterback look good (See Sanchez, Mark and Foles, Nick for great examples). Kelly does a brilliant job with spacing and Kaepernick would even have a problem missing wide open receivers.

Finally, Kaepernick is a playmaker. He has the ability to keep plays alive and is able to drill a football to any point on the field. Arm strength, rushing ability, and Kelly’s offense make Kapernick a solid potential starter.

Prediction

Kaepernick may not win the job, because of his injuries and decision making skills, but the Niners seem to want to push him into the role. At least that’s how it feels.

Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) runs with the ball during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. San Francisco won 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Blaine Gabbert

The No. 10 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft has plenty of talent of his own. There are three main skills Gabbert possesses that could win him the job.

One- Ability to read the field

Gabbert makes snap decisions. A lot of experts call him “The King of Checking Down”. This should be seen as a positive thing. He’ll let go of the ball instead of taking a costly sack, and in Kelly’s offense it is important to get the ball to play-makers as quickly as possible. This allows them to take advantage of the spacing that Kelly creates with his mind, and suits Gabbert because that is something he’s good at.

No one knows though. Gabbert could be fine at throwing down-field. He showed a flash in overtime against Chicago. Gotta build an offensive line first, and give him time for thos routes to develop.

Two- Accuracy and Arm Talent

Gabbert is a quarterback with fine touch, accuracy and arm strength. You can’t be drafted 10th overall if you don’t at least possess the potential to develop these skills. In the 49ers overtime victory at the Bears, Gabbert showed every skill neccessary to play quarterback at the NFL level, including his final skill below.

Three- Pure Speed for a quarterback

The above link really shows Gabbert’s speed. Watch his touchdown run against the Bears in Week 13. Prepare to be amazed because it’s a thing of beauty!

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Prediction

Gabbert flat out dominates Kaepernick in training camp, but I’m not sure he starts. As said earlier, it feels like the organization wants Kaepernick to be their man. There are rumblings among some of Gabbert being Kelly’s guy though, so who knows?

Final Thoughts

Both quarterbacks fit Kelly’s system in their own way. Gabbert can do anything that Kaepernick can do and then some. Secretly, I want Kaepernick to redeem himself, but Gabbert is a better choice to me. Trust the coaching staff Niners fans, because Kelly will make the right choice fir 2016. The bottom line is that, whoever starts, they must play well in order for the Niners to have any success this coming season.

Next: San Francisco 49ers WR Torrey Smith Poised for Big 2016, per Pro Football Focus

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.