San Francisco 49ers: 5 Areas of Concern Entering Training Camp

No. 5, the Quarterback Battle

 Most years, a quarterback battle in training camp spells trouble for an NFL organization. It means they don’t have their “guy” or their “franchise quarterback”. Unless you’re 2015’s Washington Redskins, or 2012’s Seattle Seahawks, having a quarterback battle can signify inconsistency in the organization as well as inconsistency on the field.

Usually, quarterbacks who’ve played in a Super Bowl aren’t part of a camp battle for their starting job.

But then, there is 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

His fall from grace, post that awesome 2012 season everyone remembers, began in 2014 and continued last season. Let’s face it. When a starting-caliber quarterback has a quarterback rating of 78.5, throws just six touchdown passes and wins only two of eight starts, there is a problem. Caudal him all you want. Place blame in other places. I don’t care. It’s time to admit that the former super star may not be what we thought he was.

So far this year, there have been conflicting reports on Kaepernick. First, there was his trade request, just one day after the organization said he was their “guy”. Then this summer, Kaepernick says he’s happy with head coach Chip Kelly.

But, here’s the real kicker.

Former No. 10 overall pick, of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Blaine Gabbert, is the “heavy favorite” to start, per Dan Schmelzer of FanSided.com.

The 49ers have a decision to be made. They may have already made it, but let’s hope a quarterback controversy doesn’t last long. Quarterback controversy is a true reason for concern, but if the Niners go with Gabbert they’ll have nothing to worry about, pending our next area of concern, of course.

Next: No. 4, the Offensive Line