Niner Noise
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Top-5 Takeaways from 49ers Win Versus the Rams

By James LeBreton

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gabbert 49ers Rams
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) rushes against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Blaine Gabbert Can Lead this Team to Victory

You know the story of quarterback Blaine Gabbert already. He was the No. 10 pick overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was brought in to be the starter of the unforeseeable future for the franchise. After three struggling seasons he ventured off to be the backup to Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco.

Many people couldn’t figure out just why the 49ers signed him. Gabbert was 5-22 as a starter, and his stats reflected two more interceptions than touchdown passes.

Three seasons later in Santa Clara, his starting record isn’t much better at 9-27, and he isn’t going to impress you with 70-yard passes and 400-yard games. What he can do is manage a game. And if the defense continues to dominate while the running game pounds the rock, then that’s all he needs to do.

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He shined in the debut of Chip Kelly’s fast-paced offense. Gabbert finished the night 22-of-35 for 170 yards and one touchdown to tight end Vance McDonald. When he couldn’t throw the ball, he contributed 43 yards on the ground with a 4.8 average-yards-per-carry.

For Gabbert, last night’s performance against the Rams wasn’t the prelude to a Super Bowl berth. But it was something to build on. It gave him confidence and showed others that, with the right offense in place, he can move the chains and lead his team to victory.

After last nights performance, next week at Carolina should be interesting.

Next: Rams vs 49ers: Week 1 Grades and Analysis for San Francisco

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