Niner Noise
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49ers vs. Panthers: What Week 2 Loss Tells Us About San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) makes a catch as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Davis (43) defends in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) makes a catch as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Davis (43) defends in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) looks to pass the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) looks to pass the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

QB Blaine Gabbert Is Who He Is

That might sound a little cliche, and it probably is, but 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert certainly doesn’t look like he’s the long-term answer for San Francisco.

His efforts in both Weeks 1 and 2 were pedestrian at best. And his two interceptions thrown late against Carolina sealed any remote hopes of a 49ers comeback.

Here’s what Pro Football Focus had to say about him:

"Nothing Blaine Gabbert has done in the first two weeks has convinced onlookers of his long-term suitability for the starting spot. Despite being offered relatively good protection, Gabbert recorded yet another poor outing in Week 2. He completed only five of 16 attempts beyond 10 yards, with two picks. Gabbert was highly erratic in the short range, as well, managing an adjusted completion percentage of only 61.8 overall."

Gabbert’s short-range game wasn’t particularly impressive, and his accuracy woes continue to be a problem. A number of his passes were simply “bounced” towards their intended target.

All this amounted to a 64.9 passer rating on the day and a net rating of 74.4 in 2016 — good for 30th in the league out of all teams.

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Swapping out Gabbert for No. 2 QB Colin Kaepernick isn’t exactly the answer. Accuracy isn’t Kaepernick’s top strength either, and he’s at a point in his career where his sheer athleticism isn’t enough to overpower ready-and-willing defenses.

So the Niners have Gabbert. And while there may be games where he shows a thing or two, it’s hard to project him being a true difference-maker for San Francisco’s offense.

And the Niners will hurt for it.

Next: Good, Bad & Ugly from 49ers Week 2 Loss to Panthers

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