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Beyond the Numbers: Why 49ers Signal-Caller Blaine Gabbert Is Failing at Quarterback

By Peter Panacy

Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) talks with a teammate during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco, 37-18. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) talks with a teammate during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco, 37-18. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) tackles San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) during the first half of an NFL game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) tackles San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) during the first half of an NFL game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Decision-Making Problems

An offense might be able to get by with an inaccurate quarterback if he’s capable of making the right decisions most of the time.

The problem is Blaine Gabbert isn’t exactly proving this to be a strength either.

Just look at this play as Gabbert and running back Shaun Draughn aren’t on the same page:

OK, so Gabbert was feeling the pressure. Perhaps, but there was also room to step up in the pocket and towards his left (go back and watch it).

If that play didn’t convince you, this one should. Gabbert isn’t under pressure, yet throws into double coverage and right into the hands of Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Kuechly had inside position on 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley, so it’s hard to figure out what Gabbert was thinking here.

Or here:

Kyle Madson of USA Today’s Niners Wire also put together an excellent assessment of Gabbert’s inaccuracy and decision-making issues. You’ll see a lot of what’s laid out here.

So now the $64 question… how do you fix it?

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It’s hard to find an answer because, well, there doesn’t appear to be one. Just ask NFL Films senior editor Greg Cosell (h/t CSN Bay Area), who said of Gabbert, “At this point, he’s not consistent enough. He’s very erratic with his accuracy, he’s continuing to leave throws on the field, and he’s going to have to play better.”

Pretty much. And the 49ers are still scrambling for the solution

Next: Don't Expect a 49ers QB Change Anytime Soon

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