Niner Noise
FanSided

Differences Exist Despite 49ers 2015 and 2016 Similarities

By Peter Panacy

Chip Kelly before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Chip Kelly before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) signs autographs following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) signs autographs following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Colin Kaepernick and the Locker Room

2015 was a complete disaster for quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Eight weeks of sub-par football had been enough, and the Niners made the switch to Blaine Gabbert.

Kaepernick never looked particularly happy with his own situation in 2015 — either starting or on the bench.

And yet 2016 is revealing a much different outlook from San Francisco’s former star signal-caller. Just take a look at the photos:

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In contrast:

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OK, so these are two small windows into Kaepernick’s demeanor. But if 80 percent of human communication is done through body language, we can draw a conclusion Kap is much happier in 2016.

Perhaps his social activism has reinvigorated his mentality and drive. It’s hard to say. But Kaepernick no longer looks the sullen, downtrodden individual fans saw a year ago.

And he isn’t dividing the locker room either, at least according to most accounts.

So maybe that’s a major difference too. The 49ers already have question marks under center, and who knows if a switch back to Kap would be what the offense needs.

More from Niner Noise

Maybe. Maybe not. But the quarterbacking controversy isn’t suggesting any sort of problems off the field or in the locker room. That was a point of concern last year.

Not now.

Next: When Will the 49ers Make a Switch to QB Colin Kaepernick?

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