San Francisco 49ers: Pros and Cons of Starting Quarterback Colin Kaepernick

The Pros of Starting Colin Kaepernick

San Francisco’s current quarterbacking situation and issue isn’t anything new. While Blaine Gabbert won this job to start the year, offseason practices and evaluation didn’t exactly reveal a complete separation.

Prior to the season starting, I broke down how this competition was going and tried to look at things beyond just the stats and numbers. Numbers don’t lie. But neither does film.

Film on Gabbert hasn’t been pretty. Here’s a shot for you:

Gabbert is currently completing 55.2 percent of his passes, and most of those are coming off dink-and-dunk attempts. So it’s no surprise Pro Football Focus ranks him No. 35 out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks so far.

The 49ers offense, ranked 29th with just 876 yards so far, isn’t moving the ball with Gabbert under center.

Kaepernick Has Success Under His Belt

Colin Kaepernick might not be anything close to the type of impact player he was back in 2012 and 2013. But it’s important to note he does have a string of successful seasons to his credit.

That’s far more than anything Gabbert has to offer, who has accumulated a 9-29 win-loss record and has exactly zero winning seasons under his belt.

Granted, Kap’s success came at a time when the 49ers had a great running game — which Kaepernick needs — and a stout defense, which gave the Niners offense more chances to wear down its opponents.

Still, Kaepernick was a main figure in leading San Francisco to two NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl appearance.

Those accolades can’t be ignored.

Kap’s Skill Set Still Commands Respect

Just ask Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, right?

“I think Kaepernick gives the team a better chance of winning, but that’s just my opinion,” Bennett said, via the Seattle Times. “I think he’s a great quarterback. He’s just missing his opportunities. Hopefully he gets to play.”

Bennett also added there was “no challenge” in facing off against Gabbert.

Now, Kaepernick’s accuracy won’t simply be light years ahead of his competition. But recollections of what Kap was able to do not long ago still resonate among other players.

And that would force opposing teams to actually have to scheme against Kaepernick. They probably don’t have to do much versus Gabbert.

Oh, and Kaepernick has a much stronger arm — one capable of actually getting deep-thread wide receiver Torrey Smith involved in the offense.

Motivation from Social Stances

Agree or disagree with the means by which Kaepernick is protesting racial injustice. But one thing can’t be ignored — Kap looks much happier in 2016. This is in stark contrast to the sullen, dejected player we saw a year ago.

And any talk of Kaepernick’s protest disintegrating the locker room has seemingly been put to rest as well.

It’s hard to say how this relationship between activism and on-field play would work. Yet it’s hard to say a little motivation here would hinder Kap’s efforts under center.

A Clearer Picture of the 49ers QB Situation

Again, the definition-of-insanity argument. Gabbert isn’t getting things done, and how long before Kelly says “enough”?

It’s hard to imagine the Niners being a playoff contender this season, which means 2016 is about building towards the future. With Kaepernick under contract through 2020, why not take a detailed look at what the 49ers currently have at quarterback heading into the offseason?

At least it would answer the season-long question what Kelly could do with a QB like Kap.

If Kaepernick struggles for the rest of 2016, you have your answer. The Niners will be needing a quarterback in the 2017 NFL Draft. If Kap is OK, or even better, such a need won’t be as pressing.

But at least the team won’t be asking “what if” questions.