The San Francisco 49ers have announced that quarterback Colin Kaepernick will start week six when they play the Buffalo Bills on the road this coming Sunday.
Chip Kelly announced on Tuesday that Kaepernick will be the starting quarterback moving forward. This change comes off of three consecutive underwhelming performances from Blaine Gabbert. The 49ers have lost their last three games and change was inevitable.
The 49ers Offense Under Blaine Gabbert
Gabbert has completed just 58 percent of his passes for five touchdowns and six interceptions. The 49ers offense has failed to score in the third quarter three times this year. Under Gabbert, the offense ranks 31st in both yards per game and passing yards per game.
Colin Kaepernick has not started a game this season, and has only taken the field once. That one time was in the final few minutes during a week one blowout against the Los Angeles Rams.
Kaepernick is the 49ers only other viable option to run Chip Kelly’s system. The system is not unfamiliar to him, as he ran a similar one during his time at the University of Nevada, Reno. Offensive coordinator Jim O’Neil will need to utilize Kaepernick’s strengths to find success, including more read-option and plays out of the Pistol formation.
The change at quarterback offers more playmaking ability for the 49ers as Kaepernick is seen as a dual-threat option. In his career, Kaepernick has passed for over 10,000 yards and rushed for more than 1,000. He also has a combined 67 touchdowns.
While his play can be inconsistent at times, Kaepernick has the ability to rifle passes into small windows or break out for a long run. The 49ers need a player to step-up and make plays, and believe that Kaepernick is that person.
The 49ers new starting quarterback will certainly have his work cut-out for him as the 49ers face a tough Bills defense. Expect Kaepernick to start slow, but play should pick-up after a couple of drives.
