San Francisco 49ers Need to Get Back to the Basics

Sep 22, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) waits for a play call against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The Colts defeated the 49ers 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers have had a rough two games since winning the NFL season opener. A quick turnaround could get the Niners back on track in their quest for a return to the Super Bowl.

The 49ers have played three very good teams to start the season and fans should not be worried about a 1-2 record right now. Although the Niners have been a frustrating team to watch, they know what s expected of them an will start playing their brand of football we’re used to.

In the last two games Colin Kaepernick has thrown for only 292 yards with one TD. This is surprising after Kaepernick threw for 412 yards with three touchdowns against Green Bay in Week 1.

In Week 2, the Niners faced a very good Seahawks defense, and Kaepernick threw for 127 yards and rushed for 87 yards with no touchdowns. The game was suspended in the first quarter due to lightning.

When the weather permitted and the game commenced, the 49ers’ defense could not seem to stop Seattle RB Marshawn Lynch. Kaepernick could not find an open receiver and added three interceptions in the loss.

In Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts, Colin Kaepernick lost his first career home game. Kaepernick struggled to establish a passing game and the Colts took advantage. With Vernon Davis out due to a strained hamstring which occurred in Week 2, the Niners were missing a key blocker and receiver. The Colts played great defense and Andrew Luck, facing his college coach in Jim Harbaugh for the first time, was victorious.

In Seattle, the crowd played a big part in the game as usual, and gave San Francisco a hard time coping with the noise. Their trouble hearing caused miscommunications on plays and snap counts which resulted in wasted timeouts, false starts, and delay of game penalties.

Some fans have given up on Kaepernick and blame him for San Francisco’s 1-2 record, but he is not the only person to blame.

Frank Gore has rushed for 142 yards on 42 attempts, averaging 3.38 yards per cary which is well below his career average of 4.6. Gore not producing as well as usual also says something about the offensive line. This failure to establish an efficient running game has put more pressure on Kaepernick to carry a bigger load.

With Aldon Smith out on an indefinite leave, the Niners defense will be lacking a key contributor. Without Aldon Smith, Justin Smith will not be expected to play as well, since they complement each other.

San Francisco just needs to get back to the basics and start the playing hard-nosed football that everyone is used to, and the rest will fall in to place next week against the Rams.