Fixing the San Francisco 49ers’ Offense in 3 Steps
Unleash Colin Kaepernick
The first step would be for new offensive coordinator Geep Chryst, to accept the fact that Colin Kaepernick is not an accurate pocket passer — but that he excels in play action and pistol formations.
Kaepernick is a fantastic athlete who has spent the past two seasons trying to change his style of play to look more like a Joe Montana or Tom Brady -type gunslinger. But in reality, his skill set is more like a young Michael Vick. Like Vick during his days with the Falcons, Colin does not need to throw the ball 30 or 40 times to leave his mark on the game. In fact, the more he utilized his legs, as well as Frank Gore to help move the chains — and only occasionally throwing a pass to an open receiver — the 49ers moved the ball and the offense seemed to flourish.
San Francisco’s offense had been both praised and feared when Kaepernick first broke into the league in 2012. He had more freedom to play his style of football as a rookie, than in any point during his second or third years. Colin was a weapon himself by perfecting the read option, sprinting and juking defenders en route to big gains.
This gave the receivers more open space to operate as opposing teams would send one or two defenders to focus solely on Kaepernick, and not on not Vernon Davis or Crabtree. Kaepernick became so much of a force, that San Francisco was able to comeback from a 14-0 deficit in Atlanta to earn a trip to Super Bowl 47 — a game in which they were four awful play calls away from winning.
Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) calls an audible during the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi
Therefore, perhaps the most beneficial transaction of the offseason for Kaepernick and the 49ers so far, was the departure of Greg Roman. It was Roman’s inconsistent play calling that led Kaepernick to become confused and unsure of himself. Both Tomsula and Chyrst have publicly stated their desire to give their quarterback more opportunities to scramble for extra yards, or try new formations.
The idea that they were going to put Kaepernick in positions where can be successful was highlighted when the Niners acquired two targets that will be perfect for him in Bush and Smith. Bush will be returning to California looking to reignite his glory days at USC, where he was one of the most exciting and athletic running backs that college football has ever seen.
While his NFL career has been underwhelming, Bush played his best football when he teamed up with Pierre Thomas in New Orleans as a running back and occasional slot receiver. Bush excelled at catching screen passes out of the backfield and then using his speed to create mismatches with the linebackers.
As a receiver out the backfield, Bush became a dangerous weapon for Drew Brees and the 2009 Super Bowl Champion Saints. Since then, he has played as an every down back and was expected to take on more responsibility than he could realistically handle.
Luckily, the 49ers have an established and tough and young running back in Carlos Hyde who is ready to take most of the short yardage carries and convert first downs. In essence, Hyde will be Gore’s replacement. Bush will likely be asked to provide a boost of speed as a runner, receiver and decoy, to help keep defenses on their heels. Not to mention the fact that Bush provides the team with explosiveness as a punt and kick returner and is more experienced and proven than Bruce Ellington.
Smith will reunite with old teammate Anquan Boldin and look to relive their days together in Baltimore that produced a Super Bowl ring and made the Ravens a perennial force in the AFC. Smith is no Dez Bryant or Calvin Johnson, but he is an excellent route runner and is quick enough to match Kaepernick’s timing and create open space.
Smith is also a potential deep threat due to his speed and awareness. He adds a new dimension to the receiving corps as Boldin is not known for his speed but rather his strength and toughness. And Vernon Davis when healthy, provides both strength and speed as yet another option for Kaepernick.
Though Kaepernick has been roundly criticized for the backwards step the 49ers took last season, perhaps the most encouraging thing that fans can hang their hats on was his maturity after losses. He took full credit for his mistakes, and realizes his responsibilities as the starting quarterback.
Furthermore, Kaepernick had been a star in sports and different entertainment media outlets. He was constantly on magazine covers and being featured in commercials and endorsements. The dark side of the media, of course, is how quick they are to turn on you and forget you when you’re down. But for Kaepernick’s sake, it is probably for the best. Now he has eliminated all distractions and can focus on football rather than the celebrity of being a football player.
The offense is not yet completed however, as Draft Day looms closer…
Next: Who Will Protect the Quarterback?