San Francisco 49ers: The Question is Obvious, But Who Is The Answer?
Heading into week 6 against the Buffalo Bills, the San Francisco 49ers will have to examine all options for who will be the starting quarterback.
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With a bye week after back-to-back losses from the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals, the San Francisco 49ers have a lot to think over.
After the loss on Thursday, starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert took credit for the loss by saying “I had two crucial turnovers that led to points for the Cardinals and that was the difference in the game right there.” While this does remain true, he has also led the team to a 1-4 record almost mirroring a rough 2015 season. Gabbert finished Thursday’s loss going 18-of-31 for 162 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Head coach Chip Kelly has continued to stand by Gabbert with claims for backup quarterback, Colin Kaeperknick not playing due to not making playing weight. It is clear Kaeperknick is not the same weight that has been reported. His athleticism could fit into Kelly’s offensive plan but he has yet to get a serious chance in the regular season.
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There have been reports of a contract restructure for Kaeperknick for the upcoming 2017 season. The 49ers’ management has been trying to lessen if not eliminate the injury guarantee for his $14.5M salary. Kaeperknick was unable to sign or finalize anything due to his lawyers and agents not having read the proposal, further showing the 49ers’ front office view of Kaperknick and plans on moving forward without him.
While fans were rooting for Kap to get his chance to play during Thursday’s loss, another option has risen: Third-string quarterback Christian Ponder, the number 12 pick from the 2011 NFL draft. Ponder has a 14-21-1 record as a starter during his four seasons in Minnesota and has not seen a snap since 2014. However, with the current quarterback situation in San Francisco, it couldn’t hurt to try another option. Ponder is up to playing weight and has some similar athletic ability to Kelly’s offensive plans.
No matter the decision for the quarterback position, the receiving corps needs to be further utilized for a better season. Jeremy Kerley is the top receiver in touchdowns for the 49ers with two touchdowns and 26 receptions for the season, whilst veteran receiver Torrey Smith has been under-utilized in his second season with San Francisco. He has only nine receptions and a single touchdown.
In his second season as a running back, Carlos Hyde has been able to score six of the 14 touchdowns for the 49ers this season. This is not a terrible stat, but it further proves how the quarterback situation affects the entire offense. Scoring nearly half of the touchdowns for the season through five weeks puts a lot of pressure on the backs. It also shows the defense for upcoming games to stop the Niners from scoring at all.
Next: 49ers/Cowboys Game Day Thread
Only within the upcoming week will the world see if Kelly has changed his mind on who he deems the starter for week six against Buffalo.