At 1-1 most teams would not have cause for concern… especially when one of those losses came against one of the best teams in the NFC.…
But the 49ers are a special animal. They were were one of the worst teams in the league last year (and that's me being generous), and have question marks all over the field. One of those questions is certainly at quarterback... where despite throwing their support behind Gabbert, and doing everything they can to squad a quarterback controversy, there are still plenty of people who betting the quarterback position is unsettled in San Francisco. We aren't talking about the gamblers at Pokiespedia either... there are plenty of normal football fans, playing the odds that Kaepernick will take over at quarterback at some point this season.Gabbert has certainly had his up and down moments. His accuracy tends to wane on longer throws, and he may be a bit conservative with the ball... but there is also lots of resemblance to the way Alex Smith was playing when he was successful with the 49ers... playing within himself, and taking the Niners to the the NFC Championship. Gabbert supporters point to that type of performance, and suggest he can do the same. Perhaps he can. He was highly efficient in the redzone in week 1, more efficient than I can remember a 49ers quarterback in a very long time. His stats are currently on par with Aaron Rodgers, and he seems to throw balls that even Vance McDonald can catch 50% of the time.
The thing is though, Kaepernick ... when he was at his best, was a special kind of athlete. The type of player that could literally win a football game on his own... that is such a precious commodity in this league, it's like holding a straight flush. I for one think, that there will come a time this season, when the team is sitting in the pangs of mediocrity, when Chip Kelly will roll the dice on a true quarterback controversy in the hopes that it ignites this team. Kelly will make enemies in Trent Baalke when he does it, but he will have to try it to know exactly where Kaepernick stands in his chance of ever really contributing to a NFL team again.
Kaepernick's work ethic, and study habits remain some of his virtues... if he can get and keep his health, it's hard not to wonder what he could do under yet another truly offensive minded coach.
Of course there is another reason Kap may take the field again... and that could be due to injury to Gabbert. The offensive line has held up decently in the first two weeks of the season, but this line is very thin... and Gabbert does not get rid of the ball quickly. I don't wish injury on any player, friend or foe, but if the offensive line is unable to stay together, odds are, we will see Kaepernick whether planned or not.