San Francisco 49ers: Looking for reliable backup quarterback
By Brian Spaen
It’s widely expected that we will see the San Francisco 49ers revert back to the basics offensively in 2015.
Jed York and the coaching staff have hinted that we’ll be seeing quarterback Colin Kaepernick running the ball more. While that’s also the smart move, the 49ers will also need to focus on upgrading quarterback depth to make it work.
York made it clear on the NFL Network last week that Kaepernick’s mobility needs to be a bigger threat. He highlighted a 90-yard touchdown scamper the quarterback had against the San Diego Chargers late in the season.
"“How many quarterbacks in this league can run 90 yards for a touchdown? I can’t think of many, but you have to put Kap in position where he can make those plays and put Kap in position where we can run the ball. We can throw the ball in ways that allows him to be successful and let him be the absolute stud that he can be on the field, and that’s what you’re going to see from us next year.”"
Here’s the only problem with reverting to more running. It could mean a higher chance for injury. Other notable quarterbacks running a similar offense are Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III. Wilson’s been able to avoid injury, and he’s very lucky to do so. Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell brought it up heading into the second meeting against the Arizona Cardinals this year, who had their issues at quarterback all season (via The News Tribune).
August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback coach Geep Chryst during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers last season. Chryst is now the team’s offensive coordinator.
Expect to see a lot more running and more zone-read plays from the shotgun formation. The great news for Kaepernick is that it should be an offensive system he’ll be more comfortable in. There’s already the comfort in knowing the new offensive coordinator, Geep Chryst, who was the former quarterbacks coach that’s worked with him since the young quarterback came into the league in 2011.
"“He’s taken some hits, but the best thing that we talk about him every time is the decisions that he makes. Most of the time, he keeps himself out of harm’s way and he’s able enough to escape some things when he gets out and runs — he gets down or he gets out of bounds. So all those decisions really help him to be able to stay in there.”"
Griffin hasn’t been as lucky, and his inability to stay on the field is one of the reasons the Washington Redskins are now the worst team in the NFC East. Backups Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy were less than impressive when filling in for the former Baylor quarterback, who also dealt with injuries in his collegiate career. The Redskins finished this season at 4-12.
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Luckily, Kaepernick is closer to Wilson. He’s similar in avoiding hard hits unlike Griffin and he’s very strong, but the 49ers would have been in a dire situation if they had to throw in Blaine Gabbert for any length of time. Josh Johnson, the third-string quarterback, needs more reps to be a viable option. And both Gabbert and Johnson are potential unrestricted free agents in March.
It was fortunate that Kaepernick didn’t come out of this season any worse after getting dropped 52 times behind the line of scrimmage. The 49ers can’t continue living on the edge and need to look for other solid backup options either in the draft or in free agency.