San Francisco 49ers: Expectations for Colin Kaepernick

ByLuis Tirado Jr.|

When it comes to the San Francisco 49ers, better times have mostly been remembered from the past. Now with Jim Harbaugh gone and a new head coach in place with Jim Tomsula, the 49ers are hoping the leadership change will help create better times going forward. Everything truly depends on how well of a season quarterback Colin Kaepernick has since he hasn’t been able to replicate the the monster season he put up in 2013 that saw him take his 49ers to their first Super Bowl appearance in quite some time.

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Expectations are high this upcoming season for Kaepernick since he’s coming off a decent season that saw him totaling 3,369 passing yards on 289 completions for 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Despite his efforts, the 49ers went just 8-8 and missed the NFL Playoffs.

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Tomsula plans to keep the 49ers’ offense simplified and actually work around the strengths of Kaepernick. Truth of the matter is, Kaepernick thrives in a fast-paced yet balanced offense that allows him to not be the only reason in keeping those chains moving. The past few years haven’t been kind to the 49ers as they have lost their ability to be contenders again in the NFC West due to their inconsistent offense.

Last season, the 49ers were one of the worst teams when it came to scoring and passing due to all the pressure being put on Kaepernick to deliver. In order for the 49ers to rebound in 2015, they must unleash Kaepernick in a balanced offense that won’t enable games to be won or lost on his arm. The key to making him execute on offense is to bring a balance by establishing the run so games aren’t decided by airing the football like last year.

The 49ers did a decent job this off-season in giving Kaepernick a better supporting cast around him. With new offensive weapons in Torrey Smith and Reggie Bush, Kaepernick should be able to rely on those around him to chip in to ensure that not everything relies on his efforts. He’ll be the catalyst on offense but should be able to get those around him to elevate the 49ers’ offense to score more consistently and often.

Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) rushes for a gain during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi

Kaepernick is known for his preparation and solid work effort but he changed things up a bit this past off-season. He spent most of it working with quarterback Kurt Warner to improve his mechanics, accuracy and make better decisions in the heat of the moment. He trained extensively with Warner to make sure he’s ready to live up to his true potential in 2015.

So far during training camp, Kaepernick is looking more and more comfortable in executing plays and should be ready to have that translate to consistent success once the regular season arrives. Since running back Carlos Hyde is also expected to be an x-factor in 2015, his power running should help take the pressure off of Kaepernick’s shoulders and bring a much-needed dimension on offense.

Overall, with a simplified offensive system and now a better mindset heading into the upcoming season, expect to see Kaepernick go back to his old winning ways. He should be able to make smarter decisions on the field, limit his mistakes and do his best to once again bring the 49ers back into being a contender again.

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