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San Francisco 49ers: Teammates must continue supporting Colin Kaepernick

By Brian Spaen

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It’s hard to imagine the San Francisco 49ers playing for anything this winter. Last week’s beatdown against the Seattle Seahawks proved they aren’t close to playoff contention. When losing happens, stories such as the ongoing locker room issues between Colin Kaepernick and his team hit center stage. There’s still a long season ahead, and if the 49ers don’t want to make it a nightmare, they have to continue rallying around their struggling leader under center.

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Throughout the week, there’s been constant stories released of how Kaepernick is alone in the locker room and that players are arguing with each other over if he should even be on the field. Kyle Mclorg of Bay Area Sports Guy reported that Vernon Davis called out the quarterback and there was an altercation between him and offensive lineman Joe Staley. It’s possible that the exchange became physical, but they eventually were able to air out their differences during the week. This was apparently not the first time Staley and Davis had an exchange.

Players have refuted all the reports coming out. Paul Gutierrez of ESPN reports that Davis came out and said nothing happened.

"“No, I didn’t call Kap out,” Davis said Thursday. “I don’t know where you got that from. I didn’t call Kap out at all. It’s not my job, my role to call Kap out; I let the coaches do that.”"

According to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, Torrey Smith also responded to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reporting on Kaepernick being “on an island,” saying that it simply wasn’t true.

"“We’re still together,” 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith said. “It’s tough. It’s frustrating, but it’s not dividing the team at all. It’s not separating Kap. Kap isn’t on a damn island. We’re here together. We’re trying to win together.”"

It’s obvious that altercations have happened in the locker room. Not only is it clear from the multiple sources reporting, but it’s common sense for a team that went from playoff contender to a dumpster fire that’s scored the least amount of points in the league this season (103).

Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) walks onto the field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi

However, it’s good to see players coming to the defense of Kaepernick. This might be the perception of some players — those that have talked to Glazer — but it’s refreshing when a large number of prominent players put their name behind these quotes.  This is something that needs to continue.

Regardless of whether or not some players believe the 49ers need to move on to a different quarterback, there are no quick solutions for this season. Blaine Gabbert at best would provide a short burst of energy that would trail off by December. Kaepernick has regressed and at times looked like he doesn’t even belong in the NFL, but at least there have been flashes of competence — even if it was against weaker defenses.

The 49ers’ signal caller could also thrive on emotion. He may be dismissive on what people say about him, but he certainly cares. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have favorited a lot of his naysayers or come up with a stupid hashtag like #7tormsComing on social media. If players can swallow their criticism and give him support, that could result in better play on the field.

Improve Kaepernick’s psyche, then there’s the potential to keep the offense from going into a shell. The offense avoids multiple three-and-outs, the defense is in position to make plays. It’s all easier said than done, of course, but performances like the disaster against the Seahawks are unacceptable. There will be more of those outings with the upcoming schedule if they don’t fully support their quarterback.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: What 'big' changes must happen for success

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