Kaepernick’s first work of the preseason came in Friday’s Week-3 game. Even though Gabbert has been underwhelming this preseason, Kaepernick needed a strong performance to make a play for the starting role. Kaepernick played the entire second quarter with the first team, and ended with a stat line of 2 of 6 for 14 yards through the air, and 4 for 18 yards on the ground.
Gabbert will be the opening day starter.
Here’s a breakdown of Kaepernick’s ten throws and runs:
1-10 @ SF 17 (14:52) Shotgun formation. Kaepernick does a good job of avoiding initial pressure due to a poor Davis block, works the pocket, and finds McDonald for a 2 yard gain.
3-7 @ SF 19 (13:37) No huddle, shotgun formation. Kaepernick stares down White, allowing Jarrett Bush to leave his man and almost intercept the pass. White does a great job of attacking the ball. 12 yard completion for a first down.
1-10 SF 32 (13:13) No huddle, shotgun formation. The offense line breaks down (looks like Davis’s fault again), Kaepernick is flushed out, and throws the ball away.
2-10 SF 32 (13:06) No Huddle, shotgun formation. Kaepernick’s pass attempt to McDonald is batted down at the line.
3-10 SF 32 (13:03) No huddle, shotgun formation. The 49ers run a smash concept to the left. Kaepernick fails to read the cornerback, who sinks back to defend against the corner route, and the pass attempt to McDonald is almost intercepted. 49ers punt.
1-10 SF 29 (10:55) Shotgun formation. Kaepernick misreads Datone Jones and is caught in the backfield for a 3 yard loss.
2-13 SF 26 (10:24) No huddle, shotgun formation. Kaepernick’s screen attempt to White is batted down at the line.
3-13 SF 26 (10:20) No huddle, shotgun formation. Kaepernick has a decent pocket, but scrambles up the middle for a ten yard gain. 49ers punt.
1-14 SF 5 (6:07) Shotgun formation. Packers rush 3, and Kaepernick has a lot of time, but doesn’t find anyone downfield. He then scrambles for a 3 yard gain.
3-10 SF 9 (5:02) No huddle, shotgun formation. Kaepernick has time before he is flushed out of the pocket. He tries to scramble for the first down, but is run down after an 8 yard gain. 49ers punt.
About the Author: Chris Wilson
