Kaepernick or Gabbert: It doesn't matter who the 49ers QB is
After suffering four straight lackluster losses, San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly had no choice but to make a change at quarterback, regardless if he believed it would make them better.
It didn't.
Colin Kaepernick was no better than Blaine Gabbert in his first start of the season, completing 13-of-29 passes for 187 yards while adding 66 yards on eight carries. The 49ers were blown out Sunday by the Buffalo Bills 45-16, their latest in a series of ugly defeats.
The 28-year-old Kaepernick didn't appear to have a great grasp of Kelly's offense, struggling to make completions when his first read was covered. Kaepernick tossed a touchdown in the contest, but even that was badly underthrown and the result of a busted coverage.
For most, Kaepernick's presence as a protested protester in Buffalo overshadowed his performance on the field. Bills fans took part in several ugly pregame demonstrations to express their disagreement with Kaepernick and his protest of the American national anthem, which probably did his stat line a favor. Even after the game, the media didn't ask Kaepernick about his play.
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It's tough to blame Kaepernick - or Gabbert - for not being able to produce with the 49ers. Carlos Hyde is a legitimate No. 1 running back, but other than that, no one has enough talent to put much fear in the hearts of opposing defenses. This slimmed-down version of Kaepernick isn't as ideal of a fit as some thought he would be for Kelly's unfamiliar offense due to his inability to make quick decisions and lack of actual options.
Kelly said after the game he's undecided who will start next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That makes sense given Kaepernick's play, but he'll likely go back to his Week 6 starter for now to avoid a back-and-forth scenario with Gabbert. At this point, Kelly has to have a tough time believing the right quarterback is already on the roster.
The 49ers are headed to a poor record regardless of who plays quarterback.