Those around the San Francisco 49ers this offseason have paid a lot of attention to Colin Kaepernick changing his mechanics. Fans want to know if Kaep is still the same dangerous dual threat he was when the Niners made their Super Bowl run in 2013, or if he was exposed last year as an inconsistent passer who takes too many hits. Can he regain the mojo from his first few years, especially with the departure of Jim Harbaugh, or is he destined to mediocrity from here on out?
There's no denying that Kaepernick struggled last season, but it's important to maintain some perspective. San Fran's offensive line allowed a league high 52 sacks, a number not even the most elite QBs would be able to overcome consistently. Despite the wobbly protection up front, Kaepernick still managed to put up decent numbers: 60.5 completion percentage, 3,369 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also posted the second-most rushing yards among QBs with 639 and tied for third at the position with 28 first downs on the ground. Harbaugh's departure will likely impact the uniqueness of San Francisco's offense, but Kaep's skills didn't suddenly evaporate.
However, the 27-year-old QB still has a ways to go in the game's most important moments.
"Kaepernick's problem isn't his physical mechanics; it's his mental mechanics," ESPN's Terry Blount wrote. "Here's the stat that tells you all you need to know: Kaepernick was last in the NFC last season in fourth-quarter passer rating at 60.3, but his overall passer rating was 86.4. In other words, Kaepernick tends to make bad decisions with the game on the line. Four of his 10 interceptions last season came in the fourth quarter. His yards per play went from 7.4 in the first three quarters to 5.85 in the final quarter. His mechanics didn't change in the fourth quarter, but his thinking process did."
The Niners can get out of Kaepernick's contract fairly easily after this season. That's not to say they will - can you name me any QBs available right now that are better? - but it would benefit Kaep's long-term future with the team if he can improve his play late in the game this year.
