In a season that is on the brink of being lost, San Francisco should make the smart move and bench Colin Kaepernick and start Blaine Gabbert on Sunday Night at New York.
Why? Because Colin Kaepernick has taken both a physical and mental beating the last couple of games, and it’s time for him to take a much needed break. The physical aspect is one thing, the mental part on the other hand, can ruin a QB’s career.
In the last two weeks, Kap is 22 of 44 for 227 yards, zero touchdowns, and five interceptions as the 49ers have been outscored 64-10.
Kaepernick has looked horribly lost with a makeshift offensive line, receivers that aren’t getting separation, a tight end in Vernon Davis who has disappeared the last two seasons, and a running game that looked promising Week 1, but has been stymied since then.
Kap’s body language and demeanor are depressing to look at. He’s being compared to looking like a “deer in headlights” and there is already talk of this being his final season in San Francisco.
It’s the kind of talk that can weight heavy on the face of the franchise, especially for a team who’s next game is on national television in one of the biggest markets in the United States- New York.
It’s a game that could turn very ugly for the 49ers, think back to the 2003 49ers when Terrell Owens blew up on the sideline during a game against Minnesota due to frustration on the offensive side of the ball. You saw that same anger and frustration Sunday in Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith.
That’s what the 49ers are currently facing.
Their offense is a mess, and Kap’s lack of pocket presence and awareness isn’t helping right now. They need to make a change, even for just one week. Let Gabbert play, let Kap sit and gather himself before he really goes over the edge and losses it mentally.
Kap still has the goods to be a solid QB in this league, he’s proven that before, but right now is a crucial time in his career. Benching him one game doesn’t spell the end for him in SF, it merely is a mental break in hopes of saving him for this season and beyond.