San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins met with the media prior to practice on Tuesday when he discussed a number of topics.
Anthony Davis
Modkins was asked about OT Anthony Davis and where he is at right now. "I've been very impressed where Anthony's at," said Modkins. "He's making a real effort to really understand. He's putting extra time in so I don't think any of us could be more impressed with Anthony – what he's doing right now."
Trent Brown
Another offensive lineman that he was asked about was OT Trent Brown. "Trent's done a good job," said Modkins. "Trent is a very talented player and he's doing a good job so far of being consistent – every day coming out and being consistent with his technique in the fundamentals and his efforts so we're excited about what Trent's doing."
Like others, Modkins said that they are excited to see how Brown performs in Sunday's preseason matchup with the Houston Texans.
Carlos Hyde
The discussion went on to RB Carlos Hyde. "Carlos has done a good job," said Modkins. "We're excited about where we're headed with him."
Modkins believes that Hyde's exposure to something similar at Ohio State has helped him. "I think he's an all-around player and he's been exposed to different schemes so he's done a good job of what we've asked him to do," continued Modkins.
Houston Texans
The coaching staff won't be doing a lot of game planning for the exhibition matchup against the Houston Texans. "We're not looking to out scheme Houston by any means," said Modkins. "We're looking to see who can block and who can be in the right places and who steps the right way, who's fundamentals are the right way and who's pad level is down. Can we throw and catch simple routes?"
Quarterbacks
"They're both competing their tails off," said Modkins of Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick. "Classroom, on the field. They're both doing a good job. I wouldn't say anyone is ahead of the other right now. I think as we get into the preseason and as we get to playing live games, those things will start happening. But I think right now, I wouldn't say anyone was ahead of anybody."
If both quarterbacks are even at the end of preseason, the whole staff will likely have input but it will be Chip Kelly who makes the ultimate call. As far as a starter to play against the Texans, there are no plans yet to make that call. There is still time to make the decision.
There has also been no decision on if one will start one game and the other will start the next.
"I think accuracy is very important," said Modkins when discussing aspects of a quarterback that is very important. That is also something that Kelly has stated in the past. "I think decision making is very important. I think ability to lead the team and move the team is important. I don't know if you can separate one from the other because I think they're all important in this league."
How do you evaluate who can lead the team? "Whether you score or not," answered Modkins. "Who leads the team down the field? Who is gaining first downs? Who is leading us to touchdowns? That's a really good indicator."
Garrett Celek
Modkins was asked about TE Garrett Celek. "Garrett's done good. He's a smart player. He's done the things we've asked him to do. He has some versatility. You can move him around a little bit. But Garrett, Vance (McDonald), Je'Ron (Hamm), Blake (Bell), (Busta Anderson), those guys are competing and they're doing a good job. I wouldn't say Garrett – anyone's above anybody right now, but I think Garrett's done a good job along with the other guys."
Quinton Patton
Modkins briefly discussed WR Quinton Patton. "He's been good," said Modkins. "He's done a good job. He's leading. He's catching the ball. he's in the right places so Q's done a good job. We're excited."