On Saturday, Blaine Gabbert was officially named as the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers' upcoming season opener at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. What contributed to that? What did the coaching staff like about Gabbert over their more limited exposure to Colin Kaepernick? Offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins touched on that today while speaking to the media prior to practice.
"Well, Blaine's been consistent," said Modkins. "He's been consistent since the day we got here. Just kind of what he's done since day one makes you think and makes you very excited about what he can do and we look forward to him showing that."
Gabbert has started 35 games during his career. Last season, he started each of the 49ers' final eight games after taking over for Kaepernick, who was benched and then placed on injured reserve. During that time, he completed a career-high 63.1 percent of his passes for 2,031 yards and 10 touchdowns.
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What did Modkins and the coaching staff think about Kaepernick after reviewing the game film during their final preseason game – a matchup against the San Diego Chargers? It was Kaepernick's most expensive playing time during preseason. He had missed the first two games due to a muscle issue in his throwing arm that also forced him to miss practices during a good portion of training camp.
"I think Kap did a good job," said Modkins in regards to his performance against the Chargers. "I think Kap did some good things. You always would like to have a couple back, but I think Kap did a good job in that last game."
Part of the reason Kaepernick was relegated to the backup role was likely due to his strength and weight, which is not at 100 percent following multiple offseason surgeries and rehabilitation.
"Kap has a history of being really good in this league and doing some good things," Modkins continued. "You know, as he continues to get strength and stronger, you know, I think in this league you need more than one good quarterback and we're very fortunate that we do have him and Blaine. So, you know, we'll see where that goes, but I thought Kap did a good job."
Kaepernick, who has a lot of attention from the media due to the controversy of him refusing to stand for the National Anthem, did not seem too concerned about being the team's number two quarterback. He is looking forward to working to regain the starting job.
"I have to wait for my time and work," Kaepernick told the media today. "Last time I was in this position, I ended up in the Super Bowl, so I continue to work and prepare for when that next opportunity comes."