Colin Kaepernick's shot at a comeback fell short against the Green Bay Packers as the San Francisco 49ers managed just three points in the loss. While the quarterback position is not all to blame for the struggling performance, it is what is getting all of the attention. Kaepernick went just 13 of 25 for 160 yards and one interception. He was also sacked six times for a loss of 41 yards. That has led to a number of questions regarding his future with the franchise along with simply his Week 5 status.
Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports that the 49ers are not considering benching Kaepernick heading into the Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants. The question is whether or not they should begin to think about it. Head coach Jim Tomsula told the media via ESPN that benching the quarterback, "Won't even go into that discussion. It's not on my mind." The team sits at 1-3 and is getting worse by the week, so it begs the question of whether it is time to give Kaepernick some rest.
Blaine Gabbert is the only other option the 49ers can realistically go with. Right now, the offense cannot look worse. Kaepernick has taken a number of blows to the body. His passing is shaky right now. He has no time to throw the ball. His decision making is not looking good. Against Green Bay, he has three passes go five yards or more. His lone long ball was picked off. What is the harm of putting in Gabbert for a week and letting Kaepernick rest?
Kaepernick has gone from almost winning the Super Bowl to a season where he has completed 72 of 116 passes while recording just two touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also been sacked 14 times. After the big contract extension and preseason hype, this is not what the 409ers were expecting to have this season. While Gabbert might not be any better, he at least changes things up.
The issues for the 49ers extend past their quarterback. The run game was non-existent against Green Bay. Carlos Hyde had 20 yards while Reggie Bush had one carry that went nowhere. That has to improve. Bush told the media that they simply did not get it done against Green Bay and he needs to do a better job of helping Kaepernick.
"Just by being where I need to be, being in his vision," said Bush, via ESPN.com. "If he needs an outlet, just building that chemistry. Pass-blocking and making plays. Catching the ball or running the ball. It can be tough if you're not focused and if you're unsure, if you have that second of doubt in your mind and you're not sure where you need to be."
Vernon Davis not being in the mix also hurt the offense. With the tight end out, Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin were facing tough coverage. In the end, Kaepernick will carry the brunt of the blame for every loss in San Francisco which certainly does not help the talk rising over the outlook of his future.
