2014 Denver Broncos Opponents: Quarterback Rankings
By Nate Winkler
#2. Colin Kaepernick
Jan 5, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. San Francisco won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
2012 – San Francisco 49ers Wins: (5) Passer Rating: 98.3 Y/PA: 8.3
2013 – San Francisco 49ers Wins: (12) Passer Rating: 91.6 Y/PA: 7.7
2 Year Average- Wins: (8.5) Passer Rating: 95.0 Y/PA: 8.0
Week 7: San Francisco 49ers @ Denver Broncos (10/19/14 6:30 pm MDT)
Colin Kaepernick burst onto the scene in 2012 when Alex Smith (# 5 on this list) went down with a concussion. Head coach Jim Harbaugh decided to stay with the “hot hand” when Smith was cleared to play, and the rest is history. Smith is now in Kansas City and Kaepernick is now the undisputed man in San Francisco. He is the first quarterback we’ve discussed that maintained a Passer Rating above 90 in both of the previous seasons, although he only started in seven regular season games in 2012. Kaepernick’s dual-threat ability force teams to leave the likes of Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis matched up in single coverage, and the former baseball player can make every throw on the football field.
The 49ers are built to control the flow of the game with their running attack and superior defense. Although he can do it, Kaepernick doesn’t thrive in shootout situations where he is forced to drop back and make second and third reads play after play. When they visit Denver in Week 7 look for Manning to air it out early and often to put the pressure on Kaepernick and the ‘Niners offense. Manning is the better passer because of his intelligence and experience, but this game will be a pick ’em.