After an impressive 2012 breakout into the NFL in which he led the 49ers to a Super Bowl berth, quarterback Colin Kaepernick has met with criticism during a less successful sophomore campaign.
Some of the more constructive criticism came quite recently from Joe Montana when the 49ers legend appeared on 95.7 The Game's "Wheelhouse" show, saying that Kaeprnick needs to improve his play in the pocket.
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“I think that’s the biggest transition for him,” Montana said. “The worst part about it is everyone is talking to him about it. So it’s not like he can relax and let it go and not think about it because everyone brings it up to him every day.”
After taking the NFL by surprise in 2012, defenses have had a chance to prepare for the 49ers read-option offense, neutralizing to a large extent the dual-threat that Kaepernick poses. The result has been a transition to a more traditional offense that has shown mixed results.
“He’s trying to transition from an offense that relies on him running the ball to one that tries to keeps him in the pocket,” Montana said. “He’s definitely talented enough to do it and has the ability, it’s just getting used to doing it.”
Montana also attributes Kaepernick's dip in production to the daunting task of being the 49ers unquestioned starting quarterback from day one.
“There’s always a difference when you start off a year,” Montana said. “It’s a little different mindset and you know you’ve got all these games ahead of you. You’re going to have ups and downs. No matter who it is, you’re gonna see that every quarterback in the league goes through this, it’s not just Colin going through that.”
