Saturday, January 25, 2014

Colin Kaepernick Learning On the Job

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick lost a disappointing NFC Championship game to the Seattle Seahawks. I share my thoughts on Kaepernick.

His early success is also his failures. Many 49er fans have high expectations for a player who played 1.5 full seasons. Perhaps, the expectations are too high. I can relate because of my early successes at my first jobs after college. The difference is Kaepernick doesn't take his starting role for granted; on the other hand, I took my jobs for granted. Kaepernick works hard on and off season doing his best to be a winner. I didn't work hard and I didn't improve my skills and knowledge.

The scouting report at the 2011 NFL Combine stated his weaknesses included lacking experience under center. He was slow to check down or throw quickly when blitzed. Hall of fame quarterback Joe Montana said Kaepernick must learn how to pass in the pocket. He must learn how to run the offense in the pocket. Make quick reads and choices. Read and observe the defense. Stay calm in the pocket instead of panicking early and running out of the pocket. Scan the field to find open receivers. He must learn how to play the game correctly.

Hall of fame quarterback Steve Young was a running quarterback. Young eventually learned how to pass and run the offense. His hard work and learning rewarded him with a Super Bowl championship in his 10th NFL season and one of the highest quarterback ratings careerwise. Montana won his first of four Super Bowls in his 3rd year.

Good Teachers

Kaepernick eventually learns the game and wins a Super Bowl. The coaches, teammates, veteran players, and support staff help Kaepernick become a successful quarterback. Successful people are dependent on good mentoring, good teaching, and good learning skills. Be patient. Success takes time. There are mistakes to be learned. There are successes to be improved.

There are new experiences and knowledge acquired only on the job. Kaepernick gains experience on the football field such as creating more big plays and developing patience. He already has an excellent physical body, quickness and speed to avoid sacks and getting first downs, and a strong throwing arm. Kaepernick is an important player that resulted in the 49ers playing in the NFC Championship in 2013 and 2014; moreover, he already has six post season games experience.

I believe Kaepernick is the San Francisco 49ers' future quarterback. He's going to win the franchise's sixth Super Bowl Championship in time. The 49er organization and the fans must wait. We are witnessing a young quarterback on the rise to stardom. We must grunt out the failures Kaepernick must learn. Patience is a virtue for which we are rewarded in time.

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