Colin Kaepernick has fallen off so much as a quarterback that executives and quarterback coaches would prefer to have Derek Carr over him moving forward.
Former Eagles scout and current media member John Middlekauff published an article on The Sideline View talking about some 2015 NFL draft prospects. In the column, he also had an item on Carr and Kaepernick because their teams are facing each other on Sunday.
Middlekauff says he reached out to some NFL execs and quarterbacks coaches and it was unanimous (5-0) that all polled would rather have Carr than Kap. This is somewhat surprising given that Kaepernick is 4-2 in the playoffs and led the team to the Super Bowl and NFC championship game.
Here’s what Middlekauff writes:
It seems crazy because Kaepernick has won big games (4-2 in the playoffs) and has all the physical attributes you could want. But the consistent sentiment was he may just be what he is and some of his fundamental flaws will not change (accuracy/touch) over time. Kaps frenetic play is just something his coach and skill guys will have to learn to live with, it may not be something that changed.
Kaepernick seems to have declined since 2012 which was when he first took over as San Francisco’s quarterback. He posted a passer rating of 98.3 that year, 91.6 last year, and he’s at 87.8 this season. His rushing average has also declined in each season.
As for Carr, Middlekauff cites the rookie’s “pocket presence” and “natural development” over the season. He also says those he polled were “bullish” on the future of the Raiders quarterback.
Though I’m not as bullish about Carr’s future — the guy has the worst footwork for a QB this side of Jay Cutler — I am extremely disappointed with Kaepernick’s decline. He seemingly has every weapon available and he still is not posting standout numbers. He is consistently inaccurate and only seems to have one speed throwing the football — hard. Based on how he has declined, it’s not too surprising execs and coaches would rather have Carr for the future.
Helmet smack to Eye on Football
