Colin Kaepernick's last pass in an NFL game still isn't as long ago as the length of time until his next pass in an NFL game, but the hype machine continues to roll about his new mechanics.
SFGate.com speculated earlier this week that the San Francisco 49ers offense, not their defense, could be the strength of the franchise in 2015. Kaepernick's offseason workouts are part of that rationale.
49ers tight end Vernon Davis gushes over "changed" Colin Kaepernick during offseason
SFGate.com reported that head coach Jim Tomsula, Kaepernick and safety Antoine Bethea spoke with the media last week, which much of the conversation focused on the quarterback's offseason work trying to improve in the pocket.
"The discussion with reporters mainly centered on Kaepernick's improved throwing mechanics; Kaepernick spent the first part of the off-season in a throwing camp in Arizona," SFGate.com wrote. "Tight end Vernon Davis was astonished when he saw Kaepernick's quick drops and clean mechanics. Should that carry into the regular season, Kaepernick could be far better than last year."
SFGate.com gave other reasons for offensive optimism: the fact that Davis won't hold out this year like he did in 2014 and seems more motivated; the arrival of deep-threat wide receiver Torrey Smith; and the three-headed running back monster of Carlos Hyde, Kendall Hunter and free-agent acquisition Reggie Bush actually could represent an improvement over the 49ers' longtime top running back, Frank Gore, who bolted for the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason.
"Conversely on defense, the team lost its two starting cornerbacks, two starting inside linebackers, and possibly two starting defensive ends if Justin Smith retires," SFGate.com reported of the defense. "Even if he doesn't, he is likely to play less than he did last year and probably not be as effective.
"The biggest loss, however, maybe defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and secondary coach Ed Donatell; both had a particular knack for putting players in the right places at the right time."
That puts a lot of pressure, not only on new defensive coordinator Eric Mangini, but also on Kaepernick, who has indeed become the face of the franchise. As Kurt Warner publicly wondered, will Kaepernick stay with his newfound talent or revert back to relying strictly on his athletic ability to make a play?
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