As Blaine Gabbert struggles to do even the most basic things for the San Francisco 49ers, many have been calling for Colin Kaepernick to start in his stead. However, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, some 49ers players believe Christian Ponder is the best option to start, not Kaepernick.
“Ponder is the best option for quarterback on the roster,” said a locker-room source.
While this may seem outrageous, considering Ponder’s history as a starter in the NFL, it may not be as crazy as it sounds.
Maiocco also conveyed the thoughts of one player, who “questioned Kaepernick’s commitment, pointing to the weight he has been unable to regain in the four months since the conclusion of the team’s offseason program.”
Indeed, Kaepernick remains a bit on the lean side. This has been something head coach Chip Kelly has reminded reporters in the past when Kaepernick’s name is brought up (more on that here).
Ponder’s career record as a starter in the NFL stands at 14-21-1. That’s not good. But when matched up against Gabbert’s atrocity of a record — 9-31 — it starts looking a bit more attractive.
Furthermore, Ponder actually looked great during his preseason action.
With that in mind, perhaps the 49ers are ready to make a switch at quarterback, as Kelly insinuated Thursday night, after all. But perhaps it won’t be the guy we all figured was next in line for a shot in Kelly’s quarterback-friendly system.
Stay tuned. Things are getting interesting in Santa Clara.