By most accounts, Colin Kaepernick took a step back in 2014.
The 49ers young quarterback took more sacks, threw more interceptions and threw fewer touchdown passes than in 2013 as the Niners slumped to 8-8 and missed the playoffs.
Now Kaepernick and a new coaching staff are trying to turn things around.
Kaepernick took time this offseason to study under former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, sharpening his skills reading defenses and changing his mechanics to be more efficient.
Now new offensive coordinator Geep Chryst – formerly his quarterback coach – and new quarterback coach Steve Logan are trying to change the offense to allow Kaepernick to flourish.
At this week’s full-squad minicamp, Chryst said the changes seem to be creating positive results and that Kaepernick is “playing with a lot of confidence.”
One thing that seems to be helping is the emphasis on a faster tempo on offense, set by new head coach Jim Tomsula and Chryst.
In recent seasons, the 49ers offense has been plagued by delay-of-game penalties and other penalties on offense that proved to be costly, especially in 2014.
A seemingly simple change like operating at a quicker tempo could pay big dividends, says Chryst.
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“All athletes want to get into rhythm, and Kap’s a great rhythm athlete,” Chryst told reporters this week. “So one of the ways we can help him get into rhythm … get in and out of the huddle with some tempo and allow him to see what defenses are trying to do to take him away. He’s bright enough and experienced enough and veteran enough that I think he’s embracing that.”
The playbook, too, has been streamlined and the offense has again incorporated the running backs into the passing game – something not really embraced by former offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
Logan says Kaepernick is way too talented to not be successful, and believes he will be much more effective in 2015.
“He’s got a boatload of gifts to work with,” Logan said this week, referring to Kaepernick’s arm, quick feet and intelligence.
The changes have Kaepernick re-energized and ready to go.
Said Kaepernick this week, to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com: “I think with our new offensive coordinator, with our new quarterback coach, we’ve cleaned a lot of things up and made it more comfortable and friendly for players to be able to go out and make plays.”
