It seems I’ve picked a popular time to pass judgment on Colin Kaepernick – the San Francisco air attack ranks 30^th in completion percentage, 32^nd in yardage, 32^nd in first-downs generated and 30^th in chunk gains of 20+. Hell, fire and brimstone are currently raining down on Kaepernick after his final drive choke in New Orleans. But the truth is his shortcomings have been apparent since his days at Nevada. Legs + strong arm are only but pieces (albeit large ones) to the quarterback puzzle. When it comes to analyzing natural instinct for the position and pocket intelligence/savvy, Kaepernick’s redeeming qualities all but shrivel up. Certain relevant statistics serve to illustrate his deficiencies behind center: [am4show have=’p9;p4;p7;p3;’ guest_error=’Front Office’ user_error=’Front Office’ ]

Accuracy %

Among quarterbacks who take at least 50% of their team’s snaps Kaepernick ranks 30^th in completion percentage (56.2%) and 25^th in accuracy (68.2%). These figures are in large part a result of forcing the ball into his comfort read, no matter what. It’s difficult to be accurate when your target is not open.

Under Pressure

Kaepernick has come under heat on 106 of 303 drop-backs, completing 35.4% of pressure passes (29^th of 29 qualifying QB’s) with an accuracy rate of 49.1% (also 29^th). Not exactly Mr. Cool, Calm and Collected in the pocket; quick to scramble and lacking awareness. His less than traditional mechanics and upright stance become spotlighted in the face of a pass rush.

Efficiency sans Play-Action

Nearly 28% of the 49ers passes come off the play-action game, where Kaepernick is completing 61% (20^th) of his throws with an NFL QB Rating of 106.4 (10^th). It’s on the definitive throwing downs that he’s struggled mightily. On 181 non-PA attempts, Kaepernick is hitting 54% of his passes (29^th) with an NFL QB Rating of 72.3 (25^th). Reading defenses is not his forte. The play-action, mostly notably alongside an effective run game, draws in creeping linebackers and clears out the middle of the field. This is critical for Kaepernick who needs to see his receiver come free, rather than anticipating the route. Late throws and stare downs are his modus operandi.

Time in Pocket

When Kaepernick hangs onto the ball for 2.6 seconds or more, trouble ensues. He’s connecting on 45% of his passes in such situations (28^th, ahead of only Tom Brady) with a QBR of 63.2 (27^th). Scanning the field is not a part of his vocabulary. If his primary receiver is not available, he’ll either scramble to buy time for a simple (no read required) throw, scramble to run, or get sacked (22 times).

I wrote a similarly negative toned article with Cam Newton as my case study back on October 10^th. Since that time, the Panthers are 6-0 and Newton has posted ten touchdowns against three interceptions. So, you see Kaepernick owners… I’ve written this article to set y’all up for the playoff run. Let the Kaep resurgence commence!

*All data & Premium Stats courtesy of ProFootballFocus.com*

Follow Adam on twitter @AdamGaneles for NFL analytics and breakdowns [/am4show]