Gabbert Odd Man Out?
The San Francisco 49ers recently signed former first-round pick Christian Ponder to add depth to their quarterback competition. The Ponder move comes a bit of a surprise because the 49ers already have veterans Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert vying for the starting role. However, with Thad Lewis tearing his ACL in the first preseason game, Ponder’s signing became more eminent. Kaepernick has not played in the first two games to due shoulder stiffness, leaving open the door of Gabbert taking over the rankings in the depth chart. With the 49ers 31-24 victory over the defending Super Bowl champions Denver Broncos, the second preseason game should have coach Chip Kelly pondering if Ponder starts with Gabbert as the odd man out.
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Ponder was once considered to be the future in Minnesota. The former No. 12 overall pick by the Vikings in the 2011 NFL draft appeared in 38 games with 36 starts, throwing for 38 touchdowns against 36 interceptions over four seasons. He signed with Oakland and Denver last season but has not appeared in an NFL game since October, 2014. Since entering the league as the 10th overall pick in the same 2011 NFL draft, Gabbert has been a similar disappoint as Ponder. His career numbers (33 touchdowns against 31 interceptions) are nearly identical, with both of them having a quarterback rating in the 70s.
Gabbert became the default starter last year when Kaepernick was benched due to poor play. Even with Kaepernick’s track record of three playoffs, division titles and a Super Bowl appearance, he still has yet to play in a preseason game this year. Gabbert ended last season with a career night including 354 passing yards, one touchdown and a victory against the lowly St. Louis Rams.
But the growth expected was Gabbert needing to hit open receivers downfield and keep the chains moving. In the 49ers first two preseason games, Gabbert is 10-19 with shaky accuracy and a knack to settle for conservative passes. He has yet to take a sack but has failed to convert key third-down possessions. In Saturday’s game versus the Broncos, Gabbert threw the ball on the sidelines instead of taking a sack. He then threw short to tight end Garrett Celek on his second and final series. Both were third-down attempts, with the 49ers being forced to punt. Gabbert’s ineptitude to make the big plays could be the bane of his possible numbered days in red and gold. Ponder was just signed Tuesday and went on to throw for 86 yards, one touchdown while completing seven of eight passes. He had a 30-yard touchdown pass to Dres Anderson and also ran for a 22-yard score.
Ponder looks hungry. He’s been out of the league for a year and doesn’t look like a player too keen on playing for the practice squad. Kaepernick has history on his side to win the starting role. As for the backup, if Gabbert does not step up and at least attempt a pass longer than 30 yards, he could be the odd man out. Ponder makes sense as a backup because he fits Kelly’s role of a quarterback who can throw downfield and is capable of running.
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