Every Monday, Greg Cosell is going to break down film of the 49ers for KNBR.
And so far, Blaine Gabbert is not passing Cosell’s test as a capable starting NFL quarterback.
“Somewhat similar to last week,” said the NFL Films executive producer. “A couple of really good throws, and then a lot of missed opportunities. He’s just at this point, not consistent enough. He’s very erratic with his accuracy. He’s continuing to leave throws on the field. He’s going to have to play better. He’s showing flashes here and there, but he’s so inconsistent with his decision-making and his accuracy. You don’t know what you are going to get. And that’s so hard for an offensive play-caller.”
Cosell brought up a sequence in the game that displays the inconsistency he speaks about. In the fourth quarter, trailing by just seven, Gabbert hits Vance McDonald for what would’ve been a huge gain — expect the tight end dropped the ball. But on the next play, Gabbert didn’t bounce back.
“That was a great, great throw to McDonald, and he should’ve caught that.” Cossell said. “Here’s a perfect example, the very next play he didn’t read the underneath coverage at all and he threw an interception trying to hit (Jeremy) Kerley from the inside slot on a little out cut. Number one, he didn’t read Kuechly, and he didn’t read the defender I think it was McClain who was coming inside, who probably would’ve intercepted it if Kuechly didn’t.”
But Gabbert was totally hung out to dry from the offensive line and the running backs.
“The one thing the Niners did not do, and I know this sounds silly to say, but they could not get up to the second-level to block Luke Kuechly. And if you can’t block Luke Kuechly, you can’t run the ball against Carolina,” Cosell said. “Obviously, it’s predominantly zone (running scheme), although they did mix in some power. But it’s a predominant zone run game and you are counting on the ability of the o-linemen to combo at the line of scrimmage and get up to the second-level. And they didn’t do that real well.”
Cosell gave some higher marks for defensive performances. Check out the entire podcast here.