Kelly already sees Kaepernick improvement

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SANTA CLARA – In his second week handling the bulk of the team’s first-team practice snaps, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has shown noticeable improvements, according to his coach.

“Yeah, you can see that,” 49ers coach Chip Kelly said Thursday. “I think he played three snaps in the first game, but his last extensive playing time was in the San Diego game, which was our last preseason game, which was over six weeks ago. What you’re trying to do is get him into a rhythm.”

Kaepernick replaced Blaine Gabbert as the 49ers’ starting quarterback a week ago. He will make his second start of the season on Sunday when the 49ers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium.

“I think for any quarterback you’re just looking for consistency,” Kelly said. “The chemistry or the relationship that’s where the receivers are, knowing where, as they come out of their break, where they’re going to be. Is one guy a little bit sharper out of his cut? Is one guy a little bit deeper out of his cut?

“Obviously reading the defense as you go, but just getting a little bit more consistent, a little bit more familiar because he is getting more snaps. Sometimes when you’re the two that’s difficult because you’re not getting as many snaps.”

Kaepernick completed 13 of 29 pass attempts for 187 yards with one touchdown and no interception in the 49eres’ 45-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The game was played in 22 mph wind.

In speaking about Kaepernick’s attributes, Kelly said he believes his quarterback has the necessary throwing touch and anticipation.

“I think he does have anticipation. He does have the ability to throw guys open,” Kelly said. “There’s certain balls you have to put some touch on to throw and I’ve seen that displayed in practice. I think one of the things that’s difficult in terms of grading Colin just from the first game that he played in Buffalo is I don’t think anybody was really accurate. But a lot of that had to do with the weather.

“So, hopefully, back here in the friendly confines of Levi’s, we’ll be in a little bit better situation, a little bit better weather in terms of us throwing the football.”
 

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