Joe Montana discusses Kaepernick’s evolution

San Francisco 49ers’ legendary quarterback Joe Montana gave his assessment of current Niners QB Colin Kaepernick to 95.7 The Game’s ‘Wheelhouse’ show earlier in the week.  Kaepernick had been going through some perceived struggles early on in the season, but has since seemed to have turned a corner.

Montana pointed to the differences in Kaepernick’s collegiate system at Nevada to that of the 49ers as one of the sources of his early difficulties.

"“He’s trying to transition from an offense that relies on him running the ball to one that tries to keeps him in the pocket,” Montana said, via Taylor Price at 49ers.com. “He’s definitely talented enough to do it and has the ability, it’s just getting used to doing it.”"

The Hall of Famer also pointed to the possibility that Kaepernick starting his first year under-center – and not as Alex Smith’s backup – could have played a role in his struggles.

"“There’s always a difference when you start off a year,” Montana said. “It’s a little different mindset and you know you’ve got all these games ahead of you. You’re going to have ups and downs. No matter who it is, you’re gonna see that every quarterback in the league goes through this, it’s not just Colin going through that.”"

Of course in Montana’s first full-year as the starter in San Francisco the 49ers won the Super Bowl – it’s unfair to really compare anyone to him.  Time will tell what will happen with Kaepernick.

Montana believes that once Kap gets use to being a pocket passer, the QB’s scrambling opportunities will open up.

"“I think that’s the biggest transition for him,” Montana said.“The worst part about it is everyone is talking to him about it, so it’s not like he can relax and let it go and not think about it because everyone brings it up to him every day.”"