Colin Kaepernick calls Stevie Johnson ‘unorthodox’

By Cory Buck | Aug 28, 2014

Aug 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Stevie Johnson (13) has the ball knocked away by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Chykie Brown (23) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Colin Kaepernick has perhaps the deepest group of wide receivers he’s enjoyed in his brief NFL career. However, skill alone doesn’t complete a pass. There’s an element of chemistry that must be mastered between quarterback and wide receiver. While Kap has that with Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin, things are still taking a while for the quarterback and offseason acquisition Stevie Johnson. Both parties insist that’s no cause for concern though.

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"“There are times that he’s going to make a move on a db, and you have to be ready because he’s also making a move that you have to see,” Kaepernick said per the Sacramento Bee. “So I think that’s something where it took a little bit longer just to get used to his body language because he had some unorthodox things that he does. But ultimately his separation is there, he’s getting open.”"

While certainly not the fastest receiver out there, Johnson conceded his style can be as confounding for defensive backs as it can be for his quarterback.

"“I’ve pretty much taken it upon myself to be unorthodox to make up for some things that other receivers have – you know, speed and quickness,” Johnson said. “I set up my routes a little different. It’s a gift and a curse. Because it can take some time to build chemistry with quarterbacks. But at the same time, the gift is that you know you can get open.”"

While some have questioned Johnson’s place on the roster, it’s hard to believe the 49ers would cut a guy they gave up a draft pick for before he even plays a meaningful game. Expect Jim Harbaugh to at least give Kaepernick and Johnson some time to build chemistry before making a decision on Johnson’s future with the team.