Blaine Gabbert to remain 49ers starter

Blaine Gabbert will remain the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers after their Week 10 BYE.

The Blaine Gabbert era is underway in the city by the bay. After beating the Atlanta Falcons 17-16 on Sunday afternoon, the former first round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars generated enough of a spark on offense to earn the starting job. The offense floundered under previous starter Colin Kaepernick, who may actually be on the way out of San Francisco.

In his first start in over two years, Gabbert completed 15-of-25 passes for 185 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Both of his touchdown passes went to new starting tight end Garrett Celek down in the Falcons’ red zone. Neither of his picks were especially terrible. Wide receiver Jerome Simpson bobbled a sure-catch on the first and rookie outside linebacker somehow came down with the grab for the second.

Blaine Gabbert most importantly gave the 49ers energy on offense that it had not had all season. People tend to forget why Jacksonville traded up to get him with the tenth overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. Gabbert is a good athlete that throws a catchable ball and is nimble in and around the pocket.

It seems as though Gabbert realizes this is his last opportunity to start in the NFL and he has to make the most of it. In his personal Super Bowl, he helped his team beat the 6-2  Falcons in their final game before their BYE. Gabbert has emphasized that he is “one of eleven” out there and his teammates are responding to his leadership. Gabbert said the following after his first win since Week 3 of 2012,

"“I’m so appreciative for this opportunity. I just wanted to go out there today and just have fun. You play well when you’re having fun and that’s the biggest thing.”"

In what might actually be an infinitely better situation than the one he was in with Jacksonville, Gabbert now has his opportunity extended, as he will start for the 49ers when the take on the Seattle Seahawks at Century Link in two weeks.