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5 reasons Chip Kelly can work with the 49ers

By Nathaniel Reeves

Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles, 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles, 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) watches play on the sidelines during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) watches play on the sidelines during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

A chance to resurrect Colin Kaepernick’s career

Even when Kelly’s offense was working well, he never really had a quarterback that seemed to fit into his scheme perfectly. Nick Foles was fantastic in Kelly’s debut year before regressing in 2014 and being traded for Sam Bradford, who struggled in the Philadelphia offense, one of the main reasons Kelly was fired.

However, that could change next year with the 49ers. Kaepernick has the type of skill set that could work very will with Kelly’s scheme, provided San Francisco decides to hold on to him.

It’s not just that Kaepernick has much better mobility than Foles or Bradford, although that will certainly add a dynamic element that Kelly can use. Kelly’s offense features a lot of quick and defined reads, which could help Kaepernick overcome his weaknesses with progressions and decision-making.

Just two years ago, Kaepernick looked to be one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the game with an incredible physical skill set. Kaepernick’s regressed since then largely due to his poor decision-making, while injuries and a strained relationship with the team became concerns.

Kaepernick is the most talented NFL quarterback Kelly will have had to work with yet. If Kelly can get Kaepernick back to his previous level or better, which is very possible, the 49ers could be in business sooner than expected.

Next: He can improve San Francisco's biggest weakness

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