In wake of the 2017 NFL season kicking off, here at TSFJ, we provided the first edition of the Kaepernick Rankings as Colin Kaepernick has yet to find a new NFL home. As we saw last week, the quarterback play across the league was mediocre, and when the QB play is mediocre, it has a resounding impact on the entire team. Improving the QB play is similar to upgrading the groupset on your bike, as tweaks to shifters and breaks can improve your ride performance and enjoyment.
This week's edition lowlights new and familiar quarterbacks who continually deteriorate the performance and overall enjoyment for their teams and the fans. Let's take a look at Week 2 of "this guy is really a starter in the NFL?".
The Player: Brian Hoyer, San Francisco 49ers
The Box Score: 15/27, 99 Yards, 1 INT, 7.8 QBR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoqNNJw08sw?rel=0Surprise, Surprise, look who's back on our list! In the first two weeks of Kyle Shanahan's head coaching career, it's safe to say he could use Kaepernick. The 49ers surprisingly battled back and forth with the NFC West juggernaut Seattle Seahawks only to lose in heartbreaking fashion, 12-6. The defense showed up to play, Carlos Hyde ran wild for 124 yards, but Hoyer couldn't throw a rock in the ocean. For most of the game, Hoyer spent time trying to dink-and-dunk to his backs and receivers in trying to avoid Richard Sherman and 'the Legion of Boom.' His 3.7 yards per attempt is a clear sign that he could not move the ball when the team needed it most.
In two games, the 49ers have yet to score a touchdown. At this rate the Niners will need a new quarterback sooner, rather than later. Does anyone have Tim Rattay or J.T. O'Sullivan's phone number? Better yet, just call Kap.
The Player: Case Keenum, Minnesota Vikings
The Box Score: 20/37, 137 yards, 24.7 QBR
The former H-Town gunslinger was pressed into action after Sam Bradford was on the mend nursing a knee injury. Keenum faced a stout Pittsburgh Steelers defense and as you might expect, he did not play well. Like Hoyer, he gained only 3.7 yards per pass and he completed less than 55 percent of his passes. With Bradford's status for Week 3 unknown, Keenum will need the likes of Robert Smith, Jake Reed, Cris Carter and Randy Moss to prevent him from having a similar outing like last week. We know that isn't happening, therefore it's likely we'll see his name on this list again next week.
The Player: Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Box Score: 20/34 223 yards, 1 TD, 3 turnovers (2 interceptions, 1 lost fumble) 10.4 QBR
Trying to explain to people why Blake Bortles is still our QB... pic.twitter.com/nldAelhfr1
— Sean. (@Way2FengShui) September 20, 2017
The Blake Bortles experience has been one of a kind. There are times when he looks like a franchise quarterback and in other moments he doesn't look like he belongs in the NFL. That said, four years into his NFL career, he's yet to show that he can be consistent.
The first two weeks indicate the full paradox of Bortles. After leading the Jags to a victory in Week 1, the real Bortles reared its head as he had three costly turnovers against the AFC South rival Tennessee Titans. I know Jaguars GM Tom Coughlin doesn't want anything to do with Kaepernick, but he should take former Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew's advice and bring him on board.
The Player: DeShone Kizer, Cleveland Browns, 3.7 QBR
The Box Score: 15/32 182, 4 turnovers (3 interceptions, 1 lost fumble)
After a rather promising start in a losing effort against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, the Browns faithful felt they have the quarterback of the future. While that may still be the case, Kizer resembled former Cleveland Browns great Spergon Wynn against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.
The Player: Ryan Nassib, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Box Score: N/A
Here is the look of one concerned Jags fan after learning that Ryan Nassib - he of just nine total passes in his NFL career - was signed over Kaepernick.
The former Syracuse Orange quarterback didn't play in Week 2, but his signing further indicates that Kap is being blackballed from the NFL.
#FreeKap
