Thursday Night Football: Kaepernick, 49ers appear to be getting back on track

Before the 49ers routed the Rams 35-11 on Thursday night, we had a two-game reminder that Colin Kaepernick is still closer to a rookie quarterback than a polished passer. The 49ers also remembered that in St. Louis, and that’s what got him out of his mini slump.

It wasn’t the prettiest of performances by Kaepernick (15 of 23, 167 yards, 2 TDs), not close to what he did to the Packers in Week 1. Once again, the read option and his running ability (3 rushes, 11 yards) wasn’t a real factor.

But credit Jim Harbaugh and San Francisco’s coaching staff for learning that the dynamic dual threat on which the team leaned during last season’s run to the Super Bowl now needed something on which to lean.

It’s easy to forget Kapernick has made only 14 NFL starts, including playoffs. Much of that stems from how he spoiled us with his veteran-like confidence and strong, accurate passing to match during his late 2012 breakout.