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Sam Bradford Vs. Colin Kaepernick: Who Needs A Great Year?

By Erik Lambert

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August 1, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during training camp at Levi

Several teams around the NFL can be considered fringe teams this year.  Those are teams that look like they could be a playoff contender or just as easily put in a bid for a top 5 draft pick.  Much that depends on what they’re able to get from the quarterback position.

Two prime examples for 2015 are the Philadelphia Eagles with Sam Bradford and San Francisco 49ers with Colin Kaepernick.

Both teams missed the playoffs last season but were in the hunt most of the year.  Thus far the off-season has only brought on more questions but at the same time put the two young passers in prime position to have breakout seasons.  The question becomes which team hinges more on that happening?

Philadelphia

Keep this in mind.  The Eagles fielded one of the worst defenses in the league last season and also played most of it with Mark Sanchez at quarterback.  Yet they still managed to go 10-6 and barely missed the playoffs.  Since then they have worked to improve defensively, adding Byron Maxwell among others to the secondary.

Also throw in 1st round pick Nelson Agholor alongside Jordan Matthews, tight end Zach Ertz and running back DeMarco Murray and this is an offense that gives Bradford plenty of options.  With Chip Kelly calling the plays it’s hard to imagine a bad season out of the 27-year old.  Provided he stays healthy of course.

San Francisco

Much of the old guard is gone including Frank Gore, Justin Smith and Patrick Willis.  The defense suffered an amazing series of losses including several key role players like Chris Borland, Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox.  Even with the return of NaVorro Bowman, it’s hard to image the 49ers being able to lean on this unit like in years past.

Thankfully running back Carlos Hyde seems ready to replace Gore in the backfield, and the arrival of Torrey Smith should provide a big boost to the receiving corps.  Still, with the Seahawks and Cardinals lurking in that division, it will take more than running the ball and good defense to reach January.

That is why Colin Kaepernick needs the better season.

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