Colin Kaepernick Finally Looks Like Old Self in Bounce-Back Win

Colin Kaepernick was seemingly close to getting benched two weeks ago. Now he once again looks like someone who can consistently lead a team to victory.

One week after a tough loss to the New York Giants, the San Francisco 49ers finally ended their four-game slide with a 25-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens. At the center of this victory was Kaepernick, who threw for 340 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the team's second win of the year.

The 128.2 quarterback rating was Kaepernick's best since 2013.

One of the biggest differences was the quarterback's ability to complete deep passes with impressive accuracy. He gave his receivers a chance to make runs after the catch on throws to Bruce Miller (52-yard play) and Torrey Smith (76-yard touchdown) in the first half, and this continued throughout the game.

Over the past few years we have seen spurts of a quality deep ball out of Kaepernick but rarely was it thrown with any consistency. However, this game showed that he has the ability to succeed as a passer if he can replicate these types of throws on a regular basis.

Of course, the 27-year-old is more known for his running ability after compiling 1,163 rushing yards over the past two seasons. A first glance at the box score (10 rushing yards on three attempts) makes it seem like he was limited against the Ravens. Conversely, he was even better than usual with his ability to scramble to keep plays alive.

Arguably the best play of the game came on a 51-yard throw to Anquan Boldin in the fourth quarter:

Joe Fann of 49ers.com didn't hold back in his praise of that pass:

In past instances, Kaepernick would have moved out of the pocket and quickly put his head down to try to gain yards on the ground. With a defender right in front of him, this likely wouldn't have gone for more than five or 10 yards. This time around he focused on the receivers and made a perfect throw down the field.

He must have been studying Aaron Rodgers to be able to make this play.

Later on the same drive, Kaepernick found Quinton Patton in the end zone for what ended up being the deciding touchdown:

While it was fortunate that cornerback Shareece Wright fell down on the play to leave an open receiver, it still would not have been a score unless the quarterback stayed patient in the pocket. He didn't need to use his legs to pick up big yards, but he moved around enough to extend the play until he had an open receiver.

The top quarterbacks in the NFL make these types of plays. Kaepernick hasn't this season but is finally starting to come around.

Boldin had good things to say about his quarterback after the game:

This quote would ordinarily indicate a big rushing day, but instead we have seen the fifth-year player growing as a passer.

With 602 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions over the past two games, it's clear Kaepernick is heading in the right direction. The key is to keep it going against tougher defenses. Coming into Week 6, the Giants ranked dead last in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game, with the Ravens ranking just 25th. Josh McCown threw for 457 yards against this unit a week earlier.

The past two weeks shouldn't be overlooked, but we will need to see more to be convinced.

A Thursday night battle against the Seattle Seahawks will be the real test for Kaepernick. If he can continue his recent play with accurate throws, purposeful scrambles and limited mistakes, the 49ers will be in good shape going forward.

More importantly, the organization can keep faith that Kaepernick can remain the franchise quarterback of the future.

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