After a 0-2 start, some Cincinnati Bengals players believe the team should consider drastic changes, including the signing of free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick as the replacement for starting signal-caller Andy Dalton. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk said the Bengals’ leash on Dalton is now short following their 20-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and a 13-9 defeat to the Houston Texans.
According to Florio, some Bengals players are convinced that the team should “go off the board and consider bringing in Colin Kaepernick.” Earlier, Florio reported that there was a “near mutiny” after the Bengals lost to the Texans. The incident forced Bengals coach Marvin Lewis to fire offensive coordinator Ken Zampese and promote Bill Lazor to the position.
The Bengals’ disastrous start was partly blamed on Dalton, who failed to toss a touchdown pass and had four interceptions in their first two defeats. Aside from Dalton’s struggles, the Bengals’ offensive line allowed five sacks to the Ravens and three to the Texans.
Last season, Kaepernick tossed for 2,241 yards, and 16 touchdown passes with just four interceptions for the San Francisco 49ers. However, he did not draw interest in the summer due to his kneeling during the national anthem last season. Kaepernick’s running ability could also be a plus for the Bengals.
Kaepernick ready to play
When asked by Shaun King of Fair Punishment Project if he’s committed to play football this season, Kaepernick said he’s ready to suit up “right now.” Kaepernick said he’s never stopped working out and improving his game, in case he receives the much-awaited offer. Cris Carter of Fox Sports 1 said Kaepernick is “absolutely in football shape.” Earlier, the Seattle Seahawks and the Baltimore Ravens expressed interest in Kaepernick but he was not signed to a deal.
Brady hopes Kaepernick get chance to play
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hopes that Kaepernick will get his chance to join an NFL team. “He accomplished a lot in the pros as a player. And he's certainly qualified, and I hope he gets a shot,” Brady told CBS This Morning when asked about Kaepernick, who has a 28-30 record as a starter in the regular season and 4-2 in the playoffs. He also led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2012, but they lost to the Ravens. In 69 career games, Kaepernick completed 1,011 of 1,692 passes for 12,271 yards and 72 touchdowns with 30 interceptions. He also ran for 2,300 yards and 13 touchdowns.