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San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick and Vernon Davis Rediscover Chemistry

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San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick and Vernon Davis chime together in OTAs

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The San Francisco 49ers have just started their second week of OTAs and fifth-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick is beginning to reconnect with his former favorite target, tight end Vernon Davis.

The once strong on-field relationship shared by both players in 2013, took a drastic downturn last season. Davis, whose production suffered the greatest, was hampered mostly early on by recurring injuries and struggles in the offense’s play-calling. As a result, the 31-year-old gradually began to disappear from the field and eventually became a non-factor towards the end of the season. He finished the year with 26 receptions for 245 yards and two touchdowns. A departure from his 52 receptions for 850 yards and 13 touchdowns the year before.

Vowing to bounce back from the worst season of his career, the nine-year veteran Davis has been putting together a series of strong practice sessions and is determined to be more involved in this year’s offseason workouts. He was also seen embracing a leadership role and assisting coach Tony Sparano in demonstrating routes to the younger tight ends.

Kaepernick, on the other hand, always maintained a leadership role since taking over as starter in 2012. However, inconsistency with accuracy and pocket passing mechanics hindered the young quarterback in his development in 2014. Completing only 60.5 percent of his passes for 3,369 yards last year, the 49ers’ quarterback led his team to an 8-8 record and failed in getting them to the playoffs for the first time in his short career.

“We didn’t have the season we wanted to last year. I could have played better last year; offensively, we should have played better last year. So, something had to change,” said Kaepernick.

Haunted by his performance, Kaepernick began showing signs of improvement since training with former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner at EXOS training facility earlier in the year.

Both players finally began to chime during Thursday’s practice. Kaepernick’s very first completion was a 25-yard side-armed pitch to Davis, who was open on a deep crossing route. Davis also hauled in a pair of touchdown receptions coming on two improvisational plays during the team’s red-zone drills.

“I feel like there’s been quite a bit of change,” Kaepernick said. “Obviously, it’s noticeable. Vernon said something to me right away when we started throwing. But I just want to do everything I can to make sure I’m getting better and doing my part to help this team win.”

Whether the two can actually translate their recaptured connection successfully onto the field, it is far too early in the season to speculate. With the simple fact that both have a history and will be participating in the full offseason program together, keeping these two on the same page will be key for the 49ers’ success this upcoming season.

James Forsythe is a 49ers Beat Writer at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter or add him to your network on Google.

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