QB says his transition to starter was smooth
An edited transcript of an interview with 49ers starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert:
Q: Have you noticed that the game has slowed down for you in any material way in San Francisco as opposed to Jacksonville?
A: I think the more repetitions you get in a game, the more you play, the more comfortable you’ll be. That’s when things start slowing down; it’s the more you play. We’ve done some good things the last couple of games, but we’re looking to build on that and get better.
Q: What does this mean to you, Blaine? You had to wait to get your shot, you got it and you’re playing well.
A: I’m really appreciative of the opportunity. It means a lot to start for a football team; there are only 32 starters in the league and those jobs don’t come available very often, so when you have your opportunity you’ve got to make the most of it, and that’s what I’m trying to do right now.
Q: Has it been an easy transition for you? Have you found the transition jarring for you in any way or has it been a smooth transition for you?
A: I think it’s been smooth so far. The mind-set I’ve taken is just to take it day by day. Focus on the details. Pay attention to the little things. Don’t get ahead of yourself. At the end of the day, you’ve got to practice well because practice is how you prepare for games.
Q: What about the process of getting on the same page with the line, with the protections when you aren’t getting reps in the offseason and during the season because you’re a backup? How difficult of a process is that?
A: It depends. When I was the backup, I had to rely on the scout team defense because the starter gets the majority of reps throughout the week. For those weeks working with the scout team, I treated those reps like game reps. That’s kinda how I approached things and it’s worked out.
Q: I’m not sure if you read it or not, but Joe Montana said you’re a keeper and the 49ers shouldn’t let you get away. What does that mean coming from a quarterback many consider to be the best that’s ever played the game?
A: His opinion carries a lot of weight. It’s a nice comment to hear, but at the same time I’m just focused in on this week and the things that I can control and continue to improve the rest of the season.
Q: On your 44-yard touchdown run (against Chicago on Sunday), about 8 or 9 yards into the run, did you fake like you were going to slide and then keep running or was that my imagination?
A: Probably your imagination. Quinton Patton made a great block and kind of sealed the corner and when I saw that I was one-on-one with the safety, and I knew we needed a big play on offense, so I did my best to set him up and beat him with speed, and luckily it worked out.
Q: At what point did you know you were going to score?
A: Once I was in the open field I felt I had a pretty good chance to make him miss, and luckily I didn’t get hit.