Chip Kelly Evaluates Blaine Gabbert"s Performance against Dallas Cowboys

Two Blaine Gabbert Scrambles Sets Up Carlos Hyde"s Goal Line TD! | Cardinals vs. 49ers | NFL

Chip Kelly told reporters that Blaine Gabbert played pretty well in a 24-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4. The San Francisco 49ers head coach reiterated that sentiment in his press conference on Monday.

Gabbert completed 16-of-23 pass attempts for 196 yards, one touchdown and one interception on Sunday. Kelly cited the quarterbacks 29-yard completion in the third quarter to Garrett Celek as evidence of Gabberts solid afternoon.

San Franciscos starting signal-caller threaded a pass to Celek downfield near the right sideline to beat tight coverage.

Thats as good a throw as youre going to see in this league, Kelly said. I mean, if I was coaching on the defensive side of the ball for Dallas, I dont know what to tell (Cowboys linebacker) Sean Lee. I dont think he could be any closer in coverage to him.

Gabbert wasnt shy about calling his own number in the running game, either. The quarterback posted 12 carries for 27 rushing yards. Most of those runs were decisions to keep the ball on zone-read plays. The Cowboys were aggressive on stopping Carlos Hyde, which meant the defensive ends were crashing inside. That left things open for Gabbert running wide.

Kelly said Gabbert could have had more yards on the ground had things been blocked on the edge properly.

I dont think our guys did a good job (to help Gabbert) out there, Kelly said. I thought he made some good decisions in the run game, but we didnt block up the guys that were coming who were responsible for the quarterback. Weve got to do a little bit better job on that but thats not Blaines issue."

Gabberts blemish on the day was a key interception in the fourth quarter when the signal-caller was looking to hit Torrey Smith on a deep post down the middle of the field. Smith had a few steps of separation on Dallas cornerback Morris Claiborne, but Gabbert underthrew his receiver and Claiborne came down with the pick.

Torrey did a nice job on the route, Kelly said. I think Blaine said it yesterday. He was behind him in the throw and he needs to put the ball out in front of him. He just missed on the throw.

Smith finished the game with just one reception for four yards. Kelly said hes not concerned by the lack of production from his top receiver. The coach mentioned that the 49ers figured theyd have an advantage in the middle of the field with Celek and slot receiver Jeremy Kerley.

Both of those targets were able to make the most of their matchups. Celek set career highs with five catches for 79 yards. Kerley caught six passes for 88 yards and a career long, 33-yard touchdown reception.

Were taking advantage of whats going on, Kelly said. I think we knew going into the game, we thought the matchups inside were going to be beneficial to us.

Source: http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/Chip-Kelly-Evaluates-Blaine-Gabberts-Performance-against-Dallas-Cowboys/a719cf93-1ada-4a9f-9465-4c4fe3558f98