Colin Kaepernick focused on winning in Atlanta after riding bench vs. Falcons last year

Colin Kaepernick resumed the starting role at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills. Since that time, the Niners have lost every single game. San Francisco has gone winless since Week 1 against the Rams, with Blaine Gabbert as the starter.

Kaepernick is still looking for his first win of the season when the 49ers visit the Atlanta Falcons this week.

Last season was also a tough one in San Francisco, and the Niners finished 5-11. One of those five wins came against the Falcons, and the 49ers walked away with a 17-16 victory. It was the first game Kaepernick spent on the bench, watching Blaine Gabbert take over the starting job.

At the time, then-head coach Jim Tomsula said benching Kaepernick wasn’t a permanent decision, and that the starter would be decided week to week. Kaepernick did not start again until current 49ers head coach Chip Kelly made the change prior to Week 6 this season.

San Francisco is coming off of a close loss to the New York Jets in Week 14, which was the team’s 12th loss in a row. Kaepernick said on a conference call with the Atlanta media on Wednesday the Niners will have to stay focused to try and beat Atlanta.

“You know, it’s something that we have to be able to battle through,” Kaepernick said. “We have to continue to refocus, adjust what we’re doing, make sure we’re preparing every week to go out and try to get a win.”

Kaepernick said the transition back to starting hasn’t been a challenge for him. He has prepared all along like he was going to start.

“It’s been football. For me, I go out to practice every day like I’m going to be a starter, whether I was or wasn’t,” Kaepernick said. “So it’s been a smooth transition, but once again, our focus right now is trying to get a win and make sure we’re doing everything we can to go out this Sunday and get a win.”

On Sunday, Kaepernick and the 49ers offense face a Falcons defense that is coming off of a fearsome performance against the Los Angeles Rams. Outside linebacker Vic Beasley had three sacks and a forced fumble that he returned for a touchdown, and the Falcons added two more forced fumbles and two interceptions.