DENVER -- Colin Kaepernick and the first-team San Francisco 49ers offense started off slow on Saturday night versus the Denver Broncos, needing three series to record their initial first down of the game.
But on the starters' final drive of the evening, a two-minute drill possession at the end of the first half, the 49ers marched 57 yards in eight plays over a minute and 32 seconds to get on the board with a Phil Dawson field goal.
The score allowed Kaepernick to exit the game, which the 49ers eventually lost, 19-12, with some optimism heading into Week 4 of the preseason.
"We have things to work on, but that's what the preseason is for, to make sure we work out the things we need to before we get to the regular season," Kaepernick said. "There's not any concern on this team. … We're seeing who we have at different positions."
Kaepernick finished his night 2-of-5 passing for 13 yards. The quarterback was sacked twice, including one in the end zone for safety, but he expressed faith in the team's offensive line.
"They're working hard. They're doing all of the right things to get where we need them to be for the season," Kaepernick said. "They're doing everything we've asked of them and they're working hard. So that's something that'll play itself out."
As proof of his protection's potential, Kaepernick pointed to his two long scrambles on Saturday night, one for 19 yards and the other for 34 yards.
"(It) always feels good to be in the open field. I feel like that's where I have the ability to make some plays," Kaepernick said. "Our offensive line did a great job to open up the rushing lane for me. They pushed the rush wide and that allowed me to step up and make those plays."
Although it's unclear whether or not Kaepernick will appear in the team's exhibition finale versus the San Diego Chargers, the quarterback appears to be confident as the regular season approaches.
