Jim Tomsula and the 49ers have been eternal optimists all along. Considering the hole they started in, they almost had to be.
But according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, they are also optimistic that Colin Kaepernick still might be their franchise quarterback. This, despite the fact that they've benched him for Sunday's game against the Falcons.
The theory at work here is that Kaepernick just needs a breather. Blaine Gabbert could possibly do some damage against a banged-up Falcons defense and Kaepernick could eventually come in and be the resurgent hero as the games get tougher for Gabbert (the 49ers take on the Cardinals and the Seahawks after Atlanta).
There's no reason to think Kaepernick will stay marred in this slump forever. He was, at times, unstoppable during the Jim Harbaugh era and talent like that doesn't simply disappear.
But Tomsula and his staff need to figure out a way to build him back up again.
Believing this will happen in just a few weeks during a lost season while Gabbert tries to get it together takes eternal optimism, though. Then again, the 49ers have it by the truckload.
