Joe Montana thinks Colin Kaepernick needs to improve as pocket passer

Colin Kaepernick (left) has 31 career TD passes, 242 less than Joe Montana (right). (Michael Zagaris/Getty Images)

Colin Kaepernick is one win away from leading the 49ers to their second straight Super Bowl appearance in his second season as a starter.

But former 49ers great Joe Montana, who won four Super Bowls (including three MVP performances), told USA Today on Thursday that Kaepernick has room to improve, especially in the pocket.

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"I like his mobility and that he's getting the ball downfield," Montana said. "But sometimes he needs to be more accurate in the pocket with pressure.

"The game is changing. Nobody wants to throw with pressure anymore. But the guys who can win in this league are the ones who can make throws from the pocket."

Montana, who said he thinks San Francisco has a good chance to win Sunday's NFC Championship Game in Seattle, said Kaepernick needs to find a way to fit throws into tight windows.

"He'll make some," Montana said of Kaepernick, "but a lot of times guys are wide open, and he misses them."

Kaepernick is 4-1 in the postseason with 10 touchdowns (six passing, four rushing) and three interceptions.

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