By: Joe Lami

AP file photo: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick gets set to launch one against the Buffalo Bills will get his second call to start this Sunday at Levis Stadium against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–On Friday, ESPN released it’s annual rank of the 122 professional sports franchises in North America. Ranked 122nd, the San Francisco 49ers. Who would have thought that the franchise would ever fall so low?

This is rock bottom for the once great 49ers. This season, it’s been all struggles for 1-5 team. On Sunday, they hope that newly named quarterback Colin Kaepernick can have consistency at the position to lead to some success. During practice, his reps have tripled with the first team, which can lead to more success with finding some chemistry with his receivers.

The first half hasn’t been the issue for San Francisco. They have been able to keep it close in most of their games. It’s been the second half where things have really fallen apart for the red and gold. The key indicator of this could be the defense is just gassed by the second half, due to Chip Kelly’s high-tempo offense.

If this continues to happen, it may be time for Kelly to abandon his patented system and go to one that actually works for one of the weakest rosters in the NFL.

In town is the 2-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are coming off a big win over the Carolina Panthers 17-14. Bucs QB, Jameis Winston has mediocre numbers at best this season throwing nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. The 49ers secondary may have a chance to shut down the sophomore.

Sunday provides another great chance for the 49ers to get out of the cellar, but if they continue to play poor in the second half, it will be another long day for fans in Santa Clara.