Colin Kaepernick, Matt Barkley combined for the worst first quarter in 28 years

Sure, go ahead and blame the snow.

But are we really saying that weather — not quarterback skill — is the reason the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers failed to complete a pass for the first 22 minutes, 19 seconds of the game at Soldier Field?

Yes, people, Colin Kaepernick and Matt Barkley were a combined 0-for-3 passing in the first quarter, and Kaepernick finally completed a pass (for 4 yards) with 7:41 remaining in the second quarter. The 49ers threw on the first play of the game and then ran the ball the next 18 plays. Barkley finally completed a pass with 1:35 left in the half. Hope you took the under.

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In case you were wondering, it has been almost 30 years since two NFL teams failed to complete a first-quarter pass.

That game was a battle between Doug Flutie and Ken O’Brien, and they combined to complete 17-of-50 passes for 212 yards with a TD and three INTs. The quarterbacks Sunday — there were three who played — combined for 16-for-33 passing for 231 yards.

Kaepernick was benched in the fourth quarter of the 49ers’ 26-6 loss to the Bears after finishing his outing 1-for-5 passing for 4 yards and five sacks. Gabbert was little better. He finished 4-of-10 passing for 35 yards, taking a safety in the final minutes. (And no joke, Barkley ended up having a solid little game. For real.)

Kaepernick had been hot prior to Sunday, and Barkley hasn’t been as bad as we thought he might be taking over for an injured Jay Cutler. But the wintry start for both of them Sunday was quite the story.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!

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