Colin Kaepernick talks red zone, 49ers offensive identity and more

As a leader of the team, how much were you in tune with what was going on with LB Ahmad Brooks on Sunday?

"I was worried about the offense, trying to get us ready."

After the fact, have you talked to Ahmad or anything like that?

"The coaches handle that."

You stay out of it?

"Not my business."

If it was somebody on the offensive side of the ball, though, would you find time to speak to him?

"Yes."

How come you don't throw the ball to TE Vernon Davis in the red zone anymore?

"Depends what the defense is doing."

This week's matchup against Washington, what are you seeing from them as far as their pass rush. Washington LB Ryan Kerrigan's really strong. What are you seeing?

"Very good defense. Multiple looks. Do a lot of things and do them well."    

What about Washington QB Robert Griffin III? Do you feel like he's lost a step or is he still a threat on his feet?

"I just worry about their defense."

Can you talk to us a little bit about the growth from C Marcus Martin? His first start is his first NFL game coming off injury. How have you seen him grow in the middle of that line just in the two, three games he's started?

"He's been great. Really since he stepped in, he's been doing a very good job. Continues to improve, continues to build confidence. He's going to be a great player."

Was there something in the New Orleans game when he was in the dome and a lot of times you guys have to go with the silent count just for him to have to take on that responsibility early?

"Yeah, that was his first time doing it and in a very tough place to do it, and was very successful with everything that he did."

Would you rather have a coach that praises you constantly in the media or points out deficiencies that you need to correct?

"I want a coach that tells me what I need to do to win."

What about in front of the media?

"Doesn't matter."

Doesn't matter? So the way Washington head coach Jay Gruden called out RGIII this week with his footwork and what he says to the team, would that bother you as a player if head coach Jim Harbaugh did that?

"I'm going to do whatever it takes to help this team win."

Earlier in the year, people were saying this team didn't have an identity. Do you think it has an identity and can you characterize it?

"I think we're a team that's going out to win. That's the only thing that really matters to us. We don't care how we do it or what it looks like."

With the challenges you've had in the second half, particularly the fourth quarter, you haven't thrown a touchdown pass, you've been lighting it up earlier in the game, can you attribute it to anything or point to anything?

"No, we just have to be more successful."

This time last year, you guys were 6-4. You're 6-4 this year. What's the big difference between this year and last year?

"It's a new year. Different schedule, different teams. This team is different. So, we have to take it one game at a time."

The red zone offense is ranked 31^st in the league this year. Last year, it was in the top half of the league. What has been the issue in the red zone this season?

"Execution."

So you've got to take it one at a time. Do you feel that you guys could be on a hot roll here to finish?

"We have to be."

Do you feel that this team needs to put together, offensively, kind of just a complete win, where it's a solid game all the way through? Is that a goal of yours in this offense?

"We want to do as much as we can on offense, put up as many points as we can, but ultimately, if we win, that's all that matters."

How do you think you've been playing of late?

"Need to play better."

Can you point to anything?

"Plays here and there we have to be better on."

Why do you think consistency has eluded you at times? You make some brilliant throws and then throws that are not as good as the others.

"It's part of football. It's always a work in progress. Trying to do the best I can out there."