After Colin Kaepernick was sacked six times in a loss against the Panthers on Nov. 10, he took a shot from an ex-quarterback.

In discussing Kaepernick’s 91-yard performance in a 10-9 defeat, ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer said the second-year starter became a “remedial” quarterback when his first read was taken away.

Two months later, Dilfer clarified the quote that inspired countless blogs (and a terse retort from Kaepernick) on a conference call this week.

“I went back and wish I could change that word, it was such a hot-button word,” Dilfer said. “I knew what I was talking about and stick by it.”

Dilfer went on to say, in effect, that the 49ers’ unsophisticated (remedial?) passing attack doesn’t call for Kaepernick to make many reads.

“What they do is circa 1970s passing game,” Dilfer said. “We’re going to run the ball, we’re going to play-action, and we’re going to play-action to get one or two guys open. If you get a defense that understands that and has ability to defend that (it’s a problem) … That’s what they are. They’re mad at me for saying that, but they don’t have a real complex passing game. Not a lot of layers to it. When you have that type of offense, the quarterback’s job — not his fault — is be the best possible QB with those plays.”

Of course, Kaepernick has been a very good quarterback since Dilfer dropped the “R” word on him. In his past eight games, he’s thrown 13 touchdowns and three interceptions, posted a 97.8 passer rating and a 7-1 record. That stretch has roughly coincided with the return of wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Without Crabtree, the 49ers had fewer than 305 yards in six of 11 games. Since his return, they’ve topped that total in six straight entering Sunday’s divisional-playoff game at Carolina.

“At time of the first Carolina game, I was disappointed with the way (Kaepernick) was playing,” Dilfer said. “From that moment on, he’s playing pretty well. Crabtree has helped and given them more dimensions. Colin has been more decisive and willing to throw into tighter windows.

“Early in season, there wasn’t much separation and he wasn’t pulling trigger … The best thing he’s doing is letting it rip and making big-time throws into contested coverage.”

Dilfer, a former 49ers quarterback who lives in the Bay Area, hasn’t spoken with Kaepernick since making his “remedial” comment. At the time, Kaepernick responded by saying: “I think you should ask him if he knows what my progression is first before he says that.”

Said Dilfer this week: “I have not talked to Colin. I still have my player hat on enough to know that I wouldn’t want someone who criticized me to confront me. To save myself and him, I haven’t done that. I love the kid, he knows I love him. I think he’s a great competitor.”