One of Elvis Presley’s many legendary songs contains words within the lyrics that
say “only fools rush in.”
say “only fools rush in.”
Though newly acquired Jimmy Garoppolo has looked outstanding in his first two
starts at quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers, first-year head coach Kyle Shanahan
told Bay Area media that the franchise would not begin discussions for a new contract for
Garoppolo until after the 2017 season. San Francisco general manager John Lynch also
confirmed that the franchise has not yet begun talks of contract extensions.
starts at quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers, first-year head coach Kyle Shanahan
told Bay Area media that the franchise would not begin discussions for a new contract for
Garoppolo until after the 2017 season. San Francisco general manager John Lynch also
confirmed that the franchise has not yet begun talks of contract extensions.
The 49ers acquired Garoppolo from the New England Patriots for a second round pick
earlier this season. Garoppolo spent much of his first four seasons as the understudy to
future Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady. Despite the advancing age of 40, Brady is still playing
at a high level and has the Patriots as the favorite to win their sixth Super Bowl, which
would tie the Pittsburgh Steelers for most in NFL history.
earlier this season. Garoppolo spent much of his first four seasons as the understudy to
future Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady. Despite the advancing age of 40, Brady is still playing
at a high level and has the Patriots as the favorite to win their sixth Super Bowl, which
would tie the Pittsburgh Steelers for most in NFL history.
Garoppolo is set to be a free agent after the season but given what San Francisco gave
up to get him, the 27-year old likely will be the 49ers quarterback for the immediate
foreseeable future.
up to get him, the 27-year old likely will be the 49ers quarterback for the immediate
foreseeable future.
After spending four weeks getting acclimated to his new teammates and Shanahan’s
system that contains more verbiage than the Gettysburg Address, Garoppolo has infused
life into the team by leading the 49ers to road wins the last two weeks: 15-14 over Chicago
and 26-16 over Houston. In those two starts, Garoppolo has completed 46 of 70 passes
for 627 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. One of those interceptions was closer
to being a fumble because Bears safety Kyle Fuller yanked the ball out of 49er receiver
Louis Murphy’s hands.
system that contains more verbiage than the Gettysburg Address, Garoppolo has infused
life into the team by leading the 49ers to road wins the last two weeks: 15-14 over Chicago
and 26-16 over Houston. In those two starts, Garoppolo has completed 46 of 70 passes
for 627 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. One of those interceptions was closer
to being a fumble because Bears safety Kyle Fuller yanked the ball out of 49er receiver
Louis Murphy’s hands.
Garoppolo’s performance coupled with two 49er wins that improved the team to 3-10 had
fans and even talk show hosts suggesting San Francisco should sign him to a long term
contract now. The question is, will they sign him to say a five-year deal or will they use the
franchise tag? The designated franchise player will have his one-year salary guaranteed if
he elects to play for the team that designated him with the franchise tag and if he does not
negotiate a contract with another team.
fans and even talk show hosts suggesting San Francisco should sign him to a long term
contract now. The question is, will they sign him to say a five-year deal or will they use the
franchise tag? The designated franchise player will have his one-year salary guaranteed if
he elects to play for the team that designated him with the franchise tag and if he does not
negotiate a contract with another team.
Looking beyond his statistics, Garoppolo passes the eyeball test. It is readily apparent he
has been coached up by the likes of Bill Belichick (Patriots head coach) and Josh McDaniels
(Patriots offensive coordinator). It is equally apparent that he has learned both fundamentally
and preparation habits from Brady.
has been coached up by the likes of Bill Belichick (Patriots head coach) and Josh McDaniels
(Patriots offensive coordinator). It is equally apparent that he has learned both fundamentally
and preparation habits from Brady.
The moment does not seem to big for Garoppolo in that he appears poised, can process
information quickly, read defenses and has enough functional athleticism to extend plays.
The only question one should have is durability.
information quickly, read defenses and has enough functional athleticism to extend plays.
The only question one should have is durability.
Since the 49ers were very unwatchable in 2015 and 2016, going 5-11 under Jim Tomsula
and 2-14 under Chip Kelly respectively, it’s understandable why fans are excited about
Garoppolo. In Shanahan’s first season, the 49ers have lost five games by three points or fewer.
and 2-14 under Chip Kelly respectively, it’s understandable why fans are excited about
Garoppolo. In Shanahan’s first season, the 49ers have lost five games by three points or fewer.
The 49ers are smart to wait until after the season to negotiate a new contract. For openers,
you want to see if he doesn’t get hurt because if he can’t go five games without getting hurt
than going 16 will be exceedingly difficult.
you want to see if he doesn’t get hurt because if he can’t go five games without getting hurt
than going 16 will be exceedingly difficult.
Garoppolo’s two starts have featured two different types of defenses. With Chicago, the Bears
mostly rely on their front four to get pressure whereas the Texans are more likely to blitz and
have one of the best defensive players in the NFL in linebacker Jadevon Clowney.
mostly rely on their front four to get pressure whereas the Texans are more likely to blitz and
have one of the best defensive players in the NFL in linebacker Jadevon Clowney.
Both teams are out of playoff contention whereas the next three foes Tennessee (8-5),
Jacksonville (9-4) and the Los Angeles Rams (9-4). The Titans and Rams have two of the
best defensive coordinators in NFL history (Dick Lebeau and Wade Phillips). Both are likely
to throw plenty of wrinkles to try to confuse Garoppolo. Lebeau’s defense will feature the
zone blitz, which drops linemen into coverage while blitzing linebackers and defensive backs.
The Jaguars have allowed the fewest points in the NFL (202) and feature a Defensive Player
of the Year candidate in lineback Calais Campbell.
Jacksonville (9-4) and the Los Angeles Rams (9-4). The Titans and Rams have two of the
best defensive coordinators in NFL history (Dick Lebeau and Wade Phillips). Both are likely
to throw plenty of wrinkles to try to confuse Garoppolo. Lebeau’s defense will feature the
zone blitz, which drops linemen into coverage while blitzing linebackers and defensive backs.
The Jaguars have allowed the fewest points in the NFL (202) and feature a Defensive Player
of the Year candidate in lineback Calais Campbell.
The cynics would say that the 49ers are screwing up their draft position by winning the last
two games. At present, San Francisco would be picking fourth overall. At which point I ask,
“would you rather be 4-12 knowing you have a quarterback or 2-14 knowing you do not?” I’ll
take the former.
two games. At present, San Francisco would be picking fourth overall. At which point I ask,
“would you rather be 4-12 knowing you have a quarterback or 2-14 knowing you do not?” I’ll
take the former.
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