The San Francisco 49ers will face off against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday, and the matchup comes with a twist as former Niners quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo joins the Rams’ sidelines. Rams head coach Sean McVay recently endorsed Garoppolo in a supportive manner, offering insights that might leave Niners fans with mixed feelings.
In an interview conducted by Mike Silver of The Athletic, McVay praised Garoppolo’s potential, asserting that while he hopes for Matthew Stafford to maintain his position, Garoppolo still has what it takes to step in as a starter. “I don’t think his days as a starting quarterback are done by any stretch, and I think he feels that way, too,” McVay commented.
Garoppolo’s journey with the 49ers was a rollercoaster; he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2019 season but also faced considerable scrutiny due to his performance in crucial games, including the NFC Championship against the Rams. This ultimately influenced the Niners’ decision to pivot to quarterback Trey Lance, and subsequently Brock Purdy, who is now seen as the franchise’s face.
His tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders didn’t pan out as hoped. Starting six games, Garoppolo’s 3-3 record was uninspiring, leading to his benching. Now on the Rams, he serves as a backup for Stafford and previously played one game last season during Stafford’s rest.
Despite his ups and downs, Garoppolo mentioned that he received interest from various teams this offseason who envisioned him as a starting quarterback. He implied that success in such roles would likely depend on being part of an organized offense similar to those run by McVay or 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
A particular quote from Garoppolo humorously stood out, as he noted, “The biggest thing that I’m starting to notice now is the game planning. It’s almost like you can know what’s coming.” This revelation could raise eyebrows among 49ers fans who recall his struggles with reading defenses during his time in San Francisco. The sentiment suggests growth but also highlights the challenges he faced, possibly explaining his rocky relationship with Shanahan, who has clearly found more stability in quarterbacks like Purdy and Mac Jones.
While McVay’s optimism for Garoppolo’s future as a potential starter might be heartfelt, 49ers fans remain skeptical, given their firsthand experience with his performance and development trajectory. Nevertheless, the matchup promises excitement as both teams look to make their mark in the league.