49ers vs. Rams: Full Week 17 preview for San Francisco

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers signals to his team during their NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

Quarterback comparison

Jimmy Garoppolo has taken the Bay Area by storm

In just four starts with the 49ers, it has become clear — Garoppolo is a franchise quarterback. The on-field production is there; the wins, yards, touchdowns, completion percentage. But it is the intangible aspect of Garoppolo’s game that is becoming more noticeable.

The word ‘natural leader’ is tossed around quite a bit. His teammates simply love him. It is why he has been dubbed “Franchise” by others in the locker room. To be a great player is one thing. To be both that and a leader is something else.

With loads of cap space in 2018, the front office has a decision to make. Place the franchise tag on Garoppolo (good chance), offer him a long-term contract (also a good chance) or let him walk in free agency (highly unlikely).

Jared Goff put together an exceptional season after a rough rookie campaign

A year ago at this time, many were quick to write off Goff as a bust. The No. 1 pick in the 2016 Draft, Goff utterly failed in his first season with high expectations that come with being a top selection.

While the talk of bust was too premature, it came with merit as Goff did struggle: 0-7 record as a starter, 1,089 passing yards with only five touchdowns and seven interceptions. But with the addition of Sean McVay as head coach, Goff’s fortunes have flipped.

Now, the word Pro Bowl is more associated with his name. Had he been playing this week, Goff would have most likely reached 4,000 passing yards on the season. Instead, because the team has already clinched a playoff berth, he is getting some rest.

That means Goff will finish the 2017 regular season with 3,804 yards to go alongside 28 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. Goff’s 100.5 quarterback rating ranks him No. 13 among qualified passers.