49ers vs. Vikings: 5 players to watch for San Francisco in Week 1

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo

If Richard Sherman was a no-brain selection, what does that make Jimmy Garoppolo? A no-organ selection?

In all seriousness, Garoppolo is obviously an important player to watch. This is the best defense Garoppolo has faced since he beat up the Jacksonville Jaguars (and made cornerback Jalen Ramsey super salty over it). The stakes are much different now, with both teams coming in at the start of the year with similar aspirations — the Super Bowl.

Back last year, Garoppolo had the luxury of not having to worry about stress or pressure. The 49ers were already eliminated from a playoff spot; these games were nothing more than tryouts.

Now, the games really mean something.

Stats like that are examples of how Garoppolo played last year, but remember that players like Matt Cassel, Matt Flynn, Brian Hoyer and other QBs have shown flashes in the past before regressing back to obscurity.

This game for Jimmy G is as much about solidifying his place in the NFL as it is about winning versus the Vikings.

As mentioned many times throughout the article, the Vikings defense is really, really good. Like Vic Fangio 49ers good. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer and his defensive staff now have film on Garoppolo and can analyze his weaknesses and tendencies. There is less capability of just surprising the defense with his talent.

If Garoppolo plays like a elite QB should, then the 49ers will be within striking distance of winning the game, and his position in the NFL should be secured.

If he struggles, a loss to Minnesota might just be the start of the 49ers problems.