Niner Noise
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Top 5 takeaways from 49ers’ loss vs. Vikings in Week 1

By Aaron Tan

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Inconsistent Jimmy Garoppolo

There is no doubt that Jimmy Garoppolo is a very fun quarterback to watch. He is the definition of a gunslinger, pushing the ball in the tightest windows no matter how many defenders are there.

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Sometimes he succeeds. But sometimes, as evidenced in Sunday’s game, he doesn’t.

Garoppolo made some dime-dropping plays, but he also threw three interceptions — one that was not his fault, but two that were completely on him.

The first interception that was his fault was just inaccurate, where wide receiver Dante Pettis actually beat one of the best corners in the league, Xavier Rhodes, on a slant route. But Garoppolo just misfired.

The second one was a terrible read, as slot receiver Trent Taylor was blanketed by his defender (who was much taller than Taylor) and Vikings safety Harrison Smith was waiting in the vicinity to make the pick.

The performance of the 49ers’ QB1 today is understandable, however. Minnesota’s defense is arguably the best in the league, and the 49ers’ offensive line did him no favors, as first-round rookie Mike McGlinchey and the rest of the line did not give Garoppolo much time to throw.

I was not surprised by Garoppolo’s inconsistency, as that is exactly what I saw from him in training camp. And this is what I expect from him for the first couple weeks of the season — he is going to learn with each start and progress throughout the year.

But for now, expect him to make as many questionable throws as throws that make you scream “Wow! That was incredible.”