Jimmy Garoppolo looks just fine during first day of 49ers training camp
By Peter Panacy
The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their first practices of training camp Saturday, and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had no trouble making a quick impact.
While there are going to be plenty of storylines surrounding the San Francisco 49ers during training camp, a sizable chunk of them will fall upon the shoulders of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Ever since tearing his ACL in Week 3 last year, fans have anticipated getting Jimmy G back on the field. And it’s safe to say the pressure is on in what’s now Garoppolo’s third year with the team.
So, naturally, there was plenty of focus on Garoppolo during the Niners’ first day of on-field practices at training camp on Saturday.
Garoppolo had one “unauthorized” 11-on-11 drill during organized team activities. Saturday marked the first time he participated in full-team drills since his injury. And despite a shaky start, going 0-of-2 on his initial reps, Garoppolo managed to complete the remainder of his passes, including an impressive one to wide receiver Jordan Matthews:
Jimmy Garoppolo completes six straight passes after starting 0-2. Highlight was a long crossing route to Jordan Matthews. Deebo Samuel with a long catch and run from Nick Mullens. #49ers
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) July 27, 2019
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Posted by San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, July 27, 2019
“I feel confident. The offense, I think, you could always keep learning,” Garoppolo told reporters on Friday when players reported. “Kyle [Shanahan]’s been doing this for so many years that he knows it like the back of his hand, so that’s really where I’m trying to get to as quickly as I can. That’s the goal.”
The 49ers spent a good effort this offseason providing receiving weapons for Garoppolo, including the addition of Matthews. Additionally, the team grabbed wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively, of this year’s NFL Draft.
It will be interesting to watch how Garoppolo jells with these added pieces.
Still, there’s anticipation and some questions about how well Garoppolo will perform in the wake of his injury and subsequent recovery.
“My knee feels good, I feel good going into it,” Garoppolo continued. “I think mentally, I’m in a good spot. Now we’ve got to go out there and perform. That’s what it’s all about now.”
Garoppolo’s quiet, calm demeanor has changed the notion his teammates still look up to him for leadership. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk made note on Saturday (h/t KNBR 680) just how much Jimmy G commands the offense.
“It’s not, ‘Hey, listen to me, I’m the quarterback, shut up.’ There’s just an aura to him when he gets in the huddle and he starts talking,” Juszczyk said. “There’s just something about it that brings everyone together and everyone’s listening. We’re like, ‘This is our guy and we’re going to follow him.’ You know, what he says, goes.”
Garoppolo will, however, have to back up his presence with actions, and he even admitted it Friday by saying it’s all about performance now.
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Fortunately, at least after one day of camp practices, it’s looking as if Garoppolo is doing everything he can to command the moment.