49ers 2019 training camp: 5 top takeaways amid preseason
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Don’t Crown Jimmy Garoppolo a Franchise Elite Yet
This isn’t an overreaction. But when Jimmy Garoppolo tossed five interceptions during practice sessions early this week, it’s understandable why a number of fans would wince a bit wondering if he was actually going to be the quarterback fans were expecting him to be when fully healthy.
It wasn’t long ago when Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers tossed a lot of interceptions during training camp. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan did that in camp, too, only to go on to become league MVP back in 2016.
That said, Garoppolo still has a lot to prove after recovering from the devastating ACL tear he suffered early in 2018. And those three games he played last year up to the injury weren’t particularly inspiring either.
Perhaps it’s just a sentiment, but Fourth and Nine’s Dylan DeSimone hit this on the head:
Essentially, what DeSimone is saying is Garoppolo has a long way to go before being crowned as the guy San Francisco wants to hinge all its hopes on. And if you look at the contract numbers, the 49ers don’t exactly have to stay committed to him for the length of his deal.
One bad practice means almost nothing. But on the same note, a great practice or two mean just as little.
What Jimmy G needs, of course, is a stretch run of consistent, solid play. There will be mistakes and bad games, sure. That’s the nature of the NFL.
Next. 5 bold predictions for 49ers' 53-man roster in 2019. dark
But being able to seize that chance and run with it is something yet to be seen and will be one of the Niners’ key focal points for the entirety of 2019.