49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 key storylines for San Francisco’s preseason bout
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Jimmy Garoppolo Returns to the Scene of the ACL Crime
There’s no other way around it: Jimmy Garoppolo’s efforts in Denver weren’t good.
The quarterback went 1-of-6 for a net of zero yards, one interception and a passer rating of 0.0. It certainly wasn’t the kind of results both fans and the coaching staff were hoping for.
It’s far from panic time, though, and any quarterback in the league can have a three-drive stretch where nothing works. Garoppolo later admitted there was some rust and the offense never got into a rhythm early against one of the league’s better defenses.
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While Garoppolo’s performance against the Chiefs will be under scrutiny, there will be another wrinkle in his game play on Saturday.
Rewinding back to Week 3 of the 2018 season, all one needs to do is recall how Garoppolo tore his ACL late in the fourth quarter at Arrowhead Stadium, ending his campaign that year and derailing San Francisco’s chances to contend for a playoff berth.
Garoppolo will be back on the same field where this injury occurred, and there’s going to be no shortage of commentary and attention given to his setback there.
More importantly, however, Garoppolo will need to show he has made strides over what transpired in Denver, showcasing the decisiveness and playmaking abilities which were all but absent against the Broncos.
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The 49ers and Chiefs kick off on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 8 p.m. ET from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.