49ers vs. Buccaneers: 5 players to watch in 2019 regular-season opener
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo
No matter what happens this upcoming Sunday, there are going to be massive overreactions to what Jimmy Garoppolo does on the field.
If he plays poorly, fans and analysts will cringe and feel those are the results the Niners are due in return from the quarterback. If Garoppolo plays merely OK, some will wonder if he’ll ever live up to that lucrative contract signed back in 2018. And, of course, if Garoppolo lights up a suspect Buccaneers secondary over four quarters, fans will chant “MVP” before too long.
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In all likelihood, there are going to be plenty of Garoppolo up-and-down moments this season. Remember, he has just 10 NFL-level starts under his belt. This will be No. 11.
But it’s a good thing the Bucs defense isn’t exactly potent. Remember that questionable secondary? Well, that plays into Garoppolo’s advantage. So does the fact Tampa Bay endured a terrible run defense a year ago. That plays into Garoppolo’s hands, too, understanding the 49ers should be able to employ a good rushing attack, setting up Garoppolo for play action — an area in which he thrives.
Yet fans and analysts alike are merely going to be eager to see the full package: what Garoppolo looks like on the field for a full four quarters. It’ll be the first time he’s done so since the Niners hosted the Detroit Lions back in Week 2 of 2018.
And, yes. There will be overreactions.
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Those will stem from when the 49ers kick off against the Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 4:25 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium.