5 positive takeaways from 49ers Week 10 overtime loss to Seahawks

No. 2: Jimmy Garoppolo Wasn’t as Bad as It Seemed

Jimmy Garoppolo deserves some of the blame for the 49ers’ Week 10 loss, yes. But there’s a lot more behind his efforts than the sheer numbers.

In total, Garoppolo was 24-of-46 for 248 yards, one touchdown, one interception, a successful two-point conversion and a passer rating of 66.2. The raw numbers aren’t particularly great, which is true. And he telegraphed more than a handful of would-be interceptions, had it not been for some drops by Seahawks defenders.

But it’s worth looking deeper in the context.

Garoppolo sorely missed George Kittle, and the quarterback’s efforts took a visual hit once Emmanuel Sanders was removed from the game. Fellow wide receivers Kendrick Bourne, Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuel and Marquise Goodwin all had key drops in crucial situations, too.

Even if one or two of those drops go the other way, Garoppolo’s night looks much different.

Garoppolo was under massive pressure in the game as well. The Niners managed just 3.2 yards per rush, meaning Garoppolo had to throw. A lot. Just take a look at his total attempts.

That’s not how Kyle Shanahan’s offense is built, and it certainly allowed Seattle’s pass-rushers to pin their ears back and get after Garoppolo, who took five sacks and suffered 10 quarterback hits.

With a more-balanced offense, Garoppolo wouldn’t have been as shaky within the pocket. Some improved offensive line play should hopefully help matters, too.