Niner Noise
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Biggest winners, losers from 49ers nail-biting Week 14 win vs. Saints

By Peter Panacy

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter in the game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter in the game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers
Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Winner: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo

Last week, Niner Noise tabbed Jimmy Garoppolo as one of the losers of the 49ers’ tough-fought loss against the Baltimore Ravens.

Why? Because Garoppolo not beating Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, the league’s likely MVP this season, would feed the narrative Jimmy G can’t carry the team on his shoulders. Fair or not, that’s how many national analysts were likely going to spin it.

Put that narrative to rest.

Garoppolo was exceptional in Week 14, outdueling Saints quarterback Drew Brees in a hostile environment and in come-from-behind fashion, twice. First, Garoppolo was essential in overcoming a Niners 20-7 deficit early, when New Orleans got off to a quick lead. Then, with the 49ers trailing by a point with 1:30 left in regulation, Garoppolo helped engineer a tremendous comeback drive.

In total, Garoppolo went 26-of-35 for 349 yards, four touchdowns against an interception, which wasn’t exactly his fault, and an impressive 131.7 passer rating.

This should put all doubts surrounding whether or not Garoppolo can uplift the offense to bed for good, as he managed to get the upper hand over an eventual Hall of Famer in Brees.