3 biggest concerns facing Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers in 2020
By Peter Panacy
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t answer many questions during the San Francisco 49ers’ loss in Super Bowl LIV, prompting concerns heading into 2020.
An overthrow by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could have ultimately cost the San Francisco 49ers a chance for a win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Niners trailing, Garoppolo attempted to hit a relatively wide-open wide receiver, Emmanuel Sanders, who got past the Chiefs secondary, only to see Garoppolo’s pass sail about 7 yards beyond the receiver’s hands.
San Francisco didn’t score on the would-be go-ahead drive, ultimately losing the Super Bowl 31-20.
That wasn’t exactly the only bad throw or non-throw Garoppolo made during the game. He missed tight end George Kittle on multiple occasions, including one crucial drive after the Chiefs cut into San Francisco’s lead, 20-17, in the fourth quarter. The Niners would go 3-and-out, leading to Kansas City’s go-ahead score.
In all, Garoppolo went 20-of-31 for 219 yards, a touchdown against two interceptions and a passer rating of 69.2 in the Super Bowl. Combined with the low passing numbers in the 49ers’ run through the playoffs previously, which were more an effect of San Francisco’s stout rushing abilities, one still has to wonder if Garoppolo can truly emerge as a franchise-elite signal-caller.
Simply put, the 2020 playoff run didn’t provide any answers.
On the positive side, Garoppolo’s 2019 campaign was good enough. He was excellent on third downs, ranking best among league qualifiers in third-down attempts for a first down. His 3,978 pass yards put him fourth all time among the franchise’s single-season leaders, too.
Yet there are still some notable concerns for Garoppolo and the 49ers heading into 2020. Niner Noise breaks down the three biggest after the Super Bowl loss.