Jimmy Garoppolo: 3 best plays from SF 49ers quarterback vs. LA Rams

No. 1: Jimmy Garoppolo finds George Kittle for a 44-yard SF 49ers touchdown

Of course, the biggest play from Jimmy Garoppolo has to be the massive 44-yard catch-and-run touchdown grab by tight end George Kittle.

But it’s not just because of the highlight between Jimmy G and his favorite receiving weapon. That’s already fun enough.

What made this play so special was how it developed, the situation and context, Garoppolo staying poised amid a blitz and delivering a perfectly thrown pass where only his receiver could get it.

On 4th-and-2, Kyle Shanahan elected to go for it. While the Rams were arguably guarding against a sneak or short-area run to move the chains, the SF 49ers gambled knowing Kittle would be in one-on-one coverage against Rams cornerback Darious Williams with no help over the top.

Kittle cut in on a quick slant, and Garoppolo’s pass led him in a way where the tight end could easily shed Williams’ tackling attempt.

All the while, Garoppolo was facing a five-man Rams blitz with a lot of pressure right in his face. He held onto the ball long enough for Kittle to work his inside-cut slant, and the pass was delivered at the precise moment to make for the home-run throw.

Excellent play design and execution.

And fans can only hope that’s the kind of Jimmy Garoppolo they see from this point forward.