SF 49ers: 4 questions Jimmy Garoppolo must answer if he returns
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Can Jimmy Garoppolo cut down on turnovers?
Despite Jimmy Garoppolo tossing nearly 4,000 yards in 2019 and finishing fourth on the SF 49ers’ all-time franchise single-season passing list, each week seemed to provide at least one instance where he would toss an ill-advised pass, frequently resulting in an interception.
The “bone-headed” Jimmy G throws, so to speak.
In 2019, Garoppolo tossed 13 interceptions, which was tied for eighth most in the league that year while his 2.7 interception percentage was tied for seventh — the latter being the highest out of any playoff-bound quarterbacks that season.
Last year, Garoppolo’s 3.6 interception would have ranked second among all quarterbacks if he qualified. And ironically, No. 2 quarterback Nick Mullens‘ 3.7 interception percentage was the only qualifying mark in this category above Jimmy G.
Part of last year’s numbers could potentially be blamed on Garoppolo’s ankle injury and inability to properly execute good throwing mechanics without serious pain.
That said, that facet doesn’t quite explain why Garoppolo’s interception tendencies were so high the previous season when he was fully healthy, and it’s still an open-ended question why his accuracy problems remain.
If Garoppolo wants to reestablish himself as a long-term figurehead, cutting down on those picks will be a must.