Jimmy Garoppolo: Top 4 takeaways after 2021 49ers OTAs
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Jimmy Garoppolo looked poised, confident during OTAs
One of the notable issues Jimmy Garoppolo displayed during his six starts in 2020 was the happy-feet tendencies and relative skittish demeanor while under center. While footwork has never been Garoppolo’s strength, these negative traits were certainly highlighted a year ago, only overshadowed by his ankle injuries.
Composure is oh-so important for any starting quarterback, so getting that poise back within the offense was going to be one of Jimmy G’s top to-do list items during OTAs.
At least according to Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn, that’s exactly what Garoppolo displayed:
"Looked healthy for the first time in ages. Didn’t wear a brace on his surgically repaired left knee. And his right ankle which held him out of 10 games last season seemed fine. Garoppolo completed 11 of 15 passes and didn’t throw any interceptions — he looked like a veteran who’s entering his fourth offseason with the 49ers, which is what he is. Good to see him perform as he should."
Read More: 5 most competitive battles during 49ers OTAs
Garoppolo still has his limitations. Those won’t go away. But improving upon some of those skittish tendencies from a year ago could make a big difference, and it’s a good sign now even if OTAs don’t permit contact and the pass rush is only a mocked one.
Plus, it could have a positive impact on Trey Lance’s development, too.