49ers 2021 ‘Who is?’ series: A swan song for Jimmy Garoppolo
By Peter Panacy
Why Jimmy Garoppolo thrives with 49ers in 2021
There’s one key difference for Jimmy Garoppolo this season that he hasn’t had since joining the 49ers back in 2017.
Competition from an up-and-coming quarterback.
Early reports from the Niners’ OTA practice sessions suggested Garoppolo bulked up during the offseason, perhaps in a move to guard against further injuries. But with Trey Lance looking over his shoulder, Garoppolo also has to command the poise and presence not always seen over the last three-plus years.
One of the big knocks against Garoppolo was the lack of pocket presence and poor footwork, or “happy feet” when feeling pressure.
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San Francisco spent considerable effort revamping its offensive line during the offseason, signing Pro Bowl center Alex Mack, re-signing left tackle Trent Williams and then drafting former Notre Dame guard Aaron Banks in Round 2, all intending to provide Jimmy G with better pass protection.
The O-line moves could essentially be the biggest underlying factor helping determine whether or not Garoppolo looks more like the 2019 edition of himself rather than the skittish, underwhelming player he was when healthy a year ago.
Turning 30 years old this November, it’s not as if fans will witness a suddenly stronger arm and gunslinger attitude from Jimmy G this season. His faults and negative traits will still be there, but the idea behind many of the 49ers’ offseason moves will be to help cover those up while maximizing his biggest assets.