49ers training camp: How Trey Lance is outperforming Jimmy Garoppolo
By Peter Panacy
Trey Lance is showing 49ers why athleticism matters in today’s NFL
Quarterbacking has changed from the traditional drop-back pocket passers of yesteryear. The archetype successful quarterbacks now are frequently the dual-threat variety. And with 1,100 rush yards and 14 touchdowns at North Dakota State in 2019, Lance has more than enough evidence to show why he adds that extra dimension in the mold of the Buffalo Bills‘ Josh Allen.
It’s already on display during training camp, too, according to Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn:
More QB stats through 7 days of #49ers camp.
— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) August 5, 2021
Jimmy Garoppolo: 3 TD passes, 3 interceptions.
Trey Lance: 7 TD passes, 2 TD runs, 1 interception.
Jimmy Garoppolo is almost immobile within the pocket, and he certainly isn’t a legitimate threat to move the ball on the ground. Not for any substantial distance anyway.
Yet Trey Lance, just how Allen managed to do to San Francisco’s defense a year ago, is forcing his current defense to respect his rushing prowess, which has in turn allowed for far more effective zone-read options.
Having that element in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense could end up being downright scary and an aspect Shanahan hasn’t had with his 49ers quarterbacks before.