49ers training camp: How Trey Lance is outperforming Jimmy Garoppolo

Trey Lance is commanding the ‘wow’ factor from 49ers players

It’s sometimes difficult to dissect the true meaning behind players’ statements and what the actual intentions behind them are.

According to left tackle Trent Williams, there isn’t much of a competition between Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, and the Niners shouldn’t prematurely rush the rookie quarterback into the fray.

There have long since been the comments from players, especially tight end George Kittle, endorsing Garoppolo’s leadership and how the veteran is a tone-setter.

But nobody appears to be coming out and saying the following about Garoppolo:

Garoppolo, at least according to general manager John Lynch’s comments during the 2021 Hall of Fame game, is playing as well as he ever has in San Francisco, which probably means Jimmy G is responding to the pressure positively.

It’s a competition. Garoppolo understands that. And given his experience, paired with Williams’ sentiments about not pushing Lance along too quickly, there’s a real chance Garoppolo still winds up being the Week 1 starter.

But the competition between the two is far closer than anyone could have imagined.

NFL Network’s Mike Silver perhaps summed things up best:

Lance is closing the gap. And by all accounts, the rookie has been the better quarterback during training camp.

Whether or not that’ll be enough to unseat Jimmy G right away is anyone’s guess.

But it certainly indicates Lance is closer to being the 49ers starter than originally anticipated.