49ers grades, analysis from refreshing Week 8 win vs. Bears
By Peter Panacy
49ers Week 8 Grades: Quarterback
Make no mistake, Week 8 was Jimmy Garoppolo’s best game of the season.
That’s not necessarily a highlight point for Jimmy G this season, rather an indication of how much he’s struggled in 2021 so far. But even while Garoppolo has his limitations and isn’t the long-term solution under center with rookie Trey Lance in the folds, one at least needs to point out the instances where Garoppolo plays well.
He did this week. That’s for sure.
Garoppolo, who went 17-of-28 for 322 yards and a 100.6 passer rating, had a Lance-like rushing touchdown on a 5-yard RPO-like run:
https://twitter.com/49ers/status/1454897040006189058
Lance didn’t play in the game, by the way. At least Garoppolo delivered, though.
For all the scrutiny Garoppolo has received this season, including being under the pressure of knowing Lance will eventually take over, Jimmy G was at least a key reason why the Niners were able to end their losing streak with a much-needed win over the Bears. Sure, Garoppolo had his Garoppolo-like moments, including missing Deebo Samuel on what could have been a touchdown pass just before halftime after the impressive 50-yard pass.
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In Week 8, though, Garoppolo did nothing to suggest he’s imminently going to be replaced under center by Lance.
Even though that’ll eventually happen.