5 changes 49ers must implement over second half of 2021

No. 1: 49ers have to start using Trey Lance… a lot

Look, Kyle Shanahan has been hesitant to make the switch from his veteran quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, to the No. 3 overall selection in this year’s draft, Trey Lance, all season long.

Shanahan has insisted that not all experience is good experience for Lance, which seemed plausible early in the year when Garoppolo’s own experience within the offense could have been a necessary factor in any playoff aspirations the 49ers originally had.

At 3-5, though, those aspirations are dissipating. Garoppolo is a lame-duck quarterback, and everyone knows it. Lance is the future. It’s truly that simple.

Shanahan doesn’t automatically have to make a full 100-percent change from Garoppolo to Lance the rest of the way out, even though that’s probably the right thing to do. Still, especially with games now getting out of hand for the Niners more frequently than ever, Lance could easily be put into situations where he can get into a lengthy rhythm, perhaps with Shanahan drawing a proverbial “line in the sand” on game day. One that reads something like, “if we’re down by two scores at halftime, Lance goes in for the second half no matter what.”

Even that more conservative approach would have its merits. Garoppolo’s feelings don’t matter here. He understands Lance needs time just as much as anyone else.

Shanahan needs to know it, too.