49ers roster: 3 players who have turned their 2021 campaigns around

No. 1: 49ers Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo

Brandon Aiyuk’s resurgence has also helped out quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, whose early efforts this season certainly weren’t good enough to shoulder San Francisco’s offense through its four-game losing streak, leading to the calls for rookie quarterback Trey Lance to finally be named the team’s starter.

Over the last four weeks, however, Garoppolo has put those calls to rest. Even if it might still be the 49ers’ best long-term move to start Lance now, Garoppolo isn’t making that an easy decision.

Even with the Niners’ one loss over the last four games, Jimmy G actually played well during the entire stretch. Just take a look at his per-game numbers during that span:

• Week 9 @ Chicago Bears: 17-of-28, 322 yards, 2 rushing TDs, 0 INTs, 100.6 rating
• Week 10 vs. Arizona Cardinals: 28-of-40, 326 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 100.6 rating
• Week 11 vs. Los Angeles Rams: 15-of-19, 182 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 141.7 rating
• Week 12 @ Jacksonville Jaguars: 16-of-22, 176 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 126.3 rating

Sure, the last two games have seen more of a “game manager” Garoppolo than an elite-caliber quarterback. But the Niners have already shown they can win games with Garoppolo performing that kind of work, especially if they’re getting contributions from players like Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and a ball-controlling rushing attack.

Needless to say, Garoppolo is playing much better as of late, and San Francisco is enjoying the results.