49ers vs. Cowboys: 5 bold predictions for Wild Card round of NFL playoffs
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Jimmy Garoppolo will have a no-turnover game vs. Cowboys
On paper, this might not seem like such a bold prediction. But, considering how prone quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been to throwing interceptions over the years, perhaps it should be listed here.
Especially that part about the Cowboys having 34 defensive takeaways on the year.
Dallas’ first-team All-Pro cornerback, Trevon Diggs, led the league with 11 interceptions on the year, returning two of those for defensive touchdowns, and the Cowboys also finished with the most interceptions as a team this season (26), meaning Garoppolo’s 2.7 interception percentage on the year is sure of concern to the Niners on Sunday.
Read More: Jimmy Garoppolo can’t shoulder the entire load vs. Cowboys
By now, you’ve heard the story: San Francisco is a perfect 7-0 when Garoppolo doesn’t toss a pick, compared to just 2-6 when he does.
True, Garoppolo bucked that trend a bit in Week 18 against the Rams, ultimately being a big part of the come-from-behind overtime victory despite throwing two interceptions in that game.
Ideally, though, Garoppolo and Co. don’t put themselves in a position where they’re forced to overcome those mistakes.
And if Garoppolo plays a turnover-free game, the 49ers will be in excellent shape.