2022 NFL playoffs: 49ers biggest studs, duds from Wild Card win

49ers Dud: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s 4th quarter

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo led his team into Dallas with two things on his mind: beating the Cowboys and getting his team one step closer to Super Bowl LVI.

Following a positive start, and a quick lead, he almost didn’t do either one.

The quarterback who played in the first three quarters of Sunday’s game, and the quarterback who played in the fourth quarter seemed like two different people.

With a comfortable 23-7 lead in the fourth quarter, Garoppolo overthrew wide receiver Trent Sherfield, cornerback Anthony Browns intercepted the ball and the Cowboys took over at the 49ers’ 28-yard line. The drive would eventually lead to a Cowboys touchdown, and San Francisco’s lead disappeared to less than a touchdown.

That was his fifth interception on an overthrown pass this year. That’s the most by any quarterback all season and in the playoffs.

To his credit, it’s also the first in his career when having a lead in the fourth quarter. Up until now, Jimmy G was flawless when owning the lead.

Through three quarters, Garoppolo had all the makings of a leader, but in the fourth quarter, he just disappeared. Thanks to great defense and many Dallas penalties, Garoppolo came away with the win for his team.

However, if he wants to beat the Packers, he’s going to need to turn in 60 minutes of football and learn how to stay in control under pressure.