Studs, duds from 49ers drubbing of the Cardinals in Week 11

49ers Stud: Jimmy Garoppolo

It is difficult to overstate how impressive quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been over the last few weeks. After an awful first start of the season in Week 3 against the Broncos on Sunday Night Football, Garoppolo has barely set a foot wrong in leading the Niners to five wins in his eight starts, including three in a row.

To be sure, Garoppolo’s stats aren’t going to blow you away, although it should be noted that he has now gone three straight games without an interception for the first time in his career. But he’s done what has been asked of him and made key passes in high-leverage situations, something he did yet again on Monday against the Cardinals.

Garoppolo finished the game 20-of-29 for 228 yards and four passing touchdowns, two each to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and tight end George Kittle, including one wildly impressive off-schedule throw that led to Kittle’s first score:

Much has been made of all the weapons that this offense has at its disposal with the addition of running back Christian McCaffrey, who joined Aiyuk, Kittle, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and fellow back Elijah Mitchell on a loaded 49ers offense.

But none of it matters if Garoppolo isn’t doing his job.

And on Monday night, the Niners’ quarterback more than got the job done.