The San Francisco 49ers arrive at the 2021 NFL Training Camps with a roster ready to compete in almost every position, but with a big unknown: who will be the starting QB for the 2021 NFL Season? It is true that they have strong holes in other positions, but it is no secret to anyone that the position with the most influence in is quarterback (it does not make much sense to build a Super Bowl team without a reliable quarterback).
Unfortunately for him, San Francisco is still far from clear on this position. After having lived through a 2020 plagued by injuries, this year their starting quarterback will return to action, but we do not know for how long, so on the night of the April Draft, the 49ers selected his eventual replacement. Jimmy Garoppolo vs Trey Lance. A head-to-head fight to command the offense of a team that has the talent it takes to reach the postseason.
The 49ers plan
San Francisco had a dismal 2020. At 6-10 they were last in the NFC West and missed out on the postseason, but there’s a meaningful explanation. Last year this team was one of the most hit by injuries, highlighting that of Nick Bosa, George Kittle and, of course, that of QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
Unfortunately for the 49ers, this is not the first time Jimmy G has been injured. In fact, in four years with the team he has barely managed to play 31 regular season games, which is not the same as two full seasons. Reason why, in the past Draft selected QB Trey Lance, graduated from North Dakota, to replace Jimmy G. However, it is unknown how long we will see Lance as the starter. Will it be from Week 1, will he spend a whole year on the bench? Let’s review the situation that San Francisco will face in 2021.
Head to head in competition
The stage is already set and while Jimmy G is shaping up to be the Week 1 starter, Trey Lance has the talent to snatch the spot from him. Nothing is guaranteed in the team led by Kyle Shanahan.
Next we will list the keys of each one in the fight for the privileged place on the roster.
Jimmy Garoppolo
- Jimmy G hasn’t had a full offseason since 2018, so in theory he should have the best year of his career, as he understands the system better than anyone else and will want to extend Lance’s stay on the bench for as long as possible.
- Staying healthy will be vital. His only full season with the team was 2019. In his other three seasons combined, he has only played 15 games. If he were injured one more time, his time as a 49er will be over.
- I’m not trying to say that Garoppolo should become a mobile quarterback, but there certainly must be room for improvement in his running game. For four years combined, he has barely carried the ball for 79 total yards, and considering the 49ers defense is good, but not the best, he doesn’t want the rival pass rush knocking him down into the pocket of protection.
Trey Lance
- Try to learn the playbook in the best way in the shortest possible time. It will be difficult considering he just joined the NFL.
- Lance must continue to demonstrate the mobility that characterizes him. It is perhaps his strongest point about Jimmy G. Via Sports Reference, Lance’s 2019 campaign with North Dakota ended with 1,100 yards rushed and 14 rushing touchdowns; two impressive figures.
- Continue its effectiveness. The North Dakota State graduate only threw one interception in his entire college career. Who wouldn’t want their starting QB in the NFL to be as accurate as Lance in college?
For you, who will win the QB competition in the 49ers after the 2021 NFL Training Camps? We read you in the comments under this article and on our social networks.
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