Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmy Garoppolo‘s play before Thursday night quieted some of the criticisms over the past couple of months. But the San Francisco 49ers quarterback’s performance against the Tennessee Titans has his critics out in full force again. That includes FS1’s very vocal Nick Wright, who argues that the 49ers missed an opportunity to give rookie Trey Lance the valuable in-game experience he may need if called upon in the postseason.
“I am not arguing that Trey Lance should start next week,” Wright told his First Things First co-hosts on Friday. “I am arguing this: He needs to be a part of the game plan. He needs to start to get his feet wetter and more ready because he might need to play in these playoffs because the Niners are in the same boat right now as the Titans, or the Colts, or the Patriots, or the Vikings—teams that two through 53, you really like what they have but, in your heart of hearts, you know, in a big spot, their quarterback cannot be trusted.”
Garoppolo was 26-of-35 passing for 322 yards and a touchdown against the Titans. He also threw two costly interceptions, allowing Tennessee to fight back into the game after trailing by 10 at halftime. The Titans ended up winning 20-17.
Wright lumps Garoppolo in with other quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Carson Wentz.
“Those guys are who they are,” Wright noted.
San Francisco traded up to the No. 3 overall pick to select Lance. The rookie has only played 116 snaps compared to Garoppolo’s 843. Most of Lance’s snaps came in Week 4, stepping in for an injured Garoppolo, and Week 5, his only start of the season.
The 49ers moved to add Lance because they knew the offense could only go so far with Garoppolo. However, the veteran remained the starter this season due to Lance’s lack of collegiate experience. His only full season as a starter came in 2019.
“The Niners gave up three first-round picks for Trey Lance for a reason,” Wright continued. “They have to at least get him involved in the game plan. … Jimmy G has never carried the Niners anywhere. Jimmy G was put in Kyle Shanahan’s breast coat pocket and rode along like a little mouse.
“… What I am saying is there is a potential upside with Lance, and maybe he won’t make critical gut-wrenching, looks-like-he’s-looking-the-other-direction throws like Jimmy G did last night.”
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