The San Francisco 49ers still have one shot at joining the 2021 NFL playoffs.
They can enter the postseason if they can defeat the Los Angeles Rams on the road or if the New Orleans Saints lose to the Atlanta Falcons.
Their campaign gained steam in the regular season’s second half by winning six of their last eight games.
In Week 18, their win-and-in scenario means that they control their fate.
Win and we’re in 😤 #49ers || #FTTB || #BeatLA pic.twitter.com/nBk0OFKSYM
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers_) January 5, 2022
But in such an important game, their quarterback situation remains undetermined.
Jimmy Garoppolo is questionable against the Rams because of a thumb injury.
Quarterback Trey Lance must step into the plate and help the Niners’ cause if he can’t play.
Before this dilemma, some thought that the former North Dakota State standout should be the team’s starter.
However, head coach Kyle Shanahan uses a conservative approach for the rookie.
What Lance Has Done So Far
The Minnesota native did have his moments for San Francisco this season.
He threw a touchdown pass in his NFL debut against the Detroit Lions and had a rushing touchdown versus the Green Bay Packers.
Lance also had mixed results in his two starts in 2021.
He lost against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5 but showed his versatility by adding 89 rushing yards.
.@danorlovsky7 talking about Trey Lance's in game growth vs Houston on Sunday #49ers pic.twitter.com/7vHqA5wSAT
— ✯✯✯✯✯🥋 (@FTB_Vids_YT) January 4, 2022
In Week 17, he finally had his first win as a starter when he threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns against the Houston Texans.
That performance gives the 49ers a glimmer of hope that he can generate another victory against the Rams.
However, Los Angeles’ defense might be too much to handle, especially for a rookie.
Besides, Garoppolo still gives them the best chance to win and clinch a postseason berth.
Steady Jimmy
It’s not that Garoppolo has had dazzling performances during the Niners’ march to playoff contention.
However, he’s doing what’s needed of him to put San Francisco in a winning opportunity.
He knows when to activate their run game with Elijah Mitchell, Trey Sermon, Jeff Wilson Jr., and JaMycal Hasty.
He’s also completing more passes to keep their drives going.
In his first seven games this season, Garoppolo completed 65 percent of his throws.
If this is the way the Jimmy Garoppolo era in San Francisco ends, I’ll respect how he handled everything that went down.
Outside scrutiny, media pressure, rookie quarterback, injuries and he was a consummate professional through it all.
— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) December 27, 2021
But during his last seven, his average rate improved to 71.1 percent.
Interceptions have also been his measuring stick all season.
The Niners won eight of their nine victories without throwing a pick.
His resurgence makes it a no-brainer that he’s the rightful starter for the 49ers for now.
That dynamic might not last, though, after what Lance demonstrated when Shanahan called his number.
A Good Problem For The Niners
It’s a simple decision to make for the 49ers.
Garoppolo must start if he can play in Week 18, and Lance takes the opportunity if he can’t.
Sticking to what worked for them improves their chances of making the NFC playoffs.
But selecting Lance with the third overall pick in the 2021 draft is a waste if they don’t intend him to start in the long run.
Congratulations to Trey Lance for getting his first #NFL win. 👏👏 #49ers pic.twitter.com/HUbGOUoZjD
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) January 3, 2022
Therefore, the Niners might put Garoppolo on the trading block to see what assets they can get for him.
After all, he’s still a decent quarterback who could help teams on the market for a play-caller.
Having one year left on his five-year, $137.5 million extension next season makes him good bait, especially if he doesn’t work out on his new team.
Trading him to another team paves the way for Lance to be the full-time starter.
Might sound counterintuitive, but Trey Lance's passing style is less risky than Jimmy Garoppolo's. Throws outside the numbers/downfield where are there are fewer defenders. While Jimmy G throws it over the middle where there is tons of traffic with small margin for error pic.twitter.com/JFzNejBYM8
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) January 3, 2022
Being a dual-threat allows him to bring another dimension to San Francisco’s offense.
His skill set also fits the team’s run-first philosophy.
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