There are just two paths for quarterback Trey Lance now that he is poised to start for the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s either he lives up to the lofty expectations the team bestowed upon him or he becomes a bust.
His appearances during the 2021 season are not enough to conclude whether he will be an asset.
After all, it takes time for rookie quarterbacks to get a comfortable feel for the NFL game.
But now that the organization has thrown its support on him, he has no choice but to deliver.
Otherwise, trading up for him was a waste of time and resources.
While there’s enormous pressure upon his shoulders, former NFL receiver James Jones thinks that Lance will perform with flying colors.
.@89JonesNTAF thinks the future is bright for Trey Lance
"I think he's going to be in that category, years down the line, talking about him like we talk about Patrick Mahomes & Aaron Rodgers" pic.twitter.com/ozk7viJ0vW
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) June 17, 2022
Jones said, “Number one, it is a small sample size. Number two, I believe we are looking at a bona fide superstar.”
He went on to compare Lance to both Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers because they did not play much before becoming the full-fledged starters of their respective teams.
Mahomes played just one game in his rookie season and became the league’s Most Valuable Player a year after.
Meanwhile, Rodgers spent three seasons under the shadow of Brett Favre before having his turn.
He’s still the Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback after signing a three-year, $150 million extension.
Will Trey Lance Deliver?
In terms of individual numbers, he should have better statistics than Jimmy Garoppolo, especially in rushing yards.
But if he is indeed a star, then he should have no problems leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game.
They have a defensive unit that can shut down opponents.
If Lance is an upgrade from Garoppolo, then the 49ers should have a more explosive offense in 2022.
Everyone in the Niners organization kept on saying that Lance will be special.
With the ball now in his court, it’s time for him to prove that the hype is real.
NEXT: 49ers Defender Shares Definitive Trey Lance Prediction