Mason Crosby’s game-winning field goal barred the San Francisco 49ers from having a 3-0 record.
A victory over the Green Bay Packers would keep pace with NFC West leaders Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals.
However, it’s hard to deny the Niners’ valiant effort despite the defeat.
Kyle Shanahan’s crew is hitting its stride once more after an injury-riddled 2020 season.
The injuries are still coming in 2021, but most key players are still healthy, especially quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
#49ers Jimmy Garoppolo has never lost 2 games in a row. Russell Wilson has never lost 3 games in a row. Something has to give this Sunday. #49wz #FTTB
— Marc Adams (@49ersCamelot) September 30, 2021
The 2019 Comeback Player of the Year missed ten games in 2020 due to various injuries.
With him and other starters missing games last year, the 49ers stumbled to a 6-10 record and missed the postseason
Many were skeptical if he could return to the player that led San Francisco to Super Bowl LIV even in his return.
Rumors of his return to the New England Patriots were widespread until the franchise drafted Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.
Likewise, experts speculated potential trade scenarios when the Niners traded for the Miami Dolphins’ third overall pick in 2021.
That transaction guaranteed that the 49ers are taking a quarterback because there are several prospects in this class.
But the question was, which quarterback will San Francisco select?
Jones, Zach Wilson, and Justin Fields were all available when they were already in the clock.
Instead, the 49ers picked North Dakota State’s, Trey Lance.
WHOOMP! There it is! @treylance09 runs it in for the TD 🙌
📺 #GBvsSF on NBC pic.twitter.com/Ch1jBI68bp
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 27, 2021
His selection by the Niners fueled theories of Garoppolo leaving the team or serving as the rookie’s back-up.
However, the Niners still named Garoppolo as their starter despite an impressive preseason by Jones.
Three games into the 2021 NFL season, and it looks that San Francisco made the right decision.
Garoppolo is an undeniable catalyst to their Niners’ resurgence.
Steady Is His Calling Card
Lance scored a touchdown in his brief appearance during the 49ers’ season opener against the Detroit Lions.
However, it was Garoppolo who efficiently commanded Shanahan’s offense.
He finished the game with 314 yards and a touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel, who also had 189 receiving yards.
I can’t believe people faded Deebo Samuel in fantasy football this year.pic.twitter.com/kCD1iuphr7
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) September 27, 2021
The Lions fell short in their comeback, and the 49ers held on to a 41-33 victory.
Week 2 saw the Niners in a low-scoring affair against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Garoppolo had 22 completions for 189 yards and a touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings.
However, Jalen Hurts can’t complete a drive to the end zone, and San Francisco won, 17-11.
The numbers of this former Eastern Illinois standout are not at par with the league leaders.
He has 760 yards and four touchdowns through three games, while his 101.2 passer rating ranks 15th among starting quarterbacks.
But there’s no denying that he’s helping the 49ers win because he pushes the buttons at the right moment.
He knows when to activate the running game that already gave them five touchdowns.
The rookie Elijah Mitchell with a 38 yard TD run!! First TD of his career ‼️ #49ers pic.twitter.com/b016vI0d1v
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers_) September 12, 2021
When that clicks, he puts his receivers in a position to get favorable match-ups against opposing defensive backs.
Garoppolo gets the job done even if he does not dazzle with eye-popping highlights.
That’s the way he wants it, as the Rams and the Cardinals absorb all the pressure to remain on top.
NEXT: Breaking Down The 49ers Running Back Situation
