Although San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance didn’t play terribly in Week 1 versus the Chicago Bears, he didn’t play well either, and his team fell apart in the second half, blowing a 10-0 lead and losing 19-10.
On Sunday, they will head home and host the Seattle Seahawks, a team one figures they should beat without too much trouble.
For one thing, there won’t be any rain thanks to the Mediterranean climate of California, as opposed to the wet conditions they faced at Soldier Field last weekend.
But they will also have the benefit of the positive energy of Niners Faithful at Levi’s Stadium, which will certainly help Lance as he continues to adjust to being a full-time QB1.
A lackluster performance such as the one he had in Week 1 is somewhat excusable, especially considering how hard it was raining when the game got away from San Francisco.
But there is a feeling that if he plays poorly in Week 2, his starting job could be in jeopardy.
One Reporter Has Said Something Concerning About Lance’s Standing
In the last several days, several pundits have not only said that Lance, in their minds, played poorly in Week 1, but that starting him has been a mistake and that head coach Kyle Shanahan will go back to Jimmy Garoppolo soon.
But all that has been based on opinion, not on any inside info.
However, NFL reporter Chris Simms, a former QB himself and the son of former Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms, said something recently that has raised some eyebrows.
Chris Simms says he knows people in the #49ers locker room that believe Jimmy Garoppolo is the better player over Trey Lance
🎥: @NBCSports | @CSimmsQB pic.twitter.com/shEZNPRgUl
— Sterling Bennett (@49ers_Access) September 14, 2022
“I’ve heard from people I know around the NFL that go, ‘Yeah, there are prominent people in the 49ers locker room that go, ‘Jimmy Garoppolo is better.’” So that’s a real thing.”
Lance Wasn’t As Bad As Some Suggest, And It’s Too Early To Judge Him
Through the first half and first few minutes of the third quarter, Lance wasn’t great, but he did look solid.
He made multiple 20-yard or greater receptions while driving his team to a solid advantage.
But even when things fell apart for him, he continued to give the 49ers a chance with his legs.
He ran for 54 yards on 13 attempts, and in doing so, he got his team six first downs.
It was his interception with 9:53 left in the fourth quarter and the Niners down 13-10 that seemed to ensure they would fall short.
Lance’s opposite number, Justin Fields, was about as inefficient with his passing, but the difference was Fields threw two touchdown passes and Lance had zero.
If Lance plays well on Sunday, and especially if San Francisco wins, it will greatly change the complexion of the narrative about him right now.
The 49ers Will Likely Be Shorthanded On Sunday
Unfortunately for Lance and San Francisco, the team may not be at full strength against the Seahawks.
Tight end George Kittle, who didn’t play last week, returned to practice late this week, and although he isn’t expected to play, he will reportedly be a game-time decision.
49ers’ TE George Kittle, questionable for Sunday due to a groin injury, is not expected to play vs. the Seahawks, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2022
#49ers TE George Kittle, who missed last week with a groin ailment, is expected to be a game-time decision, source said. Originally a three-week injury, Kittle missed the first week, but is pushing to go. He practiced Friday, opening the door to today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2022
Not having Kittle, a three-time Pro Bowler, on the field, will make things harder on Lance, as it would leave him without arguably the team’s most reliable short-to-intermediate catch threat.
NEXT: Trey Lance Is Off To A Common Start