Kyle Shanahan’s comment that 49ers have 2 starting QBs highlights a potential problem
The San Francisco 49ers endorsed Trey Lance earlier than the preseason. They left little doubt he was the starter. They’re nonetheless saying Lance is the starter, but it surely’s much more difficult now.
The 49ers worked out a restructured deal with Jimmy Garoppolo, which raises all types of questions because the staff heads into the season. It is also an enormous shift from a few month in the past. Simply evaluate the quotes:
Kyle Shanahan on July 26: “That is Trey’s staff and that’s nothing in opposition to Jimmy. We made this resolution a 12 months in the past and we’re going with that, and we’re not going to mess around with that any more.”
Shanahan to the Bay Space media on Tuesday: “There are 32 beginning quarterbacks on this league, and we imagine we have two of them now.“
Shanahan made it clear Lance continues to be the starter throughout his speak with the media, and that is essential. This is not a contest. However the 49ers are inviting an argument into their world, regardless of how a lot they are saying in any other case.
49ers appreciated getting Jimmy Garoppolo again
There are causes bringing Garoppolo again is smart.
Initially, the 49ers did not have a greater possibility. They carried him all offseason, hoping to commerce him. However a shoulder harm cooled the market on Garoppolo, after which the sport of quarterback musical chairs ended and there was no buying and selling companion left for Garoppolo.
There’s additionally worth in having a great backup quarterback. Gamers can get injured and miss time. Lance led a win over the Houston Texans final season when Garoppolo was out, and with out that win the 49ers would not have made the playoffs. If the 49ers might get Garoppolo again at a wage that traces up with a high quality backup slightly than a high-end starter, it was prudent. As soon as Garoppolo agreed to his restructured deal, it made sense financially. Shanahan mentioned he was shocked no different staff traded for Garoppolo, and San Francisco was completely satisfied to have him again as a backup.
“We thought it was a win-win for either side,” Shanahan mentioned, via 49ers Webzone.
Garoppolo is an efficient quarterback. The 49ers are 31-14 in his begins, although numerous that’s as a result of expertise the 49ers have had round him. Lance has a better upside, however he is additionally unproven.
The issue is not having a great backup at an affordable worth. It is that each time Lance has a nasty sport, perhaps even a nasty throw or two, there can be requires Garoppolo. That may embrace from the coach who simply mentioned he has two beginning quarterbacks.
Shanahan says Lance is the starter
Maybe Lance may have a fantastic season and by no means look over his shoulder. Nonetheless, he is additionally 22 years previous and nonetheless making an attempt to determine himself within the NFL. Anticipating a younger participant — or perhaps a longtime veteran — to be impervious to that strain is unfair. It is arduous to disregard human nature. We have seen younger quarterbacks have their improvement derailed in comparable conditions.
It was sensible of Shanahan to proceed to endorse Lance because the starter.
“Trey’s our beginning quarterback,” Shanahan mentioned, through 49ers Webzone. “… This does not change something. I simply really feel it makes us a a lot better staff and does not damage our cap like it will have.”
However we’ll see how the story goes over the following few weeks. Lance is a younger quarterback and he’ll have some tough moments. It is sure to occur. Will the 49ers be affected person with a participant they traded lots for to draft third general, or will Shanahan have an itch to show to his different “beginning quarterback”?
It is a messy scenario. Lance and Garoppolo have each dealt with all of it very nicely the previous 12 months and there is not any motive that will not proceed. Nevertheless it’s extra difficult now. When the quarterback controversy questions are lobbed at Shanahan this season, he cannot get too upset. The 49ers created it.
