placeholder image

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports


Cynthia Frelund discusses an underrated aspect of 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo’s play this season

Sep 18, 2019 at 8:00 AM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
NFL Media's analytics expert, Cynthia Frelund, was high on Jimmy Garoppolo entering the regular season, predicting the San Francisco 49ers quarterback would throw for over 4,100 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2019. Of course, she also predicted the 49ers would end up 8-8. It would be interesting to hear if San Francisco's 2-0 start has changed that projection.

Frelund joined KNBR on Tuesday and shared one of the more underrated aspects of Garoppolo's game through two games this season.

"The thing that's interesting about Jimmy Garoppolo that he's kind of underrated good at is he's keeping his team getting first downs," Frelund told Greg Papa and John Lund. "That is a really key component when the game is still within reach. The ability to earn first downs, right now, he's tracking at quarterback number six for me in that.

"Again, it is a tiny sample size. It is two games, but that is still really, really important. That's something that's an underrated important factor. Can you create a first down when the game is still within reach?"

Frelund acknowledges that when you are blowing out a team, as the 49ers did to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the quarterback's efficiency will be different because a defense's play will change compared to a tight game where a single play might determine the outcome.

While there is a limited sample size, Frelund also noted how much better the 49ers' defensive pressure percentage is through two games compared to last season. The team worked hard to upgrade its pass rush this offseason with the additions of edge defenders Dee Ford and Nick Bosa.

"Obviously, it's not quite fair to do apples to apples because it's not the same O-lines they're facing, not the same set of circumstances, but its almost double," Frelund said. "And obviously, it's only two games, but that's a lot more. It's significantly higher."

Frelund also briefly commented on the loss of starting left tackle Joe Staley, who is out six to eight weeks with a broken fibula. She called the absence of the veteran offensive lineman "a huge loss."

You can listen to the entire conversation with Frelund below.




Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

49ers' John Lynch provides Talanoa Hufanga update, discusses plan at safety

By David Bonilla
Mar 25

The San Francisco 49ers have been actively exploring options at safety this offseason, both in free agency and during their draft evaluations. A recent report from the San Francisco Chronicle indicated that All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga's starting position is not guaranteed for the upcoming season as he recovers from a torn ACL sustained on November 19, 2023. During a media session at the NFL owners meetings on Monday, general manager John Lynch shared an update on Hufanga's progress, noting that offseason roster additions could still occur. "Talanoa is doing really well. That's the great news," Lynch said of his young rehabbing safety. "He's rehabbing extremely well,


placeholder image

Jimmy Garoppolo explains why he signed with 49ers' division rival

By David Bonilla
Mar 20

Jimmy Garoppolo is back in the NFC West after signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback recently explained his decision to join the division rival after a one-season stint with the Las Vegas Raiders. "Obviously good players all around," Garoppolo said, per ESPN. "That's a big part of it. Talking to [head coach] Sean [McVay] on the phone, him just running me through offense and things that he had in mind, it really became appetizing. And I know a lot of the coaches here, so a lot of familiarity in that aspect. And then having played against the Rams a lot in my career, I've seen a lot of good things


placeholder image

Charvarius Ward willing to help 49ers land Tre'Davious White

By David Bonilla
Mar 18

The San Francisco 49ers likely aren't finished fortifying their defense and have reportedly expressed interest in bolstering their defensive backfield. If they require assistance making a significant move, one 49ers player is prepared to lend a helping hand. Last week, the Buffalo Bills released All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White, who appears to be an ideal fit for San Francisco's needs opposite Charvarius Ward. Over the weekend, Ward took to social media to reveal that he and White share the same agent and that he is willing to nudge the free-agent defensive back in the right direction. Ward described White as a "hand in glove


placeholder image

49ers signing QB Josh Dobbs to a 1-year deal

By David Bonilla
Mar 18

The San Francisco 49ers are bolstering their quarterback room by adding a new player. According to his agent, Mike McCartney, the team is signing Josh Dobbs to a one-year deal. McCartney announced the news on social media, confirming the acquisition. Congrats @josh_dobbs1 agreeing to a 1 year deal with the @49ers— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 18,


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone