It's really hard to take Stephen A. Smith's opinion seriously when he keeps referring to Jimmy Garoppolo as "Porn Star Jimmy," which is probably just one reason why most fans prefer not to do so. Still, the ESPN television "personality" went on a rather extensive rant — which isn't his first — about the San Francisco 49ers quarterback following his impressive performance against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night.
Garoppolo completed 75.7 percent of his passes for 317 yards with four touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 136.9 in the 28-25 win.
It's clear Smith was not impressed.
Garoppolo is now 16-2 as a starting NFL quarterback and has his 49ers sitting at 8-0 for the first time since 1990 and the second time in franchise history. He has completed 70.8 percent of his passes this season for 1,806 yards with 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Smith feels that Garoppolo's statistics as a starter throughout his career are "relatively average if you talk about most quarterbacks." He does point out that he isn't calling Garoppolo a bad quarterback or saying he can't play.
"He's got nine touchdowns and seven interceptions," Smith shouts after pointing out that Thursday night was Garoppolo's first 300-yard passing game of the season. "Talk about pedestrian."
Added Smith: "[The defense is] the only reason they're 8-0 right now. It isn't because of Jimmy G. You've got to be kidding me. [...] Nobody is saying that Jimmy Garoppolo cannot play. What we're saying is, excuse me, you're more known for being Porn Star Jimmy, alright?"
Side note: That's probably not true.
Smith continued, "You're more known for being the guy that Bill Belichick traded from New England to San Francisco than the reason that the San Francisco 49ers are 8-0. [...] What are they ranked in terms of their passing game? I think it's 30th."
It's actually 21st.
Smith goes on to say that if the 49ers go on to contend for a championship, it won't be because of Garoppolo. It will be because of the team's impressive running game and defense. Garoppolo will need more performances like Thursday night's to change Smith's mind.
You can listen to Smith's rant below. You may want to turn down the volume, though.
Meanwhile, Shannon Sharpe was very impressed with Garoppolo and what he showed against the Cardinals.