Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has his share of critics, even as his San Francisco 49ers head to Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs. Legendary Hall-of-Fame quarterback Joe Montana is not one of them.
The Bay Area icon joined KNBR on Friday morning and was asked about the criticisms of the 49ers' current quarterback.
"He's doing exactly what he needs to do," Montana said on the Murph and Mac show. "And at some point and time, they're going to have to lean on him, like they did in the games that you mentioned (vs. Saints, Seahawks), and he's come through in that part, so I'm not concerned about it.
"I remember, there'd be a stretch sometimes where if I went two or three games without throwing a touchdown pass, I'm going, 'What do you want me to do? Tell Roger (Craig) to fall down on the one (yard line)?'
"It's about winning and losing in that league, and it's hard to win. Sometimes it takes a running game, sometimes you have to lean on the passing game, and, almost always, you have to lean on your defense. The 49ers are lucky because they've got a pretty dang good one."
Added Montana: "Here's my scariest thought: Do you make him [stay] in the pocket, or do you try to put pressure and get him out of there? He's dangerous both places, so it's kind of scary."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Montana below.
Matt Miller's 7-round mock draft: Does it address the 49ers' needs?
By David Bonilla
14 hrs
ESPN analyst Matt Miller has released his annual seven-round mock draft, a comprehensive projection of all 257 picks. After losing key contributors this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL Draft with several pressing needs. Among their top priorities are...
Does this PFN 7-round mock draft properly address the 49ers' needs?
By David Bonilla
Mar 23
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL Draft with several pressing needs following what felt like a mass exodus during free agency. In addition to trading away key contributors like wide receiver Deebo Samuel and running back Jordan Mason, the team lost linebacker Dre...
A Full Breakdown of the 49ers' Needs Heading Into Draft Season
By Kraz Greinetz
Mar 23
With the first wave of free agency over, the 49ers have made only minor signings. The team has added no potential starters, opting instead to target backups and special teams players. At the same time, the 49ers have seen a historic exodus of starting-caliber players. In fact,...
How one 49ers rookie quickly impressed Brock Purdy
By David Bonilla
6 hrs
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall's NFL career got off to a tough start. After suffering a gunshot wound to the chest, he missed the first six games of the season. However, when he was on the practice field, the rookie quickly impressed his...
