On Tuesday, Bleacher Report gave its projected stats for every starting NFL quarterback heading into the 2021 NFL Season.
For teams with multiple starting quality quarterbacks, like the 49ers, Bleacher Report gave projections for both quarterbacks.
For the 49ers, Bleacher Report's Maurice Moton acknowledged that Jimmy Garoppolo would start the season, as "the San Francisco 49ers don't have to thrust rookie first-rounder Trey Lance into action right away," but realizes that Garoppolo "should feel some pressure with the No. 3 overall pick behind him on the depth chart." However, added Moton, "Garoppolo's passing numbers may not jump off the screen with head coach Kyle Shanahan's commitment to the run."
Moton does factor in Garoppolo's injury history with his decision, and while he gives the incumbent starter most of the playing time for the 2021 season, he does sprinkle in some Trey Lance action in his projected stats.
For Garoppolo, Moton predicts 298 completions on 426 attempts for 3,572 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Meanwhile, for Lance, Moton foresees 57 completions on 91 attempts for 668 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception to go along with 207 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
For Garoppolo, the 3,572 yards would be the second highest of his career, while his projected completion percentage factors in to be the highest of his career. A key statistic to look upon for the quarterback would be his interceptions as turnovers have been a slight problem over his career as a starter.
Meanwhile, Bleacher Report has Lance seeing both passing and rushing action, with three touchdowns on the ground and five touchdowns through the air, which would mean utilizing all aspects of his game as a rookie. While his projected completion percentage is only 62.6%, Lance's running abilities will serve to complement his arm strength.
- Rohan Chakravarthi
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Written by:Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
