During a segment on Inside Training Camp Live, NFL Network's Steve Mariucci, or "Mooch" as he is known to fans, was asked to share his thoughts on the San Francisco 49ers as the team prepares for the 2021 season. It sounds like the analyst, like fans, has high expectations for head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad.
While 2020 was a disappointment, the team owned the most injury-plagued roster in the league. The campaign wasn't what coaches, players, and fans envisioned for an organization coming off of a Super Bowl appearance.
"This team, the 49ers, [were] 6-10, last place, and they might have the best roster in football," Mariucci told Andrew Siciliano. "So, look out. They're healthy right now. I can't wait to go over and see them in training camp this week."
Mariucci was asked which 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo or rookie Trey Lance, will accrue more starts this season. Garoppolo is slated to sit atop the depth chart and start Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. The plan is to let Lance sit and continue learning Shanahan's offense for as long as the 21-year-old quarterback needs.
"I think Jimmy G is going to get the most starts," Mariucci said. "He's going to start the season. I don't want a 19- or 20-year-old kid in Trey Lance — he played at North Dakota State — opening up his pro career at Motown (Week 1), at the City of Brotherly Love (Week 2), and is like, 'Wow, that's a little much for me right now.'
"So you let Jimmy G do it as long as he's available. He's got a heck of a record. And then they come back and play against Aaron Rodgers (Week 3), and Russell Wilson (Week 4), and Kyler Murray (Week 5). So this team's got to [play] Jimmy G for those first five games for sure, to see if they can win four or five of them.
"And Trey Lance, you sit around a little bit. You watch, and you learn. I know you're going to be a good one someday, but it's not today."
49ers players report to training camp tomorrow. The team's first practice will be conducted on Wednesday morning.