The San Francisco 49ers may only feature Trey Lance in packages that utilize his athleticism as a way to throw off opposing defenses. The rookie quarterback may also start several games. We just don't know at this point. That all depends on Jimmy Garoppolo. Can the veteran stay healthy through a 17-game season? Can he even make it out of September injury-free for only his second time as a starter?
Daniel Jeremiah, like most everyone, expects to see Lance on the football field this season. Not necessarily as a starter, but the NFL Media analyst isn't dismissing the possibility, and his projected stats for Lance would indicate that the rookie eventually replaces Garoppolo in 2021.
Jeremiah predicts Lance will throw for 2,400 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The analyst adds 450 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns to those statistics.
Obviously, the best-case scenario for the 49ers is that the rookie quarterback seldomly sees the field. That means Garoppolo is healthy and performing at a high level, much like in 2019. However, Jeremiah argues that Lance needs experience, and can envision the quarterback starting sometime after the bye week.
On a side note, that scenario might open up the possibility of a trade involving Garoppolo.
"I like the idea of easing him in with a package of plays before he takes over the starting job six or seven games into the season," wrote Jeremiah. "His unique blend of size, mobility and toughness sparks a deep playoff run for the 49ers."
Of course, there is the possibility that Lance is forced to take over for Garoppolo earlier than expected. That might not be ideal for the 21-year-old quarterback's development, and Jeremiah labels that as a worst-case scenario. It would mean Lance trying to run the offense before he is 100 percent comfortable with the playbook and system.
Still, that might be manageable for Shanahan and company. The 49ers roster is talented enough, assuming it remains healthy, to make the early transition easier for Lance.
"Even in this tough predicament, I believe Kyle Shanahan could adjust his scheme to ease the transition and make it work," noted Jeremiah.
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