placeholder image

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports


Joe Staley would like to see a bigger role for 49ers’ Trey Lance

Marc Adams
Oct 1, 2021 at 11:46 AM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to play the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, much debate and discussion continues to swirl around the play of starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and the potential of backup Trey Lance. While many fans and media suggest that coach Kyle Shanahan should make the change now, giving Lance the starter's reps, the coach continues to say there is no quarterback competition, and that Garoppolo is the starter.

There are also many fans and media who do not believe it's best to name Lance the starter. But most of them would like to at least see Lance play a larger role in the offense. Add former 49ers offensive tackle Joe Staley to that list.

Staley, an analyst for NBC Sports Bay Area, was a guest on the 49ers Talk podcast with Matt Maiocco and Laura Britt this week. Staley said he would like to see a bigger role for the rookie quarterback.

"We see the limitations of Jimmy, and we all know where his ceiling is," said Staley. "Is Trey's ceiling going to be so much further? And there's a balance act right now between playing Trey — is he the best player for this football team and hindering his long-term development.

"I really think the smart thing is for Jimmy to play because he's not playing as poorly as everybody thinks. I think the situation is really unique because of the addition of Trey Lance to the equation," Staley added. "You look at his stats and the way he's playing, it's been consistent or even a little bit better than he has in the past.

Staley is correct. Garoppolo hasn't been bad so far. He had a great game against Detroit, and then led the team to victory in Philadelphia, after falling behind early. Although last Sunday night against the Packers wasn't his best game, he had some solid plays in the second half, including leading the team down the field to score what should have been a game-winning touchdown.

Staley said of Garoppolo, "He's not going down the field all of the time, but he is protecting the football. He's making key third downs late in the game. I think he's playing efficient football.

"But there's that unknown that Trey has right now that's causing a lot of fans and a lot of dialogue about what can be."

Shanahan has been using Lance, sparingly, on short-yardage or goal-line situations. Staley said he would like to see the 49ers use the rookie's ability as a dual-threat, as a passer and runner, to help revive the struggling run game, not just in goal-line situations, but also during the regular flow of the game.

Said Staley, "I think Trey can add pieces to this offense that defenses are going to have to account for, and I don't think we've even seen what that can be because the plays you run at the goal line and inside the five-yard line, where you've seen him come in, are different from what you can see in the open field. And I think he can do a lot of things, obviously, with his arm talent, but also the play actions. It's a different look for the defense to prepare for."

When Shanahan will make a change at quarterback, or just increase Lance's playing time in games, remains to be seen. Perhaps only he knows. Or maybe he is truly playing it by ear, and doesn't even know yet.

You can listen to the entire podcast below.




Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

What is Brandon Staley's role with the 49ers?

By David Bonilla
Mar 26

Following the dismissal of Steve Wilks, Brandon Staley interviewed for the San Francisco 49ers' vacant defensive coordinator job. Opting to go with internal candidate Nick Sorenson allowed the team to maintain continuity while entrusting the defense to a play-caller very familiar with the scheme the 49ers want to deploy. Sorenson previously worked with former defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and served as an assistant with the Seattle Seahawks, so that familiarity gave him the edge. Where did that leave Staley? The 49ers hired him, too. However, Staley won't serve as the team's defensive coordinator. Right now, he has the title of assistant head coach. He will be heavily involved in game-day planning. Speaking to reporters at the NFL owners


placeholder image

49ers mailbag: What is Brandon Staley's role with the defense? Will SF add a starting safety? Thoughts on new hip-drop tackle rule?

By Marc Adams
19 hrs

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters on Tuesday at the NFL meetings in Orlando. He addressed multiple topics, from coaching moves, to new rules, to free agency additions and losses. On Monday, GM John Lynch met with the media and answered questions himself. So they have given us some things to discuss during the offseason. We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag this week to answer your questions. Some were related to the topics Shanahan and Lynch discussed. Others were not. Let's jump in and see what is on your mind. Do the 49ers add a starting safety? Who would be the best fit, and is Talanoa Hufanga's job safe? - Dave B. It wouldn't surprise me if the 49ers added another safety in free agency. In fact, I'd say it's


placeholder image

49ers see impending mega-deal for Brock Purdy as a 'good problem'

By David Bonilla
20 hrs

The San Francisco 49ers are actively working to sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a contract extension, aiming to maintain their talented young core of players. The team has reached agreements with star players during each of the last four offseasons, securing George Kittle in 2020, Fred Warner in 2021, Deebo Samuel in 2022, and Nick Bosa in 2023. Another key contributor poised for a new deal next offseason is quarterback Brock Purdy. Over the last couple of years, the 49ers have been in the unique position of not having to pay much money (relatively) to stock their quarterback room while reaping the benefits of superb play from their starting signal-caller. However,


placeholder image

Charvarius Ward willing to help 49ers land Tre'Davious White

By David Bonilla
Mar 18

The San Francisco 49ers likely aren't finished fortifying their defense and have reportedly expressed interest in bolstering their defensive backfield. If they require assistance making a significant move, one 49ers player is prepared to lend a helping hand. Last week, the Buffalo Bills released All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White, who appears to be an ideal fit for San Francisco's needs opposite Charvarius Ward. Over the weekend, Ward took to social media to reveal that he and White share the same agent and that he is willing to nudge the free-agent defensive back in the right direction. Ward described White as a "hand in glove


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone