Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Did Jimmy Garoppolo buy himself more time as the 49ers’ starting quarterback?
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
The San Francisco 49ers traveled east on Sunday to face the struggling Chicago Bears. Both teams were in dire need of a win, not just to quiet a frustrated fan base but to keep their playoff hopes alive. Fortunately for the 49ers, they were able to come away with a 33-22 victory over the Bears.
For the Bears, the development of their rookie quarterback, Justin Fields, has become a focal point for their season. After veteran quarterback Andy Dalton suffered a knee injury in Week 2, the focus shifted to preparing Fields. The rookie hasn't looked back and was officially named the starter for the remainder of the season in Week 5.
Fields has had his ups and downs since taking over the starting job. Luckily for fans, he shows improvement with each game played and saved his best performance to date for when the Bears faced the 49ers at Soldier Field. Fields completed 19-of-27 passes for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interceptions. On the ground, he rushed 10 times for 103 yards and a score. The future appears to be bright for the young quarterback.
49ers veteran Jimmy Garoppolo had a good game of his own. Garoppolo grew up in nearby Arlington Heights, IL, and had close to 100 friends and family in attendance for Sunday's game. He completed 17-of-28 passes for 322 yards. While he had no passing touchdowns, Garoppolo did have five carries for four yards and two scores.
Garoppolo has struggled throughout the 2021 season, completing 64 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and four interceptions for a passer rating of 91.9. The stats, unfortunately, don't tell the whole story. Garoppolo has struggled to put up points and move the ball in recent weeks and has taken the bulk of the blame for the 49ers' abysmal 2-4 record entering Week 8 against the Bears.
Luckily for Garoppolo and the 49ers, the team remains one game out of the Wild Card spot in the playoffs. So, apart from a few teams in the NFC, playoff hopes are still in the cards for struggling teams like San Francisco.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has repeatedly said that he will play the quarterback that gives the team the best chance to win. With only one winning season since taking over as head coach in 2017, the mindset is to win now. So, while many 49ers fans are eager to see their own rookie quarterback, Trey Lance, step in and begin his development, Garoppolo just made everyone pump the brakes on that notion with his latest performance. If he keeps playing well and winning games, his starting job appears to be safe.
- Chris Beno
-
Written by:
Coming from Elk Grove, California I grew up a Bay Area sports fan. I've been cheering for the 49ers for as long as I can remember. In 2005 I joined the Army when I was 18 and got stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. I just kind of hung around here. I've always enjoyed writing and have typically focus on writing music. I am truly blessed to get to cover the 49ers, and have my articles published on the 49ers Webzone. I appreciate all of the Faithful that take the time to read the articles that myself and other contributors put out there. The 49ers have without a doubt the best fanbase, and best content creators around.
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
Mike Silver on how Deebo Samuel's contract might be the starting point for a Brandon Aiyuk extension
With the 2024 NFL Draft less than a week away, it's common for the rumor mill to start churning, especially with players who are actively seeking a new contract. It was just two short years ago that WR Deebo Samuel requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers prior to draft day, only for cooler heads to prevail and eventually agree to a new deal.
Now, it's WR Brandon Aiyuk's turn to try and get paid and rumors surfaced over the weekend that he too would request to be dealt. While that report was quickly shot down by his agent, there's still a lot of discussion about Aiyuk's future and if other teams will come calling on draft night.
Legendary columnist Mike Silver joined
49ers mailbag: Will Brandon Aiyuk be on the roster on Friday morning? Will SF draft another quarterback?
We're just over 24 hours before round one of the NFL Draft begins. The San Francisco 49ers are scheduled to have their first pick in the opening round since 2021 when they drafted Trey Lance. That didn't turn out well, but there is optimism that the team will be able to make its roster better over the next few days.
GM John Lynch spoke on Monday and said there's a possibility the team could trade out of the first round. I doubt that would go over well with the fanbase, especially since they haven't had a first-rounder in the past two years. But if it's a good trade that lands the 49ers some quality picks, we could see that happen, especially if there aren't any players at pick 31 that the team is excited about.
We opened up the 49ers Webzone Mailbag to see what
2024 NFL Draft: Dates, times, TV, streaming, 49ers picks, more
The San Francisco 49ers possess 10 selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, including the No. 31 overall pick. Notably, the team did not hold selections in the first two rounds last year. Below is essential information regarding the three-day rookie selection process, marking the 89th occurrence in league history.
As always, you can rely on 49ers Webzone for live news and breakdowns from the draft. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
49ers Draft Picks
Round 1, Pick 31 Overall
Round 2, Pick 63 Overall
Round 3, Pick 94 Overall
Round 4, Pick 124 Overall (via
Anthony "Spice" Adams to announce 49ers' draft picks in 2nd and 3rd rounds
NFL Communications has officially announced the "NFL legends and active players" who will announce selections during Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Representing the San Francisco 49ers will be former defensive tackle Anthony "Spice" Adams, who spent four seasons with the team and nine in the NFL.
San Francisco selected Adams out of Penn State in the second round (No. 57 overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.
The NFL's full announcement is below.
In the NFL's continuous effort to connect the game's greats with the next generation of stars, NFL Legends and active players will add to the excitement of the 2024 NFL Draft by announcing various selections and participating in festivities in Detroit.
Pro Football Hall of Famers Isaac
