The FOX broadcast caught San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan heading over to a seated Jimmy Garoppolo after the quarterback threw an early interception against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The Niners ended up winning the game 34-26, but mistakes like the pick have led to criticisms from fans, especially considering the Vikings scored off the turnover.
Garoppolo was asked about the sideline conversation with Shanahan and if his coach was "pissed off" about the costly mistake.
"Naturally. It wasn't a good decision," Garoppolo responded. "I've got to be better than that with it. Just take the check-down. They were giving those to us early, and I just need to be more efficient with those."
Shanahan was also asked about the sideline conversation. He provided more insight into what he said to the veteran quarterback.
"I just told him the obvious, what he missed," Shanahan shared. "I told him to let it go, and we're going to come right back to you, and we need you to be aggressive for the rest of the game. And he was and handled it right."
While Garoppolo struggled early in the game, Shanahan feels the quarterback recovered nicely. Garoppolo finished the game 17-of-26 passing for 230 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
"I thought he started off not great," Shanahan said. "It took him a little bit to get into it. He missed a couple on that first drive, and obviously, that pick was inexcusable. He knows that. But the way he bounced back, I thought, was great."
Before the game, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that, barring a Super Bowl run, the 49ers plan to trade Garoppolo this offseason and usher in the Trey Lance era. Obviously, that would surprise no one. Lance is the future, but his limited collegiate experience required him to sit, learn, and be groomed to take over the offense.
In one of the more bizarre questions of the post-game press conferences, Garoppolo was asked if he heard about the report. Clearly, he had more pressing matters on his mind.
"No, I didn't," Garoppolo said. "I was worried about the game, but I appreciate the heads up."
The good-natured quarterback delivered that last portion while laughing.
