Former NFL star linebacker turned ESPN analyst Tedy Bruschi has been critical of Jimmy Garoppolo in the past. He was critical of the San Francisco 49ers quarterback again on Sunday morning, stating that the constant mistakes from the veteran passer are inexcusable at this point in his career.
"I watch Jimmy play, and I start to see why they traded three first-round picks to go up and get Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick," Bruschi said during Sunday NFL Countdown (h/t to Hunter Hodies of The Spun). "I just see an error repeater over the years, seeing Jimmy do the same thing over and over again.
"The two interceptions versus Seattle. I mean, this is basic football in terms of a linebacker dropping back into the first window. And Shanahan even said it himself; it's supposed to be a second window throw, [Garoppolo] doesn't do it.
"The second interception, over the middle, both backers get good depth. He forces it in. You're supposed to hit the checkdown. These are mistakes that just can't be made at this stage of his career.
"So, you're waiting for the Niners to be a contender again, but it looks like, at times, Jimmy Garoppolo is holding them back."
.@TedyBruschi says Jimmy Garoppolo is holding the 49ers back from being Super Bowl contenders.
"I watch Jimmy play, and I start to see why [the 49ers] traded three 1st round picks to go up and get Trey Lance ... I just see an error repeater." pic.twitter.com/WHdL7x8HtL
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 12, 2021
After entering the season with lofty expectations, the 49ers currently sit in the seventh and final spot in the NFC playoff seeding. Therefore, every remaining game is vital if they hope to remain in playoff contention. The Niners are preparing to play the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.
Garoppolo could be in his final season with San Francisco. The 49ers traded up to draft quarterback Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick this offseason. Most expect Lance to take the reins in 2022. However, Garoppolo is expected to continue starting for the remainder of this season, so long as the Niners remain in the playoff hunt.
Garoppolo has completed 207-of-310 attempts (66.8 percent) for 2,641 yards with 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions through 11 game appearances this season. The quarterback's 98.6 passer rating is his second-highest (102.0 in 2019) since joining the 49ers in 2017.