Analyst Rob Ninkovich created a bit of a social-media reaction with his latest take on ESPN's Get Up. He was asked to name a team that is a quarterback away from reaching the Super Bowl. His pick? The Indianapolis Colts. And the signal-caller to get them there?
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
"I say that because they need a guy that can throw the football down the field," Ninkovich said. "... They need to go out and get somebody like Jimmy G. Jimmy G! Go get Jimmy G. You've got a running game, you've got a good defense. You've got a quarterback that can throw the football down the field effectively, accurately.
"I think Jimmy G with the Colts would put them over the top and get them to the Super Bowl."
.@ninko50 says the Colts are just one QB away from the Super Bowl 😤
"I think Jimmy G with the Colts would put them over the top and get them to the Super Bowl!" pic.twitter.com/1StlSbU9P3
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 16, 2022
Naturally, that sparked comments from Colts fans, who weren't necessarily all against making a move for Garoppolo, but didn't feel as passionately about the 49ers quarterback as Ninkovich clearly does.
This man LEGIT said "A QB that can throw the ball DOWN THE FIELD.. ACCURATELY.." https://t.co/XVmiV4cZs9
— Devin Tyler (@DevinTyler83) February 16, 2022
Someone explain to me how all I heard from these analysts was that Jimmy G held the 49ers back during this playoff run, but now he is supposed to be the answer for the Colts?
— Matt Wallace (@WhoDey311) February 16, 2022
Jimmy G and Wentz both have the same problem - not great decision making. Wentz probably has better intangibles - stronger arm, bigger body and more mobile. Not seeing much of an upgrade if any.
— SeattleBoiler (@jwfriar81) February 16, 2022
No it wouldn't. Wentz and Jimmy are in the same class
— Davey Stone (@iDreamBillions) February 16, 2022
Jimmy G doesn't put anyone over the top.
— Andrew Malan (@andrew_malan) February 16, 2022
The real question is what to the Colts believe? If they feel Garoppolo can make them better, and a few other NFL teams feel the same way, that could create some nice demand for the 49ers quarterback.
Garoppolo's time in red and gold has likely come to an end. The 49ers are expected to part ways with the veteran passer, officially transitioning to last year's No. 3 overall pick, Trey Lance.