1) Jimmy Garoppolo Has Flaws But He Is a Big Game Quarterback
Would I like for Jimmy Garoppolo to be more consistent with his ball placement? Yes. Does he have flaws? Yes. ls he the right quarterback for the job? YES!
It was a long, difficult, and at times, mind-numblingly frustrating game, but when it mattered the most, Jimmy Garoppolo delivered. On the day, he finished 34-45 for 424 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. The thing to keep in mind is that this was all on a day where George Kittle and Matt Breida sat out. Emmanuel Sanders played through an injury. There was NO running game to speak of because Arizona sold out to stop it. Garoppolo was going to have to throw nearly every play in the second half and everyone in the building knew it.
It didn't matter. Garoppolo turned it over twice in the red zone. It didn't matter. He is a leader and if he has the ball and some time, regardless of how the game has gone, he finds a way to put the team in position to win the game. On the final drive, he went 6 for 7 for 58 yards and threw the game winner to Jeff Wilson Jr. That is clutch quarterbacking. That is leadership. That is why the 49ers paid Garoppolo and why they have a chance to do some very special things this year and beyond.
2) Deebo Samuel Will Be a Starter for the Rest of the Year
Though Deebo Samuel is a rookie, he doesn't play like one. He has physical and mental toughness like a seasoned pro and his tenacity and desire to get every yard should be enough to get every fan to their feet when he makes a play. He is Anquan Boldin, but with speed. He has now broken into the starting lineup. Don't expect him to come off the bench again.
In two games where the 49ers were already missing George Kittle and had a limited Emmanuel Sanders, he stepped up and caught 16 passes for 246 yards. He's been nothing short of terrific. Given the uncertainty and confidence issues Coach Shanahan has with Marquise Goodwin, Dante Pettis, and even Kendrick Bourne at times, Deebo Samuel is dependable and deserves to be a starter.
3) This Team Knows How to Fight Through Adversity and Win Games
Every team has injuries, but the 49ers have played through theirs admirably. George Kittle missing today's game affects the entire offense, but it fought through it. There were ten penalties for 127 yards that set up the Cardinals to score and took away scores from the 49ers. They played through them. There were turnovers in the red zone. Ultimately, none of this mattered. The 49ers have learned to fight through adversity and grind out victories and that is a major improvement over what we have seen out of the team over the last several seasons.
Hopefully, there will be fewer penalties, injuries, and poor execution going forward and it will be good to get a number of key players back next week, but this 49ers team is special.
4) Extra Points
- Richie James Jr's 57 yard catch and run in the second quarter was the key play to turning things around. I'm hopeful to see him receive more snaps.
- Kyle Juszczyk is back in full swing and had a career high 7 catches for 63 yards. Having him back adds an important dimension to the offense.
- Richard Sherman got flagged for pass interference three times and they were all probably legitimate. Expect him to improve next week.
- Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw balled out again with 12 and 10 tackles, respectively. Azeez Al-Shaair should return next week. This linebacker corps has done well overall, despite the loss of Kwon Alexander.
- Dee Ford had a sack and two tackles for loss. He injured his hamstring and did not return. No official word, but it may have been precautionary.
- Damontre Moore was glad to be back in a 49ers uniform and he ended the game with a forced fumble. It's good to have him back.
- Next up, the 49ers face the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday Night Football, November 24th for a key matchup that will have playoff implications. They will likely get George Kittle, Matt Breida, Azeez Al-Shaair, and D.J. Jones back. Expect Emmanuel Sanders to play and hopefully Dee Ford as well.
