Film Breakdown: 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo looks to bounce back vs Lions

A look back at San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's Week 2 performance against the Detroit Lions during the 2018 season.

Coming off his first loss as a starter in the NFL, Jimmy Garoppolo looked to bounce back against the Detroit Lions. Starting the season in Minnesota against the Vikings isn't easy for any team, but the 49ers had chances to win in Week 1. Garoppolo finished with a line of 15/33, 261 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INT, and the 49ers lost 24-16.

The Lions were embarrassed in Week 1 by Sam Darnold and the New York Jets. Darnold threw two touchdowns in his debut and Isaiah Crowell ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Matt Patricia was hired for his defensive mind and his defense was nonexistent in his debut.

Two things happened in Week 2: the 49ers won and Garoppolo improved his play from Week 1. It wasn't a perfect performance, but Jimmy's line of 18/26, 208 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT was encouraging.

Let's look at some interesting plays:


Here you'll see a beautiful play action design with George Kittle running open in the middle of the field. Jimmy overthrows him, should be an easy pitch and catch.


Pierre Garçon goes in motion from the bottom of the screen. Kittle runs a great route and Garoppolo delivers a great ball in traffic.


It's 3rd and 10 in the red zone. Dante Pettis comes in motion to the slot. Pettis makes a move to spring himself at the sticks and the throw is just behind him. A throw to his right shoulder is a conversion for sure.


Impressive tight window throw to Pierre Garçon here. Play action sets it all up, but Jimmy beats the safety with ball placement.


This play was negated by a penalty, but it doesn't excuse the read and decision by Garoppolo. Matt Breida is lined up in the slot and Jimmy stares him down. The defender reads his eyes and jumps the route. Would have been a crucial mistake in what was a close game at the time.


Pierre Garçon is at the top of the screen and Jimmy hits him with a strike after a play fake.

Week 2 was an improvement for Jimmy Garoppolo. Mistake free football is always important and there's a lot to like from his performance, but there's still some room for improvement.