By Scooter_McG
The talk of the 49ers training camp, for fans at least, has largely been around when Lance would start competing with Jimmy G for the starting role. The focus has almost entirely been on how Lance has been performing, where he is at in his development, and whether he is ready.
But somewhat lost in the argument has been how Jimmy G is performing, his development or how the team looks with him at QB. Yes, there has been some comparison statistics provided by various sources, but it has largely been used to support opinions of how Lance has performed. Yes, there has been the obligatory noting of the INT's JG throws in practice (which has always been something JG has struggled with). But there has been very little discussion actually highlighting whether the team has looked good with Jimmy G at QB, or how it has looked relative to past years.
This game against the Chargers will be the first opportunity for Jimmy G to really show 49ers fans why the desire for Lance to be given a shot to start from week 1 this year shouldn't even be a discussion. Not because of where Lance is at in his development, but because of what Jimmy can do as the starter of this team. Shanahan has said the plan is for the starters to play about 1 to 1.5 quarters, which could be enough time for Jimmy G to get two or even three good drives in. If he gets the first team offense rolling and scoring points then it will go a long way to tempering the talk of Lance taking over asap. Well... maybe for at least a week!
Odds and Ends
This game may also be the first opportunity for fans to get a glimpse of how Dee Ford's progress in his return from neck and back injuries is going. While nothing has been said as yet as to whether he will play, if he gets a few snaps it will be an impressive sign for both Ford and the 49ers. If he also looks good - then the 49ers DL has a real opportunity to be very strong this season.
And while Trent Williams is not expected to play, if Alex Mack plays in this one it will also be a great opportunity to see how the starting OL looks with the vet pivot leading the line. The centre position was a significant weakness all last season and if Mack can play at a high level it will go a long way to unlocking the potential of the 49ers passing and running game.
Should be fun getting to watch the starting units for a few series in this one.
I don't think fans realize how big an impact Alex Mack can have on this offense and offensive line. Yes he's old and past his prime, however he's still got his mind which is still elite. This should allow identification and communication to flow throughout the line, and enhance pass protection without sacrificing the run game.
ReplyDeleteScooter, thanks for the write up. I think Lance's chances for a week 1 start are over, but at some point in the season I wouldn't rule out him winning the job. If he's not able to do it, that's ok too because it'll mean Jimmy is playing lights out.
Completely agree.
DeleteMack will be huge in that he will set the protections. His expertise here not only will help the Oline be better positioned in their blocking but will also help Jimmy and Lance focus on diagnosing coverages.
Mack is the reason I'm fairly optimistic of getting serviceable right guard play this season -- from Brunskill, McKivitz or Banks.
DeleteAt no point in the off season did I feel there was any reasonable chance for Lance to start next month. I thought he showed progress in today's outing -- needs to stay on that learning curve. Keep in mind that the defenses he's facing are not scheming to exploit weaknesses in the offense.
For the two coaching staff, I'd think that today's game was less important than the controlled scrimmages earlier this week.
Agree, Mood.
DeleteVery Nice Post, Plz keep update for the whole NFL Season.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, Good update Scooter. I'm more concerned about the poor play at RG than I am about JG and the QB position. I'm
ReplyDeletehoping we get a good look at Colton McKivitz
Well, can forget about the Dee Ford and Alex Mack points. Neither will play tonight.
ReplyDeleteSmart. Easton Stick gets the start for the Chargers.
DeleteLet's go Niners!
ReplyDeleteAfter a laborious dink & dunk drive where Jimmy had some struggles with ball placement, Jimmy faced 3rd and 12, he had no choice but to make a intermediate pass, and Jimmy had poor ball placement to an open Aiyuk, and it resulted in an INT.
ReplyDeleteJimmy's INT ratios are poor for a veteran, that's just a fact!
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DeleteI am glad to see the brace is gone, that's a positive. But I still see the tipity tap, happy feet. Jimmy has to get that fixed.
DeleteWow, what a a great find Jonas Griffith was! Holy cow he's big, he's fast, and he's instinctive. He hits the trifecta! Niners are loaded at LB!
ReplyDeleteLance looked good in the hurry up.
ReplyDeleteFools Gould at the end of the half.
ReplyDeleteMatt Maiocco
@MaioccoNBCS
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47m
Injury update: Maurice Hurst is out with an ankle injury. #49ers
"Jimmy G can end the speculation against the Chargers."
ReplyDeleteThere is no speculation, imo. Jimmy will be the opening game starter and perhaps the remainder of the season. But, Shanahan also knows that he has a thorough bred race horse that has the potential to change the outcome of the contest when he steps onto the field.
There's no doubt that Trey will be the eventual starter. It would be an embarrassing waste for the 49ers to give up so much draft capital for Lance to sit on the bench.
Garoppolo will need to play the best games of his career to keep Trey on the sidelines and hold off Shanahan' eventual change at QB.