As the NFL’s annual Scramble for a new head coach has begun, it’s becoming clear where each of the contenders stands. In a recent poll, nearly three-quarters of the NFL media contingent voted that the 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan would get the most votes. It’s still early in the process, but Shanahan’s early lead could be significant, especially because the 49ers have been linked to several other offensive-minded head coaches, including their current offensive coordinator, OC/QB coach Steve Logan.
With all the noise swirling around within the 49er front office, it’s hard to pin down the truth. But, one thing is for certain: Kyle Shanahan knows who his starting quarterback will be.
The 49ers have a new head coach, and they have a new quarterback. The last thing they need is a controversy surrounding a quarterbacks name. That said, I expect Kyle Shanahan to name his starting quarterback as soon as possible. The good news for the team, however, is that the name he will choose will not anger anyone.
The San Francisco 49ers have yet to announce their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the NFL season, which begins in little over two weeks. Jimmy Garoppolo seems to be the team’s leader. Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall selection, has additional potential if head coach Kyle Shanahan thinks he’s ready for the spotlight.
Any little development may prompt Shanahan to choose a starter, and Lance’s recently damaged finger could have simply guided him in the correct way.
Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo are still up in the air for the 49ers.
The San Francisco 49ers’ Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo chat on the sidelines before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders | Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Quarterback contests are becoming more common in the NFL. The Chicago Bears have chosen Andy Dalton over Justin Fields as their starting quarterback. Teddy Bridgewater was chosen over Drew Lock by the Denver Broncos. And by unexpectedly dismissing Cam Newton, the New England Patriots have completely committed to Mac Jones.
The 49ers, on the other hand, are still undecided about their starting quarterback.
When healthy, Garoppolo has been the starter for the most of the past four seasons, and he even guided the 49ers to a Super Bowl trip two years ago. Shanahan may not think he’s the right man to lead San Francisco to the next level, despite the fact that the 29-year-old is clearly an above-average NFL quarterback.
Trey Lance is now on the scene. The intriguing rookie out of North Dakota State possesses a stronger arm than Garoppolo and is a much more dangerous threat with his legs to harm opposing defenders. Lance, on the other hand, only appeared in 19 games throughout his collegiate career. By Week 1, he may not be ready for the NFL limelight.
Shanahan may go with a dual-QB plan to start the season, but he’ll have to choose a starter at some point.
Lance will be out for a week due to a “chip” in his finger.
According to HC Kyle Shanahan, 49ers QB Trey Lance has a tiny “chip” in his finger and will be sidelined for approximately a week.
30 August 2021 — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
Shanahan may still be undecided about who he wants as quarterback when the 49ers start the 2021 season against the Detroit Lions next month. Is he willing to take a chance and start Garoppolo until Lance is ready to take over, or would he rather throw his rookie quarterback into the fire straight away?
Lance, on the other hand, could have made that choice for him.
Shanahan announced on Monday night that Lance has a tiny “chip” in his finger and would miss a week of practice. He wouldn’t say which finger or even which hand had been hurt.
Lance’s finger had just guided Shanahan in the direction of a simple choice.
Shanahan may have just gotten a pass on his most crucial decision of the summer. Lance’s damaged finger simply guided him in the correct way, even if he wasn’t ready to designate a starter this week.
Garoppolo has proved to be more than a capable quarterback for the 49ers in recent seasons. Garoppolo can execute Shanahan’s offense neatly and efficiently when he’s healthy. It’s absolutely acceptable for San Francisco to stick with the experienced quarterback until Lance is ready to take over.
After trading up for Lance in the 2021 NFL draft, it’s obvious that Shanahan thinks he’s the key to unlocking this offense, but he’s not rushing him into the starting lineup for Week 1. The 49ers face the Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles to begin the season, so any quarterback should be able to lead them to a 2-0 start.
Lance will ultimately earn the starting quarterback position in San Francisco, but not in Week 1.
Trey Lance Just Received Game-Changing News About a Weapon He May Come To Rely On RELATED: Trey Lance Just Received Game-Changing News About a Weapon He May Come To Rely On
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