On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we talk about a quarterback that doesn’t suck! What stood out from Jimmy Garoppolo’s first start as a 49er? (2:38) Where did things break down in the red zone and should we be concerned? (27:55) And which gritty receiving performance was worthy of our Spotlight Player of the Week (hint: he’s a lot like Randy Moss)? (44:03) All that, plus DeForest Buckner’s second straight underwhelming performance (49:03), Robbie is good as Gould (51:36), and what to watch in Houston this week (53:42).
All-22 Clips
This was, IMO, Jimmy’s best throw of the day. Staley doesn’t handle the stunt well, Tomlinson can’t peel off his man. Despite the pressure Garoppolo changes his throw angle and still hits Taylor in stride. (The incomplete EZ pass to Kittle was a close second.) #49ers pic.twitter.com/gv14UEFnsy
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) December 6, 2017
Garoppolo exhibits touch and the ability to understand a defender’s leverage. DB has low shoulder leverage and that means the QB should make a high shoulder throw. He leads the TE up the field into space. Just needs to adjust for speed and this can be a great connection. #49ers pic.twitter.com/XfN00G1Bn5
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) December 6, 2017
Garoppolo exhibits really good processing speed, and is quick release also means he can quickly pull it back. Goodwin flashes open but 43 sinks and JG pulls it back. Finds a newly wide open Kittle for an easy gain. Probably saves an INT by not throwing to Goodwin. #49ers pic.twitter.com/CwVIrd6494
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) December 6, 2017
Garoppolo has better pocket presence and mobility than #49ers have seen in a while. Hits the Romo-spin when he feels the pressure. Forces him to miss Taylor coming free. Would have been an easy TD but JG has no way to know the cut block worked. Just felt the player near his feet. pic.twitter.com/FJZnGkXIKm
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) December 6, 2017
This may seem like a routine 15 yard completion, but look at Jimmy Garoppolo’s eyes (or helmet stripe). He holds the hook defender by looking at him preventing him from getting underneath the pass to Goodwin. #49ers pic.twitter.com/tQENqc3TmA
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) December 6, 2017
He not only holds the hook defender with his eyes, but look at the ball placement. It’s on Goodwin’s outside shoulder. Any further inside and it’s a PBU or worse. #49ers pic.twitter.com/LoU5zWBpkk
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) December 6, 2017
Not sure if this is common for the #Bears, but they played a modified Bear front with the LB playing off the ball. Allowed LB to flow to edges and blow up the OZ run. Nearly impossible for Kilgore to get this block. Worked really well vs #49ers early on. pic.twitter.com/Dimo87Yc9e
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) December 6, 2017
Buckner had a so-so game. Did not make his usual impact, but also didn’t have a lot of opportunity. Here he gets reached by Sitton (as does nearly everyone else). Foster gets a little aggressive and opens the hole by demolishing the FB. Best non-punt run for the #Bears pic.twitter.com/4u1BbPJzZL
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) December 6, 2017