John Lynch says Kyle Shanahan has challenged Jimmy Garoppolo from the neck up

The San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined the Jim Rome show on Thursday to talk about the offseason. Lynch says Kyle Shanahan has challenged Jimmy Garoppolo from the neck up while recovering from his ACL tear and has brought in his father -- and two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach -- Mike, to tutor him. He also talked about how when they brought Garoppolo in, the quarterback hadn’t played much football, so they knew they had to put him through challenges and find ways to allow Garoppolo to learn the system.

Check out the interview below:

Lynch will be facing plenty of pressure this season to win. His free agent signings and draft picks will be scrutinized more than ever. It’s time for the gambles over the past couple of seasons to start paying off. Whether that’s one of the players coming off injury performing at a high level, or them simply being available.

If Garoppolo plays to the level he is capable of; the Niners will win a bunch of games and Lynch and company will have another year. This season can go in several different directions. Health will be vital, but so will luck. The 49ers have been one of the most unlucky teams in the league over the last two years. Not just injuries, but luck, the way the ball has bounced, you name it. Luck has to be on the team’s side this year, right?