SANTA CLARA (Calif.) — As the San Francisco 49ers The 2022 NFL season will be opened against the backdrop of the Chicago Bears On Sunday, Kyle Shanahan, coach, was aware of all the talk outside about his unique situation as a quarterback.
Shanahan had an inkling of how people would react to the Niners and the incumbent starters. Jimmy Garoppolo Garoppolo will be retained as a backup in the new starter’s contract. Trey Lance.
Shanahan also understands that the drumbeat of a quarterback change will be louder if Lance is struggling.
Shanahan said, “We all understand how it would turn out.” We know that. He has a successful quarterback to back him so it is obvious how this narrative will turn out.
Shanahan met approximately 15 veteran players to discuss the plans for Garoppolo and Shanahan before finalizing the contract.
Shanahan sent a message to his team to support Lance, just like they supported Garoppolo when he was struggling.
Shanahan stated that Jimmy was not alone in his struggles and that the players had their backs no matter what. It’s important to understand that when you’re struggling, the guys will know it’s much more difficult to play well if no one is there for you. It’s up to you to support them. We have the men who can do it, I believe. My guys helped Jimmy through difficult times. They supported him and made it work.
“I can understand what people outside our locker room will say, and they are correct in terms of human nature. Even if you aren’t playing well, it will happen.
Lance will make his third NFL debut on Sunday, but it will be his first since Shanahan appointed him to the position on July 26. Shanahan expressed his confidence in Lance on Wednesday, noting that he had “as many reps before” following a full offseason program, training camp, and a top-of-the-depth chart.
Lance will be 22 years old and 125 day old when the Niners and Bears play Sunday. He will be the youngest opening quarterback for San Francisco since the NFL’s 1950 founding.
Lance, for his part, said that the opportunity to go back into regular season mode as the starter was a welcome change since he hadn’t been a quarterback starting a full-season since 2019.
Lance stated, “It’s definitely different for sure.” “Definitely a breather of fresh air. It’s refreshing to game-plan with somebody else, and watch someone else’s tape. And learn some new things.
Lance doesn’t think about one thing as the season begins: the fact that Lance was not elected a captain his first year of being a starter. The Niners named six players — tight finish George Kittle, left tackle Trent WilliamsEnd Nick Bosa, defensive lineman Arik ArmsteadSafety Jimmie Ward Linebacker Fred Warner — As captains on Wednesday.
Shanahan cites Lance and wideout as examples. Deebo Samuel As voted by their teammates, they narrowly missed the cut at spots seven and eight.
Lance stated, “That’s my goal but I don’t think that you can look at any six guys and say, ‘That guy’s a bozo.'” “Those guys all have played football at a very high level. Every single one of these guys was voted for by me, so I feel they all deserve it. This is definitely something I want to accomplish. But those guys have proven it, and that’s the essence of this league.
Garoppolo will experience a sort of full-circle moment upon his return to Chicago. Garoppolo, a native of Arlington Heights in Illinois and a suburb of Chicago made his debut with the Niners on December 3, 2017, against the Bears at Soldier Field.
Garoppolo, Lance’s backup, will arrive in Chicago on Sunday. After completing rehab for his right shoulder (throwing), Garoppolo was able to return to practice last week.
Shanahan claimed Garoppolo is ready to be the No. 2 behind Lance in the Bears match.
Shanahan said that “he’s looked good, just as Jimmy always did.” He’s throwing the ball really well. It’s been good.