The NFC championship game turned into a nightmare scenario for the 49ers. With their run game stymied and their defense struggling to get off the field, San Francisco had to turn to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to save their season and they fell short.
This was always going to be the issue when the 49ers opted to roll with Garoppolo in 2021. It’s also the reason they traded three first-round picks to move up and take Trey Lance in this year’s draft. When the 49ers’ formula for winning didn’t work, they weren’t going to be able to lean on their quarterback.
It wasn’t a great omen Sunday when Garoppolo’s first throw, a third-and-7 toss to tight end George Kittle on the 49er’s first drive, sailed over Kittle’s head. A better throw might’ve gone for a touchdown.
