5. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo
Yes, even though he was only around for three games this season before his season-ending injury, it can’t be underestimated his impact while he was on the team.
The effect he provides to the 49ers in his brief time as the team’s starting quarterback can’t go unnoticed. Many of the team’s games came down to the play of the field general at the end of the game. And with CJ Beathard and Nick Mullens having to take over for the franchise player, it’s apparent that Garoppolo’s presence is needed at his starting spot.
It’s uncertain just how many wins would have by now if Garoppolo were healthy. However, the offense wouldn’t have such a high turnover rate. Garoppolo was less turnover prone than Beathard. The franchise quarterback had the offense averaging 1.3 turnovers per game. The team’s original backup, Beathard, averaged 2.8 turnovers per game.
During Garoppolo’s three games, the offense averaged 24.3 points per game. Beathard, on the other hand, had the offense averaging 20 points per game.
Most importantly, Beathard didn’t beat a single team during his time as the starter. Garoppolo has provided enough of a sample in his short time as the starter to have the team stick with him and build around him.
Continue to add pieces to the offense for him and give him the receivers he needs to prosper.
