No. 5: Jimmy Garoppolo Thrives on the Short and Intermediate Passes

While there may be worries about Jimmy Garoppolo’s deep ball, the fact of the matter is he relies far more on short- and intermediate-area passes over the long shots down the field.

Niner Noise’s Rich Madrid broke this down, paying particular attention to one play with which Garoppolo was familiar from his days with the New England Patriots, the double slant concept:

While this is a red-zone play, it helps illustrate the idea Garoppolo relies more on this intermediate game rather than the elongated waiting required from a deep pass to develop. It also goes hand in hand with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive play calling (more on that later).

If one play isn’t enough for you, however, there’s this to consider.

Pro Football Focus’ Michael Renner broke down all of Garoppolo’s strengths and weaknesses. And while the deep pass was of concern, the quarterback’s shorter attempts were exemplary.

Renner wrote:

“He’s not simply living off a quick/short passing game either. Over his five starts, Garoppolo completed 63.2 percent of his passes in the intermediate range at 10.8 yards per attempt. That’s where the elite quarterbacks make their money, and Garoppolo is following that blueprint to a ‘T’.”

While Shanahan’s offense has more than a few concepts integrated to take deep shots down the field, it’s not necessarily the offense’s primary means of execution. Last season showcased why Garoppolo can thrive off those short and intermediate passes, which in turn, will help sustain drives and keep the Niners defense off the field longer.

But if you’re still worried about the deep pass, don’t worry. It’s an element at which Garoppolo and Co. have been working hard in training camp.

Next Page: No. 4