Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers
Nov 26, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) watches the game against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
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Jimmy Garoppolo has chance to finally quiet doubters in 2020

Matt Verderame NFL

Jimmy Garoppolo was less than seven minutes from immortality. From being above reproach.

Only two months ago, Garoppolo and his San Francisco 49ers were leading 20-10 in Super Bowl LIV over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes had tossed two ugly interceptions, and Garoppolo, coming onto the field after the latter miscue, had played quite well.

Then, he didn’t. In the fourth quarter, Garoppolo went 3-for-11 with an interception. Most notably, he missed an open Emmanuel Sanders in the final moments on a sure go-ahead touchdown.

Final score: Chiefs 31, 49ers 20.

Now, after weeks of speculation about whether the 49ers might go after Tom Brady during his free agency — Brady ended up signing a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Garoppolo is firmly the starter moving forward.

To stop the questions about whether he’s the future for a decade or so, Garoppolo needs to get back to the Super Bowl and this time, win it. The bad news? That’s very difficult. The good news? He has the support of his teammates.

On the Pro Football Talk PM podcast, All-Pro tight end George Kittle strongly defended Brady’s former understudy, per The Score.

“It is what it is. People talk. There’s nothing else to talk about. It’s nothing that I took seriously. Jimmy G is my quarterback, and he’s one hell of a quarterback. We don’t get to the Super Bowl without him. So there’s no one that I’d replace him with. What he’s done for this team leadership-wise and on the field, he’s one of a kind.

“There’s no one else I’d rather be around to throw me the ball. You know, I’m just excited being able to play football again with Jimmy G and I know that he’s ready to fling that rock again.”

Last season, Garoppolo threw for 3,978 with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. In the postseason, he barely had to throw a pass against the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers with the run game and defense carrying the day. Against the Chiefs on Super Sunday, he was sheltered with easy, one-read throws much of the night before being challenged when the crucible was at its hottest. We know the result.

Still, Garoppolo is young. He’s only been a starter for 26 regular-season games. There’s ample room for growth.

If the 49ers are going to realize their potential, they need Garoppolo to reach his.

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