The Jimmy Garoppolo era hasn't officially ended for the 49ers, but Jimmie Ward still offered his thoughts on what comes next.
While on Instagram Live Saturday, the safety invited a few fans to ask him questions. When the abilities of Trey Lance were brought up, Ward made it very clear that any decision about Garoppolo is a secret that he isn't privy to.
Ward did, however, offer an encouraging assessment about the young quarterback who likely will be the starting quarterback next season.
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“This is one thing I can say about him,” Ward said. “When I see Lamar Jackson, Lamar Jackson is a baller, but when he tucks the ball and he starts scrambling, he’s looking to run. When Trey Lance scrambles he’s looking to throw. That’s one thing I like about Trey.
“He’s buying time to get the extra one or two seconds to throw the ball.”
Ward made note of how much Lance improved from his first career start in Week 5 in Arizona to his second start vs. Houston in Week 17. When facing the Cardinals, Lance completed 15 of his 29 attempts for 192 yards (51.72 percent) and an interception. The North Dakota State product also carried the ball 16 times for 89 yards.
Twelve weeks later against the Texans, Lance completed 69.57 percent of his passes for 249 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The rookie also carried the ball eight times for 31 yards.
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“We still got to see him play,” Ward said. “We’ve seen him play two games. I’m watching him how you’re watching him right now, but I feel like Trey Lance is a baller. He can throw.”
Ward and the 49ers' defense have faced countless mobile quarterbacks including now ex-Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. While the veteran defender believes Wilson is the prototypical mobile quarterback, Lance might have even more to offer.
“Trey Lance is bigger,” Ward said. “He can see in the pocket. He can stand in the pocket and throw. I’ve seen him stay in the pocket and throw it. I practice against him every day.”
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One aspect of Lance’s game that Ward believes could use refinement is determining when to take a hit and when to avoid one. If Lance indeed becomes the starter in 2022, he will need to learn when to cut his losses on the field in order to stay on the field for the entirety of the 2022 season.
Ward believes the quarterback's decision-making process will get better with time and experience. The nine-year veteran urged his audience to have patience with Lance's development.
“People need to give him time,” Ward said. “I know what people want. We got a team that can win now, so that’s why everyone is hoping if something happens. We still don’t know if we are moving on from Jimmy or not but if we do, everyone is hoping he can fill those shoes and ball out and get us back in the Super Bowl.”
Both fans and players on the 49ers roster are hoping that whoever is under center in 2022 can help the team reach its postseason goals.