49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is no fool.
While the Seattle Seahawks defense has been allowing a league-high amount of yardage and first downs, Garoppolo is not going to allow himself to be bulletin board material for the opposing team.
On Thursday, Garoppolo spoke to the media and admitted that while there may be chinks in the Seahawks’ defensive armor, he expects a solid performance from the 49ers’ division rivals on Sunday.
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“There’s some soft spots, they make you work for it though,” Garoppolo said. “There’s no ‘gimmes’ against this type of defense. You got to earn it, work your way down the field. They are very sound."
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The franchise quarterback is quite aware that on Sunday, he might end up face to face with defensive tackle Rasheem Green who returned to practice this week. There also is a possibility All-Pro safety Jamal Adams, who has missed time with a groin injury, suits up and is covering the 49ers receivers.
Garoppolo knows how a player coming back can spark a team, as can a guy who gets promoted and takes advantage of his opportunities. Success facing adversity can bond a team and inspire them to play even better.
With several 49ers players shuffling in and out of the lineup, Garoppolo believes it can set the team up for success in the long run. Players like rookie JaMycal Hasty getting game experience only will prepare him for when his number is called again.
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“The process that we’ve been going through I think will serve us well down the road,” Garoppolo said. “It’s not just smooth sailing like it was last year, win after win. We’ve had ups and downs and I think that’s kind of made us battle tested.
“It just makes your team overall that much better and that much more prepared later down the road. It’s a long season and you don’t know what’s going to happen and who is going to be playing at the end of the year.”
The same could be said for Seattle. Developing players on the depth chart can benefit the team by bringing fresh legs and enthusiasm. No matter what the Seahawks have shown on film, Garoppolo knows it will be a tough battle.
“It’s unfortunate they’ve been giving up the yardage they have been, but it’s a solid defense overall.”