Jimmy Garoppolo has had some tough moments this preseason, but according to the 49ers quarterback, that is entirely by design.
Garoppolo, who is returning from a torn ACL he suffered in Week 3 last season, has appeared to force the ball into coverage at times. In one practice two weeks ago, he threw five consecutive interceptions, not an easy feat even in practice. In his preseason debut against the Broncos Aug. 19, he completed only one of his six attempts for 0 yards.
San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said after that game it would be "irresponsible" to overreact to Garoppolo's poor outing, and the 27-year-old QB looked much better in Saturday's game against the Chiefs. He played the entire first half, hitting 14-of-20 passes for 188 yards with a touchdown.
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While some might wonder if Garoppolo was just a little rusty earlier in the preseason, he told San Francisco radio station KNBR Wednesday he likes to take big risks during the preseason … because it's the preseason.
"A big part of that is it still being preseason, or in practice, you try things like that," Garoppolo said (via NFL Media), when asked about a throw he forced into triple coverage against the Chiefs. "You know, during a real game, you wouldn't make that throw or that decision, but there's a trust factor between quarterback and ... whoever's catching the ball.
“The more you try those things, you see who's going to make the play for you in a crucial situation. If you put it in a good spot for them to make a play, you expect them to make a play. They expect you to give them a chance to make play, so I think it works both ways. Them trusting me, me trusting them. ... [That] comes with reps."
Reps are critical for Garoppolo as he looks to regain the form that saw him lead the 49ers to a 5-0 mark to finish the season in 2017. He will not play in the 49ers' preseason finale against the Chargers Thursday, however.
The 49ers open the season Sept. 8 in Tampa Bay.