San Francisco 49ers’ Trey Lance could be headed for a breakout NFL season.
All eyes are on Trey Lance heading into this upcoming season, as whatever happens could make or break San Francisco’s 2021 NFL Draft class.
The second-year quarterback could be a critical piece in the 49ers’ season. During his rookie year, Lance saw minimal action on the field, filling in for special plays due to Garoppolo’s injuries.
He only started two games but Lance managed to test more areas of the field, which could be a plus for the future of the 49ers and the pass attempts all beyond the 10-yard.
It raises the question of what could this mean for the future of the 49ers and the development of plays? Could this change the offensive line for the 49ers?
Can Trey Lance have a breakout season?
One year under his belt, Lance has some big shoes to fill as the 49ers move into the 2022 NFL season without their veteran quarterback, Garoppolo. The 49ers have no other option but to give Lance a shot as the starting QB.
Lance is athletic, with a strong arm, and is being handed a tight offense with receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle. Lance has a set of skills and advantages that the 49ers need to take advantage of while it is still early in Lance’s rookie contract.
With Lance’s ability to test more areas of the field, it prompts the ability of the niners’ offense to grow and attempt longer routes down the field. Garoppolo had limitations with throwing deeper routes, which allowed the defense to not expect deep routes.
Without the limitation of Garoppolo, the 49ers have the chance to implement deep routes and the frequent use of one-on-one matchups down the sidelines. Though some of these changes may not follow through, there are improvisations expected.
A hidden gem that Lance brings to the 49ers is the ability to allow for more off-scripted players. Sometimes you have to fake it to you make it, and Lance can make that happen.
Head Coach, Kyle Shanahan, has had his fair share of taking losses to teams with off-script quarterbacks. Garoppolo was not strong in this area, and though Lance has only been put in this position once, he wore improvision on his sleeve.
With Lance, the ability to improvise when the play breaks is a lot more consistent than with Garoppolo and highlights the element that makes Lance more of a breakout player.
With all rookie players, there is a risk that is put to the test but is going to be a risk the 49ers are going to need to take. He took some hefty hits, but that comes with the game. Lance has made it known that he is a passing threat and could provide the necessary offensive changes needed to reshape the game of the 49ers.