One of the biggest storylines coming into Sunday’s NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers was whether or not Jimmy Garoppolo could lead the Niners to victory rather than be a hindrance that holds them back. It was a topic that led to some very strong takes, and defenses, during the week and even stronger reactions to those takes.
The question, which was really a referendum on Garoppolo’s entire career with San Francisco, got its answer in the fourth quarter of the game. The Niners led 17-7 when the Rams started chipping away at the lead. Garoppolo had the chance to put the game away and Troy Aikman voiced the concern that so many people at home had.
"I"m afraid that it's going to have to be Jimmy Garoppolo that gets it done."
– Troy Aikman pic.twitter.com/aUyhfFKtzb — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 31, 2022
“I’m afraid that it’s going to have to be Jimmy Garoppolo that gets it done,” said Aikman.
Sure enough, Jimmy G could not get it done. San Francisco went three and out and the Rams eventually kicked a field goal to win the game and go to the Super Bowl.
Garoppolo finished with 232 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, which aren’t the worst stats of all time. But when they needed him most, he couldn’t get it done for the Niners. And it’s hard to argue with the wins and losses in that sense.
Mina Kimes, who had the most notable comments (even if plenty of other people made similar ones) about Garoppolo’s inability to lead the Niners to victory, shared some succinct thoughts after the game. Meanwhile, it looks like Jeff Garcia, who disagreed with her sentiments, won’t be sharing his thoughts on the matter this time around.
Jeff Garcia knew that heat was commin… pic.twitter.com/aRQKlhKuVl
— Mario AKA: Justin Knigga (@rioforever19) January 31, 2022
There were plenty more reactions to Garoppolo’s play and how this is, almost certainly, the last game for him with the 49ers.
That was Jimmy Garoppolo’s last play as a 49er.
— Eric Crocker
(@Crocky209) January 31, 2022
Jimmy G threw like 17 Almost Interceptions in that game and exactly one interception
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) January 31, 2022
On 2nd & 10, Garoppolo pass to Jennings loses 3-yds#49ers 17 #Rams 20 Q4 pic.twitter.com/9rKFd8KlM7
— Sᴘᴏʀᴛs 24/7 (@Sports_24x7_) January 31, 2022
Jimmy Garoppolo finished 2-of-10 with an Int when pressured.
Garoppolo threw an NFL-high 8 Int when pressured this season, 5 of them since Week 18. pic.twitter.com/u0Qx7HtUlB
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 31, 2022
I wish I played the game in the NFL so I could comment on that Jimmy G pass.
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) January 31, 2022
Jimmy Garoppolo is the pitcher who has a 4.97 ERA with 18 wins.
— Rich Keefe (@Keefe21) January 31, 2022
Jimmy Garoppolo pic.twitter.com/ihVAFujjpE
— Nick Parco (@nick_parco) January 31, 2022
#49ers Jimmy Garoppolo went 3 for 9 for 30 yards and INT in 4th quarter. In 6 playoff starts Garoppolo has a 28.0 passer rating in the 4th, ranking last among 69 QBs w/ 30+ 4th quarter passes in playoffs since 1991
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) January 31, 2022
There have been a lot of rumors and reports about potential trade destinations for Garoppolo in the offseason. We’ll see what the 49ers decide to do, but it does feel unlikely that he’ll be back with them in September.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.