Seahawks vs 49ers turning point: Jimmy G takes the field

The Seahawks finally played a game with no last-second drama. I can think of no better reason for that than the horrific play of Niners QB Jimmy G.

The Seahawks put their last-minute dramatics behind them in their relatively easy ten-point win over the 49ers this past Sunday. While I have no doubt that the stellar play of Bobby Wagner was the biggest reason for the Hawks big win, every game has a key moment when the contest shifts in the winner’s favor. In the past, these moments have included a spectacular catch by the even more spectacular man-beast DK Metcalf, or an even more amazing catch – um, interception – by the criminally underrated K.J Wright. But this game was different. This game turned on the play of an opponent – the criminally overrated Jimmy Garappolo. Not one play, simply the moment he took the field.

Yeah Niners fan, I know he had a high-ankle sprain coming into the game. I know he re-injured it as well. I’m honestly sorry that he’s injured. If I were you, I’d be even more sorry that the 49ers mortgaged their future on an overrated backup. And yes, I can easily prove my point, unlike those sadly misguided souls drinking the Jimmy G Kool-aid.

I’ve written about the farce of giving backup boy a $137.5 million contract before, and how laughable it was for Niners fans to compare their schlub to the great Russell Wilson. A year has gone by since then, so let’s have an update. I’ll admit that in 2019, Garappolo had a good year. But he wasn’t exactly consistent, as he posted four games with more picks than touchdowns; Wilson had just one. Jimmy G had 27 TDs to 13 INTs, a ratio of 2.08 to 1. Wilson countered with 31 TDs and just 5 INTs, a ratio of 6.2 to 1.

When you get the playoffs, the differences really stood out. Garoppolo had one good game – a game in which he only attempted eight passes – and two garbage performances. The Niners offense couldn’t compensate for his flaws in the Super Bowl, and they took the loss. Yeah, I know the Seahawks didn’t reach the title game, but it wasn’t because of Wilson. His passer rating in both postseason games was just above his regular season average. The Hawks were led by their quarterback, while the Niners couldn’t overcome theirs.

This season, Jimmy G was benched after a horrific first half against the Dolphins in week five. He’s had three good games and three awful games so far in 2020. He netted 61 yards passing against the Seahawks in 41 plays. Again, I know he came into the game with an injury. He also came into the game with serious flaws. That’s why for me, the turning point for the Seahawks was the moment Jimmy G stepped onto the field.