After strong performances recently, the San Francisco 49ers suddenly find themselves in a playoff spot. However, ahead of Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, topics from the future are attracting attention

Munich/San Francisco – The San Francisco 49ers are the best example of how fast-moving the 2021 NFL season can be.

A few weeks ago, head coach Kyle Shanahan’s team was still in one of the last places in the NFC with three wins and five losses. But because they won their most recent three games convincingly, San Francisco is suddenly sniffing playoff air again.

Offensive revival

One reason for the upswing is surely the much-improved offence around quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The veteran accepts his role as game manager and is there when the running game can no longer find solutions.

In the past three games, Garoppolo threw the ball just 67 times while the 49ers managed 125 run attempts. “At the beginning of my career, I wanted to throw the ball as much as I could. In the meantime, I’ve understood that it’s all about winning in this league. That is the only goal,” said the 30-year-old.

Jimmy G” has also shown in recent weeks how important he can be for the team. Especially his effectiveness in the short passing game fits perfectly to Shanahan’s idea. Last weekend against the Minnesota Vikings he threw a costly interception on the first drive.

However, the former second-round pick has since proven he can handle such pressure situations over the remainder of the game, leading the team to victory.

“I explained to him his mistake. But then I stressed that he should continue to be aggressive. He did it right and that’s what got us the win,” Coach Shanahan said after the game.

Trade rumours: Garoppolo’s last ride?

That Garoppolo continues to deliver like this is anything but a given. After all, new rumours about a departure of the San Francisco playmaker emerged only on Sunday. The 49ers’ plan is to finish the season with Garoppolo and then trade him away. This was reported by the “NFL Network” on Sunday.

“Unless they make a Super Bowl run, the plan for 2022 is clear. Trade Jimmy Garoppolo while Trey Lance is named the new starter,” NFL insider Ian Rapoport, who is usually well-informed, said.

The 49ers selected quarterback talent Lance, who is projected to have a bright future in the NFL, with the third pick in last year’s draft. At the same time, however, the Californians also kept Garoppolo, which has now probably turned out to be the right decision.

For the franchise, the good performances of their signal caller have a double advantage. While Garoppolo could still lead the team to the playoffs this season, he would also increase his own value should the 49ers indeed want to convert him into draft picks or other postseason players.

A team full of playmakers

In addition to Garoppolo, the 49ers can count on a host of offensive playmakers right away this season. First and foremost, of course, is Deebo Samuel, who is experiencing his breakthrough this season.

After eleven games, the wide receiver stands at 1209 scrimmage yards and a total of ten touchdowns. “He finds a new recipe every week to impress. Deebo has been able to generate big runs for us for three straight weeks,” Shanahan also appreciates the level of the second-round pick from the 2019 draft.

Somewhat unexpectedly, rookie running back Elijah Mitchell also emerged as one of the offensive mainstays on the team. With 693 rushing yards in just eight games, he is the 49ers best runner so far. “He carries us great on his shoulders in places,” Garoppolo said of the rookie.

Star tight end George Kittle is finding his way back into the lineup after injury problems early in the season. In addition to two touchdowns in the past three games, he is essential to Shanahan’s run-heavy system as a blocker.

49ers at Seahawks: Who will replace Samuel?

The 49ers, however, will travel to Seattle for their divisional duel against the Seahawks without their offensive life insurance. Samuel will have to rest for at least a week due to a groin injury. Still, the 49ers have aspirations of triumphing at their division rival.

“We’re going to try to get the ball to players who can make similar plays,” Shanahan said in anticipation of the game. “Whether it’s George Kittle or Brandon Aiyuk, if it’s successful, we’re not going to stop there. “

With a win, the 49ers could push the door wide open to the playoffs for now. “It’s December now. Now the real football starts,” Garoppolo also said aggressively.

Because the 49ers also know that as quickly as this door has opened, it can also be closed again by poor performances. Then the issues of the future would probably take over again in San Francisco. And the upheaval scenario would become more likely again.