Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers misses his chance. While rookie Trey Lance is condemned to watch because of an injury, the veteran cannot convince against the Indianapolis Colts. Coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t want to make a final commitment to his starter.

Munich – Some athletes love them. Those moments when they are doubted from all sides or already written off. Superstars like Tom Brady or NBA icon Michael Jordan are at their strongest precisely when the criticism is loudest.  Thanks to this “me against the whole world” mentality, they soar to peak performances.

Jimmy Garoppolo had a chance at just such a moment. Before the season, the San Francisco 49ers drafted Trey Lance, his designated successor at number three. The veteran remained the starter, but after a mixed start to the season, fans and media were already calling for Lance to be drafted.

San Francisco 49ers lose to Indianapolis Colts

He’s nursing an injury, though. To make matters worse, former teammate Martellus Bennett called Garoppolo a “bi**h” and questioned his leadership qualities. It was the perfect chance for “Jimmy G” to turn things around and silence his critics after three defeats in a row.

But in the pouring rain, Garoppolo was not convincing in the 18:30 defeat against the Indianapolis Colts. The 29-year-old completed only 59 percent of his passes for a total of 189 yards. He managed one touchdown pass, but had two interceptions and lost a fumble.

49ers in crisis

It would be unfair to blame the 49ers quarterback alone for the loss. Considering the circumstances, Garoppolo didn’t play a good game, but he wasn’t a horrible one either. The quarterback had just returned from a calf injury, and an interception only came about because receiver Deebo Samuel let the ball slip through his fingers. The entire 49ers team is currently in crisis. “I have a lot of problems to solve,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Nevertheless, the air is getting thinner for “Jimmy G”. Especially because a successor is ready. Lance brings exactly the strengths that Garoppolo lacks. He is clearly more athletic, dares to make more deep passes, has a stronger throwing arm – and was handpicked by the head coach.

Shanahan won’t commit to Garoppolo

Shanahan certainly didn’t want to commit to Garoppolo as the starting quarterback. Asked if the veteran will also start against the Chicago Bears, Shanahan replied, “I think so. But I’ve got to watch the film of this game first and see who’s going to be fit in time.” A less than subtle reference to rookie Lance. He managed a total of three touchdown passes with only one interception in one start and other sporadic short appearances.

When the 49ers traded up in the draft and Shanahan gushed about his new rookie playmaker, it was clear Garoppolo had little margin for error. His performances so far this season have not helped solidify the starter’s spot: Five games, 1106 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. Add to that three lost fumbles.

Will Lance be ready in time against the Bears?

At the moment the former apprentice of Tom Brady is playing like a game manager, but he has too many turnovers. After the game, the 2014 second-round draft pick seemed a bit perplexed: “The NFL is crazy. One game you’re on top, the next game you’re at the bottom. We’re not doing so well right now. We just have to put in more time and work harder. We’ve got to execute plays more cleanly.”

It’s still unclear whether Lance will be ready to go by the time the Bears game rolls around. Even if the rookie isn’t ready, the future certainly belongs to him with the 49ers. If San Francisco’s athletic situation doesn’t improve soon, Shanahan could decide to get Lance some early game practice. In a losing season anyway, rookie mistakes hurt less.

If Garoppolo does get another chance against the Bears, he better use it to silence his critics. Otherwise, he could be out of the starting job in a hurry.