It is the start of a new era in San Francisco, as Trey Lance will take over for Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
Lance will take the field for the first time on Friday when the 49ers go up against the Green Bay Packers in their first preseason game.
He is a much different QB than Garoppolo, at least at first glance, which may make some think the team’s offense will look different this season.
But there is no indication of that.
In fact, if anything, the Niners will continue to stick with the script that has worked for them over the years, dating back to when Colin Kaepernick was under center: winning by running the football.
The 49ers are not going to change their offense for Trey Lance and that is a great thing!
The mobility is just an extra.
pic.twitter.com/PyMNUmUlfL— John Chapman (@JL_Chapman) August 3, 2022
Lance Can Fit In Well With What San Francisco Does
At 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds, Lance, who was the third overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft, is a pretty impressive physical specimen.
He can connect on deep passes, but perhaps his most impressive attribute is his ability to move the chains with his legs.
Lance can run, and in doing so, he can extend plays and turn nothing into something when no passing lanes are available.
Game 1 and Trey Lance SZN 🔜 #49ers || #FTTB pic.twitter.com/rzeEufkgyl
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) August 12, 2022
Ever since taking over as the head coach in San Francisco, Kyle Shanahan has favored a run-heavy offense, and it has worked, as the team has reached two NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl in the last three years.
The Niners were fifth in rushing attempts last season, and with Lance’s ability to run, don’t expect that to change much.
Yes, they have All-Pro First-team wide receiver Deebo Samuel, as well as rising wideout Brandon Aiyuk and star tight end George Kittle, but there is no reason for San Francisco to go away from what has worked for it.
In his sophomore season at North Dakota State University, Lance ran for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns, and even though he was playing against lesser competition in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), it was still an indication of what he can do.
In six games and two starts last season for the 49ers, he ran the ball 38 times, gaining 168 yards and scoring a touchdown for a solid average of 4.4 yards per carry.
But there’s another reason why the 49ers’ offense likely won’t change that much, at least not for a while.
The Team Will Try To Ensure An Easier Transition
Lance is a brand-new product, and no one knows right now how well he will handle certain situations as a passer.
Until then, expect the 49ers to keep the ball on the ground more often in order to minimize Lance’s mistakes and prevent him from losing confidence or getting frustrated.
It’s a strategy that will likely translate into more wins, especially since they should have a strong defensive squad again, just like last year when they were third in total yards allowed.
