“You Start the Guy Who Has Won”: Joe Montana Hints at San Francisco 49ers Making a Gigantic Mistake That Could Decide Their Fate for 2023

The San Francisco 49ers happen to be in a state of extreme confusion, especially with their quarterback utilization plans in 2023. The QB depth chart is filled with phenomenal talents like Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo. While the coaching management seems to focus on the young and emerging talents, the Niners legend and Hall of Famer Joe Montana backed Garoppolo over anybody else.

Garoppolo might be an unpredictable athlete making mistakes in crucial matchups lingering with frequent injuries, but his ability to win the games and championships is unparalleled. Something that Montana didn’t overlook. The 67-year-old veteran justified his motives by giving full support for Garoppolo to start in the upcoming season.

While speaking in an interview with The Athletic’s Mike Silver on the ‘Open Mike’ podcast, Montana analyzed the situation inside the locker room. He believes that experience matters, and looking at the current set of active players, Garoppolo outlasts anybody else on the team.

“I start Jimmy,” Montana told Silver, per NBC Sports. “How many games has Jimmy won? For the longest time, questions were out with Jimmy for a while. But the one thing he has been able to do is win games for those guys.”

“I can’t say the same for Trey. You don’t know that from him. So, I think you start with the guy who has won all the games for you. You’ve got to figure out the backup situation with Trey. Does Trey know the offense well enough? Is he meant for that offense?” he added.

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No matter how hard the franchise may try to avoid Garoppolo, the veteran always came back stronger. He became the savior of the team in the early season when the Niners were about to stumble in the absence of Trey Lance on the roster. It could have turned the other way around. But Garoppolo helped the side wrap up their season with a record of 13-4.

NFL world supports Montana’s prediction for the San Francisco 49ers

Last season, Garoppolo happened to counter a similar situation with a lack of visibility over his future. However, all those circumstances turned out in his favor, eventually setting the stage for him to start the games. Hence, never say no to opportunities, and anything can happen. Netizens resonated with a similar view on this matter.

Even though Montana vouched for the veteran, head coach Kyle Shanahan remained confident in his intentions. He plans to move ahead with Trey Lance and Brock Purdy in the upcoming season. It will be interesting to see how Garoppolo makes his way out of this mess.

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