Jeff Garcia pinpoints Jimmy Garoppolo's elite skills

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Among quarterbacks who have dropped back more than once this season, Jimmy Garoppolo ranks first in the NFL with a 9.0-yard-average per pass attempt.

The 49ers (3-10) have won both of Garoppolo’s starts, and his 627 yards passing in those two games are the most for a player in franchise history in his first two starts.

The 49ers’ last Pro Bowl quarterback, Jeff Garcia, discussed the elite skills he has witnessed from Garoppolo in his short time in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

“First of all, he has eliminated mistakes,” Garcia said on The 49ers Insider Podcast. “You see the way the offense has been able to put drives together to get into the red zone. Now, they haven’t all led to touchdowns, but he’s been a great decision-maker.”

The 49ers settled for five field goals in a 15-14 victory over the Chicago Bears. On Sunday, the 49ers scored on five consecutive possessions spanning the second and third quarters in a 26-16 win over the Houston Texans.

“He’s been very accurate with his throws,” Garcia said. “You see when he completes balls, the receivers are in a position to continue running for yards after the catch. The balls aren’t thrown behind. They’re not low. The receivers don’t have to leave their feet for many of the throws. That is key to turning what could end up being fourth downs into first downs.”

Garoppolo has completed 48 of 72 pass attempts (66.7 percent) with two touchdowns and two interceptions. His passer rating is 92.7. 

“His timing -- he’s getting the ball out on time,” Garcia said. “Even when he has a free rusher coming off the edge, which happened a couple of times with (Jadeveon) Clowney, he’s able to step in there and throw an accurate ball and make a play. Those things hadn’t been done prior to his existence on the team.”

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