Mullens over Jimmy G? Hall of Fame QB Warner weighs in

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For the second straight week, Nick Mullens will start as the 49ers' quarterback in place of the injured Jimmy Garoppolo. In Kurt Warner's eyes, that might even be a positive for San Francisco. 

The Hall of Fame QB said Sunday morning on NFL Network that "Nick Mullens runs the offense just as well as Jimmy G, if not better" as Warner chose the 49ers to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4.

Mullens, 25, completed 25 of his 36 pass attempts for 343 yards and one touchdown in the 49ers' 36-9 romp over the New York Giants last week. He has 414 passing yards, one touchdown and one interceptions while completing 70.2 percent of his passes this season. The fourth-year pro improved to 4-5 as a starter. 

In comparison, Garoppolo has completed 67.3 percent of his passes this year for 390 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. 

Mullens has been praised for his ability to run Kyle Shanahan's offense as a backup, and deservedly so. He looked a bit shaky when Garoppolo didn't suit up for the second half of the 49ers' Week 2 blowout over the New York Jets, but then tore apart the Giants. One thing Shanahan wants to make clear, however, is there isn't a QB controversy in Santa Clara.

RELATED: Mullens will be valuable free agent for 49ers this offseason

“This is Jimmy’s team," Shanahan said to reporters earlier in the week. "He’s done a hell of a job for us and when he’s healthy, he’ll be playing again for us.” 

Despite this being Jimmy's team, the 49ers certainly hope Mullens lives up to Warner's claim and runs the offense just as well or better than the franchise QB Sunday against the Eagles.

After the afternoon NFL games end Sunday, go to NBC Sports Bay Area or the MyTeams app at 4 p.m. PT for "49ers Pregame Live," as Laura Britt, Jeff Garcia, Donte Whitner, Ian Williams, Matt Maiocco, Jennifer Lee Chan and Grant Liffmann preview the "Sunday Night Football" matchup against the Eagles. Then, after the game, come back for "49ers Postgame Live," with highlights, analysis, interviews and more. 

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