49ers Preseason: Should Jimmy Garoppolo have sat out against the Broncos?

Jimmy Garoppolo made his return to the field last night against the Denver Broncos after nearly a year since tearing his ACL. With two of the starters missing on the offensive line, Garoppolo could not find any rhythm. Were the 49ers better off sitting Garoppolo against the Broncos without a healthy line?

It was less than a stellar performance from Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers offense last night against the Denver Broncos. The tone was set instantly from the 49ers opening drive of the game that ended in an interception after only a few plays. Garoppolo's first two pass attempts led to a deflection, then an interception. The offense just could not get going with Garoppolo out there. Even if his interception was a highly questionable one.

He finished out the night 1-of-6 with a pick through three series. Garoppolo wasn't the only one that played poorly. The offensive line did not do him any favors whatsoever. In fact, Garoppolo's interception was a result of an atrocious whiff by Joe Staley of all people. Still, it doesn't excuse the decision for Garoppolo to throw off his back foot when the sideline is right there. To make things worse from an offensive line standpoint. Two starters on the line were missing, which clearly effected the offense.

Considering that the 49ers offensive line was going in missing a couple of starters. Should the 49ers have sat out Jimmy Garoppolo last night?

Certainly not and the 49ers should not have these thoughts either. Hindsight is twenty-twenty. It is easy to question why he played after knowing the results. At some point, Garopplo needs to get back out on the field. That is why the rolled him out there last night. The 49ers can't keep babying him and risk him being rusty for the first few games of the season. Luckily, he was able to escape unscathed considering the offensive line woes against the Broncos.

Communication was obviously an issue for the 49ers and their blocking assignments up front. There’s a reason they’re paying Weston Richburg all that money — center is the block-setting fulcrum and they’re going to need him back ASAP.

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) August 20, 2019

Now there are many people who believe that Garoppolo and the starting offense should've ran another series or two. It's not like they did anything impressive, so why not end on a good note? While I understand this logic, it's just not worth the risk with the offensive line's piss poor play. Once again, they were without two starters. You figure if they're blocking well, then Garoppolo can stay out there. But if they're struggling to block, then they can just pull him out.

At least Garoppolo was able to get back on the field and feel the full on live game speed. To feel the full on pass rush and how to react to it. That is something that is not going to be replicated by any measure in practice. If there is one thing to be concerned about with Garoppolo is his decision making. Other than that, too much is being made from his performance in a preseason game after almost a year long hiatus.

Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs for week three will be telling on where Garoppolo is really at, as well as the rest of the offense. Now that he was able to shake off some cobwebs he should be able to have a solid game back home at Levis Saturday. For his sake, let's hope the one of the starters on the offensive line will return for the optimal offense. Excuses will be running on low for him and this team if they under-perform once again.