Garoppolo had an MVP-level performance for much of the game. The quarterback couldn't get anything going late in the game, however, with the 49ers clinging to a 10-point lead.
Garoppolo completed just three of his 11 passes for 36 yards, an interception, and a passer rating of 2.8 in the fourth quarter as the Chiefs rallied and scored 21 unanswered points in a matter of minutes.
There is a lot of blame to pass around, but one person who doesn't blame Garoppolo is Kyle Shanahan. The head coach knows the 49ers probably wouldn't have even been in the Super Bowl if not for his quarterback.
"I think Jimmy deserves a ton of credit for what he did this year," Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "I think people talk a little bit about how he was coming off an ACL (injury), but I also don't think that people realize that was his first (full) year playing quarterback in this league. ... This was his first time going through a full season. He had less games than (Browns quarterback) Baker Mayfield going into his second year.
"To do that with the pressure of also everyone thinking you've already arrived, and coming off an ACL; I thought there was as much pressure on him at the beginning of the year as anyone I've been around. And he just took it, handled it all year, and got better throughout the year, and I was very impressed with him."
Some within the media have wondered whether or not the 49ers might decide to move on from Garoppolo. To many, those questions seem like an overreaction. During his time at the podium in Indianapolis, general manager John Lynch offered up a vote of confidence in Garoppolo.
"We're extremely proud of Jimmy and committed to Jimmy moving forward," Lynch said Tuesday. "He's our guy. As I've said, from the day he walked into our building, he made us better, and we continue to feel that's the case. And that's the most exciting think about him, is the room for growth. He's not come close to hitting his ceiling."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
One player made the 49ers one of the most-fined teams last season
Action Network recently released a list of the most-fined NFL teams during the 2024 season (h/t Niners Wire), with the San Francisco 49ers ranking ninth. The Houston Texans topped the list, accumulating $3.15 million in fines—largely due to defensive end Denico Autry,... -
Former NFL player explains how 49ers could benefit from paying Brock Purdy $54M annually
The Athletic's Dianna Russini and former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel discussed Brock Purdy on the Scoop City podcast, examining what his next contract might look like. The San Francisco 49ers are expected to extend their young quarterback, and many believe he will soon rank... -
Texas A&M DE Shemar Stewart could be an intriguing prospect for the 49ers
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart was spotted carrying a San Francisco 49ers backpack, hinting at a meeting with the team. Matt Barrows of The Athletic later confirmed that the 49ers formally interviewed Stewart in Indianapolis, viewing him... -
PFN predicts 49ers will sign Chiefs LB Nick Bolton
With free agency just weeks away, the San Francisco 49ers could be in the market for a linebacker to replace Dre Greenlaw. The fan-favorite defender appeared in only two games last season after returning from an Achilles injury, only to suffer a setback that sidelined him for...