When the San Francisco 49ers signed free agent quarterback Sam Darnold earlier this offseason, most expected that he would merely serve as depth and an emergency option should Brock Purdy or Trey Lance get injured again.
But there have been a few who feel the University of Southern California product may have a shot at earning the starting QB spot this coming season, even though his pro career has been very underwhelming.
Kyle Shanahan’s offense has a reputation for being quarterback-friendly in the sense that it is set up for various types of signal-callers to have success within it.
The Athletic’s David Lombardi pointed out a couple of similarities between Shanahan’s system and the one Darnold ran last season with the Carolina Panthers.
The Carolina offense Sam Darnold efficiently ran last season (#6 DVOA) shares a lot in common with the 49ers’ offense — Panthers focused on setting up YAC (they were the only team ahead of SF in YAC/R) and even ran with a WR, Laviska Shenault.
Undoubtedly a selling point for KS
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) July 11, 2023
The 49ers use plenty of short and intermediate passes while relying on their skill players to add yards after the catch in order to move the chains.
They have a number of players who are among the league leaders in yards after the catch, including wide receiver Deebo Samuel, running back Christian McCaffrey, and tight end George Kittle.
In addition, Samuel lines up from time to time as a running back, which makes San Francisco’s offense even more versatile.
As of now, Purdy is seemingly penciled in as the team’s starting QB, and he seems to be on track with his recovery from a torn UCL in his throwing elbow.
There is increasing optimism that he will be ready for Week 1 of the 2023 season at the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But if he isn’t, Darnold will have a chance to beat out Lance for the QB1 spot, at least temporarily.
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Trent Williams Reveals His Thoughts On 49ers’ Roster