Phil Simms came out firing with some hot 49ers takes during his appearance Wednesday with 95.7 The Game’s “The Morning Roast.”
The former quarterback, two-time Super Bowl champ and current NFL analyst said he’s a firm believer in Jimmy Garoppolo these days. Listen to the full interview below:
“I’ve been tough on Jimmy Garoppolo at times over the years,” Simms told 95.7’s Bonta Hill and Joe Shasky. “But it’s time to eat it. Everybody out there, just take it, too. Let’s admit it – eight games in a row he’s really played well, he’s played tough. He’s got a little personality on the field, I see that. I can see his confidence. He’s making tough throws into tight coverage. There is nothing to complain about. If you do, then you’re just a hater.”
Over the past eight games – a stretch that begins with the 49ers’ Week 8 road win at Chicago – Garoppolo has completed 69 percent of his passes for 2,066 yards (258.3 per game), 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. The Niners are 6-2 in that span and have a firm hold on the No. 6 seed in the NFC.
Simms said the 49ers offensive line also deserves a lot of credit for the recent resurgence. San Francisco’s rushing attack has been buoyed by tackle Trent Williams and others like Tom Compton, who was Pro Football Focus’ top-rated player (95.0) in Week 15.
“The physicalness of how they play is outstanding,” Simms said. “It’s next level. They’re beating you with thoughts on how to run the ball. Where everybody else is going, ‘Hey can we draw up another pass play? Throw another screen.’ It’s been tremendous. And it’s just been, whoever goes in that backfield plays well. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
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Jeff Wilson Jr. is set to make his third straight start Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans. Outstanding rookie Elijah Mitchell will miss his third consecutive contest, as he has dealt with knee and concussion issues in recent weeks. Wilson carried the ball 21 times for 110 yards and touchdown, while adding another receiving score in Sunday’s 31-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons. The 49ers rank seventh in the NFL with 126.6 rushing yards per game.
“The 49ers, they’re scary,” Simms said. “If they go to the Super Bowl, I’m not going to sit here and go, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it.’ Because I’m just seeing too many good things from them to know that they’re a factor in this playoff race.”
