The LA Rams share the same fate as the Cowboys, 49ers, and Packers

San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears

Under the category of how not to avoid a quarterback controversy, we have the Week 1 experience of the San Francisco 49ers on the road against the underdog Chicago Bears. The San Francisco 49ers have been saying all the right things in support of their young quarterback Trey Lance. But let’s examine what has really been going on behind the scenes.

For starters, the 49ers have said all along that this is Trey Lance’s team. They swore that they would trade veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Not trade. Then, when no suitors stepped up, they swore that Jimmy Garoppolo would be a backup only and that this was Trey Lance’s team. They even restructured Jimmy G.’s contract. But did you check on that restructuring?

Per Spotrac.com, his incentives include:
$250,000 per game where he takes 25 percent of snaps ($100,000 more per win)
$500,000 with 50 percent of snaps in a playoff game
Extra $500,000 with 50 percent of snaps in the NFC Championship game
Extra $500,000 with an NFC Championship win
Extra $1M with 50 percent of snaps in the Super Bowl

So Garoppolo can triple his contract by . . . playing. After Lance’s debut, that may be sooner than later.

49ers flat Bears buoyant

How bad was it? Lance was 13 of 28 passes for 164 yards, no touchdowns, and 1 interception. Lance was also the leading rusher, taking off 13 times for 54 yards. What about WR Deebo Samuel? He caught two of eight targets for 14 yards while adding eight rushes for 52 yards, one touchdown, and one fumble lost

There was nothing that jumped off the page regarding the Bears’ performance. It just came down to a solid team effort and the joy of playing to a win in a deluge.

The 49ers had to see their season opener as a win. With the loss, does that compel quarterback Trey Lance to look over his shoulder? Who could blame him if he does? Clearly, veterans like Deebo Samuel perform better with Garoppolo under center.

How long will the 49ers commit to Lance? Look for the hook if the 49ers lose to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2.

in the end, it’s not just the LA Rams who have a lot to figure out. But the Rams have three extra days to do so.