NFC West Watch: Sam Darnold “work in progress” w/ 49ers offense
The Seattle Seahawks’ arch rivals by the Bay, the San Francisco 49ers, have issues at quarterback. Primarily, none of them can ever seem to stay healthy!
San Francisco’s inability to keep a quarterback healthy prompted them to sign former Jets and Panthers starter Sam Darnold. Say whatever you will about Darnold, but durability is not a concern the way it has been for Jimmy Garoppolo or Trey Lance.
What could be of a concern, however, is how fast Darnold is able to pick up head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. According to Darnold himself, there is still a road ahead of him.
QB Sam Darnold: Learning Niners' offense "a work in progress"https://t.co/8bShtFFwAZ pic.twitter.com/ZQGFlHPMuN
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 5, 2023
“It’s been a work in progress,” Darnold said. “I thought I got better throughout (mini) camp and just got more comfortable with the system, so I still got to study and go through the process of continuing to learn the system. But I’m excited for it, and it’s been really fun so far.”
Late last month, I wrote about how Adam Schefter of ESPN believed Darnold will be the likely backup to second year quarterback Brock Purdy (assuming he is healthy). This would leave former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance the No. 3 on the depth chart.
Although, if Darnold continues to struggle picking up Shanahan’s offense, an inside track could open up for Lance, given his time in San Francisco.
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