This one play proves Jimmy G will be elite
For an NFL quarterback, there isn't a more important resource than time.
Nothing is more conducive to successful quarterback play than a dominant offensive line. But the best quarterbacks in the league can create time on their own in a multitude of ways: Throwing with anticipation, maneuvering in the pocket to find space, getting outside of the pocket and getting the ball out in a hurry with a quick release.
If you had to pick out one attribute that has made 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo so special over this last month, it's his ability to manage time.
I'm not sure I've ever seen a quicker release from a quarterback not named Dan Marino. He gets it out in a flash. Garoppolo manages to turn this sure sack into a nine-yard completion despite only have a fraction of a second to get this pass off before Calais Campbell blows him up…
</div> <p>He does it again to convert on third down later in the drive. This release looks like it's been sped up but it hasn't…</p> <div class="embed-httpsgfycatcom"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" height="360" width="640" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/portlyacademiccygnet"/> </div> <p>That quick release gives Jimmy G an extra beat or two to read the defense, a luxury every quarterback desires. But Garoppolo doesn't even really need it because he makes decisions so quickly. When he combines his quick release with that efficient decision-making, the 49ers are impossible to defend. Garoppolo does it on this simple slant route that is one of the most impressive feats of quarterbacking I've seen this season…</p> <div class="embed-httpsgfycatcom"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" height="360" width="640" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/aliveunselfishfrilledlizard"/> </div> <p>Doesn't look like much, right?</p> <p>Well, here's a still from directly after the snap. Note the game clock. Garoppolo is looking to his right and hasn't even finished his dropback…</p> <p><p><asset-img UniqueId="732107" /></p> </p> <p>By the time he decides his first read isn't there, finds Aldrick Robinson open on the backside and gets him the ball, a single second has come off the clock.</p> <p><p><asset-img UniqueId="732108" /></p> </p> <p>He made two decisions (the front-side concept isn't open and the backside slant is) and released the ball AND fired it accurately to his receiver in one second. ONE. SECOND. That's computer-like efficiency that we see out of only the league's best veteran passers. This is only his sixth start.</p> <p>Garoppolo still has to refine some parts of his game before we can even thinking about putting him in the elite discussion - <a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/12/nfl-49ers-jimmy-garoppolo-highlights-breakdown-video-all-22-analysis-bears-scouting-report">he needs to be better at navigating the pocket and handling blitzes before the snap</a> - but it's clear the 49ers have a future franchise quarterback. And it only cost them a second-round pick.</p> <div id="jwplayer_qPguNPqL_t2dCqACG_div"/> <p><strong>MORE:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/12/james-harrison-patriots/?utm_source=USATAPP&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=inline-related">James Harrison reportedly visited the Patriots and Steelers fans are losing it</a></p> <p><a href="http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/12/los-angeles-lakers-lonzo-ball-lavar-christmas-new-car-video/?utm_source=USATAPP&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=inline-related">Lonzo Ball bought his dad an incredible new car for Christmas</a></p> <p><a href="http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/12/tom-brady-jimmy-garoppolo-reaction-jaguars/?utm_source=USATAPP&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=inline-related">Tom Brady reacts to Jimmy Garoppolo's success in San Francisco</a></p> <p><a href="http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/12/nfl-raiders-eagles-derek-carr-overrated-overpaid-contract-injury-regression/?utm_source=USATAPP&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=inline-related">Derek Carr hasn't regressed. He's been exposed.</a></p> <p><a href="http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/12/the-10-funniest-snl-saturday-night-live-sports-skits-of-2017-ranked/?utm_source=USATAPP&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=inline-related">The 10 funniest 'SNL' sports skits of 2017, ranked</a></p></body></html>