Jimmy G keeps on stinking but the 49ers keep on winning

The San Francisco 49ers did it again. They went on the road in the playoffs and came out the victor twice, despite subpar quarterback play from Jimmy Garoppolo. The Niners have shown that a game manager can still take a team deep into the playoffs. For the second time in three years, San Francisco heads into the playoffs with an inferior quarterback. If they go to LA next week, it won't matter because either team's quarterback is going ahead of Jimmy G in most fantasy drafts.

It is amazing to see Kyle Shanahan mix his new-school innovation with the old-school combination of a solid running game and suffocating defense. Garoppolo has thrown for over 300 yards in two road playoff wins. Jimmy G is giving a mediocre run for its money. The slogan for this Niners squad should be "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", since fans had called for Garoppolo's replacement until recently.

Talk about being careful not to lose. That is the story of the tape on Garoppolo. Jimmy does just enough to get by while the pieces surrounding him hold up their end of the bargain. If you want to win a game on the road in the playoffs, you have to throw zero touchdown passes and pass for under 175 yards. Jimmy G deserves some credit, as he did make a couple of timely passes when the 49ers needed it most in Saturday's win over the Packers.

Jimmy's supporting cast and coaching staff deserve a lot of the credit for this current run. The 49ers did it with defense and special teams. SF blocked a field goal in the second quarter to keep the game close. They blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown to tie the game.

Making it back to the title game with Jimmy G presents a dilemma for the Niners. They traded up in last year's draft and selected Lance third overall, and most people have been clamoring for him to take the reins since training camp. It is rare to see a quarterback taken in the top three not being the starter by the second year. They take over during their first year. How much can the Niners get for Garoppolo? The team is having to overcome his lackluster performances.

In the Bay Area, the offseason will be interesting. I hope the 49ers finish the year hoisting Lombardi number six to see how the drama unfolds in San Francisco. That is just crazy talk.