The Trey Lance thread

[CrimsonCrew]

Good watch/listen. Probably the most encouraging aspect of it is that the guy who is currently working with him is aware of the issue and addressing it. I'm as optimistic as I can force myself to be that he'll put it all together. I don't doubt that he'll work very hard on it, and even without elite accuracy, he's still a good prospect. But I want him to be elite.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

TREY LANCE
QB, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco reports rookie QB Trey Lance will be given "every opportunity to rise up the team's depth chart" this summer.

49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel confirmed the team is prepping Lance to compete for the team's Week 1 starting gig. “You try not to get too far ahead of yourself,” McDaniel said. “Of course, it tempts your mind a little bit, but really you have to get back to the basics. And with a guy like Trey, you’re just teaching him the offense and coaching him on fundamentals and seeing where he can get — preparing him to compete in training camp.” After learning the framework of Kyle Shanahan's offense, Lance has taken a "large number" of the Niners' on-field practice snaps through seven sessions, Maiocco reports. Lance will be taken among the first ten quarterbacks -- maybe seven, depending on format -- off the fantasy draft board if the team anoints him as the starter over Jimmy Garoppolo. His rushing upside in Shanahan's system is tantalizing.
SOURCE: NBCSports.com

Jun 15, 2021, 12:30 PM ET

[Jikkle]

TREY LANCE
QB, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco reports rookie QB Trey Lance will be given "every opportunity to rise up the team's depth chart" this summer.

49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel confirmed the team is prepping Lance to compete for the team's Week 1 starting gig. “You try not to get too far ahead of yourself,” McDaniel said. “Of course, it tempts your mind a little bit, but really you have to get back to the basics. And with a guy like Trey, you’re just teaching him the offense and coaching him on fundamentals and seeing where he can get — preparing him to compete in training camp.” After learning the framework of Kyle Shanahan's offense, Lance has taken a "large number" of the Niners' on-field practice snaps through seven sessions, Maiocco reports. Lance will be taken among the first ten quarterbacks -- maybe seven, depending on format -- off the fantasy draft board if the team anoints him as the starter over Jimmy Garoppolo. His rushing upside in Shanahan's system is tantalizing.
SOURCE: NBCSports.com

Jun 15, 2021, 12:30 PM ET

Sounds like he's further along than expected because after the draft it felt like their attitude was more Jimmy's the starter and maybe Lance can compete for the job.

With all the recent comments from the team it sounds more and more they have a legitimate hope Lance can beat Jimmy out for the job.

Because ideally Lance beats Jimmy out for the job and if it's close between the two the job will go to Lance. Lance you're hoping is your franchise guy for 15 years+ so the sooner he's able to go through the growing pains the better. And he simply just opens the offense more with him behind center.

But I'll stress I wouldn't start Lance for the sake of starting him because if Jimmy is clearly the better option to win games no question Jimmy should start.

What encourages me about Lance is there are videos of him working with his QB coach and Mohammad Sanu. So that means he's spending his time wisely unlike Kaepernick who no question was a hard worker it's just he'd spend his time working out with sprinters trying to get faster. If I got an athletic QB I obviously want to see him keep in shape but I want him spending more time throwing the ball and watching film than trying to save a tenth of a second off his 40 time.

[Scoots1994]

When it matters, even if Trey isn't the day 1 starter, we'll know where he is fairly quickly.

If he gets a down here or there in games where the 49ers are leading it means he's just okay.

If he gets a full drive in a close game he's doing good.

If he gets a full drive or 2 early in a game he's doing great.

[Jikkle]

Feels like the momentum is building for Lance to start week 1. He's been working out with all the starting wideouts, teammates are talking him up, and even Maiocco whose typically milquetoast with his 9ers opinions said Lance had the biggest improvement he's seen between OTA practices.

With that said we really won't know anything until he plays in the preseason and his performance there will be an indicator on how ready he is.

[Scoots1994]

Feels like the momentum is building for Lance to start week 1. He's been working out with all the starting wideouts, teammates are talking him up, and even Maiocco whose typically milquetoast with his 9ers opinions said Lance had the biggest improvement he's seen between OTA practices.

With that said we really won't know anything until he plays in the preseason and his performance there will be an indicator on how ready he is.

I don't think he's close to in the lead for starting game 1.

[Pattersonca65]

Feels like the momentum is building for Lance to start week 1. He's been working out with all the starting wideouts, teammates are talking him up, and even Maiocco whose typically milquetoast with his 9ers opinions said Lance had the biggest improvement he's seen between OTA practices.

With that said we really won't know anything until he plays in the preseason and his performance there will be an indicator on how ready he is.

Dont fall for all the offseason hype and noise. All of this becomes laughable after awhile

[CrimsonCrew]

Feels like the momentum is building for Lance to start week 1. He's been working out with all the starting wideouts, teammates are talking him up, and even Maiocco whose typically milquetoast with his 9ers opinions said Lance had the biggest improvement he's seen between OTA practices.

With that said we really won't know anything until he plays in the preseason and his performance there will be an indicator on how ready he is.

Dont fall for all the offseason hype and noise. All of this becomes laughable after awhile

Yeah, at this point, the media have seen what, three practices? And he's been out in shorts throwing the ball to his receivers on air. Lance's biggest area for improvement is pinpoint accuracy. He's going to shine in non-contact practices where receivers have more cushion and don't have to worry about getting popped. As long as the ball is in the general area of the receiver, it's going to be caught, and his throws are going to arrive with zip because that's how he throws. The biggest questions for him are going to be whether he can consistently fit it into NFL windows and throw downfield with accuracy, and we haven't really seen anything to date that would answer those questions.

[Jikkle]

If the season started tomorrow Jimmy G would be the starter but as long as he isn't bad in the preseason I believe Lance will be the starter week 1.

Oddly enough not because of the passing game but because of the running game. It's clear they put a heavy emphasis on the running game this offseason by signing Mack, drafting 2 offensive linemen, and drafting 2 RBs with one of them being a 3rd rounder. So it looks like they want to run the ball like 2019 and loaded up to make sure they could.

Lance simply adds to how potent the running game can be. He has the ability to run the ball and I believe Shanahan will give Lance just enough runs a game that defenses have no choice but to account for it.

The other way he helps the running game is he's simply a much bigger threat to hit the deep ball compared to Jimmy G. We can argue the accuracy but I don't think there is a debate Lance has the strong arm and will be more willing to attempt to hit guys deep than Jimmy G would.

I feel Shanahan would be fine if Lance this season was just functional in the passing game. Shanahan obviously expects Lance to grow beyond functional but for this year I believe if Lance keeps the turnovers to a minimum and makes some a few big plays with his arm and legs a game Shanahan would be perfectly content with that because he'll just have the running game and defense do the heavy lifting.

[Pattersonca65]

Feels like the momentum is building for Lance to start week 1. He's been working out with all the starting wideouts, teammates are talking him up, and even Maiocco whose typically milquetoast with his 9ers opinions said Lance had the biggest improvement he's seen between OTA practices.

With that said we really won't know anything until he plays in the preseason and his performance there will be an indicator on how ready he is.

Dont fall for all the offseason hype and noise. All of this becomes laughable after awhile

Yeah, at this point, the media have seen what, three practices? And he's been out in shorts throwing the ball to his receivers on air. Lance's biggest area for improvement is pinpoint accuracy. He's going to shine in non-contact practices where receivers have more cushion and don't have to worry about getting popped. As long as the ball is in the general area of the receiver, it's going to be caught, and his throws are going to arrive with zip because that's how he throws. The biggest questions for him are going to be whether he can consistently fit it into NFL windows and throw downfield with accuracy, and we haven't really seen anything to date that would answer those questions.

That is the physical part of it for sure. Then there is the mental aspect of it which we've seen nothing yet so far. That is when the bullets start to fly so to speak. Lance has very limited college experience. How is he going to handle to the increased speed and complexity of NFL defenses. I can make of list of NFL draftees who were hyped at this time of year only to crash and burn when they had to play in a real game. I hope Lance succeeds but this is so premature.

[Pattersonca65]

If the season started tomorrow Jimmy G would be the starter but as long as he isn't bad in the preseason I believe Lance will be the starter week 1.

Oddly enough not because of the passing game but because of the running game. It's clear they put a heavy emphasis on the running game this offseason by signing Mack, drafting 2 offensive linemen, and drafting 2 RBs with one of them being a 3rd rounder. So it looks like they want to run the ball like 2019 and loaded up to make sure they could.

Lance simply adds to how potent the running game can be. He has the ability to run the ball and I believe Shanahan will give Lance just enough runs a game that defenses have no choice but to account for it.

The other way he helps the running game is he's simply a much bigger threat to hit the deep ball compared to Jimmy G. We can argue the accuracy but I don't think there is a debate Lance has the strong arm and will be more willing to attempt to hit guys deep than Jimmy G would.

I feel Shanahan would be fine if Lance this season was just functional in the passing game. Shanahan obviously expects Lance to grow beyond functional but for this year I believe if Lance keeps the turnovers to a minimum and makes some a few big plays with his arm and legs a game Shanahan would be perfectly content with that because he'll just have the running game and defense do the heavy lifting.

That isn't going to help if he can't handle the mental aspect of the game, the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. Lance is raw and has even limited college experience. The first round pick with the least college experience. It is never that easy even with Shanahan's emphasis on the run. Simply being able to throw a deep ball is enough if he is not mentally prepared for the NFL. Lance is trying to make a giant leap into the NFL and alot of fans don't realize just how difficult that is.

[Jikkle]

If the season started tomorrow Jimmy G would be the starter but as long as he isn't bad in the preseason I believe Lance will be the starter week 1.

Oddly enough not because of the passing game but because of the running game. It's clear they put a heavy emphasis on the running game this offseason by signing Mack, drafting 2 offensive linemen, and drafting 2 RBs with one of them being a 3rd rounder. So it looks like they want to run the ball like 2019 and loaded up to make sure they could.

Lance simply adds to how potent the running game can be. He has the ability to run the ball and I believe Shanahan will give Lance just enough runs a game that defenses have no choice but to account for it.

The other way he helps the running game is he's simply a much bigger threat to hit the deep ball compared to Jimmy G. We can argue the accuracy but I don't think there is a debate Lance has the strong arm and will be more willing to attempt to hit guys deep than Jimmy G would.

I feel Shanahan would be fine if Lance this season was just functional in the passing game. Shanahan obviously expects Lance to grow beyond functional but for this year I believe if Lance keeps the turnovers to a minimum and makes some a few big plays with his arm and legs a game Shanahan would be perfectly content with that because he'll just have the running game and defense do the heavy lifting.

That isn't going to help if he can't handle the mental aspect of the game, the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. Lance is raw and has even limited college experience. The first round pick with the least college experience. It is never that easy even with Shanahan's emphasis on the run. Simply being able to throw a deep ball is enough if he is not mentally prepared for the NFL. Lance is trying to make a giant leap into the NFL and alot of fans don't realize just how difficult that is.

He'll have a learning curve no doubt but I don't think it'll be that much different compared to other rookie QBs.

He did have limited experience but the offense he did run in college translates more to what he'll do under Shanahan compared to what the other rookie QBs ran in college.

Fields may have had a lot more experience but a lot of what he did at Ohio State isn't what he's going to do at the pros. Whereas Lance is used to long play calls, making calls at the line of scrimmage, running a huddle, and taking snaps from center.

So even with a limited quantity I think there was a lot of quality with what he did do in college.

A lot of his pre draft hype was how great he was at the mental aspect of the game and so far reports have indicated the 9ers are happy with his progress mentally.

But you're right we need to see him in preseason and how he'll react when guys can actually hit him as that will be the true test. I just tend to believe though he'll be roughly on par mentally with other rookie QBs and I don't see it being a concern.

[CrimsonCrew]

If the season started tomorrow Jimmy G would be the starter but as long as he isn't bad in the preseason I believe Lance will be the starter week 1.

Oddly enough not because of the passing game but because of the running game. It's clear they put a heavy emphasis on the running game this offseason by signing Mack, drafting 2 offensive linemen, and drafting 2 RBs with one of them being a 3rd rounder. So it looks like they want to run the ball like 2019 and loaded up to make sure they could.

Lance simply adds to how potent the running game can be. He has the ability to run the ball and I believe Shanahan will give Lance just enough runs a game that defenses have no choice but to account for it.

The other way he helps the running game is he's simply a much bigger threat to hit the deep ball compared to Jimmy G. We can argue the accuracy but I don't think there is a debate Lance has the strong arm and will be more willing to attempt to hit guys deep than Jimmy G would.

I feel Shanahan would be fine if Lance this season was just functional in the passing game. Shanahan obviously expects Lance to grow beyond functional but for this year I believe if Lance keeps the turnovers to a minimum and makes some a few big plays with his arm and legs a game Shanahan would be perfectly content with that because he'll just have the running game and defense do the heavy lifting.

I think Lance will have to be better than not bad in the preseason. For all the heat Garoppolo takes - and I've been in the front in terms of criticism of Garoppolo, he's still a pretty good NFL QB. The issue for me has been that you really can't win while paying a guy who is in the 12-20 range of NFL QBs the money that guys in that range command. And honestly, if Garoppolo is in that range at this point, he's toward the end of it. That said, he makes pretty quick decisions, is still pretty accurate, has a quick release. I think there are some things with Jimmy that we take for granted, and it will take Lance a while to get to his level.

But the criticism of Garoppolo is still legit, and among it is Garoppolo's inability (reluctance combined with limited arm strength and awful feel for it) to throw deep. Despite Lance's struggles in this area - which are legit - I would expect him to do more of it than Garoppolo if only because Garoppolo almost never throws deep. And if Shanahan could make Garoppolo into an effective deep ball thrower (61% completion percentage to lead the league comfortably on balls 20+ yards downfield in 2019), I expect Lance to be as good or better.

But as Patterson noted, the mental aspect is still a big question for Lance. Yes, Lance is supposed to be a very smart guy, hard worker, and film junky. But he's also played a very low level of competition with less sophistication even than most NCAA programs. It will take time to adjust to NFL defenses, shifts, reads, etc. Granted, again, this is an area where Garoppolo has never really excelled, and part of the benefit of Shanahan's scheme is that it creates fairly defined reads. Still, this is an area where we probably take "average NFL starting QB" level play for granted. It's a big step up from where Lance is.

I'd love to see Lance seize the job - though part of me also wants to see Garoppolo rehab his trade value a bit - but I also want this team to be able to compete this year. And that might mean at least starting out with Jimmy.

[CrimsonCrew]

If the season started tomorrow Jimmy G would be the starter but as long as he isn't bad in the preseason I believe Lance will be the starter week 1.

Oddly enough not because of the passing game but because of the running game. It's clear they put a heavy emphasis on the running game this offseason by signing Mack, drafting 2 offensive linemen, and drafting 2 RBs with one of them being a 3rd rounder. So it looks like they want to run the ball like 2019 and loaded up to make sure they could.

Lance simply adds to how potent the running game can be. He has the ability to run the ball and I believe Shanahan will give Lance just enough runs a game that defenses have no choice but to account for it.

The other way he helps the running game is he's simply a much bigger threat to hit the deep ball compared to Jimmy G. We can argue the accuracy but I don't think there is a debate Lance has the strong arm and will be more willing to attempt to hit guys deep than Jimmy G would.

I feel Shanahan would be fine if Lance this season was just functional in the passing game. Shanahan obviously expects Lance to grow beyond functional but for this year I believe if Lance keeps the turnovers to a minimum and makes some a few big plays with his arm and legs a game Shanahan would be perfectly content with that because he'll just have the running game and defense do the heavy lifting.

That isn't going to help if he can't handle the mental aspect of the game, the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. Lance is raw and has even limited college experience. The first round pick with the least college experience. It is never that easy even with Shanahan's emphasis on the run. Simply being able to throw a deep ball is enough if he is not mentally prepared for the NFL. Lance is trying to make a giant leap into the NFL and alot of fans don't realize just how difficult that is.

He'll have a learning curve no doubt but I don't think it'll be that much different compared to other rookie QBs.

He did have limited experience but the offense he did run in college translates more to what he'll do under Shanahan compared to what the other rookie QBs ran in college.

Fields may have had a lot more experience but a lot of what he did at Ohio State isn't what he's going to do at the pros. Whereas Lance is used to long play calls, making calls at the line of scrimmage, running a huddle, and taking snaps from center.

So even with a limited quantity I think there was a lot of quality with what he did do in college.

A lot of his pre draft hype was how great he was at the mental aspect of the game and so far reports have indicated the 9ers are happy with his progress mentally.

But you're right we need to see him in preseason and how he'll react when guys can actually hit him as that will be the true test. I just tend to believe though he'll be roughly on par mentally with other rookie QBs and I don't see it being a concern.

Re: Fields, apparently Shanahan went on a podcast with McVay and basically let the cat out of the bag that Fields was their third guy. I still just don't understand that, but they are able to evaluate a lot of things I can't. The long play calls shouldn't be a deterrent for Fields, as reports are that he has a photographic memory and can effectively master a playbook (college, so maybe increase is a bit for the pros) in a day. But he almost never took direct snaps (Jones didn't, either, which I should have factored in more when considering who Shanahan would take), I don't believe he had much if any authority to audible, I'm honestly not sure how much he huddled (except the championship game, I only ever watched his full-game highlights on youtube).

I've spoken at length about my thoughts on Fields, and with all of it, I would still take him over Lance. I know many experts feel that running play action is a learned trait (Cosell's favorite term), but I just can't believe it is that hard to learn it, especially when you come out of your run fake to a field that has been subject to Shanahan's playcalling, and there's a pretty good chance your first read is going to be open. Especially if you have elite accuracy. And I'm not sure that Lance has such an advantage over Fields in reading the field.

But Lance is our guy, so I will root like hell for him and hope the FO is vindicated.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

TREY LANCE
QB, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

49ers QB Trey Lance signed his rookie contract.

That leaves Zach Wilson as the lone rookie not to have signed his rookie deal. According to the NFL’s rookie contract structure, Lance gets a four-year, fully guaranteed $34.1 million contract with a $22.2 million signing bonus. The Niners will be able to pick up Lance's fifth-year option after his third season if they so choose. Lance enters training camp behind Jimmy Garoppolo, who head coach Kyle Shanahan has deemed the team's Week 1 starter. NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco reported in June that Lance will be given "every opportunity" to seize the team's starting job this summer. The rookie could be sprinkled into the team's offense even if Garoppolo starts. Fantasy managers are drafting Lance as if he's going to start a good chunk of the 2021 season. That could prove presumptuous if Jimmy G can keep the offense afloat this fall.
SOURCE: Matt Barrows on Twitter

Jul 28, 2021, 10:58 AM

[Jikkle]

Judging from reports it sounds like so far so good for Lance and I'm still holding on to my prediction he ends up starting week 1 but I hinge a lot of that on how he does in the preseason games.

Regardless I'm glad to hear that he hasn't scrambled yet and is looking to throw and not run and that's a good sign going forward that he's not going to be a running QB but a QB that'll run if it's be designed or if all the options are exhausted.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

TREY LANCE
QB, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

On Saturday, Trey Lance ran designed run plays for the first time in 49ers training camp.

ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported that several of Lance's rushing attempts would have gone for big gains in a game setting, and that DC DeMeco Ryans acknowledged that Lance "stressed the defense in new ways." As you would expect, Kyle Shanahan has been scheming up plays specifically designed to utilize the third overall pick. Lance, who ran for 1,100 yards in his only full college season, offers a special blend of rushing ability and passing upside. Jimmy Garoppolo, who threw two interceptions Saturday, will need to be at the top of his game to hold off Lance this season.
RELATED: Jimmy Garoppolo
SOURCE: Nick Wagoner on Twitter

Jul 31, 2021, 6:03 PM ET

[Jikkle]

TREY LANCE
QB, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

On Saturday, Trey Lance ran designed run plays for the first time in 49ers training camp.

ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported that several of Lance's rushing attempts would have gone for big gains in a game setting, and that DC DeMeco Ryans acknowledged that Lance "stressed the defense in new ways." As you would expect, Kyle Shanahan has been scheming up plays specifically designed to utilize the third overall pick. Lance, who ran for 1,100 yards in his only full college season, offers a special blend of rushing ability and passing upside. Jimmy Garoppolo, who threw two interceptions Saturday, will need to be at the top of his game to hold off Lance this season.
RELATED: Jimmy Garoppolo
SOURCE: Nick Wagoner on Twitter

Jul 31, 2021, 6:03 PM ET

I do believe they need to start getting Lance some 1st team reps to see how much of what he's doing is legit and how much of it is the mirage of going up against 2nd stringers.

From the reports I've read from the typical circuit of beat writers Jimmy is still just Jimmy some pretty good reps and some really bad reps. The one that frustrates me though is him throwing the pick to Warner who basically did nothing but stand there. After all this time in the league and in the offense you just can't still be throwing balls right to linebackers who are just standing there and doing nothing that should confuse you.

Because Jimmy has been in the offense for a few years now and is basically familiar with the guys around him I don't think giving Lance some 1st team reps will hurt and I'd rather see what we might have with Lance to what we know we have with Jimmy.

[CrimsonCrew]

TREY LANCE
QB, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

On Saturday, Trey Lance ran designed run plays for the first time in 49ers training camp.

ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported that several of Lance's rushing attempts would have gone for big gains in a game setting, and that DC DeMeco Ryans acknowledged that Lance "stressed the defense in new ways." As you would expect, Kyle Shanahan has been scheming up plays specifically designed to utilize the third overall pick. Lance, who ran for 1,100 yards in his only full college season, offers a special blend of rushing ability and passing upside. Jimmy Garoppolo, who threw two interceptions Saturday, will need to be at the top of his game to hold off Lance this season.
RELATED: Jimmy Garoppolo
SOURCE: Nick Wagoner on Twitter

Jul 31, 2021, 6:03 PM ET

I do believe they need to start getting Lance some 1st team reps to see how much of what he's doing is legit and how much of it is the mirage of going up against 2nd stringers.

From the reports I've read from the typical circuit of beat writers Jimmy is still just Jimmy some pretty good reps and some really bad reps. The one that frustrates me though is him throwing the pick to Warner who basically did nothing but stand there. After all this time in the league and in the offense you just can't still be throwing balls right to linebackers who are just standing there and doing nothing that should confuse you.

Because Jimmy has been in the offense for a few years now and is basically familiar with the guys around him I don't think giving Lance some 1st team reps will hurt and I'd rather see what we might have with Lance to what we know we have with Jimmy.

Typically, the second-string offense would play against the first-team defense. Though that doesn't sound like it's what the Niners have primarily been doing this year. But I get the sense that they've been rotating quite a bit, and certainly Lance has been throwing to some of the first-team receiving talent.

[Pattersonca65]

TREY LANCE
QB, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

On Saturday, Trey Lance ran designed run plays for the first time in 49ers training camp.

ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported that several of Lance's rushing attempts would have gone for big gains in a game setting, and that DC DeMeco Ryans acknowledged that Lance "stressed the defense in new ways." As you would expect, Kyle Shanahan has been scheming up plays specifically designed to utilize the third overall pick. Lance, who ran for 1,100 yards in his only full college season, offers a special blend of rushing ability and passing upside. Jimmy Garoppolo, who threw two interceptions Saturday, will need to be at the top of his game to hold off Lance this season.
RELATED: Jimmy Garoppolo
SOURCE: Nick Wagoner on Twitter

Jul 31, 2021, 6:03 PM ET

I do believe they need to start getting Lance some 1st team reps to see how much of what he's doing is legit and how much of it is the mirage of going up against 2nd stringers.

From the reports I've read from the typical circuit of beat writers Jimmy is still just Jimmy some pretty good reps and some really bad reps. The one that frustrates me though is him throwing the pick to Warner who basically did nothing but stand there. After all this time in the league and in the offense you just can't still be throwing balls right to linebackers who are just standing there and doing nothing that should confuse you.

Because Jimmy has been in the offense for a few years now and is basically familiar with the guys around him I don't think giving Lance some 1st team reps will hurt and I'd rather see what we might have with Lance to what we know we have with Jimmy.

It isn't like Lance is just killing it right now against the competition he is currently playing against. He's had his own share of missteps.