Jeff Garcia breaks down Nick Mullens’ performance in the 49ers’ 36-9 Week 3 demolition of the Giants.
No Jimmy Garoppolo, no problem.
At least, that was the story Sunday when the 49ers demolished the hapless New York Giants 36-9 in Week 3 at MetLife Stadium. Nick Mullens got the start for Garoppolo, who suffered a high ankle sprain last Sunday, and the backup did everything coach Kyle Shanahan could have wanted.
Mullens went 25-for-36 for 343 yards and one touchdown. It was the second-highest passing game of Mullens' career, and he achieved the feat with tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Deebo Samuel both missing the game with injuries.
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Former 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia was impressed with how Mullens played in Garoppolo's absence.
"He really was poised and made some great throws," Garcia said Sunday on "49ers Postgame Live." "Even the throw to Jordan Reed in the back of the end zone -- that was a dime. It should have been caught. It should have been a touchdown. He made some great accurate throws. Not just on primary reads, but second and third reads. Hitting [Jerick] McKinnon down the seam the one time when he was turning the corner. Actually, back-shouldered him to keep him away from the defensive back and made a great catch right there on the 5-yard line."
"But those consistently showed up today," Garcia added. "Just played with a lot of confidence. Got away with a couple throws that could have been better. But when you look at the overall production -- great day, great start for Nick Mullens. Very proud of what he did on the field today."
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The 49ers were able to make quick work of the Giants despite their rash of injuries. Now, they'll return home to face the 0-2-1 Philadelphia Eagles, who plodded their way to a tie against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
It's unclear whether Garoppolo will return next Sunday or if he will need more time to heal. The typical recovery timeline for a high-ankle sprain is four-to-six weeks, although pocket-passing quarterbacks sometimes return sooner.
Mullens showed Sunday that he is more than capable of piloting in the offense until Garoppolo returns. With the Eagles and Miami Dolphins coming up, the 49ers might try and see if Mullens can keep them afloat against subpar competition instead of rushing Garoppolo back and jeopardizing their Super Bowl dreams.
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