Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest reason to be excited in 2018

By Brad Berreman

BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Robin Alam-Icon Sportswire/ Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Robin Alam-Icon Sportswire/ Getty Images /

San Francisco 49ers – A full season with Jimmy G

With a 1-10 record at Thanksgiving, it would have been a reasonable plan for the 49ers to keep Jimmy Garoppollo on ice until this year. But they dusted off their big trade acquisition in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks, and stuck with him for the rest of the season.

Over his five starts at the end of last year, Garoppolo threw for 1,542 yards (308.4 per game) with six touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 67.1 percent of his passes. His 8.8 yards per attempt over that span would have led the league for the full season, and the 49ers were second in the league in points per drive with Garoppolo under center. Oh, and the team went 5-0 in his starts.

The hype train is running downhill with practically brakes regarding the 49ers right now, and the team cemented its commitment to Garoppolo with a big contract this offseason. Delivering fully on that hype will be a tough task, but the franchise is on the rise again after the dismal post-Jim Harbaugh days.

Garoppolo will not maintain his undefeated record as an NFL starter for a lot longer (7-0 right now). But an upcoming full season with him as the quarterback is the clear leading reason for excitement in the 49ers’ universe heading into the 2018 campaign.

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