QB coach Brian Griese offers insight into how Sam Darnold can compete in 2023
Brian Griese had nothing but encouraging things to say about newly-minted 49er Sam Darnold.
One thing that stands out about Sam Darnold is that he is about the work.
At least that is how quarterback coach Brian Griese put it when asked about the quarterback by All 49ers reporter Grant Cohn.
Darnold is walking into a precarious situation regarding the San Francisco 49ers quarterback room. Last year's starter, Brock Purdy, is still nursing a UCL injury that required offseason surgery. Trey Lance is attempting to prove himself as a viable quarterback after getting injured in Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season. Meanwhile, Darnold is coming off an injury-filled year with the Carolina Panthers that also amounted to one of his most productive seasons near the tail end. So, Darnold comes to San Francisco with one goal on his mind — find stability. And Griese is eager to provide that to him.
"Sam has come in and been about the work," Griese said. "He has been through a lot in his career… To me, it was about, can we give him the structure and stability upon which he can see how good of a player he can be. I think that our system, our offense, it's suited to a quarterback coming in and finding their footing and getting stability. Sam has that opportunity now. We'll see what he does with that opportunity."
Darnold has lacked any form of scheme consistency in his career. San Francisco would be the first team he has played on that isn't looking at a rebuild. With the New York Jets, Darnold was tasked with being the savior. In Carolina, a lack of continuity forced him into unsavory situations. Now, with the Niners, Darnold has everything he's needed to be successful.
Whether he plays is out of his control, however. The Niners have been upfront regarding the quarterback position, indicating that if Purdy is healthy, he will be the team's starter.
Additionally, San Francisco also wants to see what it has in Lance. He still has potential, that if tapped, can lead to a long-term starting spot in the NFL — even if that place isn't in San Francisco.
So, Darnold has his work cut out for him. But to Griese, that isn't something Darnold wasn't prepared for.
Feature image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.
