Lance’s establishment as No. 1 also requires change. The Niners’ offense under Shanahan has been about precision and sequencing. The big throw has never really been an option, either because the quarterbacks didn’t have the arm , the confidence , or the accuracy to connect deep downfield to a receiver with even a modicum of coverage around them.
I doubt we see that offense fully unleashed during Training Camp or preseason. You save that stuff for the regular season and practices that are behind closed doors. But there’s also pressure on Shanahan. He’s all-in on Lance, but can he tailor his offense to best fit the quarterback’s skillsets? Lance is being asked to mold and adapt to Shanahan’s playbook — can Shanahan mold and adapt the playbook to Lance?
In the meantime, there will be a referendum on Lance every day for at least this first season at the helm. It’s ridiculous, but it’s understandable — a team in the NFC Championship Game is switching quarterbacks and going with a complete unknown. That’s bold!