49ers legend Joe Montana hopes to see 'fresher, different' Jimmy Garoppolo this season

Despite getting the 49ers to the Super Bowl in his first full season as a starter, there are those who still question if Jimmy Garoppolo is the answer for San Franciso at quarterback. Critics have specifically called out Garoppolo for overthrowing Emmanuel Sanders late in the loss to Kansas City. 49ers legend Joe Montana insists that Garoppolo shouldn't be judged based on one throw.

"We've all missed throws," Montana said on Good Morning Football. "Right before (his touchdown pass to Clark in the '81 title game), I missed Freddie Solomon wide open. I threw the ball three feet over his head, and he was only seven or eight yards away from me. It happens to all of us. He'll be back. He's a good player. You just have to get him more opportunities to be in that situation."

Garoppolo led the 49ers to a 13-3 record while throwing 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The 28-year-old's postseason numbers were viewed by some as disappointing, however, as he only threw two touchdowns in three games while averaging less than 200 passing yards per game.

Even with the criticism, Montana says that it's hard not to be optimistic about Garoppolo's future with the 49ers. The four-time Super Bowl champion is confident that with another year under his belt, Garoppolo will only improve his game.

"Hopefully, you'll see a fresher, different player this year, although he had a pretty good year last year," Montana said. "I looking forward to him doing the same thing."