The Seattle Seahawks will be facing another team with a first year starter with the organization on Sunday. This time it will be quarterback Trey Lance with the San Francisco 49ers.
Buy Seahawks TicketsOriginally the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Trey Lance was selected with very minimal college experience from North Dakota State University. Lance only had one full season as a starter in 2019, but he made the most of his limited snaps. Lance threw 28 touchdowns against *zero* interceptions as he led the Bison to a 16-0 record and yet another National Championship for Fargo.
But that is where Lance’s collegiate football journey ended. In 2020, Lance only played one game then shut it down. The potential upside for his skillset was tantalizing enough for the 49ers to take a major gamble to draft with such lofty positioning. However, it is a gamble that doesn’t look like it’s paying off thus far.
Lance nearly the entire 2021 NFL season on the bench behind Jimmy Garoppolo, which made sense given his limited experience to develop behind an established starter. Yet even now, there are still plenty of expectations. The offseason was wrought with reports of his inconsistency and inaccuracy. Through only one week, it looks like those reports were accurate.
Lance struggled mightily against the Chicago Bears, completing only 13-of-28 passes for 164 yards in a 19-10 loss.
The Seahawks have a golden opportunity to take a surprising 2-0 lead in the NFC West. If they hope to upset the 49ers, who are -8.5 favorites, taking advantage of Lance’s struggles will be prime.
