Much is expected of Pierre Garçon and Pierre Garçon. The San Francisco 49ers presumptive starting quarterback and top wide receiver, respectively, will be relied upon to make Kyle Shanahan's offense hum in 2017.
It should work in San Francisco's favor that both have previous experience with Shanahan. Hoyer operated the coach's system with the Cleveland Browns and Garçon put up career numbers in 2013 during Shanahan's tenure as offensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins.
Now Garçon and Hoyer are working to build chemistry during their first season working together.
"He's being a good leader and helping get us all on the same page," Garçon said of Hoyer. "It's tough because everyone is coming together and learning something new, but he has some history in (Shanahan's system). He's happy and has a positive energy towards the task in front of him."
The quarterback-wide receiver combo was introduced at the same introductory press conference during the opening days of NFL free agency. So, too, was Marquise Goodwin. Aldrick Robinson signed the following day.
Those two could be San Francisco's go-to guys for explosive plays in the passing game, and it will be Hoyer's job to find them downfield.
"Brian can definitely throw the deep ball," Garçon said. "That opens up everything else for our offense. It's a good weapon to have. When those guys can go deep, it's always on the back of the defense's mind."
We're yet to see a long connection during an open practice. Most of Hoyer's completions have been short-to-intermediate throws. But as is the case with most NFL clubs, the defense is usually ahead of the offense at this point of the offseason.
Those growing pains can be exaggerated when learning an offense as complex and involved as Shanahan's.
"It's very frustrating but it's part of the offseason and things you have to work through," Garçon said. "You've just got to keep moving forward."
Garçon was sure to reiterate that the offense had its moments during OTAs.
"Of course," the wideout said. "It goes back and forth."
This week's minicamp will provide the 49ers roster with two more practices to compete before departing for summer break. Be sure to check back for all highlight plays on both sides of the football.
