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49ers shouldn’t switch from quarterback Brian Hoyer to C.J. Beathard yet

By Peter Panacy

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers sits on the bench during the fourth quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 12-9. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers sits on the bench during the fourth quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 12-9. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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Over two games, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer has been less than effective. But switching to rookie QB C.J. Beathard is the last thing the Niners should do.

San Francisco 49ers fans are starting to see why quarterback Brian Hoyer has never been a legitimate starting option at the NFL level.

The Niners have kicked off their 2017 campaign with back-to-back losses to the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks, respectively.

And Hoyer has been anything but effective.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

In Week 1, Hoyer was 24-of-35 for 193 yards and an interception. Against the Seahawks in Week 2, the veteran was worse. Hoyer passed for just 99 yards and another pick.

This has certainly prompted the discussion head coach Kyle Shanahan should make the switch from Hoyer to rookie C.J. Beathard, San Francisco’s third-round pick from the 2017 NFL Draft.

Just check out this podcast from Guy Haberman and John Middlekauff.

While an intriguing thought, this is the last thing Shanahan should do.

There are a number of reasons for this. The Niners are still in a full rebuild, and the offense lacks enough weapons to ensure Beathard’s maturation continues with success.

That’s the obvious point. But there’s plenty more, especially when we dive deeper into the film and Beathard’s skill set.

A Difference in Pocket Awareness

One of the things separating Hoyer from Beathard is pocket awareness.

While Hoyer isn’t exactly top notch within the pocket, one can see he senses the pass rush a bit more at the veteran level:

Despite the pressure, and elongated time within the pocket, Hoyer is at least able to sense the pressure behind him. There’s just too little room to step up and continue the play.

Meanwhile, Beathard’s awareness is less than adequate at the pro level:

It’s important to note the 49ers have faced two elite-level front sevens in Carolina and Seattle. And life won’t get much easier against a stout Los Angeles Rams defense in Week 3.

Simply put, Beathard would have been taken down an exorbitant amount of times the first two weeks. And the lack of pocket awareness is something Beathard struggled with in college at Iowa.

Throwing him into the fray before the latter half of 2017 does little for his confidence.

A Difference in Mechanics

Beathard does a relatively good job delivering the ball quickly. Same as Hoyer.

But another inequity between the two is Beathard’s inability to quickly scan the field through his progressions. So where this matters is Hoyer is better at getting the ball out quicker — not in terms of motion — than the rookie.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Jaleel Johnson #94 of the Minnesota Vikings hits C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers after a pass in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Jaleel Johnson #94 of the Minnesota Vikings hits C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers after a pass in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Granted, Hoyer isn’t going to be teaching quarterbacking mechanics anytime soon. But he’s more adept at reading NFL-level defenses.

Beathard has a long, long ways to go to figure this out.

It’s also important to note Beathard’s collegiate offense at iowa was relatively simple, despite it being more of a pro style. Shanahan’s offense, on the other hand, is one of the most complex in the league. And whatever success Beathard enjoyed in the preseason certainly wasn’t due to his mastery of the offense.

If not Now or Soon, When?

Haberman and Middlekauff’s podcast suggested the change would take place in Week 5 versus the Indianapolis Colts.

On one hand, it makes sense. The Colts defense is terrible, and this could be a valuable confidence booster for a relatively raw rookie like Beathard.

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But there’s a good argument to keep Beathard on the sidelines for this contest too, and beyond.

San Francisco’s offense, outside of the running game in Week 2, has struggled in nearly every facet. The offensive line, while better in Seattle, still has a long way to go before establishing itself as a reliable unit. Wide receiver play has been less than desirable, and there aren’t too many go-to playmakers for anyone under center.

Week 5 might be a better opportunity for the rest of the 49ers offense to get on track, including Hoyer.

That way, the Niners can hit the middle of their season with a little bit of momentum. And if Shanahan elects to make the change, doing so later in the year would increase the chances of Beathard working with a more cohesive offense than what’s been displayed now.

Remember, the most popular player on a bad team is the backup quarterback. We’ve heard this argument before.

Next: 49ers grades & analysis from Week 2 loss to Seahawks

While Hoyer isn’t the answer, Beathard isn’t going to provide an upgrade anytime soon.