Niner Noise
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49ers vs. Redskins: 4 takeaways from San Francisco’s loss to Washington

By Robert Smith

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins talk after the Washington Redskins defeated the San Francisco 49ers, 26-24, at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins talk after the Washington Redskins defeated the San Francisco 49ers, 26-24, at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 15: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers passes against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 15: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers passes against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

C.J. Beathard gives the team hope and excitement

The Brian Hoyer era is over almost as quick as it started.

After four games of pathetic quarterbacking (and one solid one against the Rams), Kyle Shanahan finally pulled the trigger, inserting rookie C.J. Beathard.

To make it clear, Hoyer was less than stellar. He had a 74.1 rating with four touchdowns and four interceptions. And this past Sunday, he started 4-of-11 for 34 yards. The Niners trailed 17-0 before Beathard and the Niners scored before the half to cut the lead to 17-7.

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In all, Beathard looked calm and confident, throwing for 245 yards on 19-of-36 passing with a touchdown and an interception. He led the team to all 24 of it’s points, and if not for the controversial interference call on Garcon, may have set the team up for a game-winning field goal.

With the team of to an 0-6 start, and the lackluster play of Hoyer, there really was no good reason for Shanahan to hold Beathard out any longer.

Going forward, Beathard will be the starter for the team, which will allow Shanahan and GM John Lynch to evaluate him and fortify a plan for the 2018 season.

Next: 49ers film room: C.J. Beathard's first game review

There are no guarantees that Beathard becomes the answer for the 49ers at QB, but he gives them the best chance to win now.

And along with the excitement of seeing how he develops over these final ten games, he also brings something else to the table for the team and it’s fans: hope.