49ers vs. Eagles: Full Week 8 preview for San Francisco

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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers takes the field prior to their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Offensive & Defensive X-factors for San Francisco

Building a rapport between Beathard and tight end George Kittle

When rookies C.J. Beathard and George Kittle (who were college teammates at Iowa University) were drafted, the talk was that the pair would likely gel together nicely whenever they got the chance to play together. Through a game and a half played together, that hasn’t quite come to fruition.

Last game, Kittle had a measly one reception for 16 yards. The week before against the Washington Redskins was better, with Kittle finishing with four receptions for 46 yards. But it’s clear that the connection that was there in college has yet to develop at the next level.

That needs to change.

Beathard might not be the long-term future of this team — it is still unknown what the 49ers intend to do at the quarterback position in 2018 and beyond. Right now though, Beathard is the starter and these remaining nine games are a test-trial for the rookie quarterback.

If the two can build up a harmony with one another, it would significantly help with the development of both young players and would bode well for the future.

Right now, winning games should not be the focus for these 49ers. The playoffs are far, far out of the question. It should be about cultivating the young talent the team has.

The linebacking corps and its development

Last week versus the Cowboys was rookie linebacker Reuben Foster’s first game back since being injured in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. Despite a pair of injuries, the first-year player still was able to be a force on the field.

For the game, Foster had five tackles. Obviously one expects a little more production, but Foster was forced to come off the field due to a rib injury. The tackle-for-loss on Elliott represents a juicy future for the 49ers.

This next game is another step in the development of the core figure of the San Francisco linebacker unit, and the progression of Foster is of the utmost importance to the potential success of the team moving ahead. There is now a new player in the corps for the 49ers, and it comes with a position switch.

Safety Eric Reid is being transitioned to linebacker, which is where he will line up against the Eagles. It is not a hugely dramatic shift for Reid in terms of field placement, as he usually plays down near the box anyways. Regardless, a change of positions is a big deal no matter what.

And it actually might work out well, as Reid is a hard-hitting player who isn’t afraid of contact. Reid will play at weak side linebacker, and there is a possibility it could be a permanent move. Per The Athletic’s David Lombardi, head coach Kyle Shanahan “emphasized to Reid final 9 games will be used to determine whether/not they want to re-sign him.”