No. 9: C.J. Beathard Has Made Strides
In 2017, then-rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard was essentially “thrown into the fire” after his predecessor, Brian Hoyer, was largely ineffective early in the season.
Beathard’s 69.2 passer rating ranked 31st out of 32 qualifiers last year, and he eventually handed off starting duties to Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 13.
In 2018, Beathard will be a backup, barring injury or any other unforeseen circumstances. And while the majority of focus remains with Garoppolo, Beathard’s development will be crucial for both depth and a possible trade commodity down the road.
Beathard has looked both comfortable and confident in camp. On day one of practice, he completed a 30-yard pass to rookie wideout Richie James, which was perfectly placed:
C.J Beathard hit Richie James deep between two defenders for the throw of the day right at the close of team drills. (Video by #49ers)pic.twitter.com/nzvAzylhUe
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) July 27, 2018
The following day, Beathard found wide receiver Max McCaffrey for a 40-yard connection.
Anyone questioning how important a backup quarterback is can look back to Nick Foles and the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles.
As long as Beathard’s maturation continues, San Francisco should be in good shape.