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49ers training camp 2018: Top 10 takeaways from Week 1

By Peter Panacy

ENGLEWOOD, CO - AUGUST 27: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers works out with teammates Dres Anderson #6, Issac Blakeney #1, and Bruce Miller #49 during a joint training session with the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos at the Denver Broncos Training Facility on August 27, 2015 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
ENGLEWOOD, CO - AUGUST 27: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers works out with teammates Dres Anderson #6, Issac Blakeney #1, and Bruce Miller #49 during a joint training session with the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos at the Denver Broncos Training Facility on August 27, 2015 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

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:

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.