49ers vs. Texans: Good, bad & ugly from preseason Week 3

The Bad

San Francisco’s offense stalled once Jimmy Garoppolo and the starters came out, which isn’t exactly great. Garoppolo’s backup, C.J. Beathard, didn’t look particularly great over an extended period of time of the field, which bled into the fourth quarter.

There were other problems too, particularly in the running game. The Niners managed a mere 3.1 yards per carry over the course of the game. Thankfully, the passing offense bailed this unit out, especially early.

If anything, however, the lack of offensive prowess showed just how questionable the 49ers depth might be this season.

Quarterback C.J. Beathard

Beathard’s night was pretty rough. While he did show a little more pocket poise compared to the Niners’ preseason victory over the Dallas Cowboys, he still suffered from the all-too-often receiver stare-downs and late deliveries.

And again, more tipped passes at the line of scrimmage.

Overall, Beathard was 10-of-17 for 82 yards, posting a passer rating of 71.2. It was a better night than his first effort of 2018. But the 49ers better hope he won’t have to take a meaningful snap this season.

It’s also interesting to see how much better Nick Mullens has looked better in both preseason games. Even if it’s against third- and fourth-team defenses.

Running Back Joe Williams

Second-year pro, and likely roster cut, Jeremy McNichols got the start for San Francisco. Not Joe Williams, who likely should have seen a lot of time given the injuries to top running backs Jerick McKinnon (calf) and Matt Breida (shoulder).

The Niners struggled to get the running game going all four quarters, but Williams didn’t exactly look good in his efforts — those of which didn’t start until late in the second quarter.

Overall, Williams had eight rushing attempts for a mere 18 yards. In the fourth quarter, he couldn’t hold onto a short pass, which led to a tip and interception by Houston’s defense. Williams never secured the ball, and ball security had been an issue for him dating back to his days at Utah.

To make the roster, Williams will need to look much more like he has in training camp instead of the relatively lackluster efforts we’ve seen in two preseason games so far.

Linebacker Eli Harold

Another player possibly in jeopardy of losing a roster spot when the regular season resumes is veteran linebacker Eli Harold.

Harold was out of position on a number of defensive snaps. On one particular play in the first quarter, Harold set the edge too far out and left open a sizable gap for one Texans ball carrier to rush through for a big gain on third down.

Coverage was also an issue for Harold, which has never been one of his bigger strengths at the pro level. With the 49ers having a logjam at linebacker, it’s feasible they move one of their inside backers to Harold’s SAM spot this season.

That would likely signal the end of Harold’s tenure in San Francisco.