Niner Noise
FanSided

Turnovers, C.J. Beathard’s struggles & other takeaways from 49ers’ Week 7 loss to Rams

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers dives for a first down against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers dives for a first down against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 21: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a first down against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 21: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a first down against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 4: C.J. Beathard Still Isn’t Good Under Pressure

Forget C.J. Beathard’s two interceptions tossed and one lost fumble for a moment. Those were ugly, yes. But it’s time to move on.

What’s equally as concerning for Beathard and the 49ers is the second-year quarterback’s issues within the pocket, handling pressure and responding to the blitz. The Rams blitzed often in Week 7, which isn’t surprising with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips at the helm here. And L.A. didn’t have to worry too much about it being a liability. After all, Beathard has never fared well against pressure, and the Niners wide receivers were virtual non-factors during the game too.

More on that later, but Beathard ended up taking a whopping seven sacks during the game. Four of those came from the efforts of Rams All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who regularly victimized the interior of San Francisco’s offensive line.

While those seven sacks don’t look good, at least four of them could be pegged on Beathard’s shoulders. There were more than a few instances in which he held onto the ball for too long, waiting unnecessarily for the pressure to arrive and not reacting accordingly.

To put things into context, Beathard was sacked a total of seven times coming into this season. That number is now doubled after Week 7.

Ouch.