49ers vs. Cardinals: 5 players to watch for San Francisco in Week 8

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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers is hit as he throws by Corey Peters #98 of the Arizona Cardinals during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Quarterback C.J. Beathard

Let’s just say Week 5 wasn’t the best performance by quarterback C.J. Beathard.

Beathard was tagged with four of the 49ers’ five turnovers from the game — a critical reason San Francisco lost to an inferior opponent — two interceptions thrown and two fumbles lost. If anything, those turnovers lost cost San Francisco a chance to pick up win No. 2 on the season.

The Niners’ minus-15 turnover differential is a direct indication of the many problems the team has on both sides of the ball. It’s not just Beathard. San Francisco’s defense isn’t forcing any, and the offense has been turning the ball over far too much.

And Week 5 was a perfect example.

The Cardinals still have a moderately talented defense, particularly with cornerback Patrick Peterson locking down one side of the field and the ever-present edge rush from EDGE Chandler Jones, who leads Arizona with 6.5 sacks.

Beathard’s pocket presence will still need to be good. It hasn’t been his strength, even dating back to the college level. And while Jones is the main threat in the pass rush, Arizona still has 20 sacks on the season — eighth most in the NFL.

If Beathard is able to successful navigate the pressure, he’ll still need to be mindful of Peterson and look to target the next player on our list, tight end George Kittle, often.