San Francisco 49ers: 5 things to accomplish during Week 11 bye
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Fine Tune Quarterback Nick Mullens
One of those depth changes Kyle Shanahan has already made was to name quarterback Nick Mullens as the team’s Week 12 starter until otherwise determined.
Mullens, not C.J. Beathard, has the hot hand under center. And while the former practice squad body had his expected regression against the Giants in Week 10, Mullens still looks far more competent leading San Francisco’s offense than his immediate predecessor.
And Mullens is far more watchable too.
Related Story. Nick Mullens has something C.J. Beathard doesn't: Watchability. light
Granted, New York made Mullens’ life a bit more difficult than the Oakland Raiders the previous week. But the Buccaneers don’t offer up much of a tougher challenge than either team. Through 10 weeks, Tampa Bay ranks 29th in pass defense and dead last in scoring defense.
Sounds like a juicy opportunity for Mullens to hit the film room and for Shanahan to continue grooming the upstart hidden gem.
Plus, Week 12 provides a valuable learning experience in determining how the quarterback fares on the road.