49ers: 5 things we learned after Week 1 preseason against Cowboys

5 things we learned from 49ers preseason win vs. Cowboys

By James Jones | Aug 12, 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

As expected, quarterback Nick Mullens was given the starting nod from head coach Kyle Shanahan in the 49ers first preseason game. The apparent fan favorite to win the backup job to Jimmy Garoppolo did not disappoint.

Then again, neither did fellow quarterback C.J. Beathard.

While neither quarterback truly separated himself from the other, both had some positives to take away from this game. Each player had one touchdown and one interception. Beathard actually had a higher completion percentage, more yards and a better passer rating than Mullens.

What we learned here is that battle for who is going to back up Garoppolo this season is as tight as its ever been. We’ll learn more next Monday night when the 49ers take on the Denver Broncos,

Head coach Kyle Shanahan stated Garoppolo should be good to go to start that contest. He also said Beathard will enter the game before Mullens as well.

Watch for this competition to heat up as the preseason continues.