In 2017 the 49ers won six games using three different starting quarterbacks. Brian Hoyer lost all six of his chances. Jimmy Garoppolo won all five of his.
And then we had C.J. Beathard. The rookie was a 3rd round pick out of Iowa who went 1-4 as a starting QB before the keys were handed to Garoppolo. So just because San Francisco lost is multi-million dollar man doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a rudderless ship in stormy seas.
C.J. Beathard gets the start for the 49ers on Sunday at StubHub Center against the Chargers. He’s the grandson of recently minted Hall of Famer Bobby Beathard, the man who assembled the 1994 San Diego Chargers AFC Championship team so football runs in his family.
He’s been in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system even longer than Garoppolo has. But does he have enough to lead what would be considered a substantial upset (the Chargers are 10 point favorites)? Let’s take a look in this week’s key matchups to watch:
49ers QB C.J. Beathard vs. Chargers S Derwin James
The Chargers rookie safety is already making a name for himself. In his first three NFL starts James has a pair of sacks and an interception and has generally been the kind of presence that makes for an All-Pro safety. Last year the only game Beathard won was the only game he threw more touchdowns than interceptions and was not sacked. This seems pretty simple: if James can keep causing the kinds of disruptions he’s been causing then it could be a long day for San Francisco. Look for Shanahan to game plan ways to go after Trevor Williams and run the football, which brings us to …
49ers Running Backs vs. Chargers Front Seven
Last week against Kansas City running backs Matt Breida and Alfred Morris combined for 157 yards on 24 carries. That’s not too shabby. The Chargers defense is 24th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game. Not having Joey Bosa and Corey Liuget has not helped the Chargers improve much on what was last year the NFL’s 2nd worst rushing defense. San Francisco has a chance to move the ball on the ground against the Bolts, a huge help to an inexperienced QB. The Chargers have allowed the 3rd-most rushes that result in 1st downs this year. If they can’t get off the field, a huge problem in last week’s loss to Los Angeles, the 49ers can win this game.
Chargers Special Teams vs. Themselves
In their loss to Kansas City, Tyreek Hill returned a punt for a touchdown. In their loss to Los Angeles, Cory Littleton blocked a punt in the end zone for a touchdown. In both games Caleb Sturgis missed a field goal or PAT. It’s like we need to make a Bingo card with all the possible ways to mess up on special teams because the Chargers seem to find a new way every week to amaze us with their ineptitude. If they can get through a game completely clean on special teams they can win. If not … well at least the loss will be entertaining.
Derek’s Prediction
Shanahan has earned the reputation of one of the best young offensive coaches in the game. Beathard is the first QB he’s drafted as a head coach. If he’s as good as people say it will show up in this game. I think he’s as good as people say. Will it be enough to steal a win in Carson? Not quite, but it’s going to be closer than most people think.
Final score: Chargers 24, 49ers 20
