Beathard says he’s in a good spot mentally
C. J. Beathard’s maturation as a quarterback seems so trivial to look for Saturday. His mental growth was something to behold Wednesday, at least through the image his words painted about overcoming true adversity.
A year ago, Beathard’s youngest brother, Clayton, was murdered outside a Nashville, Tennessee bar.
“It’s put things in perspective, with what happened to my brother a year ago,” C. J. Beathard said. “You truly never know when your last day is going to be. I just try to be a light to people every day.”
On Saturday, Beathard makes his first start for the 49ers since an Oct. 10, 2018 loss, and it will take place against the same opponent, the Arizona Cardinals, on the same State Farm Stadium field.
“I’ve never been in as good as a spot mentally, with what I’ve learned and knowing truly where to put my faith, knowing what
things get to you and what don’t,” Beathard added. “In the past, little things might have ruined my day. I’m in a lot better head space and excited for this opportunity.”
In that last 2018 start, which dropped his career record to 1-9, Beathard had the 49ers set to win, until Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen threw a last-minute touchdown pass. In an ironic twist, Rosen will be his backup Saturday, having signed a one-year deal as an emergency option off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad.
Rosen worked scout-team duty Wednesday while Beathard took command of the offense, under sunny skies on the Glendale, Arizona, practice fields they’ve called home since their relocation three weeks ago because of Santa Clara County’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Jimmy Garoppolo warmed up next to them but is not cleared to play because of this season’s ankle woes, and the 49ers also can’t turn to Nick Mullens (elbow) or practicesquad veteran Josh Johnson, who is one of eight players now on the COVID-19 reserve list.
Don’t get hyped up about possibly seeing Rosen, or how he’ll have a two-week audition for a 2021 role.
No, this is Beathard’s time to show how he’s matured in two seasons on the bench. This is his just reward. He’s split practice reps with Mullens for years, unable to pass him on the depth chart.
“Obviously our playoff hopes are dead now but it’s an opportunity to have some fun and go out there and let it rip,” Beathard said.
Beathard emboldened himself in teammates’ hearts, from filling in where needed on the scout team such as at safety, to courageously coping with his brother’s murder.
Added Beathard: “I wouldn’t be where I am now if I didn’t go through the stuff I did my first couple years, especially this past year. Nothing compares to losing a sibling. That stuff puts everything in perspective.”
As much as Shanahan and teammates respect Beathard, two areas of improvement must be shown as he steps back under center: Turnovers and pocket aw a r ene s s . B e a t h a r d showed too often his first two seasons he could take a hit and get back up, all while going 1-9 as a bridge starter in 2017 and ‘18.
“I feel like he, in an unfair way, gets judged about what he did his first and second years in the league,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said. “It’s been a while since he’s had a chance to be that quarterback and have time to prepare. He’s a different player now. He’s matured a ton.”
More hits are coming, from what we’ve seen from this offensive line all season. Beathard needs to quicken his internal clock and get rid of the ball a split second or two faster than ever. Otherwise, turnovers are going to be an issue, just as they were for Mullens (12 interceptions, four lost fumbles) as he went 2- 6 in place of Garoppolo (26 interceptions, five lost fumbles since ‘17).
“Regardless of the circumstance or situation, he’s always ready to go,” wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk said of Beathard. “He has a huge arm, can make every single throw and is super confident.”
Rosen fits two traits of many 49ers: He’s a former first-round draft pick (now their 15th on this roster) and he’s a turnover machine. His 11 career touchdowns have been offset by 19 interceptions and five lost fumbles in 20 games (16 starts).
The 49ers are Rosen’s fourth team in 20 months. The Cardinals, who took him No. 10 in 2018, shipped him to Miami upon drafting Kyler Murray No. 1, and the Dolphins dumped him prior to this season upon committing to first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Could the 49ers be Rosen’s team in 2021? Could they be Garoppolo’s, Beathard’s, and a rehabilitating Mullens’? Could a veteran castoff and/or a high draft pick enter the picture?
Theories and speculation will run rampant for many more months. The 49ers set the gold standard in quarterback controversies with Joe Montana and Steve Young 30 years ago. Until a 26-year Super Bowl drought ends, the hunt for quarterback royalty will continue.