Iowa Football: 49ers Make The Right Move In Giving CJ Beathard His Chance

Iowa fans were able to see the playmaking ability of quarterback CJ Beathard many times in his years in Iowa City. And, with being named the starter for the San Francisco 49ers, bay area fans might be able to see that as well.

After shocking many by being taken in the third round of the 2017, by first year head coach Kyle Shanahan, the ascension to the top spot in the Niners offense has come quicker than many would have anticipated.

Journeyman Brian Hoyer wasn’t giving life to an 0-5 team that had enough, and turned to Beathard in game 6 against the Redskins. Hoyer had 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions on the year.

Beathard who took the starting job at Iowa in his junior season over Jake Rudock led Iowa to a 12-0 regular season in 2015, and nearly captured a Big Ten title, and spot in the College Football Playoff. Injuries impeded much of the running abilities throughout his time as a starter for the Hawkeyes, but flashes of his speed were seen.

49ers fans have already seen Beathard’s speed at getting down the field as he ran a 62 yard touchdown in the preseason.

And, with the move at quarterback, what is San Francisco risking?

Currently, it is a team that is most likely looking at a top five pick. If Beathard cannot prove himself to be a quarterback with half a season to build around, Shanahan and the organization can invest in the likes of Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, or Josh Allen.

But, if Beathard does elevate the offense and gets momentum going for the young team. Maybe they will not have take one of those top prospects, or break the bank to lure in Kirk Cousins.

Simply put, Beathard is a winner when he gets his chance, and leaves it all on the field to help his team win. Even the distinction of ‘game manager’ is not a good label for Beathard as he clearly more than that.

The 49ers made the correct move in seeing what #3 can do, given his chance, and they might be very thankful soon that they did.