It's C.J. Beathard time, and his entrance couldn't have come in a more fitting setting given his family ties.The grandson of longtime Washington Redskins general manager Bobby Beathard, C.J. made his "official" NFL debut at quarterback early in the 49ers 26-24 loss to the Redskins.
With just over six and a half minutes left in the second quarter, Beathard's name was called following an inefficient start by Pierre Garçon.
"I tell him each week to be ready and prepared," Shanahan said. "I wanted him thinking that since the first game, whether you're playing in it or not, that's how you have to think as a backup. You're one play away from an injury. I try to keep the same temperament and mentality with those guys all the time. But I know this week was about time."
After shaking off some first-game jitters, the 49ers third-round pick orchestrated an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on his second series of the game. That possession ended in a 1-yard touchdown from Pierre Garçon as time expired in the first half.
Beathard brought San Francisco back from a 17-0 deficit to tie the game at 17 a piece heading into the fourth quarter.
Washington ultimately escaped with a 26-24 victory, but there's no doubt that Beathard's debut sparked life into the 49ers offense.
"He's doing good. Came in, scored touchdowns, made plays, helped us out," Garçon said. "He did what he was supposed to do. We've just got to help him out."
Beathard, who had previously played just one NFL snap in the 49ers Week 4 loss to the Cardinals, finished the game completing 19-of-36 passes for 245 yards, a touchdown and an interception on the 49ers final play of the game.
"It's something you dream about as a kid. Going in and playing your first NFL game," Beathard said postgame. "I just know as a backup you've got to be ready and always be prepared."
Following Sunday's loss, Shanahan announced Beathard as the 49ers starting quarterback going forward. The rookie will get his first start of the season next Sunday at home as 49ers host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7.
"I think this team showed a lot of fight and we battled hard until the end. Just couldn't get the job done." Beathard said. "I'm just taking it one day at a time. Going to watch this tape and there's a ton of stuff to learn from. It's my first time playing in an NFL game. There's a lot of stuff I can learn from and get better at."
