San Francisco 49ers: The good, bad, and ugly in preseason loss to Colts

Good: Backup Quarterback Battle

Obviously, Jimmy Garoppolo sits atop San Francisco’s quarterback depth chart. You’re not going to pay somebody $138 million to hold a clipboard.

But, as we’ve seen around the league, time and time again, it’s vital to have a competent backup quarterback – just in case. Obviously, you don’t ever want to have to break the glass on it, but should events require it, you want somebody who can step in and perform – as San Francisco’s opening week opponent, Minnesota, can tell you.

And to that end, the 49ers have to be feeling pretty good about their understudy situation right about now.

It’s been a spirited battle for the right to hold the clipboard in San Francisco, with C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens – an undrafted free agent who spent last year on the 49ers practice squad – waging a solid back and forth competition.

Mullens and Beathard have both had some good moments, and some not so good moments through the preseason, but both seem to be grasping Shanahan’s system, and look pretty comfortable in it.

Mullens had a couple of key gaffes against the Colts – his fumble allowed Indianapolis to kick a field goal to go up by eight, and his interception with time running out, sealed the game. But, he also led a drive, taking the ball one-yard into the endzone to pull the 49ers within six and give them a shot.

It wasn’t meant to be, though.

However, over the course of the preseason, both have looked effective, overall. Beathard is completing 68 percent of his passes (27/45) for 346 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. Mullens is throwing at an impressive 81 percent clip (21/26) for 290 yards, and has a touchdown – though, he’s thrown two interceptions.

Overall though, both have looked impressive in spurts, and should the need arise, both appear to be capable of leading the offense.