C.J. Beathard might not say much, but what he does say seems to drip with honesty and sincerity. That’s why when he was asked about learning the 49ers’ playbook, he told it like it is.
“I think the biggest challenge (for new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo) will be learning the playbook,” Beathard said. “It’s kind of wordy. It’s kind of funny, a few weeks ago it was me asking Brian (Hoyer) about the playbook and now it’s Jimmy asking me.”
Lots of plays, lots of shifts and motions are all ahead for Garoppolo, who took three years in New England to learn the system before he made his first start for the suspended Tom Brady last season.
Also, Garoppolo’s college experience won’t help. At Eastern Illinois, they didn’t have a playbook. It’s no wonder 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said it could take Garoppolo some time before he’s game ready, and maybe even the rest of the season.