San Francisco 49ers: 3 Big takeaways from loss vs. Giants in Week 10

Mullens again proves poised

Mullens mania died down somewhat as the 49ers third-string quarterback was unable to reproduce his stunning performance in the rout of the Raiders. He completed 69.2 percent of his passes for 250 yards and a touchdown. But he also threw two interceptions, one a late throw to the sideline and the other and off-target pass over the middle behind Marquise Goodwin that clanged off the receiver’s hands.

Despite those turnovers, the first of which hinted at a lack of top-level arm strength, Mullens still demonstrated considerably more poise than the man he displaced, C.J. Beathard, getting the  ball out quickly to take advantage of the often impressive protection afforded to him by his offensive line, something Beathard was often unable to do.

Under duress on only nine of his 39 dropbacks, according to PFF (subscription required), Mullens was just 3-of-9 for 12 yards and an interception with a passer rating of 2.8 when pressured. Yet his willingness to hang in the pocket and go through his progressions, which he did superbly to find his last read Matt Breida on his sole touchdown throw to put the Niners up 20-10, has helped Mullens separate himself from Beathard and ensure he will keep the starting role when the 49ers return from their bye.

Mullens’ fairytale start did not continue against the Giants, but he did enough to suggest he can make the role of Jimmy Garoppolo’s backup his own for 2019.

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