No. 1: An improved rushing attack

If there’s one thing that can help a quarterback, it’s a great run game. Last season, the 49ers were ranked 21st in the league with 103.9 rushing yards per game. As of the third week in the season, they rank second in the league with 152.7 per contest.

The double-headed attack of running backs Matt Breida and Alfred Morris is something that gives the offense that extra production. Breida is currently tied for the league lead in rushing yards with 274. Morris adds a respectable 153 rushing yards to his credit.

The both of them provide a great fallback for Beathard if there are too many defenders in the box. Even better is the fact Breida is showing reliability in the passing game as a receiver out of the backfield, as he’s tied as the second-leading receiver on the team.

Speaking of reliability out of the backfield, it’s important to not forget about the team’s fullback, Kyle Juszczyk. He’s second on the team in receiving yards with 107 and continues to be the offensive weapon as advertised.

Beathard can rely on each of these backs as safety valves moving forward.