Fans may not feel like the fourth preseason game is anything to get excited about — until they see an entertaining play like quarterback C.J. Beathard running downfield, looking for someone to hit with his running back, Jeff Wilson, close behind.
That's how the 49ers first got on the scoreboard on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. The play featured Wilson trying to find some room to the left and then quickly shifting to the right where he saw Beathard come out of nowhere and open up some room for the 41-yard touchdown.
WHAT A RUN Jeff Wilson Jr.! 😱
And check out QB C.J. Beathard lead blocking downfield! 💪
📺: 📺: #LACvsSF on NFL Network (or check local listings) pic.twitter.com/K1FGk64Ta3
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 30, 2019
Wilson was asked after the game to describe the play.
"It was just like a feel thing," the running back told reporters in the locker room. "I just felt the way the defense was flowing. They were flowing really heavy. I saw the defensive end on the backside, who was almost on the other side or in the center almost. I just made my decision to stick my foot and go backfield.
"To see the cornerback sitting there, then to see C.J. behind me and for him to take off just gave me that extra power. I was like, I have to put it in now. If C.J. comes out there and blocks for me in the fourth preseason game. That speaks to his character. I was just trying to make his block that much better."
Wilson wasn't surprised Beathard put his body on the line in the preseason finale.
"That is the type of person that he is," Wilson said. "C.J. is a selfless person and I kind of almost expected it. That is just the kind of guy that he is. It was just a great play."
Wilson made a strong case for himself to be part of the 49ers' 53-man roster. He finished the game with 20 carries for 100 yards and the touchdown, courtesy of a block by his quarterback. Wilson wasn't keeping track of his statistics, though.
"I don't even worry about carries or yards," he said. "I am just zoned in and playing."
What did head coach Kyle Shanahan think of the block by Beathard?
"It was awesome," he said in his post-game press conference. "That was good. It was cool how we got to reverse the field, and he turned into a fullback on the play, and did a good job."
H/t to Peter Panacy for the Wilson quotes.
