‘It doesn’t matter who is playing quarterback. We’ve got to play better’ and more of what Raiders, 49ers coaches are saying ahead of week 9 match-up

Heading into week nine, there are three teams who remain with one win. Two of those teams, the Raiders and the 49ers will square off in primetime on Thursday night football. Currently, the 49ers would selected second in the draft followed by the Raiders in the third position.

The game is being touted as the “Bosa Bowl,” in reference to Ohio State defensive end, Nick Bosa who many believe to be the consensus number one pick in the 2019 draft.

It’s possible the 49ers will be without current starting quarterback, C.J. Beathard who injured his wrist and thumb in week eight, both injuries occurred to his throwing hand. If Beathard is unable to go, second year quarterback, Nick Mullens will get the start.

Let’s take a look at what coaches from both teams are saying about the Thursday night match up.

Head Coach Jon Gruden, his opinion on the 49ers.

“Yeah, sure did. They’re one win record is not where they want it to be. I give C.J. Beathard a lot of credit. He is one tough quarterback. He is a tough kid. I’ve seen him get hit and keep playing hard. They’ve got a creative offense under Kyle Shanahan. They can score points. They can run the football, that I do know. Defensively, they’ve got a lot of high first-round picks in front. It’ll be a challenge for us.”

Defensive Coordinator Paul Guenther, on what he knows about Nick Mullens.

“I took a look at his preseason. He’s obviously been there for two years so he understands the system. He’s out of Southern Miss. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who is playing quarterback. We’ve got to play better. What we showed on Sunday was unacceptable. I told you a few weeks back, I’m not used to giving up 42 points. This is new to me. The players have to understand that we have to play better team defense, we have to stop the run better. It’s not a missed assignment issue. It’s more of a physical issue. We lost leverage in coverage several times. We’re supposed to be outside leverage of a guy. The guy beats you on an outside route and that stuff can’t happen. I showed them those plays and I said until we fix this stuff, we’re going to continue to get it. To me, who we’re playing against is the least of my concern.”

49ers Head Coach, Kyle Shanahan, on his evaluation of Derek Carr when he entered the draft.

“I was a big fan of Derek, I think like everyone was. There was a number of quarterbacks that came out that year. I remember flying down there to Fresno, we worked him out, a number of us. We went to dinner with him. I know his brother because I coached in Houston with his brother for one year. So great family and a great player.”