San Diego Chargers-San Francisco 49ers: What To Watch For
The San Diego Chargers are on the road this week at the San Francisco 49ers. After getting a taste of being away at Seattle last week, the Chargers will work on the road.
Phillip Rivers will look to improve the Chargers offense. The 49ers defense was shredded by the Broncos last week so look for the Chargers to do more of the same. A high tempo offense will work well against the 49ers. The Broncos had 270 yards passing so look for a quick passing formula to lead to victory.
Watch for Ryan Matthews to get more reps in the run game. We might see Danny Woodhead on some 3rd down situations too. If the offense does more passing, Woodhead might stay out as a dump off guy.
I want to see how Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates play in the passing game. There will need to be more receivers coming up to help Keenan Allen and those are the guys Rivers will want to step up.
Look for Branden Oliver and Dontrelle Inman to work hard on the Chargers second unit. These guys are looking for those final roster spots and they will look to compete. Keep an eye on Mario Grice as he tries to take the spotlight from Oliver.
Defense will be exciting in this game as we will see Jason Verrett and Brandon Flowers together on the field. Seeing the secondary face an offense of Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, and Anquan Boldin will be a great test.
The most worrisome spot on the defense is the line. I need to see who the playmakers are and if they can get pressure on the run. They need to work hard against Frank Gore, Carlos Hyde, and a mobile Colin Kapernick. I want to see Dwight Freeney and Melvin Ingram getting in the backfield.
The game is Sunday, August 24 at 1 p.m. Pacific. Be prepared to see more reps from starters as the preseason winds down.