Chargers News: Preview- Chargers @ 49ers Preseason Game 4
The San Diego Chargers travel up the coast to San Francisco for their last preseason game in preparation for the 2015 season. The Chargers look to rebound from last weeks heart breaking loss at the hands of the defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks. Steven Hauschka won the game for the Hawks with an improbable 60-yard field goal with 17 seconds on the clock.
The Chargers and 49ers have met 43 times in the preseason. The 49ers have won the past five preseason meetings. The Chargers however won the week 16 regular season meeting last year 38-35 in overtime. The Bolts came back down 21 points in the second half to win on a Nick Novak 40-yard FG to keep their playoff hopes alive. Philip Rivers led the team on a last-minute fourth quarter drive to tie the game and Eric Weddle had a big forced fumble in OT for the Chargers.
The Bolts
The Chargers main goal in this game will be to remain healthy. The team cannot afford any injuries and will surely rest the starters as much as possible. If any of the starters play, their playing time will likely be minimal. Philip Rivers took a beating last week as the Seahawks constantly blitzed and got in Rivers face. The offensive line looked a little disheveled, but the group needed a test like that in order to improve their techniques.
The starting defense has been terrific so far. Most starters will likely play very few snaps but the Chargers second team has been impressive as well. Denzel Perryman and Kyle Emanuel both look to continue their impressive preseason. Manti Te’o is reportedly feeling better after missing last weeks game with a sore shoulder. It is not clear whether he will suit up or even play in the game though. Jeremiah Attaochu is also banged up with a knee injury, it is also unclear if he will suit up and play.
What To Look For
There are many position battles in Chargers camp and this will be the last time for the team to get a look at players during game speed. Branden Oliver is currently leading the NFL with three preseason touchdowns. He should get plenty of action as should Donald Brown, who is very close to be a roster cut. His salary hit against the cap is the only thing saving him at the moment.
Nick Dzubnar looks to continue his impressive preseason. He has been all over the place with extensive playing time late in games. The impressive Chargers defense looks to create more pressure on the quarterback. The special teams was victimized last week, so look for the Chargers to tighten up that group. The Detroit Lions come to town in less than two weeks and the special teams unit must be running at full speed by then.
The Niners
The Jim Harbaugh Era gives way to lots of new faces on the field for the 49ers. Out of the 22 players that started the Super Bowl team from three years ago, 14 either have retired or left via free agency. Frank Gore the all time leading rushed in 49ers history has left for Indianapolis. Justin Smith and Patrick Willis are gone. Chris Borland the Niners LB of the future, retired unexpectedly and Aldon Smith once again got into personal trouble and was released by the team. The Niners are clearly a team in a slight rebuilding process.
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick returns as the leader of the team and he looks to find consistency in his game. Much of Kaepernicks off-season involved the X’s and O’s of the game. His athleticism has guided him, but he clearly needs a better understanding of the game within the game. Reggie Bush, Torrey Smith and Darnell Dockett are all new faces on the team. New coach Jim Tomsula has his work cut out for him if he wants this team to compete.
What To Look For
The Niners will also be looking to rest most of their starters. Look for plenty of action from backup QB Blaine Gabbert and also some time for rookie quarterback Dylan Thompson out of the University of South Carolina. Carlos Hyde is the new starting running back, but he figures to be given only a few handoffs. Navorro Bowman returns after missing the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL. He has had a very good preseason but shouldn’t see extensive playing time on Thursday.
An interesting story is that of former Australian rules footballer Jarryd Hayne. The rookie RB with no college football experience is leading the 49ers this preseason with 117 yards while averaging 7.3 yards per carry. The native Australian has proven to be a handful to bring down once he gets a head of steam. Cornerback Shareece Wright also looks to make an impact against his former team. Wright was let go after the season after four seasons in San Diego.
Game Information
Where: San Francisco California, Levi’s Stadium
When: Thursday September 3rd 2015
Time: 7:00 PM PST NFL Network
BOLT UP!!!
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.