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Breaking down how the Chargers (5-3) and the San Francisco 49ers (4-4) compare heading into their video game at 5:20 p.m. PST on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The video game will be revealed on NBC (Ch. 4) and streamed on Peacock and NFL+.
When Chargers have the ball
One method to counter San Francisco’s several offending risks is control the time of belongings. That would need that the Chargers run, something they’ve stopped working to do with continual success in 7 of 8 video games. And now, they’re dealing with the No. 1 hurrying defense in the NFL.
An efficient ground video game likewise would assist reduce the effects of the 49ers’ pass rush.
“The more that we can keep them in a run mode and make them hit blocks and not be able to just tee off on the pass rush, the better,” offending planner Joe Lombardi stated. “I think it’s an important part of the game.”
An essential and — more than most likely — tough part for the Chargers. They hurried for 238 lawns in Week 5 at Cleveland. Otherwise, they’ve balanced just 68 lawns on the ground. Running back Austin Ekeler is connected for the NFL lead with 10 goals, with 4 beginning pass receptions. Ekeler is balancing 4.4 lawns per rush, however the Chargers’ average is just 3.7.
Quarterback Justin Herbert looked as healthy last weekend in Atlanta as he has considering that suffering fractured rib cartilage in Week 2. The Chargers probably will require a significant efficiency from Herbert to have an opportunity.
“I think just his confidence and knowing what he has,” Lombardi stated when inquired about Herbert sensation much better. “He’s not limited by the injury. Obviously, that helps a lot with the quarterback’s confidence.”
When 49ers have the ball
A Chargers group never ever has actually dealt with Deebo Samuel or Christian McCaffrey. Samuel went into the NFL in 2019 and these groups last fulfilled in 2018. McCaffrey, then with Carolina, was hurt when the Panthers checked out SoFi Stadium in 2020.
The set represent rather a difficulty for a defense that has actually been vulnerable to the huge play. Add tight end George Kittle and pass receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and the Chargers are gazing at a complicated job.
“You can’t practice everything that they can do,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley stated. “But you just have to have the inventory, the library of: ‘OK, this is what they can do. This is what they have shown.’ Then, let your guys go play fast.”
Only 2 groups have actually given up more points typically than the Chargers. The 49ers are coming off a 31-point efficiency in a persuading success over the Rams on Oct. 30. With an additional week to prepare and additional include McCaffrey, who was obtained in an Oct. 21 trade, San Francisco and coach Kyle Shanahan might be prepared to place on an amusing program in prime-time show.
When he was protective planner for the Rams in 2020, Staley’s group lost to Shanahan and the 49ers two times — 24-16 and 23-20.
When they kick
Rookie Cameron Dicker is the AFC’s ruling unique groups gamer of the week after striking the game-winning, final-play basket last weekend in the Chargers’ win over the Falcons.
Robbie Gould has 19 game-winning kicks throughout his 17-year NFL profession. His sibling, Chris, is the Chargers’ assistant unique groups coach.
Jeff Miller’s forecast: The Chargers have actually been winning however doing so in less-than-glowing style en path to reaching 5-3. Particularly without hurt pass receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, this seems like an actually hard match.
49ERS 30, CHARGERS 17
This story initially appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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