Key Matchups: 49ers-Chargers
Sep 30, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:34 am
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
by Andrew Pasquini – Sports 1140 KHTK
For the first time since Week 10 of last season, Jimmy Garoppolo will not be the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Exit Garoppolo, insert second year quarterback CJ Beathard as the 49ers (1-2) head down to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers (1-2).
If only the regular season is counted between these two teams, the Chargers hold a 7-6 all-time record against the 49ers, winning the past four matchups between the two dating back to 2002. The 49ers haven’t defeated the Chargers since the year 2000 when the defeated the then San Diego Chargers, 45-17. However, the 49ers have the biggest win in the history of this matchup, defeating the Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX, 49-26.
This Sunday is the first game between the two with the Chargers in Los Angeles. Here’s some key matchups that could affect the outcome:
49ers vs Adversity
It might be a cliché but the 49ers are definitely facing some adversity on Sunday missing their most important players on both sides of the ball.
The news that didn’t get too much attention because of Garoppolo’s injury was Richard Sherman injuring his calf last week against the Chiefs causing him to miss this weeks game. Him missing from a pass defense that’s struggling as is, allowing the eighth-most pass yards per game and tied for third-most touchdowns allowed, is something to watch as the 49ers take on Phillip Rivers, who has the seventh-most passing yards (906) and is tied for fifth-most touchdowns (8).
The bigger hit to the 49ers was Garoppolo’s injury and him being replaced by CJ Beathard, which takes us to:
CJ Beathard vs the Chargers defense
Facing off against the Chargers defense might be a good thing for Beathard as the Chargers have struggled defending the pass early on in the season so far. In their three games so far, the Chargers have allowed 7.9 net yards per pass attempt, fifth-worst in the league. Beathard should also have time in the pocket as the Chargers have only sacked the opposing quarterback seven times, tied for 22nd.
Beathard had a rough season last year, making just five starts finishing with a 1-4 record. He did complete 54.9% of his passes and threw four touchdowns compared to six interceptions. If the 49ers plan to have an sustained success this season, Beathard will have to put up better numbers than last season.
