Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers vs. Chargers: Previewing Preseason Week 3 for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Eddie Royal (11) catches a pass against San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Eddie Royal (11) catches a pass against San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

By the Numbers

One shouldn’t read too much into preseason stats, but there are some important things to consider here.

San Francisco (1-2) lost it’s most recent exhibition game to the Green Bay Packers. Despite the 21-10 defeat, one could view more than a handful of positives for head coach Chip Kelly and Co.

As Niner Noise’s JD Leidy wrote, the 49ers answered their quarterback questions, have a reinvigorated defense and solidarity along the offensive line.

That’s good.

And wouldn’t you know it? The Niners are leading the NFL in preseason rushing yards (554), which figures to be a big part of Kelly’s offense.

True, the passing offense is not great — dead last with 450 yards — but at least San Francisco has an offensive strength.

On the flip side, San Diego enters the contest with a 1-2 preseason record. The Chargers’ 640 passing yards through the air puts them in the middle of the pack, but the Bolts have only gained a measly 240 yards on the ground.

Preseason stats are a big deal, right? No.

Both teams are allowing well over 300 yards per game — San Diego (324) and San Francisco (340).

Again, preseason.

Next: Quarterback Competition