49ers vs. Chargers: 5 matchups to watch for San Francisco in Week 4

1 of 5

SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 30: Uchenna Nwosu #58 of the Los Angeles Chargers sacks C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers during their preseason game at Levi’s Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers visit the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4, and Niner Noise previews the contest by breaking down five matchups to watch during the game.

On paper, the San Francisco 49ers stand little chance to beat the 1-2 Los Angeles Chargers on the road in Week 4.

Especially without quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has been lost for the season to an ACL tear.

The Chargers are 10.5-point favorites for the game, according to Odds Shark, making this spread one of the largest in the NFL heading into this week’s slate of games. But while the odds makers surely understand the difficulties the Niners defense will have in containing Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and Co., it’s possible head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad pulls off the upset.

Provided they take advantage of some specific matchups throughout the game.

One of the biggest, of course, is getting No. 2 quarterback C.J. Beathard online and ready to helm an offense that enters the game ranked No. 12 in scoring over three weeks. It’s a downgrade, sure. But Beathard’s year of experience, along with improvements on the offensive line, could make his life a little easier on Sunday.

If he’s going to be effective, however, he’ll have to manage an aspect that wasn’t a strength during his rookie 2017 season — the pass rush.

Let’s start there, shall we?

No. 5: C.J. Beathard vs. the Chargers Pass Rush

On one hand, the 49ers benefit from not having to face Los Angeles EDGE Joey Bosa, who’ll miss Sunday’s bout with a lingering foot injury. His replacement, Isaac Rochell, has just three quarterback pressures on the season, according to Pro Football Focus.

While fellow Chargers EDGE Melvin Ingram remains a threat, Bosa’s absence likely convinces defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to dial up blitz packages to pressure Beathard regularly and often. Also per PFF, both the Chargers’ losses this season have been when the defense blitzed less than the league average.

Last season, Beathard managed a passer rating of 66.0 when blitzed, compared to 83.9 when not facing pressure, per PFF.

To help alleviate the pressure, Shanahan may call for Beathard to rely more on short, three-step-drop passes on quick routes instead of waiting for the longer, more-complex routes to develop.

Especially if L.A. is bringing the defensive heat.