49ers vs. Chargers: 5 matchups to watch for San Francisco in Week 4
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Tight End George Kittle vs. Safety Jahleel Addae
San Francisco’s wide receivers haven’t been much of a factor three games deep into 2018, but second-year tight end George Kittle has.
San Francisco 49ers
The Niners’ fifth-round NFL Draft pick from last season already leads the team in receptions (12) and receiving yards (191), and those receiving yards rank sixth among all tight ends heading into Week 4.
And with C.J. Beathard not fully likely to rely on his wideouts creating separation, there’s a chance Kittle becomes one of the main offensive X-factors for San Francisco moving forward.
Covering Kittle hasn’t been too easy for any opposing defensive back or linebacker this season. In Week 4, that role will largely fall on Chargers safety Jahleel Addae, whose 58.6 Pro Football Focus pass-coverage grade ranks the worst out of all members in L.A.’s secondary.
Playing into the idea on the previous slide of Beathard likely being asked to face blitzes, seeing Kittle on the strong side of the formation should lead to those quick-strike passes the quarterback will need to execute.
If Kittle winds up having a big day, the 49ers have a shot at pulling off the upset.