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

No. 1: Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner vs. Offensive Guard Dan Feeney

Through three weeks, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has been the 49ers’ best defender. Perhaps only Richard Sherman is anywhere close.

Buckner had something of a quiet effort on the road in Kansas City. But his team-leading 3.5 sacks rank sixth out of all defenders in the league thus far, and none of the players Buckner is trailing have more then four.

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Philip Rivers has only taken four sacks on the season, and there hasn’t been any evidence in 2018 that pressure thwarts his efforts. Last year, however, Rivers’ passer rating dropped from 104.3 to 80.7 when facing pressure, according to Pro Football Focus.

It’s time for Buckner to round out the law of averages.

This particular assignment in Week 4 might be beneficial for Buckner and the 49ers defense. One of the primary players responsible for containing Buckner will be Chargers left guard Dan Feeney, whose 18.6 PFF pass-blocking grade is about as low as it gets. He’s allowed one of those four sacks, and his 11 allowed hurries are tied for most among all guards this season.

It’s safe to say Buckner will get his fair share of chances to put pressure on Rivers, which could be a key wild card in San Francisco figuring out a way to go into Los Angeles and pull off the win in Week 4.

The 49ers and Chargers square off on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 4:25 p.m. from the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

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