SF 49ers Vs Chargers preseason Levi’s Stadium
We first looked back in history in hopes of anticipating the type of game we would see. The San Francisco 49ers and the San Diego Chargers faced off in 2014, 2010, 2006 and 2002. In three out of four instances, the Chargers came to the contest with better records and stronger offenses. In all four games, the Chargers emerged victorious.
Coming into this last preseason game for 2015, San Diego had a 2-1 record and stood toe-to-toe with Seattle…losing but by a single point. San Francisco sat at 1-2 with their only win coming at the expense of the Cowboys and, distressingly, having shown slim production from their offensive unit. Did we anticipate another San Diego win? You bet we did. The signs were there, no?
Of the 49ers that did not get the memo, we start with backup quarterback Dylan Thompson who showed poise under pressure, was able to read the San Diego defense, threw into coverage with success and showed mobility. Yes, there was that one interception which cost six points, but overall we felt comfortable…for the full game…that someone competent was at the helm.
#10 Bruce Ellington (TD) – The Duke of Dash – with his first series/third down run to the end zone will make the highlight reels this week. What speed! And he had a great game after that.
Wearing #38 on this night, Jaryed Hayne was equally at home returning kicks, defending punt returns, running the ball and playing the receiver. His ability to pivot and swivel through defenders – and to stand up the occasional defender with a block – made him our player to watch in this game. He’s a keeper.
Rushing and receiving talent in the personages of Kendall Hunter, Mike Davis, Kendall Gaskins, DeAndrew White, Phillip Tanner (TD) and Xavier Grimble all demonstrated their athleticism and determination despite stiff going up the middle and in beating close coverage down field.
On defense we cite linebacker Nick Bellore for his coverage both at the line and of the short passing game, free safety Craig Dahl for halting San Diego’s drive late in the second quarter and defensive back Marcus Cromartie for his interception late in the fourth quarter, which all but sealed the 49er, win.
The game itself? Oh yes, San Francisco pulled out a win 14-12, but not without problems. First and foremost, it seemed that every time the offense got a break and moved the ball 20+ yards, there was a penalty waiting two or three plays later that negated the gain. Annoying.
With the exception of the occasional highlight, the rushing game was a muddle of clogged lanes and minimal gains. Both teams struggled with this so it was not a decisive factor. Passing – and specifically the performance of Dylan Thompson who threw three touchdown passes (two for our team and one for theirs) – was what made the difference.
Highlights:
• The Niners’ first drive and the Dylan Thompson to Bruce Ellington TD (plus two point conversion), which make it an 8-0 game with just slightly over one minute, elapsed.
• San Diego’s Richard Crawford who picked off a 49ers pass in mid second quarter (no two point conversion) to make it 8-6.
• The Dylan Thompson to Phillip Tanner pass in mid fourth quarter to push the 49ers ahead 14-6 (no two point conversion).
• The reception by San Diego’s Tyrell Williams shortly thereafter, which put the Chargers back in the game 14-12 (no two point conversion).
• Marcus Cromartie’s interception, which ended San Diego’s chances.
San Francisco heads into the season with a 2-2 record and much to look forward to in the store of talent they have accumulated. It is our hope that they can turn up the volume once the first-stringers hit the field.