What to watch for in the 49ers' preseason finale vs. Chargers
The 49ers round off their preseason schedule against the Chargers in a game in which the headline act might not take the field until the fourth quarter. Having learned this week that he had lost the backup quarterback job to Sam Darnold, Trey Lance will likely have to wait a long time for his first […]
The 49ers round off their preseason schedule against the Chargers in a game in which the headline act might not take the field until the fourth quarter.
Having learned this week that he had lost the backup quarterback job to Sam Darnold, Trey Lance will likely have to wait a long time for his first snaps against Los Angeles. When he does take the field, a very popular quarterback can expect a warm welcome from the Levi’s Stadium crowd.
But for all the niceties that may surround Lance’s potentially final appearance for the 49ers on Friday, the reality is that — unless another quarterback nightmare envelops San Francisco — what he does versus the Chargers will carry little importance.
In terms of evaluating players who are much likelier to have a bearing on the Niners’ regular-season fortunes, there are a lot more pertinent things to watch for in this exhibition finale.
Purdy’s final tune-up
Brock Purdy looked sharp on his return to game action last week against the Broncos, going four of five for 65 yards. Much of that yardage came after the catch, though Purdy did produce one excellent throw to Jauan Jennings after rolling out to his left.
That throw offered the clearest sign yet that Purdy is well-placed to hit the ground running in the regular season following his recovery from offseason elbow surgery.
It’s not clear how many series he will get against the Chargers, but confidence in his ability to pick up where he left off last season will only grow if he can deliver a few more passes like that in this final exhibition.
Under-pressure offensive linemen
San Francisco’s backup offensive line has emerged as a substantial problem during training camp and preseason, with two players previously expected to fill key reserve roles struggling mightily in pass protection.
Jaylon Moore, the favorite to be the Niners’ swing tackle, has given up five pressures across the opening two preseason games, according to Pro Football Focus. That tally is only matched by 2022 sixth-round pick Nick Zakelj, whose grip on a backup guard job has become increasingly tenuous.
Zakelj was improved in last week’s win over the Broncos, giving up only one pressure, and if the 49ers are to feel better about their backups going into the regular season, they need to see a pair of linemen in whom they have invested draft capital justify their place on the depth chart with similarly solid showings against the Chargers.
Defensive line draft picks
The 49ers have continually spent premium draft picks on defensive linemen, and two of their most recent high selections in that area are both under pressure to perform in 2023.
Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and defensive end Drake Jackson both have important roles to play in bolstering the production of a front that, at least in terms of pass rush, was a little too reliant on Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa in 2022.
But 2020 first-round pick Kinlaw has played in only one preseason game and failed to make an impression against the Raiders, enduring all too familiar issues with his pad level, which were most noticeable in run defense.
Jackson has so far yet to feature in the exhibition schedule because of injuries, and his absence has opened the door for the impressive Clelin Ferrell to take the starting defensive end role across from Bosa.
Even if Jackson is relegated to a rotational role, he can still have a huge impact as a designated pass rusher, but both he and Kinlaw would greatly benefit from building some positive momentum ahead of the regular season.
The nickel corner question
San Francisco’s plans for the nickel cornerback position remain something of a mystery at this point in the preseason, with the Niners still figuring out what their approach will be at an increasingly critical spot.
Most of the signs point to starting corner Deommodore Lenoir moving inside on true passing downs, with Ambry Thomas taking his spot on the outside. Isaiah Oliver, the 49ers have indicated, would play the role of ‘big nickel’ and matchup with tight ends and ‘power slot’ receivers when they line up inside.
Yet the 49ers might still need to see more from both to be confident in that plan. Lenoir played only six snaps inside against the Broncos while Oliver’s preseason has been defined by him giving up an easy touchdown pass against the Raiders and missing an open-field tackle versus Denver.
San Francisco may have seen enough from Lenoir on the practice field to be convinced the approach they appear to be learning toward is the correct one, but strong finishes to the preseason from both him and Oliver would provide extra reassurance.
How to watch the San Francisco 49ers’ preseason finale with the Los Angeles Chargers
Brock Purdy and the starters will feature.
Featured Image Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
