Chargers matchups vs. 49ers

By: North County Times | Saturday, October 14, 2006 11:40 PM PDT ∞

OPPONENT: San Francisco 49ers

Chargers on offense

QB Philip Rivers needs to heave the ball at least 25 times. Why? The Bolts are 2-0 when he's allowed to pass that often. He'll aim at a secondary that could have ---- gasp ---- CB Sammy Davis starting. The ex-Charger could find the lineup after Walt Harris (three INTs last week) felt a hamstring tweak on Friday. No need tweaking the running game as LaDainian Tomlinson and Michael Turner ---- the NFL's only two teammates with at least 275 rushing yards apiece---- will attack the NFL's No. 24 run defense. The Niners do present various looks ---- from a 4-3 to a 3-4 alignment ---- and they will try to fluster Rivers. Never overlook DE Bryant Young ---- he's been in S.F. as long as the Golden Gate Bridge ---- as he carts in 80.5 career sacks. But this is more about what the Chargers can do ---- run and pass, Martyball willing ---- than what challenges the Niners' defense presents. It says here TE Antonio Gates will have a stellar game.

Chargers on defense

The Pacific Sack Exchange is geeked to unload on QB Alex Smith. The Niners' front line will likely feature backups with LG Larry Allen and LT Jonas Jennings ailing. RB Frank Gore, though, can go to his left and right ---- he's tied for the NFL rushing lead. He has also fumbled four times, which will have the Chargers trying to strip the ball. Smith (100.3 passer rating in three home starts) has targets in Antonio Bryant (third in the NFL with seven catches of at least 20 yards), Arnaz Battle (two TD catches last week) and resurgent TE Eric Johnson. But it comes down to stopping Gore, then beating the bushes toward Smith on passing downs. If the Chargers can pester Smith, it could be another big day for the pass defense, which, like the run defense, is ranked No. 1.

Special teams

Turner is gaining more confidence as a kick returner ---- last week's 51-yarder to start the second half didn't hurt. PR Eric Parker could go off, as the Niners are dead last in defending punts, allowing nearing 24 yards a return ---- yikes! The Chargers legs ---- K Nate Kaeding (11-of-12 on field goals) and P Mike Scifres (No. 1 with a net average of 43.3 yards) are keen. 49ers KR Maurice Hicks is tops in the NFC with a 27-yard average; the Chargers' kick coverage team has been leaky. Keep an eye on S.F.'s Manny Lawson ---- his blocked punt turned the game around against Oakland.

What to expect

The Chargers should cream the Niners ---- let's not be politically correct and go with the any-team-on-any-given-Sunday nonsense. If the Chargers want to claim they're among the NFL's elite teams ---- nevermind the combined record of their first five opponents is 7-16 ---- then they bury the Niners like Barry Bonds does a low, inside fastball. The Niners, though, have two wins at home, and Smith is looking more like a bona fide NFL quarterback. Big deal. If Martyball didn't make the trip, this offense could paste a 49 on the 49ers. Chargers fans still sore about that route in Super Bowl XXIX would like nothing more. Here's to the Chargers unplugging Marty Schottenheimer's headset once they seize the lead and letting Rivers rock the Bay.

CHARGERS 49, 49ERS 10

---- Jay Paris