Focus on Chargers: 49ers like to run the ball, and L.A. has been helpless to stop it
The Los Angeles Chargers have battled through injuries and some spotty play yet are 5-3 and just a game behind Kansas City in the AFC West.
SANTA CLARA — Maybe things are finally turning around for the Los Angeles Chargers.
They live under a perpetual rain cloud in a drought-plagued state, tenants to the Super Bowl champion Rams in their home stadium, awaiting the next debacle that screams out “Chargers.”
But in their Week 9 road win over the Atlanta Falcons, the luckless Chargers got lucky en route to a 5-3 record that has them just a game back of the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West.
While moving in for a game-winning field goal at the Atlanta 22, running back Austin Ekeler lost a fumble on a third-and-3 play with only 46 seconds remaining. Falcons defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham scooped up the gift and headed the other way. After 19 yards, he dropped the ball, with Chargers lineman Matt Feiler pouncing on it.
Given that reprieve, quarterback Justin Herbert hit Josh Palmer for 22 yards to get the Chargers back in field goal range.
In came Cameron Dicker, who replaced Taylor Bertolet (quad strain), who had replaced Dustin Hopkins (hamstring). Kicking mishaps have long been a part of Chargers lore. Dicker, who junked plans for attending a Carrie Underwood concert when the Chargers called, delivered from 37 yards out for the win.
“Those are games that maybe a couple of years ago go in a different way,” Herbert told reporters. “It’s a fight for every win. For us to step up, deal with the punches and answer I thought was huge for us.”
GAME ESSENTIALS: Chargers (5-3) at 49ers (4-4) at Levi’s Stadium, 5:20 p.m. (NBC) ODDS: 49ers (-6 1/2)
THREE REASONS FOR 49ERS OPTIMISM
The Deebo-McCaffrey pairing
Assuming Samuel is recovered from a hamstring strain, it will be the first extensive chance to see both on the field at the same time; McCaffrey was limited to 22 snaps in his 49ers debut against Kansas City while Samuel reverted more to a receiver role. Having both at full strength gives the 49ers a pair of position-less gamebreakers who can be split wide or in the slot, lined up in the backfield. They can run jet sweeps, get downfield or run power.
Heck, what if Shanahan used McCaffrey as a shotgun quarterback, play-faked inside to Elijah Mitchell then had the option to keep or pitch to Samuel?
This should be fun, not to mention explosive.
Chargers can’t stop the run
Tyler Allgeier gained 99 yards on 10 carries for Atlanta, missing by a single yard his chance to become the fifth back to break 100 yards on the Chargers’ porous run defense. James Robinson of Jacksonville (17-100-1 TD), Dameon Pierce of Houston (14-131-1), Nick Chubb of Cleveland (17-134-2) and Kenneth Walker III of Seattle (23-167-2) have all had their way with the Chargers.
Those five backs had long runs of 44, 74, 41, 75 and 50 yards. The Chargers are giving up 5.7 yards per carry and 145.5 yards per game. If the 49ers run it 40 times, they’d gain 228 yards. Sounds doable regardless of how the carries are distributed.
Defense got its wakeup call
Patrick Mahomes may have been the best thing to happen to the 49ers defense this year. The Chiefs quarterback took the 49ers apart on Oct. 23, and based on the follow-up against the Rams, it was a needed cold slap in the face.
The 49ers are No. 1 in the NFL in total defense in terms of yardage (285.9) and are the only team in the NFL giving up less than 200 yards per game passing (199.2) and less than 100 rushing (86.6). They’ll be even better if/when Arik Armstead returns from foot miseries.
Offensively, the Chargers will be without both of their top receivers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
THREE REASONS FOR 49ERS PESSIMISM
Watch out for Austin Ekeler
It’s possible the best runner/receiver on the field won’t be McCaffrey or Samuel. In fact, both are looking up at Ekeler in the most important stat for offensive dual threats — touchdowns.
In his last 24 games dating back to last season, Ekeler has an NFL-best 30 touchdowns. He has 98 rushes for 427 yards and six scores this year to go along with 60 receptions for 381 yards and four scores. Last season he had 911 yards rushing with 12 touchdowns and 647 yards receiving and eight scores.
Inconsistency may be in their DNA
Different teams have different characteristics. And one constant through the first eight games of the season is the 49ers in half of their games simply haven’t played anywhere near their level of talent would suggest.
The 49ers understand they’re playing a team that is missing edge rusher Joey Bosa, just lost defensive tackle Austin Jackson and lost free agent corner J.C. Jackson for the year. Left tackle Rashawn Slater went down early. The 49ers are prohibitive favorites despite facing a team with a winning record.
But the Chargers still have a quarterback with great arm talent in Herbert, as well as defensive game-wreckers in edge rusher Khalil Mack and safety Derwin James. Lose the turnover battle and it’s a ballgame.
The Jimmy G roller coaster
Speaking of turnovers, 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t have any last week and completed 21 of 25 passes. There were a couple of near-misses however, including one on a deflected ball at the line of scrimmage by Jaylen Ramsey.
Part of the Garoppolo experience is watching him be so measured and precise and then having the big pick or fumble come out of nowhere as if turnovers are lying in wait.
PROBABLE DIFFERENCE MAKER: QB Justin Herbert
The third-year quarterback of Oregon may be the best pure passer in the NFL. In part due to injuries with his receivers, and also because of a Week 2 rib injury, Herbert hasn’t had as many deep strikes this season. He’s thrown mostly short and quick, having been sacked only 10 times. But that 50-yard dime is always a flick of the wrist away and Herbert is good enough to shred anybody on his best day.