So what did we learn from the Chargers' 21-7 loss to the 49ers on Sunday? First of all, let's not get too caught up with the idea of another loss. San Francisco's backups may have outscored their San Diego counterparts, but the first team battle was clearly won by the Bolts. That being said, QB Philip Rivers is locked in. He excels in this up-tempo offense and his accuracy is absurd. Last year at this time many wondered if Mike McCoy could fix his allegedly broken inherited quarterback. Rivers was 9 of 10 passing for a 135.4 passer rating on Sunday and he's thrown 3 in-completions all pre-season. Enough said.
Meanwhile, you can't say enough about playing with passion. Safety Eric Weddle said the Chargers needed to have more fun and play with more enthusiasm after last week's dreadful defensive performance against the Seahawks. Defensive Coordinator John Pagano emphasized tackling and pressure on the quarterback. Mission accomplished on both fronts. Averaging 5.6 yards allowed per carry before Sunday, the Bolts limited the Niners to 3.7 per carry. And while the 49ers offensive line hasn't looked good all pre-season, San Diego should be credited with keeping them on their heels.
And that brings us to Defensive Lineman Corey Liuget who is the cornerstone that the Chargers hope to build their pass rush around. Liuget was spectacular on Sunday getting pressure on San Francisco's signal callers and opening up lanes for others to do the same. The final score means little but 4 tackles, 2 for a loss, 1 sack and a forced fumble in limited time for Liuget speaks volumes and gives the Chargers' architects one heck of a building block.
The final pre-season game is fast approaching this Thursday against the Cardinals and you can watch it on CBS 8. It will determine the final cuts as the Chargers work the roster down to 53 players. Philip Rivers and most of the starters now look ahead to the September 8th season opener feeling that their final dress rehearsal was a success.
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