Looking at Chargers-Niners history
By John Burress
Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) carries the ball to score a touchdown past Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
First, a quick look back at Bolts-Vikes. First team looked both good and bad. Defense played well in the red zone and did a great job of stripping the ball but sure allowed the ball to move between the 20’s. Offense had some really good moments but none of the quarterbacks looked impressive throwing the ball. Could brand new, never-been-used, artificial turf have had something to do with footing/slipping problems? Don’t know enough to really be sure, however, we sure seemed to spend time on the ground, er, turf.
The big news with the 49ers will be Colin Kaepernick. Will teammates follow his lead? Will fans in San Diego follow? Will some fans boo, some cheer? Probably some if not all of the above. Since this is the last, and probably the least important preseason game with the fewest starters playing, all eyes will turn to the National Anthem. Will Kap be booed in warm-ups? I’ll be there and be watching. Ought to be quite a show.
Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
As far as the history between the Niners and Bolts, I remember four players that left the Chargers and played for the 49ers. Billy Shields, Louie Kelcher, Gary Johnson and Fred Dean. All were on the January 1985 Super Bowl winning roster as 31 or 32 year-olds. Dean first appeared on the 49ers roster in ’82 with Johnson, Kelcher and Shields showing up a couple of years later. The reason? Still a little murky but it appears that then-owner Eugene Klein may have wanted to cut salaries before he eventually sold the team. He could then focus his finances on other interests, possibly a stable of racehorses.
I’ve always found it a little strange that we always seem to be talking about losing Charger players to other teams as opposed to gaining players from other teams. Certainly not always the case, but more often than not, at least it seems that way.
Finally, as of today we have a Joey sighting! I kept hoping. Just like I hope you enjoy this article! Some hopes do come true! Hoping for a healthy season. If that happens we just might surprise the experts! I hope!