Three players who must play big vs. 49ers

Before each game I will be covering three players who need to perform well to help the Chargers come out on top. This week the Chargers face the San Francisco 49ers.

Since this is still preseason, the players on this list aren’t necessarily factors that will contribute to a win. They are players fighting for a roster spot or guys with something to prove. However, this is an interesting game. Media will be covering the Chargers vs. 49ers for not necessarily the play on the field, but the story arcs that are taking place. This game may have more people tuning in than usual for the fourth and final preseason game. With all that said, let’s get to my three players.

NT Ryan Carrethers

Ryan Carrethers had a poor showing last week vs. the Vikings. He was manhandled at the line, allowing the Vikings to pick up easy rushing yards. Carrethers will be relied on as a change-of-pace NT behind Brandon Mebane for at least the first four weeks with Damion Square out with a suspension. Carrethers can put on a show against backups in the NFL, but he needs to start proving that he can be relied on when facing starters as well.

S Dexter McCoil

The man outplayed everyone on the defense last week. Finishing with 11 tackles, the next closest to him was Ben Gardner with three (four including a sack). Dexter McCoil was everywhere on the field making plays; in the run game, pass game, you name it. Best safety on the Chargers roster? Too early to say? Probably. But if he can keep up this performance, Dwight Lowery and Jahleel Addae could see their starting reps go to McCoil.

WR Isaiah Burse

Isaiah Burse seems to be right on the cusp of the cut bubble. The team seems to really like what he has to offer and could potentially bump Dom Williams and Dontrelle Inman down the roster. No huge plays have stuck out yet to help him prove his case. This will be Burse’s last chance before some major roster cuts begin.

Extra Credit

DE Joey Bosa

Do I care that Joey Bosa probably won’t play? No. Even if he doesn’t, can Zane Beadles just go up to him and pop him once just to experience getting blocked by someone who isn’t wearing a Chargers uniform?

LB Jatavis Brown

Basically everything I said last week. Jatavis Brown hasn’t played a preseason game yet, and I really want to see what he is capable of. According to San Diego Union-Tribune’s Michael Gehlken, Brown is set to play.