49ers vs. Chargers Preview: 5 Things to Watch in Preseason Finale

For the fourth and final preseason game, the San Francisco 49ers will be keeping an eye on certain parts of the game.

The 49ers' game against the Houston Texans last week wasn't anything to write home about, so this week's matchup against the San Diego Chargers should mean more than just a tuneup game to the 49ers.

Generally speaking, coaching staffs view the fourth and final preseason game as the least important of them all. Making sure that their players stay healthy and limit their mental mistakes are the head coaches' primary concerns.

However, there is no doubting that Jim Harbaugh and the rest of the 49ers coaching staff will be looking to tighten certain things up before the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on September 11th.

Here is a list of five things that you should keep your eye on during the game against the San Diego Chargers on Thursday night.

5. How Alex Smith Moves the Ball with the 1st-Team Offense

If you watched the game against the Houston Texans last week, you'll know exactly what I am talking about.

Alex Smith completed two passes in six attempts for a whopping 17 yards.

Albeit, those numbers did not indicate that Smith was running for his life every play as soon as the ball hiked, the Texans pass rush was consistently getting to Smith before he even had time to go through his progressions.

Either way, it would be encouraging to see Smith and the first-team offense march down the field for a possession or two in order to gather up some confidence going into the season opener.

4. Will Patrick Willis Finally Be Let Loose?

All we heard this offseason was that Vic Fangio—the new 49ers defensive coordinator—was planning on incorporating Patrick Willis into more blitz packages in the 2011 season.

Willis is certainly capable of becoming a true pass-rusher in the NFL, but he hasn't really gotten the opportunity to prove himself as one.

Willis recorded a sack against the Oakland Raiders in the second preseason game but spent the majority of his time on the field in run and pass coverage.

The 49ers could be holding their cards close to their chest and saving their blitzing schemes for the regular season, but look for Willis to be let loose and to chase Philip Rivers all over the field.

3. Kendall Hunter vs. Anthony Dixon

What many predicted to happen is turning out to become true: The competition between Kendall Hunter and Anthony Dixon for the backup running back slot will be going down to the last minute.

Hunter has had a phenomenal preseason thus far and is making a strong statement to become the team's backup to Frank Gore.

Against the Houston Texans last week, both backs received eight carries, but Hunter made the most of the limited opportunities. Hunter rushed for 40 yards, an average of five yards per carry, while Dixon rushed for 15 yards for just 1.5 yards per carry.

Also, look for Frank Gore to see more playing time as he just recently signed a three-year extension.

2. How the Secondary Holds Up Against Philip Rivers

The 49ers secondary in 2010 was a little suspect, to say the least.

Some believe that it actually improved this offseason despite the loss of Nate Clements. The Niners brought in cornerback Carlos Rogers and safety Donte Whitner in order to shore up the 24th-worst passing defense in the NFL from the 2010 season.

Unless you blame it on the lack of a pass rush, the 49ers secondary had a very tough time stopping Matt Schaub and the Texans passing game.

Philip Rivers and Vincent Jackson hooked up three times in the Thursday night game in 2010, so the Chargers have proven that they can find holes in the Niners secondary.

It will be interesting to see what adjustments the 49ers make in a attempt to slow down Rivers and the high-powered Chargers air attack.

1. How the Offensive Line Holds Up Against the Pass Rush

How much better—or worse—the offensive line protects the quarterback will be the single most important thing to watch against the San Diego Chargers.

The Houston Texans pass rush manhandled the 49ers offensive line last week to the point where fans should legitimately be concerned. Even when the Texans rushed only rushed their four down linemen, it was still enough to force the pocket to collapse.

The Chargers finished with the best overall defense in 2010 and had the 11th-most sacks in the NFL.

Watching how the 49ers starting offensive line protects Alex Smith will be the most important thing to watch for this Thursday.

Make Sure No One Gets Injured!

It's what every single NFL coach is most concerned about in the preseason: making sure everyone stays healthy.

Even if the 49ers lose by 50, it will still be considered a successful game if no one leaves the field limping.