Breaking the Huddle: Are we there yet?

Welcome to the first installment of "Breaking the Huddle," a gameday preview that will be much more structured and lively once we get to preview a game that matters.

Tonight we complete the transition from the allegedly "most important" preseason game to probably the least important. But that doesn't mean tonight's game between the 49ers and Chargers doesn't have some intrigue to it.

There are plenty of reasons to watch at least the first quarter, when the 49ers' first-team offense will try to shake off a terrible performance against the Bears and actually gain first downs (yes, plural!). It won't mean much if they do and it won't mean much if they don't, but we'll all feel better if they at least show some of the rhythm they had in the first two preseason games.

The other reason to watch the first-team offense is simply to feel what it's like to have Joe Staley as the starter at right tackle. Pay particularly close attention to the way Alex Smith handles himself in the pocket (that sounded dirty, didn't it?) with Staley protecting him. He just seems to be more at ease. Wouldn't you?

There's only one thing I want to see from the starting defense. I just want somebody on the defensive line or at outside linebacker beat his man one-on-one and get to the quarterback. I'm talking to you, Tully.

Once the first quarter ends, just sit back, get comfortable and watch grown men fight for their livelihoods. Saturday is the deadline for teams to cut down to 53-man rosters, and many of those who play in the second half tonight will not be on that roster.

More interesting, though, might be the one position battle that's really still up for grabs. I keep thinking Ashley Lelie is going to be rewarded for his strong preseason play with the No. 3 wide receiver spot, but it hasn't happened yet. Taylor Jacobs still appears to have that job, though Nolan wavered a bit more than he has when asked about Jacobs' hold on the position.

Lelie has been the 49ers' most consistent receiver in the preseason, and he's the only guy other than Darrell Jackson and Arnaz Battle to have any real NFL experience. He also has the physical tools that defenses will have to respect when he steps on the field. I think it's somewhat inevitable that Lelie ends up winning the job, and part of me thinks Nolan is putting him through the ringer to make sure he works hard and earns it (sort of like he did with Staley).

Beyond that battle, the only drama left will be whether Luke Getsy gets to throw a pass or two before he gets cut. I'll watch from start to finish, but I won't blame you if you don't.