49ers start strong, but can’t overcome turnovers in loss to Chargers

In Week 4 of the 2018 NFL regular season, the San Francisco 49ers lost to the Los Angeles Chargers, 29-27. Niner Noise has your full game recap, including highlights, scores and analysis.

The San Francisco 49ers jumped out to an early lead against the Los Angeles Chargers, before the Niners let the home team back into the game by the end of the first half. The Chargers continued to keep their foot on the gas in the third quarter, and built a two-score lead before San Francisco responded with a comeback of their own.

Unfortunately, as the injuries piled up, and the turnovers and mistakes continued, the 49ers were unable to finish off the Chargers for San Francisco’s second victory of the season. Los Angeles was also able to contain the Niners’ dangerous running back tandum of Matt Breida and Alfred Morris, who were held to a combined 53 rushing yards over the course of the game.

The 49ers started strong thanks to a swarming defensive unit that forced Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers into a difficult third-and-long situation on Los Angeles’ opening drive. Backup safety Antone Exum — who started the game in place of injured strong safety Jaquiski Tartt — took advantage of an ill-advised throw by Rivers, which the defensive back intercepted and returned for a touchdown:

San Francisco’s defense continued their intensity during their first three defensive drives. After punting on their opening series, the 49ers — led by quarterback C.J. Beathard — drove down the field and capitalized with a short touchdown pass to wide receiver Kendrick Bourne:

Down by 14 points, the Chargers’ offense finally came to life. Los Angeles scored on their next three drives to end the first half, including this 22-yard strike from Rivers to running back Austin Ekeler:

After the 49ers went three-and-out to start the second half, the Chargers took over at midfield thanks to a 21-yard punt return. Los Angeles running back Melvin Gordon began to take over the game, with the star running back finishing the drive with a short touchdown reception from Rivers:

Beathard responded with a quick drive of his own — including passes to Bourne, fellow wideout Pierre Garcon and fullback Kyle Juszczyk — which led the 49ers down to the Chargers’ 8-yard line.

But in the play of the game, Beathard fired a pass into the hands of Garrett Celek, which the tight end popped up into the air, and into the hands of cornerback Trevor Williams:

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1046526663264092160

Williams returned the interception deep into San Francisco territory, but effort by Beathard and his fellow offensive players kept Williams out of the end zone. Three plays later, the Chargers settled for a short field goal.

Down by 11 points in the closing minutes of the third quarter, the 49ers needed a score. Luckily for San Francisco, the Iowa connection was in full effect, with Beathard hitting tight end George Kittle for an 82-yard touchdown reception:

After stopping the Chargers again, the 49ers drove down the field on a nine-play drive that left the team with a fourth-and-short from Los Angeles’ 15-yard line, after a gutsy third-down run by Beathard. San Francisco’s head coach Kyle Shanahan elected to kick a field goal, and the Niners took the lead, 27-26.

After Los Angeles responded with a field goal of their own, the teams traded punts over their two ensuing drives, before the 49ers took over deep in their own territory, with under four minutes remaining in the game. Three plays later, Chargers safety Derwin James hit Beathard as he threw, and the pass fell into the hands of defensive lineman Isaac Rochell for the interception:

After the turnover, the Chargers were able to gain a single first down, and held on for the 29-27 victory over the visiting 49ers.

Next week, the San Francisco 49ers head back home to Levi’s Stadium for a matchup with the 0-4 Arizona Cardinals.