LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for a career- high four touchdowns and Philip Rivers passed for two scores as the San Diego Chargers hammered the San Francisco 49ers, 48-19, at Monster Park.
Tomlinson had 71 rushing yards on 21 carries and Rivers was 29-of-39 passing for a career-high 334 yards in the win.
Antonio Gates added five catches for 78 yards and a score, while Vincent Jackson grabbed a 33-yard touchdown reception for San Diego (4-1), which travels to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on October 22.
Alex Smith was 20-of-31 passing 214 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for the 49ers (2-4), who will have a bye next weekend. Moran Morris and Bryan Gilmore chipped in with touchdown catches.
The Chargers got out of the gate early and often. Rivers threw a screen pass to Antonio Gates, who went the distance scoring on a 57-yard catch and run on San Diego’s first offensive possession of the contest, giving them an early 7-0 lead. Rivers was 3-of-4 passing on the six-play, 78-yard scoring drive.
However, the 49ers wasted little time answering on their first offensive try. Starting on their own 26, Smith hooked up with Antonio Bryant on a 15-yard pass play and three plays later Frank Gore ran one around the left end for a 22-yard gain. Smith connected with Gilmore for a 15-yard touchdown to even the score at 7-7.
The wild opening quarter continued when the Chargers put up another seven points on their second offensive series, going 91-yards on 11-plays led by Rivers, who hit on all four of his pass attempts. Tomlinson finalized the series with a five-yard scoring run around the right end.
San Francisco answered again with points on their second offensive series of the contest. Smith completed passes of 25 and 16 yards, but the drive fizzled and the Niners had to settle for a Joe Nedney 42-yard field goal, closing the lead to 14-10 early in the second quarter.
San Diego’s offensive barrage continued on their third series, adding yet another seven points. Rivers hooked up with Jackson for a 33-yard score, capping a five-play, 77-yard scoring drive to put the Bolts ahead 21-10 with just over 12 minutes left in the second stanza.
After a three and out by the 49ers offense, the Chargers continued to pile up the points. With Rivers completing 4-of-4 passes, he led San Diego into the end zone again, with Tomlinson running one in over left tackle from a yard out to make it 28-10.
The 49ers had an answer on the next offensive series, putting together a well orchestrated drive that was finished off when Smith hit Morris for a two-yard TD, to cut the Chargers deficit to 28-17.
San Francisco added another two points on the Bolts’ next series. Starting on their own six yard line due to an illegal block on the kickoff, Rivers dropped back into his own end zone and threw an incomplete pass against heavy pressure. The officials ruled Rivers intentionally grounded the ball, awarding the Niners with a safety.
However, that would be the last time San Francisco scored in the game.
Following an interception by San Diego defensive end Luis Castillo at the 49ers 35 with just over three minutes remaining in the first half, the Chargers’ offense wasn’t finished. Tomlinson capped off a nine-play, 35-yard scoring drive with another one-yard run for his third score of the half, giving the Chargers a comfortable 35-19 lead heading into the intermission.
The San Diego offensive picked up right where it left off in the third quarter. After the defense shut down the Niners’ offense with a three and out, the Chargers tacked on another field goal when Nate Kaeding split the uprights from 24 yards out to make it 38-19.
After the teams traded several punts, Kaeding added a 44-yard field goal, his second of the contest to finalize a seven-play, 38-yard set.
Tomlinson scored his fourth touchdown of the contest on a five-yard run late in the final quarter to finish off a 13-play, 56-yard drive and make the score 48-19.
ninerfan4life said:
OUR PASS RUSH AND PASS DEFENSE FUCKIN’ STINK! IT’S UN-FUCKIN’BELIEVABLE! IT’S LIKE WE DONT EVEN BELONG ON THE SAME FIELD!
39 mins after the fact.clint said:
i think the game ball should go to kwame harris.. he only had 2 false starts and only allowed 2 sacks….
1 hour after the fact.Samra said:
I agree with clint, Kwame does piss me off but he has shown alot of improvment which makes his trade value better, I wonder if the falcons still want him
2 hours after the fact.Samra said:
We cant however blame the whole loss on him
2 hours after the fact.MJ said:
That’s it, it is now at the point that this is getting ridiculous beyond reason. We have to the WORST defense in the entire league, no matter how you slice it! We were horrible against the rush, and even worst against the pass. The defense may as well just move off the field and let the other team’s offense get it over more quickly so we have more time to come back and score.
Are we are 4-3 or 3-4 (wow, how that keeps on changing). Our schemes so far have sucked. We let Julian Peterson go, and I don’t care how much you all hate on him now THAT WAS A BIG MISTAKE. (FYI, Peterson had 2 or 3 sacks today.) We let go of Andre Carter, who was our run stopper. We let brought in Manny Lawson and moved him from the position he played throughout he entire time at college to the hole left my Julian Peterson’s departure. From beginning to end, the defense has gone to hell. But don’t worry guys, as Dave can tell you we will BUILD THROUGH THE NEXT DRAFT. Oh yes, so that maybe 8 years from now we can have a “playoff chance!” (Freaking ridiculous.)
If we do not go after proven talented free agents this offseason, then the 49ers organization is made up of dumbasses. No one with talent wants to play for us because our owner’s reputation labels him CHEAP. If he does nothing this offseason, then the man clearly walks around tucking his shit.
3 hours after the fact.MJ said:
I made a typo up there. I meant to say we were “horrible against the RUN.” I hope that comment doesn’t offend anyone, it is just that this is really getting old.
3 hours after the fact.hello said:
yoo calm down guys. it’s only week 6. we have hard hitting mike adams (mike adams report + 4 ints last year yadididid) and vernon davis who runs a 4.38(fastest ever for a tight end)
3 hours after the fact.AM said:
Mike Adams should not be a starter in the NFL. Our safties are all solid backups, we dont have a starter. I say we sign Troy Vincent and we trade two of our safeties for 1 good starter before the trade deadline if we can.
3 hours after the fact.P'Nelly said:
Here’s the truth, we are two years away! If we win one or two more than we did last year, we should all be happy! Next draft we will focus on the “D” and hopefully get a couple of difference makers….couple that with a 2-3 key defensive acquisitions and we may win 7 or 8 next year. 2008 will be our return to dominance, so in the meantime….enjoy the good plays and chalk the rest up as the pains of re-building!
4 hours after the fact.mike said:
we need 1 more good d-linemen, 1 more lb, and maybe 2 new safties and i new corner for next year. After that and the continued maturation of the o-line, and skill players on offence i believe we have a chance to compete with the seahawks and rams next year.
4 hours after the fact.MJ said:
P’Nelly? Is that you Dave? It is fans like you that annoy the hell out of me, especially saying something like that after the same day we lose a game; and you say it so acceptingly! P’Nelly, whether you are Dave or not, I will tell you like I told him. we should improve our team by adding PROVEN talented players. If some of those players come with a hefty price tag, I would still welcome them whereas you would have a heart attack. My aspirations of improving the team is what you write off as a “quick fix” where that is not the case at all. I never said spend the money to get people to show up, that is what I think we are doing now! It is not like it is a black or white type of thing, an all or nothing ordeal; there is a silver lining. We need proven talent.
Whoever you are P’Nelly, you are one of those fans who thinks it is acceptable for this team to play like crap whereas I do not. It is just like I told Dave. (And if this is not Dave, Dave this is not an attack on you but your 49er philosophy) The difference between us is simple. You see the 49ers team like a chess game before your eyes and think it has to be played slowly in hopes to win 10 years from now. I see the 49ers team as a business that we buy into when we purchase 49er jersies, merchandise, clothing, and game tickets. Without their fans, the organization is nothing. That salary cap, the money that exists there, is out of the pocket of the fans (which falls into the pocket of your beloved York.) There is the difference between us, I want the team to do everything it can whereas you accept it for what it is. Frankly, I want a superbowl now whereas you want to defend a team you will openly accept for a losing season.
4 hours after the fact.MJ said:
One more then P’Nelly. If you think 2 more wins over last year’s record is a good thing, PLEASE go be a fan somewhere else. I would understand you sticking with the team if we only won 6 games, thus the term 49ers Faithful. But if you would be “Happy” if we only won 6 games, then you are the embodiment of the type of fans of this new era of 49ers. How old are you, like 15? I have seen this team during it’s glory days and now through it’s rut. We are heading in the right direction, somewhat, (especially with Norv Turner) but we need FA’s. Just look at the New Orlean Saints. They were a worst team than we were last season. It took a draft pick (Reggie Bush) AND a big name free agent (Drew Brees to do it. (Among other players.) If we have another losing season, all I am saying is that we better make a big splash this offseason otherwise our organization went to hell and our owner is stingey beyond reason.
4 hours after the fact.RobBase said:
I think what P’Nelly is trying to say is not to be so rash. I don’t think it is his position to be complacent in mediocrity. You have to agree that there has been improvement. The past couple of years we had a strong defense, but it was masked by a terrible offense and crappy offensive gameplan. Although it is extremely painful to endure the loss, just seeing some sort of highlight on the offense is making this year more worth than years passed. We aren’t talking about the 4th year rebuilding this team, we are talking about a second. Coach Nolan had to clean house. He had to establish a new culture. If you have ever had to do that in your company, you know how difficult it is let alone, in a competitive franchise in the NFL. I watch all the other teams on Sunday with all of the other coaches. You can recognize the pretenders and the contenders. I truly believe Mike Nolan is building a contender. Not one that will last a couple years and then him get fired in three. I believe he is looking to build solidarity for us to enjoy our team as a contender for a long time rather than a flash in the pan. For you to propose a theory that it is simple and not so extraordinary, is disrespect to those legends you hold so dearly. I am not happy with a loss this last Sunday. They should start giving out bondo and butter on Fan Appreciation day to patch up the hole that is Kwame Harris and to butter the toast that is our secondary. The heart and the excitement that I see on the offense has been long awaited. When is the last time our offense was a threat? Mike Nolan has already proclaimed that he will be active this off season with the additional cap room that we will gain. All of those trades that were made for undisclosed draft picks will come to fruition in a Vernon Davis-Manny Lawson fashion. We weren’t better than NO last year. We didn’t have anywhere near the personnel or the experience. Imagine when these folks have lived this culture for a couple of years; where the veterans begin to coach the philosophy rather than the coaches. We just competed with one of the best teams and best defenses in the NFL. It wasn’t the Chiefs who are a lesser team, so we have shown improvement. Though I don’t live in the Bay, I still have a Bay mentality. When I can wink at my Raider Nation boys, they don’t even want to talk about it. I have something to smile about.
12 hours after the fact.kevslim said:
Yeah that comparison to the Saints was complete bunk. That squad already had many talented players on its roster (a lot more than the 9ers had).
MJ, are you really shocked that the 9ers got clobbered by one of the best teams in the NFL? The Chargers have a suffocating defense, the best RB in the league, an uncoverable TE, and an excellent offensive line. Let me guess, you think the 9ers should win @ Chicago, right?
I love this whole “if we sign tons of free agents this team will win right away” mentality. May I remind you of the 1999 season? The 9ers were terrible, had no players, and were in cap hell. Were you spouting your whole “the sky is falling! the sky is falling” alarmist stuff then, too? But through relatively smart drafts and personnel decisions, they were right back into the playoffs in 2001. Just signing players left and right doesn’t guarantee success. I have two words: Washington Redskins.
Of course the defense is terrible! It’s basically the same group as last season, minus a couple of solid players. So you wanted to sell the farm to sign Peterson and Carter (who was not our best run stuffer, I don’t know where you got that from). The 9ers had a TON of holes on both sides of the ball. You cannot sink all that money into one or two guys. It doesn’t make any sense financially or strategically.
In short, get your head out of the clouds. This isn’t the 80s anymore. The 9ers are bad and will probably be bad for another year. I guess I’m not a “real fan”. The fact is the team has a ton more talent (especially on offense) relative to the previous couple of years. I applaud the moves, getting Bryant, Davis, Gore, Smith, etc. Now let’s see if the team can do the same on the defensive side.
13 hours after the fact.gee ray said:
most of you guys are the same crybabies from last year. ya’ll cryied about the way nolan’s offense looked last year, and gave him and alex smith such a short leash. give the defense time to rebuild through next years draft. damn.. if ya’ll knew any damn thing about pro football you would understand than you cant just slap together a team through free agency. i get sick of hearing you fuckers whine about nolan. man that guy has turned this franchise around. we may not be playoff contenders, but we can def hold our head up. we def are seeing fire in the eyes of our players. its been a while since our team can go out and put up some offensive numbers,,, now just have a little patience and our defense will follow suit. oh, yeah take a chill pill too.
13 hours after the fact.49ersloyal said:
No offense, but Shut the fuck up MJ. I am so sick of your negative crap and non suppportive attitude. Go and join the Raiders band wagon.
14 hours after the fact.MJ said:
49ersloyal, or Dave? Ha! If I am not mistaken, most the people on here agree with me and not with you. Sick of my negative crap? I am the most positive person on here! I think this team has potential when most of you are already writing the team off as a loser for the next 2 years! As for the Raiders band wagon, brah I was at that Raiders game representing the 49ers. You are probably a fan who watches a game on television every once in a while and probably have not been a fan very long.
kevslim, you make some good points. I don’t think you actually read what I wrote, though. I am not shocked we were beaten. It was how we were beaten. Still, no where is what I wrote was I really talking about the Chargers game. I was saying that our team should grab big name free agents in the offseason. Please, just go back up and read it again. I do not want to retype. And going for one or two big players does not mean you go into salary cap hell. Shit, you guys treat it like an all or nothing dilemma. We have the 2nd or 3rd most cap in the league, we can afford it. By the way, a first round draft pick runs close to the amount a team would pay a 1 round draft pick.
RobBase, I agree with you completely. Yes, we can build through the draft. The argument I was making is that instead of bringing in rookies who need time to develop that we shoud grab some proven veterans in addition to drafting. You need both to build a good team. Look at the team now, with the “young talent.” Young talent should be working behind proven veterans, so that when they step on the field they shine. (Past examples include Jerry Rice learning from Solomon and Dwight Clark, Terrell Owens learning from Jerry Rice, etc..)
15 hours after the fact.TheRock said:
MJ,
I too think you need to shut the fuck up. Look at the big picture, you moron…
Last year, we focused on offense and we’re making good progress through the draft and free agency. The offense can now learned on its own with the help of Norv Turner.
The defense has been a patch work. We brought in cast aways from other teams and make them contribute and create a competitive environment; worse yet, some of them become starters. Though they try hard, the problem is the lack of talent. Next year, we should be able to concentrate more on defense and give the rookies more experience this year. It doesn’t matter what schemes we’re using this year; we will still suck on defense. Everyone knows the niners will concentrate on defense next year.
It doesn’t matter how many wins we get this year. I can see a lot of improvements made on the offense and this is encouraging. At least they know what to fix next year.
17 hours after the fact.Davis #6 pick for President said:
Why are people surprised about the whooping? I figured it would be a 30 point difference and it was 29. It was pretty much just how I expected. The Chargers are looking like one of the best teams in the league.
To tell you the truth, I was pretty impressed with the niners on Sunday. We all knew the defense sucks, but they put up 19 point on a team who only had given up 36 points in 4 games. That’s an average of 9 points a game and the niners doubled that… I’m happy with the progress, when the defense is improved in the next few years, the niners will be a seriously contender, and who really expected the niners to be a contender this year? Not me.
17 hours after the fact.49ersloyal said:
TheRock, you said it well bro.
18 hours after the fact.kevslim said:
MJ,
Of course the 9ers should be aggressive in free agency this coming offseason. But let’s cross that bridge when we get there before we start slamming the front office for their movements (or lack thereof).
The 9ers were relatively aggressive this past offseason. Ok, so they didn’t land any big names, but I think getting Bryant and Allen were very solid moves. IIRC, the 9ers were actively pursuing Randle El, David Givens, Chris Hope, and Javon Walker as well.
I fully expect the 9ers to be active in the free agency pool this year. 1) They have the cash and 2) Now that the squad is looking more and more competitive (at least offensively) more FAs will take a second look at playing in SF. Hopefully the team can nab Adalius Thomas from Baltimore. Plus the team has been very proactive in reupping with some of the quality vets on the team(snyder/spencer). But they also have to spend carefully (no one wants to re-live the Antonio Langham/Gabe Wilkins fiasco).
18 hours after the fact.P'Nelly said:
The Rock has it right. MJ, you’re a clown, go back to being a freak in the circus
P’NELLY….not Dave or anyone else.
21 hours after the fact.Samra said:
Dude all this team needed to acquire this offseason was Chris Hope, R.W. Mcquaters(to play NB and P/KR), Bart Scott(ILB/olb from BAL., bradon moore type of player), and a solid backup up DE such as Dequincy Scott, or Kindal Moorehead; and on offense, trade Kwame for a third rounder and sign a third tackle type to backup Adam Snyder, Im pretty sure that would cost a little less than 7 million with Hope’s contract spread out over a good deal of years
But No, “Dr. York” not spending money is really gonna help us. When Nolan says Build through the draft he means to say, i cant spend any money
23 hours after the fact.Golden_Child said:
49erloyal you are the moron not MJ. You want us to be happy as a losing team? If you actually listen to what MJ is saying, he is not saying anything bad! On the contrary, he is is just frustrated we are losing and dumbshits like you who claim to be 49er fans are happy with it. “49erloyal,” you are not worthy of that name. Being loyal to your team means don’t sell it short.
“THE ROCK?” The Rock is a wrestler who is the “people’s champ.” You, on the other hand, in no way represent the people on this website! You say “It doesn’t matter how many wins we get this year. I can see a lot of improvements made on the offense and this is encouraging. At least they know what to fix next year.” Rock, you are a loser. Please, go be a Raiders fan if you do not care how many wins we get this season! You flipping loser! Yes, you do try to fix all the problems on the team but AFTER THE SEASON. It is only 6 games into the season people! Yes, MJ is speaking obviously out of some frustration but is suggesting improvements for the tea. Rock, you are pretty much saying the hell with this entire season! What a loser!
MJ, I am with you about going after free agents. It will be tough though, we have a lot of draft picks and we probably will not spend as much as other teams.
24 hours after the fact.Antonio Bryant The President Playa! said:
49erloyal and Rock, you are the ones who need to the fuck up. Seriously. You do not like some of the opinions then give a rebuttle. MJ made some good points. You guys do not really have any points. Especially your Rock, thanks for stating the obvious: NEXT YEAR WE WILL FOCUS ON DEFENSE. You think smart guy?
24 hours after the fact.Rob Masters said:
Samra, you hit it right on the nose. Trade Kwame Harris. I skimmed through what most you other guys said. Aside from some of the curse words and arguing there were some good points. MJ you make a good point about going after free agents. We should maybe wait a a little while longer. Some of your are already calling our season over, which is just messed up. Some of you, like MJ, Nelly, Kelvin, Samra are passionate and thats what we need. Anyways, just wanted to say we should trade Kwame. We couldn’t do it soon enough.
24 hours after the fact.TRADE KWAME HARRIS! said:
YES, SCREW KWAME! LET HIM TAKE HIS PENALTIES SOMEWHERE ELSE!!
24 hours after the fact.Golden_Child said:
I have been saying it for so long. Kwame sucks.
24 hours after the fact.ted berkowitz said:
anyone know where kwamie harris lives?
1 day after the fact.Samra said:
hey if the cardinals offense can be this good against the bears with Matt Lienart at the helm, i just cant wait till week 8. I know preseason means nuthin but our offense did do good against them then, plus they run a cover two which is weak against the power run, so ive got my fingers crossed, I hope Norv’s watching this game.
1 day after the fact.Unknown said:
Justin K. B. Winslow
1 day after the fact.23, departed this life Thursday, October 12, 2006, at Research Medical Center. Justin was born on April 8, 1983, in Kansas City, Mo., to Dawnn C. Wimes O’Bannon and Kellen B. Winslow. He was christened and confirmed into the Catholic faith in November 1983. Justin attended schools in Kansas City, graduating from Arch Bishop O’Hara High School in 2001, after which he attended Longview and Penn Valley Community Colleges. Justin was a devoted and loving young man with a heart of gold, adored and loved by his family and all those who came to know him. He will be sadly missed and mourned by his devoted mother, Dawnn C. O’Bannon; his father, Kellen B. Winslow of Florida; stepfather Gary O’Bannon; twin sisters Lauren and Ariel; brother Kellen B. Winslow II, of Cleveland, Ohio; maternal grandparents Charles C. and Eleanor Wimes of the city; paternal grandparents Homer E. and Odell Winslow of East St. Louis, aunts and uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends throughout various parts of the country. Closed casket services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 17, at the Watkins Brothers Memorial Chapel, 4000 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., with the Rev. Fr. Ron Elliott of St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, where he attended. Interment at Forest Hills Cemetery. The family requests donations be made to the YMCA of Greater Kansas City in lieu of flowers.
Published in the Kansas City Star on 10/15/2006.
49ersloyal said:
Hey golden fucking child. I never said I was happy with losing. I am just tired of people who bitches so much about Nolan and how we don’t get big names FA. The young players are trying their best and improving. Give Nolan some time to develop the team and the rookies to get better.
Antonio Bryant The President Playa! I will support Nolan’s decision and not bitch so fucking much like you are smarter than the coach. C’mon we all know you are dumb shits!!
2 days after the fact.TheRock said:
Antonio,
I am stating the obvious because it is obvious. I live in real world and that’s what we’re seeing with this team. Stop dreaming about this year. It took 2 years of draft and free agency to bring the offense back to decency and it’s going to take another 2 to bring the defense up to task.
After 6 games do you see this team making the playoffs or do something in the playoffs? Hell no
If you say yes, you’re a moron and you’re dreaming in your moronic world. Nolan have been accumulating as many draft picks as possible for the coming year. What do you think this means? There’s absolutely no talent on the defense. There are only 2 young defensive players with long term contracts and most of them will be shown the door including Bryant Young.
Are the games still entertaining to watch? Of course and we have the offense to thank to. I am watching for positive signs and knowing not to expect much.
2 days after the fact.MJ said:
Holy crap, I did not think so much arguing would be incited because I recommended we go after free agents after this season as opposed to only building through the draft. 49erloyal, it is hard to tell what you are arguing exactly. Really, what is it? I never insulted Mike Nolan in THIS bulletin. I actually do not want Mike Nolan fired because if he goes, Norv Turner goes. I like Norv Turner and he is to accredit to the improvement on offense NOT THE DRAFT, okay “THE ROCK.” Rock, if you argue our improvement on offense was because of the draft, who from the draft is making this big impact for us from last year to this year???? In any case, I only stated we should also go after free agents. The two of you are not arguing anything, and frankly 49erloyal your cursing leads me to think you are a young person who can not make a constructive statement. If anyone should be told to shutup, it should be you, as many others have already asked you to do.
And Rock I too believe you do not knock the coach during the season. I do not “hate on Nolan,” I only question some of his decisions. (The darndest thing, though, is that I did not even do that ANYWHERE IS ANY of the posts on THIS bulletin!) However, your implication that we should give up on the season I do not agree with. That is a poor attitude. Yes, the outlook is not positive…..that is why I am suggesting we go after free agents in the offseason. I agree with you that recent drafts have been helpful, but our last draft is not what made this year’s offense. If you want to argue that, then please tell me who from that draft is this year’s difference maker? Those difference makers were all free agents, including Larry Allen and Wragge who beefed up our offensive line. I think we should build through the draft, but also through free agency. I actually have no arguments with your or the so called “49erloyal” if you actually read anything I said. I simply criticized a defense that allowed the most points in a single game in 49er HISTORY and pointed out we need pursue veterans in the offseason. I will not argue with either of you, as you are not arguing anything. Rock, if you gave up on the team that is your loss. 49erloyal, go do your homework and try to mind your tongue. I am done talking to two individuals who sound like Raider fans.
Good Day.
2 days after the fact.