Coming off a blowout win against the rival Seahawks, San Francisco would take a trip down south to San Diego for another blowout. This one however, would come at the expense of the 49ers. After winning the coin toss, Chargers QB and potential MVP candidate Philip Rivers wasted no time connecting with one of his favorite targets, as wide receiver Vincent Jackson hauled in a 58 yard reception for an early San Diego touchdown. Jackson, who had a Pro Bowl season last year, held out for a majority of the season, missing 10 games while seeking a new deal. Having played only two games before Thursday night, Jackson had only two catches and zero touchdowns to show for. Though he would make up for time lost, finishing the game with a big night offensively.
Before most of the scoring took place, a huge blow would be felt throughout the 49er defense later on in the early going of the first quarter, as one of their better players -- Justin Smith was ejected for pushing who he thought was a player, but turned out to be an official. A few drives later, the 49er offense finally appeared to get something going, kicking a field goal. However, a leverage penalty would give the 49ers a 1st and goal. After failing to reach the end-zone on three straight players, including an Alex Smith run that was first ruled a touchdown before being overturned on a Norv Turner challenge, Mike Singletary decided to go for it on forth down, but the San Francisco offense came out empty handed as they failed to score. The Chargers would tack on ten more points before the half, on a Nate Kaeding FG, and another TD pass to V-Jack, making it 17-0.
Out of the locker room to start the second half and in need of some momentum, Ted Ginn appeared to have gotten the deal done, returning a kick off back for a touchdown, only to be negated by an illegal block in the back penalty. Not much would be worth noting for the 49ers after that, as San Diego's lead only grew. Vincent Jackson continued his onslaught, reeling in a career high third touchdown reception to go along with 112 yards on 5 catches, putting the game well out of reach. Filling in for the injured Frank Gore, back-up running back Brian Westbrook prevented the Niners from being shut-out for a second time this season, with a touchdown run in the 4th quarter. Though the 34-7 loss has to be deflating for a 49er team that came off a big home victory less than a week ago, the playoffs are still not out of the question depending on what the rest of the NFC West does this weekend.
Week 16 - For Week 16, the 49ers look ahead as they get set to visit St. Louis to face off against the division leading Rams who they beat at home in an overtime effort 23-20, back in Week 10. A much different team when playing at home, Sam Bradford and company plan to put an end to San Francisco's Playoff hopes.
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