For the first time in his fourth season at the helm of the 49ers, coach Jim Harbaugh found himself coaching a game with little significance with San Francisco being eliminated from playoff contention after last week's loss to Seattle. Other than the dignity of the franchise and being guaranteed another winning season, there wasn't much to be won for the home team. As for San Diego on the other hand, the Chargers were in need of a win in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. But from the first play on, it was San Francisco who was in the drivers seat and appeared to be the ones fighting for a playoff berth.
Three plays into the game, 49ers running back Frank Gore was off to the races and would put his team on the board with a 52-yard touchdown run, his longest of the season. San Francisco would have a chance to score on back to back drives to open the game but a fumble inside the 5-yard line by fullback Bruce Miller would put an end to that. Another 49er named Bruce would have better luck, however, as Rookie wide-out Bruce Ellington who entered the game with only one touchdown on the season, scored two in this game alone. Touchdowns by Ellington through the air and on the ground coupled with the first pick-six of safety Antoine Bethea's career helped the 49ers jump out to a 28-7 halftime lead. The 28-point outburst in the first half would match the largest point total for San Francisco since Week 6, and with another full half to be played, Niner fans were hoping it would continue until the final whistle. But just like the their lead, the 49ers offense would evaporate into thin air come the start of the third quarter like its done so often this season.
After San Diego made it a two possession game with a touchdown pass from QB Philip Rivers to his trusty tight-end Antonio Gates, the 49ers would have a 63-yard Vernon Davis touchdown wiped out by a pair of offensive penalties. The Chargers would take advantage on the very next play as 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was sacked and stripped of the ball which rolled into the end zone recovered by San Diego, pulling them within a touchdown. With all the momentum quickly shifting in San Diego's favor, the 49ers were in need of a big play. They would get just that two plays later on their ensuing drive. Though it would take Colin Kaepernick until Week 16 to log his first rushing touchdown of the season, he would make it a memorable one, proving he hasn't lost a beat one bit by setting a franchise record for the longest run by a 49ers QB as he found an opening and bolted for a 90-yard touchdown run. The highlight worthy play would also mark the second longest run from scrimmage in 49ers history.
Unfortunately for the Niners, it would be the last time they'd see the end zone with another full quarter to play as they were shutout in the fourth quarter. Despite intercepting Philip Rivers three times on the evening, they would be no match for the 5-time Pro Bowl QB in the fourth quarter who came through in the clutch. After connecting with Gates in the end zone for the second time of the game, Rivers orchestrated a drive worthy of a Hollywood script. Twice were the Chargers pinned with their backs against the wall late in the fourth quarter facing fourth and long with the San Diego QB converting both times, capped off with a game-tying touchdown pass to Malcolm Floyd with 32 seconds remaining in regulation. Kaepernick and company would do their best to try and give kicker Phil Dawson an opportunity to be the hero but with the clock against them, a 60-yard field goal attempt was the best they could get him which he missed.
With the game headed into sudden death overtime, it was the Niners who won the coin-toss and appeared to once again have fortune on their side. But a 20-yard pickup near midfield would end sour as second-year receiver Quinton Patton fumbled the ball. Several plays later, Chargers kicker Nick Novak would kick his team to victory with a game-winning 40-yard field goal, preserving his team's season and keeping their playoff hopes alive as San Francisco lost their fourth straight. It would be the second largest comeback in Chargers franchise history and just the second time ever that the 49ers blew a game when leading by 21 or more at the half. For Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers, the loss is a punch in the gut to a team that has prided themselves on defense over the last few years but couldn't hang onto a three touchdown lead at Home with numerous chances to win.
The 49ers out-rushed their opponent 355 yards to 98, setting a franchise record for yards rushed in a single-game, but it would be the QB position which made the difference in the end. Philip Rivers finished the game throwing for 354 yards, 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions as his team improved to 9-6 on the year, meanwhile the 49ers fell to 7-8 on a night that QB Colin Kaepernick threw for 114 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another 151 yards and a TD. Running back Frank Gore tallied 158 yards on the ground, needing only 38 yards to reach the 1,000 yard mark for the eighth time in his 10-year career.
Week 17 Preview: Hosting the 11-4 Arizona Cardinals in the final game of the season for the 49ers, Jim Harbaugh's club will face a banged up Arizona team that has limped its way to the end of the regular season most notably at the Quarterback position. With both Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton sidelined with injuries, the Cardinals are down to their third-string QB -- Ryan Lindley. And considering he's still seeking his first career touchdown pass, I'd like to think the 49ers can end the year on a high note with a win to closeout the season. But I also wouldn't put it past San Francisco's offense to go missing again come the second half which could spell a fifth straight loss if they don't score enough points in the first half. At the end of the day, I'd be very surprised if Frank Gore doesn't finish the game with 1,000 yards on the season and the 49ers aren't at an even .500 record.
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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.
9 Productive years in SD, and no ring to show for - As early as it is in the NFL offseason, this week is expected to be one of the busiest with players showcasing what they've got in the NFL scouting combine, hoping to find a job and get selected in this year's NFL Draft. Only a month removed from the conclusion of the 2009 NFL season, teams have already begun to make headlines and adjustments to their rosters for next season. But none have made bigger news, than that of the San Diego Chargers. Just last week, the team has decided to part ways with their running back of 9 years -- LaDanian Tomlinson, or better known as LT. The former 2006 NFL MVP holds just about every Charger franchise record in each offensive category possible. From the most all-time Charger rushing yards (11,760), to the most all-time career touchdowns as a Charger (150). It's almost hard to believe LT's now seeking a job, considering his offensive resume is endless.However, since his 2007 campaign, Tomlinson's numbers have dropped drastically in such categories as: attempts, yards, touchdowns and average yards per carry. 2009 served as his only year in the NFL in which he did not reach the highly coveted 1,000 yard plateau, finishing the season with 730 yards rushing. But to say the current record holder for the most touchdowns in a single season doesn't have anything left in the tank would be unfair. Personally I don't think LT's capable of registering another 1,300+ yard season, but anytime he's on the field, he poses a big enough threat. Now that he's on the free agent market, I don't see the 5-time Pro-Bowler having any trouble finding a suitor, but not for the price LT has grown accustomed to making. However, Tomlinson won't settle with just any team and says he "wants to play for a tittle contender."
Also making the news, is LT's backup RB Darren Sproles. Planning to take another route, the Chargers have said they won't be tendering a contract to the speedy Sproles, making him an unrestricted free agent.
New York to get a lot Greener - San Diego isn't the only organization bidding farewell to it's play makers. The New York Jets have reported that RB Thomas Jones will be released by the team, with 2009 rookie sensation Shaun Greene taking over at running back. Jones, the AFC's starting running back in last year's NFL Pro-Bowl, led the AFC in rushing just a year ago, tallying over 1,300 yards. Although it's not yet known if San Diego is a potential destination for Jones, the team's best bet would be to target a back in the Draft. Clemson's C.J. Spiller and Cal's Jahvid Best will both be available on April 22nd when the NFL Draft takes place, but with the high number draft pick the Chargers own, it's unlikely either one will land in the arms of San Diego.
Just when Shawne Merriman was looking forward to making his return to the football field, his off the field problems struck again. Over the weekend he and girlfriend/myspace whore Tila Nguyen aka Tila Tequila went out for a night on the town. After dinner and a few drinks later, Mrs. Tequila began giving Merriman lap-dances. However the main story happened after the couple made it home. Merriman passed out and was woken by Tila who was trying to leave the house. Merriman refused to let her leave and told reporters he was just looking out for her well being and worried that she was too drunk to drive home.Tila's story is the complete opposite. Tila said she wasn't drunk at all, nor was she drinking that night. She claims Merriman began choking her and threw her around the house. That's when the cops were called. Merriman was accused of battery and false imprisonment. A lawyer for Merriman denied all charges. It seems to me like Mrs. Tila is in need of some more fame. I'm still weary on the whole story, but I don't blame him for keeping her from driving on the streets intoxicated, as I would do the same. Pictures are said to have been taken that prove Nguyen's injuries, but until I see them, I don't believe her.The next bit of news waiting to be heard throughout this event, is whether or not Merriman will have to watch the Chargers game from afar instead of actually playing in it. There's no doubt the man's a controversy magnet, but I think the injury he had which sidelined him for all of last season was a big enough punishment. Merriman recently underwent surgery on his knee and had been working hard all off season to be ready for the upcoming season. However I wouldn't be surprised if Merriman was given some sort of suspension considering NFL commissioner Roger Goddell has a hay-day giving players suspensions for their off-field actions. & If Merriman is given a suspension, it'll pretty much sum up Merriman's future in a Chargers uniform as he'll be a free-agent next season. A possible suspension would also be a huge blow to the Chargers season as far as defense goes.
