Chargers News: Game Recap- Chargers Lose 14-12 to Niners
The San Diego Chargers traveled up Interstate 5 to take on the San Francisco 49ers in the two teams 44th meeting during the preseason. The 49ers had won the past five meetings against the Chargers, and the trend continued as the Niners won 14-12 in a rather slow-paced game.
The two teams rested most of their starters in preparation for week 1 of the season which starts in less than seven days. The Chargers are home week 1 welcoming the Detroit Lions to San Diego, while the Niners have a Monday Night Football match-up with the Minnesota Vikings on September 14th. There was no Philip Rivers, No Antonio Gates, No Melvin Gordon. Just backups and undrafted players competing for roster spots.
Things started out horribly for the Chargers as rookie Quarterback Dylan Thompson hit Bruce Ellington on a third down slant pattern that went 70 yards for a touchdown. The Niners went for two and got it. Within one minute the Bolts found themselves down eight points. The Chargers offense responded with a quick three and out.
The game remained 8-0 until Thompson was picked off by Richard Crawford and taken 29 yards for the pick six. The Chargers defensive back and San Diego native made a nice grab and return for the Bolts. Crawford is an Oceanside native and graduate of El Camino High School.
General Manager Tom Telasco spoke on air about the team and said the team will immediately begin looking at film and determining whom gets cut. There will be many tough decisions for this coaching staff and there will surely be a surprise or two.
After a couple of dropped passes, rookie Tyrell Williams caught a 63 yard touchdown from Brad Sorensen to pull the Chargers to within two points. The team attempted to go for two but were denied by the Niners defense. Rookie linebacker Chi Chi Ariguzzo had a great game totaling seven tackles and a half sack. He was injured late in the fourth quarter and did not return. He appeared to have suffered a right arm or shoulder injury. He is fighting for a backup spot against Nick Dzubnar, who is leading the Chargers in tackles during the preseason.
With three minutes on the clock the Chargers had one last chance to leave Santa Clara with a victory. The offense took the ball on the Niners 24 yard line. Sorensen under center, immediately found an open receiver in John Phillips. The Chargers had all their timeouts and the Niners were in prevent defense. The second year QB made a huge fourth down completion to keep the drive alive, but immediately threw an interception on the next play ending the Chargers chances at a comeback.
Game Stats:
Dylan Thompson SF QB- Â 17-25 222 yards, 2 touch downs, 1 int 106.2 QB rating
Brad Sorensen SD QB- 15-22 154 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 int 84.3 QB rating
Kellen Clemens SD QB- 10-17 64 yards 66.8 QB Rating
Chargers team rushing- 22 carries for 42 yards
Niners team rushing- 36 carries for 144 yards
Richard Crawford SD DB- 7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 int, 1 TD
Nick Dzubnar- 7 tackles
The Chargers finish the preseason with an 0-2 record. The team now turns their attention to gathering information about stopping the high-powered Detroit Lions offense. Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and company will be here in a little over one week. Are you ready Chargers fans? Its time to BOLT UP!!!
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.