Today’s game was always going to be a tough one, as the now 1-3 San Francisco 49ers traveled to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers sans Jimmy Garoppolo.
The Niners lost 29-27 in a game in which they once led 14-0. It was another game with injuries and missed tackles and turnovers, but it was also a game that displayed the tenacity of quarterback C.J. Beathard and the team as a whole.
“[Beathard] played the game angry,” said tight end George Kittle after the game. “That’s just he how plays it, and it’s awesome…He’s a bad ass. C.J. has more grit than anyone that I know.”
And it rubs off on his teammates. Matt Breida, Marquise Goodwin, Mike McGlinchey, Weston Richburg and Solomon Thomas all left the game at points with injury and all returned.
Left tackle Joe Staley and wide receiver Dante Pettis both left the game in the first half with knee injuries and did not return. Both will have MRIs on Monday but the injuries are not thought to be long term.
In the fourth quarter, as the 49ers were looking to put together a go-ahead drive, Beathard got hit hard and threw an interception that essentially ended the game.
“We had an opportunity to win that game,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “There were lots of ups and downs throughout the game in all three phases. We had a chance at the end and we came up short. That’s disappointing.”
Overall though, the 49ers QB1 played well, finishing the day 23-of-37 for 298 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions (the first of which should really be charged to tight end Garrett Celek, who let a potential touchdown bounce off him and into the hands of Chargers cornerback Trevor Williams).
“I see a big difference between last year’s team and this year’s team,” said fullback Kyle Juszczyk. “…Last year, we didn’t really know who we were. We were really searching…Whereas this year, we have a sense of who we are. We know we have the talent. It’s just a matter of getting it done.”
Missed tackles were again a major issue for the 49ers’ defense. They started strong in the first half but fell off considerably in the second half and that was one of the main factors in the game.
“…I’ll watch the tape to get a better idea,” Shanahan said. “…From what I saw, I was pretty happy with it in the first half. I thought we were scoring well on the ball, hitting well an wrapping guys. I did see a number of times when we bounced off them and they got some longer runs than they should have in the second half. We will address it again and keep trying to get better.”
Chargers running back Melvin Gordon finished the game with 15 carries for 104 yards.
Football is a team sport and a loss is just as much a team effort as a win. The 49ers have the pieces; they just need to make them all fit.
“I think we are close, Shanahan said. “We have people who have the ability to do it and we are showing that at times but we have to be a lot more consistent. It can’t be hit or miss and I think it’s been a lot of hit or moss on both sides.”
Next up for the 49ers are the 0-4 Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 7.
Highlights
- Antone Exum, Jr. had a pick-6 to start the game and put the Niners on the board. It was his first career interception and the 49ers first interception of the season.
- The Iowa connection was alive and well when Beathard connected with Kittle for an 82-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, giving the 49ers a chance at the comeback. Kittle finished the day with six receptions for 125 yards.
