Chargers still can’t kick, but manage to rally for win over 49ers
By Travis Wakeman
The Los Angeles Chargers have arguably the worst kicking problem in the history of football. Yet they’ve evened their record at 2-2 on the season.
Chargers kicker Caleb Sturgis missed one field goal on the day and incredibly missed both of his extra-point attempts. How much longer will this go on? Are the Chargers going to bring in a parade of kickers to audition for the kicking job this week? It’s hard to say that they shouldn’t at least explore that idea.
But back to the game.
Philip Rivers overcame a pick six on the Chargers’ first possession to throw for 250 yards and three touchdowns on the game. But the Niners didn’t go away easily.
13. 27. 42. . 29
C.J. Beathard threw for 298 yards, including an 82-yard score to tight end George Kittle. But the Chargers dug deep, forcing two interceptions that were the major difference in the game.
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With the Niners deep in Los Angeles territory, Trevor Williams intercepted a pass and took it 86 yards the other way. Then in the final moments of the game, Isaac Rochell intercepted a pass that sealed the victory. Derwin James contacted Beathard to force an errant throw on the play, and Rochell caught it after it bounced around.
Melvin Gordon had a big day for the Bolts, racking up 159 yards of total offense and scoring a receiving touchdown in the game. He ran with purpose all day, forcing multiple San Francisco defenders to make a tackle each time he touched the ball.
The Chargers still have some areas of concern, however, especially considering this was a home game against a team playing with its backup quarterback.
The Chargers will stay at StubHub Center in Week 5 as they host the Oakland Raiders, fresh off their first win of the season, an overtime thriller with the Cleveland Browns.