LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Chargers are .500 (2-2) after defeating the SF 49ers on Sunday, September 30. They look to go to 3-2 next week as they face the Oakland Raiders.

Although quarterback Philip Rivers had a big game, he started off slow. On the third play of the game’s first drive, Rivers’ pass was returned 32 yards by safety Antone Exum for a touchdown. The 49ers grabbed an early 7-0 lead. A few possessions later, San Francisco would add to their lead.

On 1st and 10, quarterback C.J. Beathard found wide receiver Marquise Goodwin for a 20-yard gain. A roughing the passer penalty added an extra 15 yards to the play. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne ended the drive with a 2-yard touchdown catch. The score was 14-0. The Chargers would finally respond on their next drive.

Rivers found tight end Antonio Gates and wide receiver Tyrell Williams for passes of 22 yards each. On 3rd and goal, Rivers hit Gates for a 5-yard TD. Los Angeles missed the extra point, bringing the score to 14-6. San Francisco would respond with a field goal. The Chargers, however, were searching to add more points to the board.

On the next drive, Rivers found wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Melvin Gordon for gains of 16 yards respectively. On 3rd down and 3, Rivers hit backup running back Austin Ekeler on a 22 yard wheels route for a touchdown. Los Angeles went for the two-point conversion and made it happen. The Chargers scored another field goal before halftime, tying the game with a score of 17-17.

The second half did not feature as much offense as the first half. The Chargers struck first after Rivers found Gordon for a 6-yard TD. Kicker Caleb Sturgis missed the extra point again brining the score to 23-17.

After the Chargers made a field goal to make it a two possession game, the 49ers responded. Beathard found wide open tight end George Kittle for an 82-yard TD. The score was 26-24, as the two teams proceeded to trade field goals.

With just over a minute left in the game, San Francisco had the ball at their own seven yard line. They only needed a field goal to win the game, but on 2nd down, Beathard was intercepted by defensive end Isaac Rochell. The pick sealed the game and the Chargers won 29-27.

In a sloppy game that featured three turnovers, the Chargers managed to escape with a win. Los Angeles (2-2) will face a hungry Oakland Raiders (1-3) team that is fresh off their first win for the season.

QB Philip Rivers (LAC) finished 25/39 for 250 yards with 3 TDs and 1 INT. RB Melvin Gordon (LAC) finished with 15 carries for 104 yards. QB C.J. Beathard (SF) finished 23/37 for 298 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs. TE George Kittle (SF) finished with 6 receptions for 125 yards and 1 TD.