It was a tale of two different quarters as the 49ers started off slowly but ended the first half with a bang, as bubble players made a case to stay on the roster.
The 49ers' defense forced two turnovers in the first quarter with only a field goal to show for it. Cornerback Asa Jackson picked off a deflected pass to start it off but rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard struggled to take advantage as he was sacked on his blind side on a corner blitz during the offense's first red zone trip.
While the secondary gave up several big plays early in the quarter, it held the Chargers from any red zone trips.
The second quarter, however, is when things changed for the 49ers' offense. Rookie receiver Trent Taylor had a showing to start off the quarter with a 40-yard punt return but the biggest play of the game came from the rookie quarterback. Beathard showed off his athleticism as he scrambled in the pocket and somehow outran the entire defense for a 62-yard touchdown run, the first score of the game.
Beathard to the 🏠! CJ goes the distance to put the #49ers up 10-3. 💨 #LACvsSF pic.twitter.com/2iHixx5DN3
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 1, 2017
Victor Bolden Jr., another player currently on the roster bubble, might have solidified his spot on the roster with a single play. Bolden made his second return touchdown of the preseason with an impressive 92-yard punt return to put the 49ers up 17–3.
Lastly, the defense caused its third turnover of the game as Dekoda Watson forced a fumble that was recovered by Ray-Ray Armstrong. The turnover would lead to the 49ers' first successful red zone trip with a one-yard run by Tim Hightower to finish the first half with a 23-3 lead. The 49ers go into half time with three forced turnovers and three touchdowns.
Beathard finished the first half going 5-for-9 with 31 passing yards along with three runs for 80 yards, notably his 62-yard scamper. Hightower got the majority of the backfield work with eight carries for 21 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Conversely, Watson and Armstrong led the defense with five tackles each. Watson also added a sack.
- Justin Wong
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Written by:Justin Wong has been writing for the 49ers Webzone since 2017 while also running an NFC West blog and podcast called Just The West. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to @JustTheWest on Twitter.
