Rivers-Jackson Connection too Much as Chargers Overpower 49ers

There is a reason why the San Diego Chargers kept Vincent Jackson and didn't trade or release him... for games like these.

Vincent Jackson completely took over this football game Thursday night against the San Francisco 49ers and showed the world why he deserves to be a major part of this franchise in the long term future.

The Chargers kept their playoffs hope alive last night as they defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-7, but the game wasn't even that close. On the fourth play of the game, Philip Rivers connected with Jackson for a 58 yard touchdown in which Jackson fought off the corner back for the catch and broke a tackle on his way to the endzone. They were far from done there. After a huge defensive stop on the one yard line, San Diego got the ball back and preserved the shutout. Late in the second quarter, Rivers connected again with Jackson, this time for an 11 yard score. The score at halftime... 17-0 San Diego.

San Diego kept up the energy after halftime and Mike Tolbert added a one yard run in the third quarter to go up 24-0. After the start of the fourth, many expected San Diego to run, run, run but that wasn't the case. For the third time in the game, Rivers hit Jackson for a touchdown. The play was reviewed as it was thought Jackson didn't get the ball over the pylon but the play was upheld.

Brian Westbrook added a three yard touchdown run late in the fourth and the final score was 34-7. With the win, the Chargers go to 8-6 and a 1/2 game back of Kansas City who travels to St. Louis Sunday. Its the other way for San Francisco who continues to disappoint. For a team picked to win the NFC West, they are currently 5-9 and are all but out of the playoff picture.

Both teams will have over a week off and every game for both will be a must win from here on in.

Top Performers
Passing: P. Rivers (SD) - 273 YDS, 3 TD
Rushing: R. Mathews (SD) - 17 CAR, 56 YDS
Receiving: V. Jackson (SD) - 5 REC, 112 YDS, 3 TD