SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- A few thoughts on the San Diego Chargers' 38-35, come-from-behind, overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers.
What it means: At 9-6, the Chargers need a win in the team’s final regular-season contest against the Kansas City Chiefs, along with one loss in the final two games by the Baltimore Ravens, to reach the postseason for a second straight year.
Impressive comeback: Trailing 28-7 at halftime, the Chargers forced overtime by scoring two touchdowns in the final 5:15, highlighted by Philip Rivers' 11-yard scoring pass to Malcom Floyd with 29 seconds left. Kicker Nick Novak hit a 40-yard field goal in overtime for the victory.
Gore, 49ers run wild: The Chargers allowed San Francisco to rack up 355 rushing yards. At 31-years old, running back Frank Gore looked like his younger self, as he bowled over San Diego’s defense for 158 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown run in the opening drive of the game. Gore became the second running back to rush for more than 100 yards against the Chargers this season. Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman ran for 109 yards in Week 8. Colin Kaepernick also finished with 151 rushing yards, including a 90-yard run for a score -- the longest run given up by the Chargers this season.
Stock watch: Up -- Chargers inside linebacker Manti Te’o finished with a team-high 11 combined tackles, including his first career sack, in playing against an athletic quarterback in Kaepernick and the hard-running Gore.
Game ball: Playing with an ailing back and chest, Rivers overcame three interceptions by throwing for 356 yards and four touchdowns.
What’s next: The Chargers hit the road for the team’s final regular-season game against AFC West rival Kansas City at 1 p.m. ET Dec. 28.
