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Recap: Chargers Top 49ers 23-21 in Preseason Finale

The Los Angeles Chargers topped the San Francisco 49ers 23-21 in Thursday's preseason finale from Levi's Stadium.

On a night when a majority of Los Angeles' starters rested, second-year guard Forrest Lamp made his NFL debut. Defensive end Christopher Landrum registered two sacks and forced a fumble in the first half, while Roberto Aguayo kicked a game-winning 26-yard field goal as time expired.

Geno Smith started at quarterback and engineered a 12-play, 57-yard scoring drive to open the game. Aguayo's 36-yard field goal put the Chargers up 3-0.

Los Angeles' first series on defense was dominated by a trio of rookies. Safety Derwin James and linebacker Kyzir White each made a tackle before linebacker Uchenna Nwosu delivered a punishing third-down sack. James exited the game after three series.

Browse through some of the best action shots of the Bolts taking on the San Francisco 49ers in their fourth preseason game.

Landrum's second sack caused 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens to fumble. The ball was recovered and returned one yard by rookie defensive tackle Steven Richardson to San Francisco's 13-yard line. Caleb Sturgis' 36-yard field goal would eventually extend Los Angeles' lead to 6-0.

After a 49ers score, quarterback Cardale Jones entered the game and led a 10-play, 73-yard touchdown drive. Running back Terrell Watson punched it in from four yards out to give the Chargers a 13-7 halftime lead.

A San Francisco fumble on its opening drive of the second half – forced by linebacker D'Juan Hines and recovered by cornerback Tony Brown – gave Los Angeles the ball at the Niners' 10-yard line. Three plays later, Jones hit wide receiver Andre Patton for a five-yard touchdown to make the score 20-7 after a Sturgis extra point.

San Francisco would score 14 unanswered before Aguayo's game-winning kick.

Smith finished 4-of-6 for 16 yards. He also added 36 rushing yards. Jones went 3-of-6 for 21 yards and a touchdown before giving way to rookie Nic Shimonek.

UP NEXT

The Chargers open the 2018 regular season at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kickoff is on Sunday, Sept. 9 at 1:05 p.m. Pacific from ROKiT Field at StubHub Center (CBS).

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