With the Chargers leading the 49ers by seven in their Thursday night date at Qualcomm (thanks to a 58-yard touchdown catch by Vincent Jackson), San Fran put together a solid drive.
On the second snap of the second quarter, the effort sputtered at the San Diego 20. Former Steelers kicker Jeff Reed nailed a 38-yard field goal, and the NFL Network broadcast went to commercial.
After the break, Bob Papa explained that Antonio Garay of the Chargers illegally had hopped onto the backs of a couple of Niners in a failed effort to block the kick. The Niners took the penalty, took the points off the board, and started again with a first and goal from the 10.
On third down, quarterback Alex Smith took off toward the left side of the field. He appeared to sneak the ball inside the pylon while going out of bounds. Replays suggested otherwise, so Chargers coach Norv Turner challenged the outcome, NFLN’s Matt Millen huffed and puffed that the call should be upheld, and the call was reversed.
On the next play, the Niners opted to go for the score from fourth and goal on the six-inch line. The Chargers stuffed Anthony Dixon, and the Niners emerged with no points.