17 observations from the 49ers victory over the Chargers

The San Francisco 49ers beat another Los Angeles team. This time it was the better of the two teams who reside in Inglewood—the Chargers.

It wasn't easy. In fact, it was ugly for much of the game, with the 49ers being called for some costly penalties, turning the ball over, and making multiple mistakes that kept the game close.

But in the end, San Francisco held on and came away with a victory. The dominant second-half defense—and a run game that finally showed up—put this one away. Here's what jumped out to me.

• The 49ers' pass defense did not look good to start the game. Two blown coverages allowed the Chargers to take an early lead.
• It was great seeing Elijah Mitchell back on the field. And he was terrific in this game. Mitchell had 18 carries for 89 yards (4.9 yards per carry).
• Brandon Aiyuk is becoming the 49ers' best wide receiver. But his fumble cost the team three points. He also dropped a pass in the end zone that cost the team four points. Still, he is always open, normally has great hands, and secures the ball very well.
• Mike McGlinchey is still terrible.

• The 49ers continue to look terrible in primetime—unless they're playing the Rams. Thankfully, they made some halftime adjustments and looked much better in the second half.

• Jimmy Garoppolo is elite at QB sneaks.
• Garoppolo has been playing very well as of late. He even threw a ball away. That may have been his first ever. No, seriously. It may have been.

• The 49ers came away with the win, but they struggled to beat a team playing a backup kicker, a makeshift offensive line, third-string receivers, and a defense that can't stop the run. But that Justin Herbert kid is really good.
• The 49ers' special teams unit continues to leave a lot to be desired. The blocked punt cost the 49ers another three points. A missed PAT cost them one point in the fourth quarter, and at one point, made me nervous that it might cost them the game.
• Mitch Wishnowsky wasn't very good in this game. Until his last punt. That was a critical play, with Samuel Womack downing the ball near the goal line.
• The 49ers' red zone offense needs a lot of work. They should have scored a lot more than the 22 they scored.

• Jauan Jennings is a first-down machine. He had four catches for 40 yards, and it seemed like they all came on third down.

• The 49ers' defense didn't look very good in the first half, but they were great in the second half. They held the Chargers scoreless in the final two quarters.

• Talanoa Hufanga makes a big play every game.
• Charles Omenihu, starting in place of the injured Samson Ebukam, had a big impact on this game. You won't see it in the box score (except for one sack), but he played a big role in this game.
• Dre Greenlaw being ejected was ridiculous. It was as ridiculous as Rams fans thinking their team would repeat as Super Bowl Champions this season.
• Have I mentioned that Mike McGlinchey is still terrible?

The 49ers will head to Colorado this week to practice in a higher elevation, to better prepare them for playing in Mexico City next Monday Night. It's a division game against the Arizona Cardinals. If the 49ers are going to win the NFC West, they need to keep this divisional winning streak alive.

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