The Los Angeles Chargers were blown out 41-17 by the San Francisco 49ers in their second preseason game at SoFi Stadium on Thursday evening. The teams held a joint practice this week during which the Chargers dominated the 49ers, but the script was flipped on Thursday evening.
NFL fans and analysts on X had mixed reactions as the 49ers beat down on the Chargers.
NFL Fans Frustrated by Lopsided Chargers Loss
NFL analyst Chase Senior summarized Los Angeles’ woeful performance with a stunning statistic.
“Chargers running backs have THREE TOTAL YARDS RUSHING,” Senior wrote.
Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn noted that Los Angeles’ offense had dominated the 49ers’ secondary during the team’s joint practice this week.
“I think the 49ers wanted to send the Chargers a message after the Chargers dominated them in the joint practice two days ago,” Cohn opined.
Former NFL scout John Middlekauff questioned why both teams’ coaches were not more assertive during the preseason game.
“I don’t get why both coaches didn’t go for it on 4th with Herbert and Purdy in? Score means nothing. Glorified practice. Why not get the free rep in a live game situation? Chargers were 4th and 2,” Middlekauff asked.
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One fan struggled to find any optimism from the game.
There is practically nothing to good to talk about from this Chargers game.
— OpTic Di3seL (@Di3seL) August 21, 2026
Analyst Larry Krueger bemoaned the team’s sloppiness in the loss.
Chargers have looked sloppy with inopportune penalties
— Larry Krueger (@sportslarryk) August 21, 2026
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Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert was shocked by just how badly the AFC West team played against the 49ers.
I was wrong about this Chargers Niners preseason bonanza
Niners belt, Chargers way too many penalties, Niners backups winning at the LOS.
Punters giving up free TDs
Oof
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) August 21, 2026
The Chargers managed 229 total yards (68 yards rushing) against the Niners and were severely hampered by penalties, accumulating seven (four on offense).
Coach Jim Harbaugh’s team will host the Los Angeles Rams in its third and final preseason game on August 27 ahead of their season-opener against the Arizona Cardinals on September 13.
In two seasons at the helm, Harbaugh has led the team to consecutive 11-6 records and second-place finishes in the AFC West. They have also lost in the Wild Card Round in both seasons, but it was their third playoff appearance in four seasons after making the postseason just once in the last eight years.
