49ers vs. Chargers: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis for San Francisco

Going on the road, the San Francisco 49ers really poured it on tonight, if nothing else, showing their depth is far better than that of the San Diego Chargers. As an exhibition match, this game did not provide any new information on the Niners’ behalf—it simply reinforced what most already knew.

The headlining takeaways:

• Wide receiver Quinton Patton did not need four exhibition games to prove he is an amazing young talent. He will be ready to go for Week 1 versus Green Bay and it would not be a surprise to see him listed as the No. 3 behind veterans Anquan Boldin and Kyle Williams.
• The 49ers are extremely deep on the defensive side of the football, which includes cornerback and outside linebacker. Corners Tramaine Brock and Perrish Cox, as well as linebackers Dan Skuta, Corey Lemonier and Cam Johnson all stood out in a very positive way. Each of them projects to be a role player this year for San Francisco.
• Despite efforts from Jewel Hampton and Anthony Dixon, the running back situation went unaffected. The big three are already set in stone. However, No. 3 tailback LaMichael James was the least impressive out of everyone, which is a surprise given the praise from the coaching staff and what he projects to be. Frankly, the ‘Niners may have been holding back in terms of play calling. The designs for him in the exhibition kept James running between the tackles, and he was also limited as a receiving threat.
• Vance McDonald is going to be a primary weapon with room to grow into an elite talent on the offensive side of the ball. He looked like a man amongst boys out there, which shows that he belongs in the starting lineup. His effort after the catch and ability to gain chunks of yards at a time was also very encouraging.

49ers 41, Chargers 6