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.
Geno Smith passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of the last preseason game. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Geno Smith looks to make a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Geno Smith runs downfield against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Detrez Newsome runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Roberto Aguayo kicks a 36-yard field goal against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Kyzir White and Uchenna Nwosu celebrate Nwosu's tackle against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Melvin Ingram and Uchenna Nwosu celebrate Nwosu's tackle against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Detrez Newsome runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)
Chris Landrum sacks San Francisco 49ers QB Nick Mullens during the last preseason game.
Detrez Newsome runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)
Geno Smith runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Roberto Aguayo celebrates with Drew Kaser after kicking a field goal against the San Francisco 49ers. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Chris Landrum sacks San Francisco 49ers QB Nick Mullers during the last preseason game.
Uchenna Nwosu sacks San Francisco 49ers QB C.J. Beathard during the last preseason game. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Nick Mullens fumbles as he is sacked by Chris Landrum during the last preseason game. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Uchenna Nwosu is congratulated by Damion Square after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard during the last preseason game. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
JJ Jones runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Terrell Watson runs downfield against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Terrell Watson runs downfield for a touchdown during the last preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Terrell Watson runs downfield for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Tony Brown recovers the ball after a forced fumble by Chris Landrum against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Tony Brown recovers the ball after a forced fumble by Chris Landrum against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Tony Brown recovers the ball after a forced fumble by Chris Landrum against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Nick Dzubnar celebrates with Tony Brown after Brown's fumble recovery against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Linebackers coach Richard Smith talks with players during the Bolts' last preseason game.
Brandon Facyson makes a tackle against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Andre Patton scores a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Andre Patton (15) scores a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL preseason football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Andre Patton celebrates his touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Justice Liggins and Andre Patton celebrate Patton's touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Trent Scott lifts up Andre Patton after Patton scored a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Andre Patton celebrates with Justice Liggins after scoring against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
D'Juan Hines makes a tackle against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
D'Juan Hines celebrates his tackle against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
D'Juan Hines celebrates his tackle against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
D'Juan Hines celebrates his tackle against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Philip Rivers gestures from the sideline during the last preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Cardale Jones throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Marcus Edmonds and Nick Dzubnar make a tackle against the San Francisco 49ers during the last preseason game.
Philip Rivers cheers on his teammates during the last preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers.
The team celebrates its 23-20 win over the San Francisco 49ers to close out the preseason.
Derwin James after the game with his former college teammate Taravus McFadden.
Sam Tevi after the game with former college teammate Pita Taumoepenu.
Isaac Rochell poses after the game with Mike McGlinchey and Sheldon Day.
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).
