Chargers alive; 49ers gasping

Associated Press

SAN DIEGO

Vincent Jackson had a career-high three touchdown catches, Philip Rivers surpassed 4,000 yards passing for the third straight season and the San Diego Chargers beat Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers 34-7 on Thursday night to stay alive in the AFC West race.

The Chargers (8-6) pulled within a half-game of division leader Kansas City (8-5), which lost 31-0 at San Diego on Sunday. The Chargers came within 4:26 of having consecutive shutouts for the first time in their 51-year history.

Jackson had his first three TD grabs of the season, of 58, 11 and 21 yards. Jackson missed the first 10 games due to a bitter contract dispute.

Despite the loss, the 49ers (5-9) could wind up 7-9 and in a three-way tie and still win the NFC West, the NFL’s weakest division.

The Chargers defense tied the 2006 franchise record with seven consecutive scoreless quarters.

San Francisco twice had points taken off the scoreboard, but Chargers linebacker Brandon Siler tackled Anthony Dixon on fourth down to kill the drive at the San Diego goal line.

Ted Ginn Jr. then returned the second-half kickoff 85 yards for a score — but it was called back on a facemask penalty against Moran Norris.