The 49ers struggled, but managed to win a team-record 11th straight game, beating the Chargers in their first meeting since they routed San Diego in the Super Bowl three years ago.
“When you win as many times as we have, sometimes you get a little sloppy, but good teams find a way to win,” San Francisco linebacker Ken Norton Jr. said. “That’s the statement this team is making. We’re winning the games we’re supposed to win.”
Steve Young threw for two touchdowns and Merton Hanks’ two interceptions led to 10 points as the 49ers (11-1), who clinched the NFC West title last week, own a two-game lead in the race for home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.
“On the one hand I’m very happy about our record and where we are. On the other hand, I want more,” Young said.
The Chargers (4-8), losers of four straight, made virtually no headway against San Francisco’s top-ranked defense and when they did, it was for naught.
“It came down to giving too good of a team too much of a head start,” San Diego coach Kevin Gilbride said. “We made too many mistakes for that good of an opponent.”
