Chargers quarterback slices and dices 49ers' defense

By: JAY PARIS Staff Writer | Sunday, October 15, 2006 8:37 PM PDT ∞

San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson (21) is congratulated by Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) after Tomlinson scored in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers
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SAN FRANCISCO ---- Joe Montana's nod would be one of approval. Steve Young might flash his Super Bowl winning smile; John Brodie could deliver two thumbs up.

All the stellar quarterbacks of 49ers lore couldn't help but give Philip Rivers an atta-boy for his Sunday showing.

On this sacred ground for top-notch quarterbacks, Rivers made the ghosts of Niners' past take notice.

Even Chargers greats John Hadl, Dan Fouts and Stan Humphries would raise their eye brows in appreciation. Rivers, the kid, wasn't all right ---- he was sensational.

The Chargers demolished the 49ers 48-19 before 68,137 on a cloudy, gray day at Monster Park.

LaDainian Tomlinson, thanks to rushing for a career-best four touchdowns, gets much of the credit for this shellacking at Candlestick Point.

But Rivers, once again, played like someone starting his 50th game, not his fifth. Like someone groomed for greatness instead of the NFL learning curve.

Instead of a first-year starter destined to absorb his lumps, he's leading the Chargers (4-1) to being among the NFL's elite.

Rivers completed 29-of-39 passes for a career-high 334 yards, two touchdowns and a gaudy quarterback rating of 116.8.

"He's just being Philip,'' Antonio Gates said. "The Philip that we knew he could be and the Philip that the whole staff knew that he could become. What is scary that he's only at five games, so he has some room for improvement.''

If so, that's spooky of Halloween proportions.

The 49ers (2-4) defense tempted Rivers to beat them, loading up to stop the Chargers' running game. But Rivers flowed like he hadn't all year, playing pitch-and-catch with teammates as if out for a backyard toss.

At one point, Rivers completed 13 consecutive passes. On four of the Chargers' eight scoring drives he was perfect: 4-for-4 for 39 yards, 3-for-3 for 72, 4-for-4 for 20, and 4-for-4 for 39.

"The only way I can describe it is it is similar to basketball, that everything you feel like you shoot you are going to make,'' Rivers said. "You are in a rhythm and you just want to keep on throwing, keep on throwing completions.

"It may be a 2-yard completion, a swing, a dump (off), but completions ---- that is the key. I've always believed and understood it, but even more now in this league. I pride myself in throwing a bunch of completions because of what you to do to the defense.''

It deflates defenses, much like taking the air out of Martyball.

"The nickname of our offense is going change if we keep doing this every week,'' said Rivers, who hit of 14-of-15 passes during one stretch.

It is a stretch for anyone to predict the degree of Rivers' success. There were supposed to be obstacles to overcome, adversity to spit at, lumps instead of lay-ups.

But there's been few downers for the third-year pro with the slow drawl and quick release.

"You can't give Philip enough credit with the professional approach he takes each and every week, each and every play,'' veteran guard Mike Goff said. "I'm happy for No. 17; he is just doing a great job.''

Added wide receiver Keenan McCardell: "He's having fun, and I think that is what it is all about; he is not playing tight. He is a competitor behind the ball and he wants to be perfect all the time, and you got to love that. He wants to make every play and thinks he can make every play.''

Rivals keep speculating Rivers will crack under pressure, under schemes devised to confuse and rattle the 25-year-old.

"People think it is a young quarterback and he is going to make careless decisions,'' said McCardell, who had six catches for 65 yards. "But he's not. He's making great decisions.''

The second half of this yawner was just that.

But the first half was fairly compelling, as it appeared the 49ers offense behind Smith might keep pace with the Bolts.

The Chargers held a 14-7 first quarter lead on Antonio Gates' 57-yard touchdown catch and the first of Tomlinson's four scores. When Joe Nedney nailed a 42-yard field goal early in the second quarter, the Chargers had but a four-point lead despite marching up and down the field with ease.

But the Chargers would collect three more touchdowns before the half on Vincent Jackson's 33-yard touchdown reception and two Tomlinson 1-yard rushes, one in which he leaped over the pile in an impressive fashion. The 49ers countered with a Moran Norris scoring catch and a safety when Rivers was sacked in the end zone.

The end result, though, was a rout. And the path the Chargers took was impressive in that on a day the running game managed but 87 yards ---- 71 from Tomlinson ---- the youngster from Alabama sent the 49ers south.

"I'm not where I need to be now, the numbers can lie to you that way, so I don't get caught up in them,'' Rivers said. "We got a long way to go, but certainly it is a good start after five games."

In the land of 49ers, it's evident the Chargers have uncovered a golden nugget at quarterback.

"No. 17 just needs to keep playing,'' Goff said. "like No. 17 can.''

Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com. Comment at sport.nctimes.com.