​INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 20: Trey Lance #5 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in a preseason game at SoFi Stadium on August 20, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Chargers may have dominated the 49ers during Tuesday’s joint practice, but that was far from the case when both teams took the field Thursday night.After building up the excitement to watch Justin Herbert inside SoFi Stadium during the month of August, all we got was a quick three-and-out before the starters bowed out. From there, things did not get much more exciting.The Chargers looked undisciplined, and unmotivated, for most of the night. The offense was plagued with numerous procedural penalties, half of which erased some of the team’s best plays of the game. Running the ball seemed like the world’s tallest task against the Niners, as well. At one point, the Chargers running backs had three net rushing yards on 10 total carries in the third quarter. All night, defenders were shooting through gaps before any back could manage to cut north and south.It wasn’t much different for the defense who all but vanished in the third quarter, as well. Allowing 40+ points in the preseason should be a difficult task, but it looked far too easy for the 49ers.The Bolts ultimately fell 41-17 in a game that they’ll have to watch and stomach in order to see just how the entire operation fell apart. That also includes special teams which allowed an 83-yard punt return for a score.The Chargers are back in SoFi Stadium as the away team against the Rams next Thursday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PST.First QuarterThe Chargers won the toss and chose to receive. Justin Herbert and Co. was up first.On first down, Omarion Hampton received a sweep to the right but tight end David Njoku was beat to the outside and it resulted in a one-yard loss. The next play, Herbert found another tight end in Charlie Kolar for a gain of nine to bring up third-and-two. Herbert faked a handoff on third down before firing left to Ladd McConkey but he was covered well and the ball fell incomplete.The 49ers offense led by Brock Purdy saw a bit more success on their opening drive. Purdy found rookie De’Zhaun Stribling several times for first down receptions and rookie back Kaelon Black ran hard enough to move the chains early, as well. The Chargers defense clamped down a bit near midfield and ultimately forced a punt that bounced into the end zone.Unfortunately, when Jim Harbaugh said that the starters would only have one series in the game, that was the truth. Despite going a quick three-and-out to begin the game, Herbert was taken out for Trey Lance who managed to move the chains once with a short throw to running back Keaton Mitchell. Overallthe offense went 26 yards in six plays before punting back to San Francisco.Second QuarterAfter going 56 yards in 10 plays to close out the first quarter,