49ers Outlast Patriots 30-23 in Jordan Love’s Return Despite Two Pick-Sixes
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — In Jordan Love’s return to the lineup, the San Francisco 49ers managed to overcome some shaky moments to defeat the New England Patriots 30-23 at home on Sunday. Despite Love throwing for 272 yards and two touchdowns, his day was marred by two interceptions that were both returned for pick-sixes.
Love’s inconsistency kept the Patriots (2-2) in the game, but the 49ers’ defense picked up the slack, intercepting rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud three times and keeping New England’s offense out of the end zone all afternoon.
“We knew we had to be aggressive on defense and make them uncomfortable,” said 49ers safety Marcus Williams, who provided a momentum-shifting play with a 42-yard pick-six of his own, one of three San Francisco interceptions on the day. “The turnovers we forced were the key.”
Though Love’s mistakes tightened the game, the 49ers (3-1) held on thanks to a dominant defensive performance. Stroud struggled to find rhythm against the 49ers’ secondary, and the Patriots’ offense couldn’t generate much outside of the two defensive scores.
With the win, San Francisco improves to 3-1 and reestablishes momentum after Love’s return from injury, while the Patriots drop to 0-4 after an afternoon of missed opportunities.
Chargers Survive Chiefs' Comeback, Win 30-28 on Late Justin Tucker Field Goal
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers built a commanding halftime lead and then withstood a furious Kansas City Chiefs comeback, ultimately pulling out a dramatic 30-28 victory thanks to a late Justin Tucker field goal.
The Chargers (3-1) looked unstoppable in the first half, storming to a 27-7 lead behind a 24-point explosion in the second quarter. Will Levis rushed for a touchdown and Najee Harris added another on the ground as Los Angeles appeared to be in total control.
But the Chiefs (1-3), led by Patrick Mahomes, came out firing in the second half, scoring 21 unanswered points. The Chargers struggled to respond to Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive defensive adjustments, with Levis and the offense unable to find any rhythm after halftime.
Kansas City’s surge gave them a 28-27 lead late in the fourth quarter, putting Los Angeles on the ropes. However, Levis showed poise when it mattered most, driving the Chargers down the field to set up Tucker for a clutch 52-yard field goal with just over a minute remaining.
Mahomes, who has built a reputation for late-game heroics, had one last chance to lead the Chiefs down the field. But a crucial holding penalty derailed Kansas City's final drive, and a desperation Hail Mary came up five yards short of the end zone as time expired.
“We made it tough on ourselves in the second half, but we found a way,” said Levis. “When you’ve got Justin Tucker, you always feel confident in those moments.”
The Chargers improve to 3-1 on the season, while the Chiefs drop to 1-3 in a game that had both teams displaying moments of brilliance and vulnerability.
Vikings Air Attack Too Much for Packers in 35-28 Victory
GREEN BAY (AP) — Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings found success through the air, earning a 35-28 win over the Green Bay Packers on the road Sunday. Darnold turned in a sharp performance with a 115.1 passer rating, throwing for 287 yards and two touchdowns as the Packers’ defense struggled to contain Minnesota’s offense.
Green Bay (2-2) had no answers for the Vikings (2-2), who moved the ball efficiently throughout the game. Meanwhile, Packers quarterback Sam Howell, in just his second start, faced relentless pressure all afternoon. Howell was sacked eight times as the Vikings’ pass rush swarmed him from start to finish.
Despite the constant pressure, Howell and the Packers offense managed to keep the game within reach. Down by seven in the final minute, Green Bay drove down the field looking for a game-tying score. However, Howell’s last-minute pass was intercepted at the goal line, sealing the victory for Minnesota.
“We had our chances, but it’s tough when you’re playing from behind and taking hits all game,” said Howell. “We’ve got to do a better job protecting the ball and making plays down the stretch.”
The win evens the Vikings' record at 2-2, while the Packers drop to 2-2 after a frustrating day of missed opportunities and offensive struggles.
Texans Roll Past Jaguars 33-9 Behind Dominant Defense
JACKSONVILLE (AP) — The Houston Texans cruised to a 33-9 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, powered by a suffocating defense that intercepted Trevor Lawrence four times and kept Jacksonville out of the end zone for the entire game.
Houston’s defense set the tone early, frustrating Lawrence and the Jaguars (3-1) while consistently putting the Texans' offense in favorable positions. The Texans (4-0) capitalized on the turnovers, building a comfortable lead and never looking back.
On offense, Houston’s dynamic wide receiver duo of Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel once again proved to be a lethal combination. Aiyuk had six catches for 96 yards, while Samuel led the team with seven receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown.
“Our defense was relentless today,” said Texans head coach David Shaw. “Anytime you can keep a team out of the end zone, especially a talented offense like Jacksonville’s, you’re doing something right.”
The Jaguars managed only three field goals, and Lawrence’s four interceptions sealed their fate as they failed to generate any significant momentum.
Houston improves to 4-0 with the win, continuing their perfect start to the season, while Jacksonville falls to 3-1 after another disappointing outing.
