Conway’s Touchdown Fuels Bears : Interconference: The former USC star’s reception gives Chicago the lead, and San Diego rally falls short, 16-13.

The San Diego Chargers’ pass defense lived on the edge for two consecutive weeks, until the Chicago Bears finally pushed them off.

Jim Harbaugh completed a 38-yard touchdown pass to rookie Curtis Conway in the third quarter and the Bears held on to beat San Diego, 16-13, Sunday night to end their three-game losing streak.

The Chargers (4-5) had won big in consecutive games despite giving up huge passing yardage. The Bears, meanwhile, had been slow in generating offense, and four of their five losses had been by a touchdown or less.

“Whether we’ve won or lost, it’s usually come down to one or two plays,” Bear Coach Dave Wannstedt said.

After a 25-yard punt return by Terry Obee, Conway slipped behind cornerback Sean Vanhorse to end the one-play drive and give the Bears (4-5) a 16-10 lead with 4:08 left in the third quarter.

The touchdown came 47 seconds after Kevin Butler kicked his third field goal, from 20 yards. That drive was kept going by a 36-yard pass play from Harbaugh to Bob Christian.

Harbaugh completed 13 of 24 passes for 159 yards.

The Chargers could have forced overtime, but John Carney missed a 40-yard field goal with 1:11 remaining.