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1995 San Diego Chargers season

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1995 San Diego Chargers season
OwnerAlex Spanos
General managerBobby Beathard
Head coachBobby Ross
Home fieldJack Murphy Stadium
Results
Record9–7
Division place2nd AFC West
Playoff finishLost Wild Card Playoffs
(vs. Colts) 20–35
Pro Bowlers
All-Pros

The 1995 San Diego Chargers season was the team's 36th, its 26th in the National Football League (NFL), and its 35th in San Diego.

The season began with the team as reigning AFC champions and trying to improve on their 11–5 record in 1994. After starting 4–7, the Chargers won their final five games to get into the playoffs. It ended in the first round with a loss to the Indianapolis Colts. That game would mark the last time the Chargers made the playoffs until the 2004 season, by when only long snapper David Binn remained from the 1995 roster.

While most of the offensive starters returned from the Super Bowl run were back, the Chargers slipped down the rankings for both passing and rushing. They were hampered by an injury to Natrone Means, who finished with 730 yards despite only having 5 carries in the second half of the season. Tony Martin established himself as the club's leading receiver, with 1,224 yards from 90 catches — this broke Kellen Winslow's club record for receptions in a season. The defense continued to be solid. Safeties Darren Carrington and Stanley Richard were both released after disappointing performances in the Super Bowl; Rodney Harrison began to see more action as a strong safety, and led the team with five interceptions. Leslie O'Neal, in his final year with the club, was once again the sack leader with 12.5; Junior Seau's 130 tackles were 45 more than the next best of his teammates. Andre Coleman continued to be dangerous, running one punt and two kickoffs back for touchdowns, though he also fumbled ten times. Former Australian rules full-forward Darren Bennett was voted to the Pro Bowl in his first season as a starting punter.

The Chargers suffered a tragedy during the offseason, when linebacker David Griggs was killed in a road accident.[3]

Offseason

[edit]

NFL draft

[edit]
1995 San Diego Chargers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
2 34 Terrance Shaw  Cornerback Stephen F. Austin
2 51 Terrell Fletcher  Running back Wisconsin
2 61 Jimmy Oliver  Wide receiver TCU
3 93 Don Sasa  Defensive tackle Washington State
3 98 Preston Harrison  Offensive guard Ohio State
3 100 Chris Cowart  Linebacker Florida State
4 104 Aaron Hayden  Running back Tennessee
5 162 'Omar Ellison  Wide receiver Florida State
6 177 Troy Sienkiewicz  Offensive guard New Mexico State
6 183 Brandon Harrison  Wide receiver Howard Payne
6 197 Craig Whelihan  Quarterback Pacific
6 200 Tony Berti  Offensive tackle Colorado
7 237 Mark Montreuil  Cornerback Concordia (Quebec)
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Personnel

[edit]

Staff

[edit]
1995 San Diego Chargers staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – John Dunn
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – John Hastings


Roster

[edit]
1995 San Diego Chargers roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 2 reserve, 2 practice squad

Regular season

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Schedule

[edit]
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance
1 September 3 at Oakland Raiders L 7–17 0–1 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum 50,323
2 September 10 Seattle Seahawks W 14–10 1–1 Jack Murphy Stadium 54,420
3 September 17 at Philadelphia Eagles W 27–21 2–1 Veterans Stadium 63,081
4 September 24 Denver Broncos W 17–6 3–1 Jack Murphy Stadium 58,987
5 October 1 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 16–31 3–2 Three Rivers Stadium 57,012
6 October 9 at Kansas City Chiefs L 23–29 (OT) 3–3 Arrowhead Stadium 79,288
7 October 15 Dallas Cowboys L 9–23 3–4 Jack Murphy Stadium 62,664
8 October 22 at Seattle Seahawks W 35–25 4–4 Kingdome 45,821
9 Bye
10 November 5 Miami Dolphins L 14–24 4–5 Jack Murphy Stadium 61,996
11 November 12 Kansas City Chiefs L 7–22 4–6 Jack Murphy Stadium 59,285
12 November 19 at Denver Broncos L 27–30 4–7 Mile High Stadium 74,681
13 November 27 Oakland Raiders W 12–6 5–7 Jack Murphy Stadium 60,607
14 December 3 Cleveland Browns W 31–13 6–7 Jack Murphy Stadium 56,358
15 December 9 Arizona Cardinals W 28–25 7–7 Jack Murphy Stadium 55,258
16 December 17 at Indianapolis Colts W 27–24 8–7 RCA Dome 55,318
17 December 23 at New York Giants W 27–17 9–7 Giants Stadium 50,243
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

[edit]

Week 1: at Oakland Raiders

[edit]
Week One: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 7 007
Raiders 0 7 10017

at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: September 3
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17.2 °C), relative humidity 83%, wind 11 mph
  • Game attendance: 50,323
  • Referee: Dick Hantak
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dan Hicks and Randy Cross
  • Box score
Game information

San Diego had a 3rd and 13 at the Oakland 38 in the opening quarter, but Humphries' long pass was intercepted at the 1-yard line. The Raiders responded with a 14-play, 99-yard drive that featured 10 runs for 58 yards. Means had a 35-yard carry on the ensuing drive, which ended with Carney's 42-yard field goal miss. San Diego faced a 2nd and 20 on their next drive, but Humphries found Martin for 19 yards and Means converted the third down with a 2-yard run. On the next play, Humphries threw to Jefferson at the goal line for a touchdown. The score was 7–7 at halftime.[4]

Means lost a fumble at his own 33-yard line on the first play of the second half; the Chargers' defense allowed only four yards, and Oakland kicked a field goal. The teams then punted twice each, but Coleman fumbled the last of these at his own 27 and Oakland recovered, setting up a touchdown two plays later. The Chargers reached a 4th and 2 at the Raiders 32 in response, but Humphries threw incomplete on the first play of the 4th quarter. San Diego turned the ball over on downs twice more during the final period.[4]

Jefferson's 120 receiving yards were the most he had during five season in San Diego.[5] The Chargers outgained Oakland by 371 yards to 247, but committed all three of the game's turnovers.[6]

Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks

[edit]
Week Two: Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 0 7 3010
Chargers 7 0 0714

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

San Diego took the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards without having to convert a third down, with Martin's touchdown catch putting them ahead. They later moved from their own 9-yard line to the Seattle 40, but Humphries was intercepted and the Seahawks drove 47 yards the other way for the game-tying score. Seattle threatened to take the lead on their next possession, but Harrison intercepted Rick Mirer on a 3rd and 8 from the San Diego 13-yard line. The score remained 7–7 at halftime.[7]

On the opening possession of the second half, Seattle reached a 3rd and goal from the San Diego 9. Mirer attempted to run the ball in, but was stopped a yard short by Bo Orlando and Glen Young. Following an exchange of punts, Humphries completed all five of his passes and accounted for 52 out of 80 yards on the go-ahead drive, capped by Harmon's touchdown catch with 13:41 to play. The Chargers missed a chance to extend their lead when Martin fumbled after a 24-yard catch to the Seattle 19-yard line. Three plays later, Harrison intercepted Mirer's long pass attempt at the San Diego 15. The Chargers then ran off the last 4:35 of the game, together with three Seahawks timeouts, with Means and Martin picking up two first downs each.[7]

Harrison had the first two interceptions of his career.[8] The Chargesr again comfortably outgained their opponents, this time by 397 yards to 209.[9]

Week 3: at Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]
Week Three: San Diego Chargers at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 17 10027
Eagles 7 7 7021

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Game information

San Diego went three-and-out on each of their first three possessions and already trailed by a touchdown before Means lost a fumble on the first play of their fourth possession. Randall Cunningham threw his second touchdown five plays later, and the Eagles led 14–0. Coleman returned the ensuing kickoff 41 yards to the Philadelphia 49-yard line; Harmon ran for 5 yards on a 3rd and 4, and Humphries found Jefferson for a touchdown on the next play. Shortly before halftime, Martin's 41-yard catch took the Chargers inside the Eagles 10-yard line. Humphries fumbled when sacked on 3rd down, but center Courtney Hall recovered and John Carney kicked a field goal to further narrow the gap. On the first play of the following drive, Calvin Williams fumbled and Junior Seau returned the loose ball 29 yards up the sideline before diving over a tackle for a touchdown and a 17–14 halftime lead.[10]

Philadelphia went three-and-out to start the second half, and Coleman returned a punt 88 yards down the right sideline for another score; he ran his next return back 20 yards to the San Diego 42, eventually leading to a short Carney field goal and a run of twenty-seven unanswered points. Cunningham responded with his 3rd touchdown pass with over a quarter still to play, but the Chargers' defense didn't let the Eagles cross midfield on their final four possessions; a Harrison interception in the final seconds clinched the win.[11]

Coleman returned three kickoffs for 75 yards and four punts for 133 yards and a touchdown.[10] Seau's touchdown was the only one of his 20-year career.[12]

Week 4: vs. Denver Broncos

[edit]
Week Four: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 3 306
Chargers 0 7 01017

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: September 24
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 70 °F (21.1 °C), relative humidity 78%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 58,978
  • Referee: Bob McElwee
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Randy Cross
  • Box score
Game information

Means began the Chargers' second possession with a 26-yard run and Humphries kept it going when he converted a 4th and 1 at the Denver 21 with a quarterback sneak; three plays later, Humphries was intercepted to end the threat. Denver drove 84 yards the other way, settling for a field goal after Harrison tackled Ed McCaffrey a yard short on a 3rd and 4 from the San Diego 8-yard line. The Chargers converted four shorts 3rd downs on the ensuing possession; Means accounted for three of these, including a touchdown on 3rd and goal from the Denver 2. There was no more scoring in the half, which ended with San Diego 7–3 ahead.[13]

Terrance Shaw was flagged for a 34-yard pass interference penalty on the first play of the second half, leading to another Denver field goal. After two punts each, the Chargers had another touchdown drive sustained by four 3rd down conversions; the first three of these were on Humphries passes, then Means again scored on 3rd and goal from the Denver 2-yard line. Martin had a 26-yard catch on 2nd and 16 early in the next Chargers drive, leading to Carney's 45-yard field goal. John Elway led the Broncos to the San Diego 31, but threw four consecutive incompletions to end the final series Denver threat.[13]

Means gained over 100 yards for the third consecutive game, all wins. The Broncos converted 3rd down opportunities only 3 times from 13 attempts, while the Chargers converted 11 of 19.[14]

Week 5: at Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]
Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 6 7316
Steelers 21 10 0031

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

Pittsburgh opened the game with a six-minute touchdown drive. San Diego reached a 2nd and 7 from the Steelers 43 in response, but a Humphries pass was deflected, intercepted by Willie Williams and run back 63 yards for a touchdown. After an exchange of punts, another deflected pass was run back 32 yards by Alvoid Mays for a score; a field goal extended their lead to twenty-four points. Lewis Bush intercepted a Mike Tomczak pass at midfield, starting a drive that Means capped with a 13-yard touchdown run, but Pittsburgh came straight back with an 82-yard touchdown drive and led 31–6 at halftime.[15]

Humphries threw a touchdown on the Chargers' first possession of the second half, and was intercepted again on their second. He completed four consecutive passes for 70 yards late in the 3rd quarter, but was sacked on 2nd and goal from the 3-yard line and the Chargers settled for a field goal. San Diego had a chance to get closer midway through the final quarter, but Martin dropped a potential 47-yard touchdown and Humphries threw his fourth interception three plays later.[15]

This was a rematch of the previous season's AFC championship game, won by San Diego in the same venue. Humphries threw four interceptions in a regular season game for the first time.[16]

Week 6: at Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
Week Six: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Chargers 3 10 010023
Chiefs 0 13 010629

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information

The first quarter saw only one possession each. San Diego opened with a 19-play drive on which Humphries completions converted four 3rd downs; they reached 2nd and goal from the 1 but were pushed when Vaughn Parker was flagged for a false start and Carney made a short field goal. The Chiefs' response took 14 plays and ended with another field goal. A 54-yard kickoff return by Coleman then set up the Chargers for a short touchdown drive capped by Means' 2-yard run. After a Chiefs field goal, Coleman fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Kansas City recovered to set up a 3-play touchdown drive and a three-point lead lead. The Chiefs were in position to add to that advantage shortly before halftime, but on 1st and 10 from the Chargers 18-yard line Steve Bono was sacked by Raylee Johnson and fumbled. Shawn Lee recovered the loose ball with 43 seconds remaining in the half, and Humphries managed to drive the Chargers into range for Carney to tie the score at 13–13 going into halftime.[17]

Tony Martin fumbled away the best scoring chance of the 3rd quarter after catching a 30-yard pass to the Chiefs 11; the next score was a Lin Elliott field goal 13 minutes from time. On the next drive, Humphries ran for 11 yards on 3rd and 9 and converted a 3rd and 1 with a quarterback sneak. He then hit Shawn Jefferson for 45 yards down to the Chiefs 4-yard line and threw the go-ahead touchdown on the following play. After Junior Seau and Dennis Gibson stopped Marcus Allen in mid-flight for no gain on 3rd and 1, Kansas City punted. A 44-yard connection from Humphries to Ronnie Harmon converted a 3rd and 11 and took San Diego into Chiefs territory, but Humphries fell awkwardly on his throwing arm while completing another pass and had to leave the game with a shoulder injury. The Chargers ran the clock down to 1:12 before extending their lead with a field goal, but Bono led a rapid 79-yard drive and found Derrick Walker to tie the game at 23–23 with 15 seconds remaining.[17]

San Diego won the toss in overtime. Gale Gilbert led the team to the edge of field goal range but was sacked by Neil Smith, forcing a punt. The Chiefs also had to kick the ball away, but not until after Lewis Bush had dropped a potential interception at the 22-yard line. Another Smith sack forced the Chargers to go three-and-out; Tamarick Vanover fielded the ensuing punt at his own 14, cut back to the left sideline, broke Bennett's tackle and completed the game-winning return.[18]

It was the first NFL game to be decided by an overtime punt return touchdown, and also the fifth overtime game in the NFL that week, a setting a new record.[18]

Week 7: vs. Dallas Cowboys

[edit]
Week Seven: Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 7 7 6323
Chargers 2 0 709

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

Humphries was out with the shoulder injury he had picked up the previous week, so Gilbert started. He led the Chargers to a first down at the Dallas 34-yard line on the game's opening possession, then threw an interception on the next play after a miscommunication with Jefferson. Dallas took over at their own 7-yard line, but Reuben Davis immediately sacked Troy Aikman in the end zone for a safety. Gilbert was sacked near midfield on the next possession and lost a fumble, setting up a quick touchdown drive for the Cowboys. San Diego were soon threatening again; Gilbert's 41-yard completion to Coleman on 3rd and 26 was the biggest play as they moved from their own 16-yard line to a 2nd and goal from the Dallas 5. Gilbert then threw a wayward pass that was intercepted in the end zone. The Cowboys went three-and-out and San Diego took over near midfield, but Gilbert immediately threw another interception. It was the Chargers' fourth turnover in their first four possessions, and Dallas drove 85 yards to convert it into a touchdown and a 14–2 halftime lead.[19]

Harmon broke away for a 48-yard touchdown early in the second half to cut the deficit to five points. Dallas took eight minutes off the clock on a 14-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. After an exchange of punts, the Chargers reached a 3rd and 12 on the Dallas 37. Gilbert hit Jefferson for an apparent touchdown, but Jefferson had stepped out of bounds before making the catch. San Diego tried to convert on 4th and 12, but could only gain 6 yards and turned the ball over. Dallas added a field goal and the Chargers failed to cross midfield on their final three possessions.[19]

As well as the four turnovers, Gilbert was sacked six times and San Diego committed 9 penalties for 87 yards.[20] The 48-yard run was the longest of Harmon's career.[21]

Week 8: at Seattle Seahawks

[edit]
Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 6 19 01035
Seahawks 7 3 6925

at Kingdome, Seattle, Washington

  • Date: October 22
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: Dome
  • Game attendance: 45,821
  • Referee: Jerry Markbreit
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jim Lampley and Bob Golic
  • Box score
Game information

Gayle made an early interception of Mirer. Humphries had returned to the starting line-up, but was intercepted in turn on the next drive, and Seattle drove 59 yards for the opening touchdown. San Diego faced 4th and 2 from their own 41-yard line on the next series, Fletcher took a direct snap on a fake punt for 46 yards; Humphries found Harmon for a touchdown three plays later. On the next Chargers drive he converted a 4th and 1 with a quarterback sneak, followed up with a 37-yard completion to Martin, and hit Mark Seay for a 2-yard touchdown on 3rd and goal. Shortly afterwards, a 37-yard Bennett punt pinned the Seahawks at their own 1-yard line. Gayle recovered a fumbled snap in the end zone two plays later. After a Seahawks field goal, Means broke off a 36-yard run, then went the final 7 yards to the end zone on the next play; it was 25–10 at the break.[22]

Seattle drove for a touchdown on the first possession of the second half. Late in the 3rd quarter, Harper intercepted Mirer and lateraled to Orlando, who ran the ball back 37 yards to the Seattle 26-yard line. Humphries and Harmon connected for a 23-yard touchdown on 3rd and 18 shortly afterwards. Shaw added a further interception as Seattle were kept at bay in the latter stages.[22]

Leslie O'Neal had four of the Chargers' seven sacks; he had achieved only 2+12 sacks through the previous seven weeks. San Diego converted all three of their 4th down attempts.[23]

Week 10: vs. Miami Dolphins

[edit]
Week Ten: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 0 71024
Chargers 3 0 11014

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

Means was forced out of the game with a groin strain while making a 5-yard catch on the game's opening drive, which ended with a Carney field goal. The Dolphins responded by converting a 4th and 1 en route to Dan Marino's first touchdown pass. Humphries fumbled while being sacked soon afterwards, but Eric Moten recovered the ball at his own 16-yard line. After the Chargers punted, Miami reached a 3rd and goal from the 9, but Seau intercepted Marino near the goal line. Both sides crossed midfield on their next possession, but ended up punting; the score remained 7–3 at halftime.[24]

San Diego went for it on 4th and 1 from the Miami 40-yard line midway through the 3rd quarter. Fletcher was tackled in the vicinity of the first down marker, but drew a face mask penalty to ensure the Chargers converted. Carney kicked his second field goal soon afterwards. Marino's 50-yard completion moved Miami to San Diego's 5-yard line, from where he found Terry Kirby for a touchdown on 3rd and goal. Humphries and Martin combined for 24 yards two plays into the Chargers' response, then connected again for a 50-yard touchdown on 3rd and 8, with Seay's two point conversion catch tying the score. Miami retook the lead on Pete Stoyanovich's field goal in the final quarter. Two plays later, an off-target Humphries pass was tipped by Martin and intercepted by Chris Singleton, setting up a quick Dolphins touchdown drive and a ten-point lead. Humphries' 33-yard pass to Seay moved the Chargers across midfield, but Pupunu lost a fumble at the Miami 5-yard line soon afterwards. The Dolphins then converted three 3rd downs to run the final 4:49 off the clock.[24]

San Diego had knocked Miami out of the previous postseason at the same venue. With Means out of the game, Ronnie Harmon rushed for 52 yards while catching passes for a further 54.[25]

Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
Week Eleven: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 7 6 6322
Chargers 7 0 007

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: November 12
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17.2 °C), relative humidity 87%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 59,285
  • Referee: Gordon McCarter
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Randy Cross
  • Box score
Game information

The Chiefs opened the scoring with a touchdown midway through the opening quarter. San Diego tied the score on an 80-yard drive; Humphries found Harmon for 31 yards, the officials missed Duane Young fumbling at the Kansas City 4-yard line, and Rodney Culver scored two plays later. After Kansas City moved back ahead with a pair of field goals, Harmon's 22-yard catch moved the Chargers across midfield. That drive ended with Carney missing a 45-yard field goal attempt, and the Chiefs led 13–7 at halftime.[26]

Culver was stopped on a 3rd and 1 from the Kansas City 44 early in the 3rd quarter, leading to a punt. Kansas City then drove 82 yard to Marcus Allen's short touchdown run. The next two San Diego drives were stopped by 3rd down sacks of Humphries. After the Chiefs added a field goal, the final serious Charger threat ended when Humphries threw four consecutive incompletions from the Kansas City 45-yard line.[26]

San Diego lost comfortably despite only being outgained by three yards (286 to 283) and outproduced by two first down (19 to 17); the Chiefs possessed the ball for over 35 minutes.[27]

Week 12: at Denver Broncos

[edit]
Week Twelve: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 3 31427
Broncos 21 6 0330

at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: November 19
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 48 °F (8.9 °C), relative humidity 33%, wind 10 mph
  • Game attendance: 74,681
  • Referee: Gerald Austin
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Randy Cross
  • Box score
Game information

San Diego gave up an 86-yard return on the opening kickoff, and Denver scored their first touchdown three plays later. After a San Diego three-and-out, Denver took over at their own 4-yard line; Elway led a rapid 96-yard drive with completions of 40 and 34 yards, the latter for a touchdown. A further Chargers punt was followed by a third Denver touchdown and a 21–0 lead with four seconds remaining in the quarter. Coleman ran the ensuing kickoff back 91 yards for a touchdown to put San Diego on the board. The Broncos were close to a further touchdown, but the drive stalled at the San Diego 2-yard line and they settled for a short field goal. A Harrison interception set San Diego up at the Denver 23, leading to a Carney field goal, but Denver responded with their own field goal and led 27–10 at halftime.[28]

Seau intercepted Elway early in the 3rd quarter, setting up another field goal drive. The Broncos had a chance to lead by seventeen points again with three minutes left in the quarter, but missed a 46-yard field goal. Humphries completed all four of his pass attempts on the ensuing drive, connecting with four different receivers for 51 yards and a touchdown to Harmon. After a Denver three-and-out, Humphries again completed four passes out of four, this time covering 60 yards and setting up Culver's game-tying touchdown. The teams exchanged punts, and Denver took over on their 33-yard line with 3:43 to play. Rookie running back Terrell Davis carried the ball on six consecutive plays for 53 yards, setting up the game-winning field goal with two seconds remaining.[28]

It was the Chargers' sixth loss in seven games.[29] Denver outgained them by 463 yards to 269; it was the most yards the San Diego defense gave up all season.[30]

Week 13: vs. Oakland Raiders

[edit]
Week Thirteen: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Raiders 3 0 036
Chargers 0 6 3312

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: November 27
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 61 °F (16.1 °C), relative humidity 74%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 60,607
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels, Frank Gifford and Dan Dierdorf
  • Box score
Game information

Oakland opened the scoring with a field goal on their opening drive. Jefferson's 35-yard catch had San Diego in at the Raiders 44-yard line in response, but they progressed no further and punted. Hayden's 13-yard carry opened their next drive, which covered 51 yards ended with Carney's first field goal. The next time they had the ball, Humphries converted a pair of 3rd downs before his 15-yard pass to Harmon on 3rd and 16 moved the ball to the Oakland 6-yard line. Rather than going for it on 4th down, Ross opted for a short field goal which Carney converted. Carney had a further chance as time expired in the half, but missed from 51 yards out and the score remained at 6–3.[31]

The Raiders reached a 2nd and 4 at the San Diego 20, but Dwayne Harper intercepted Vince Evans to end the threat. Starting from his own 11, Humphries converted three 3rd downs with a trio of completions to Harmon and one more to Jefferson at the Oakland 7-yard line. Humphries was sacked on the next play, and San Diego eventually settled for another field goal. Harper intercepted Evans again two plays later, setting up his offense at the Raiders 33; Humphries was sacked on 3rd down, and the Chargers punted. Oakland running back Harvey Williams broke away for a 60-yard run to the San Diego 33-yard line, with Harper making a touchdown-saving tackle. The Raiders eventually settled for their second field goal. Mims sacked Evans the next time Oakland had the ball, forcing a fumble that he recovered himself at the Raiders 27-yard line. San Diego failed to gain a first down, but Carney hit the final field goal of the day with four minutes left. Needing a touchdown to take the lead, Oakland failed on a 4th and 7 from their own 43. They had one more chance, but got only as far as their own 18 before Harper's third interception clinched the win with 56 seconds to play.[31]

As of 2025, Harper's three interceptions remain tied for the most in Chargers history.[32] Oakland had entered the game with an 8–3 record, four games ahead of the Chargers.[33]

Week 14: vs. Cleveland Browns

[edit]
Week Fourteen: Cleveland Browns at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 3 7313
Chargers 7 10 01431

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

The Chargers benefitted from a Cleveland fumble on the opening kickoff, leaving them to drive only 23 yards for Hayden's opening touchdown. They began their next drive at their own 4-yard line, converting three 3rd downs on a 17-play drive that ended with Carney's 31-yard field goal. After an exchange of punts, the Browns got on the scoreboard with a field goal. Humphries found Martin for 29 yards on the first play of the Chargers' response; he later converted a 3rd and 1 from the Browns 2-yard line with a quarterback sneak, and Hayden scored again on the next play. Cleveland reached their own 49 late in the half, but were stopped by Willie Clark's interception, and San Diego led 17–3 at the interval.[34]

The Browns halved their deficit the first time they had the ball in the second half; Vinny Testaverde converted a 4th and 1 at his own 41 with a quarterback sneak and finished the drive with a touchdown to Michael Jackson. After two punts each, the Chargers again began a drive at their own 4-yard line. Humphries completed all six of his passes on the ensuing possession, covering 78 of the drive's 96 yards; his 25-yard touchdown to Martin came on a 3rd and 4. The next time San Diego had the ball, Humphries converted 3rd downs with passes to Martin and Harmon and Fletcher ran 16 yards for the final Chargers touchdown.[34]

San Diego rushed for a season-high total of 186 yards, having failed to gain as many as 80 in the four games since Means was injured. By contrast, Cleveland ran for only 26 yards.[30] Hayden's 127 rushing yards was a new single-game high by an individual Charger that season.[35]

Week 15: vs. Arizona Cardinals

[edit]
Week Fifteen: Arizona Cardinals at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 14 3825
Chargers 0 14 14028

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 9
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 60 °F (15.6 °C), relative humidity 85%, wind 7 mph
  • Game attendance: 55,258
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (FOX): Terry Bradshaw and Jimmy Johnson
  • Box score
Game information

Culver was stopped on a 4th and 1 near midfield in the opening quarter, but the Cardinals missed a field goal and San Diego scored on their next drive; Seay caught a 15-yard touchdown on 3rd and 9. The Chargers committed three turnovers in the 2nd quarter: Martin's fumble set up a 40-yard touchdown drive for Arizona, Humphries was intercepted but the Chargers defense forced a punt, then another Humphries interception was run in for a touchdown by Clyde Simmons with 2:21 to play in the half. Humphries passed on all 12 plays on the next drive, converting a 4th and 10 from the Cardinals 38 with a 23-yard completion to Seay and finding Harmon for the touchdown three plays later. The teams entered halftime tied at 14–14.[36]

Coleman put the Chargers ahead to stay when he ran the second half kickoff back 92 yard for a touchdown. On their first offensive series of the half, Humphries and Martin connected for 6 yards on a 3rd and 5, then threw a 38-yard touchdown to Coleman on the next play. Harper recovered a fumble near his own goal line soon afterwards. Another Humphries interception set up an Arizona field goal, and a fourth ended a drive that was at midfield. The Chargers had their sixth turnover with 5:21 to play when Gilbert fumbled on a fake field goal attempt. Dave Krieg led Arizona 67 yards the other way for his second touchdown pass, which came on 4th and 10, and added a two-point conversion to reduce their deficit to three. Seau recovered an onside kick attempt, then Hayden ran for 12 yards to ensure San Diego could run the clock out.[36]

O'Neal had three of the Chargers' five sacks. The win, coupled with other results that weekend, meant San Diego could be sure of making the playoffs with victories in their following two games.[37]

Week 16: at Indianapolis Colts

[edit]
Week Sixteen: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 0 71327
Colts 3 7 01424

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: December 17
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Dome
  • Game attendance: 55,318
  • Referee: Gary Lane
  • TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui and Beasley Reece
  • Box score
Game information

After the Colts opened the scoring with a field goal, Coleman ran the ensuing kickoff back 47 yards to his own 48. San Diego gained one first down, then were pushed back by a pair of penalties and faced 3rd and 20 from their own 49; Humphries found Martin behind the defense for a 51-yard touchdown. Carney missed a 51-yard field goal that could have extended the lead. Indianapolis also missed a field goal, before Jim Harbaugh converted a trio of 3rd downs and put them ahead 10–7 with a touchdown pass. That remained the halftime score after Carney failed from 39 yards with seconds remaining.[38]

Coleman's 29-yard punt return set his offense up at the Colts 29-yard midway through the 3rd quarter; Humphries converted a 3rd and 7 with an 8-yard pass to Martin and scored himself with a quarterback sneak on 3rd and goal from the 1. Following an Indianapolis field goal, Martin beat the Colts defense for another long touchdown, but the Colts came straight back with a touchdown and two-point conversion to tie the score. Humphries was intercepted by Quentin Coryatt on the next play, but Willie Clark intercepted Harbaugh three plays later, and San Diego put together a 47-yard drive capped by Carney's first field goal with 1:59 left. The Colts reached the San Diego 33-yard line before Harbaugh threw three incompletions and they had to settle for a game-tying field goal with 48 seconds left. A 26-yard Humphries-to-Pupunu completion then moved the ball to the Colts' 49, before Coryatt dropped another potential interception. Humphries found Harmon for 17 yards on the next play; after a Hayden run netted 7 yards, Carney's winning kick came from 43 yards out with three seconds remaining.[39]

Martin had 168 receiving yards while no other Chargers wide receiver had more than 9. Both teams were heavily flagged, with San Diego committing 10 penalties for 99 yards and Indianapolis 9 for 103 yards.[38]

Week 17: at New York Giants

[edit]
Week Seventeen: San Diego Chargers at New York Giants – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 3 71727
Giants 3 14 0017

at Giants Stadium, New York, New York

Game information

Humphries was knocked out of the game with a neck injury on the Chargers' second offensive series, by which time they were already trailing to a field goal. Gilbert replaced him for the rest of the game. Coleman fumbled a punt early in the 2nd quarter, leading to a Giants touchdown five plays later. The Chargers also benefitted from a fumbled punt later in the quarter, with Fletcher recovering at the New York 16-yard line to set up Carney's 30-yard field goal. The Giants used up most of the half's final seven minutes on a 13-play touchdown drive and led 17–3 at the interval.[40]

Seau recovered a fumble on the third play of the second half; Culver converted a 4th and 1 before Aaron Hayden scored two plays later. New York had a chance to add to their lead, but Brad Daluiso missed a 42-yard field goal. In the final quarter, Gilbert converted a 4th and 6 with a 13-yard completion to Martin and Culver ran in the game-tying touchdown on 4th and 2 from the 8. The Giants quickly moved into position to respond, but on 2nd and goal from the 12 Seau hit Dave Brown as he threw, and the ball looped up to be intercepted by Shaun Gayle at the 1 yard line; he returned it 99 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. Shortly afterwards, O'Neal forced a fumble, Bush recovered, and Carney clinched the win with a 45-yard field goal.[40]

Throughout the game, New York fans threw snowballs onto the field with such frequency that game officials threatened to stop play and award San Diego the victory. By winning, San Diego clinched a wild card spot in the playoffs.[41]

Standings

[edit]
AFC West
W L T PCT PF PA STK
(1) Kansas City Chiefs 13 3 0 .813 358 241 W2
(4) San Diego Chargers 9 7 0 .563 321 323 W5
Seattle Seahawks 8 8 0 .500 363 366 L1
Denver Broncos 8 8 0 .500 388 345 W1
Oakland Raiders 8 8 0 .500 348 332 L6

Postseason

[edit]
Round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue Attendance Recap
Wildcard December 31 Indianapolis Colts (5) L 20–35 0–1 Jack Murphy Stadium 61,182 Recap

Game summaries

[edit]

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: vs. Indianapolis Colts

[edit]
AFC Wild Card Playoffs: (#5) Indianapolis Colts at (#4) San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 14 71435
Chargers 3 7 7320

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego

Game information

Humphries returned from his injury and ran 10 yards to convert a 3rd and 6 on the Chargers' first possession; that drive ended with Carney's 54-yard field goal. San Diego forced a punt, but Humphries was intercepted on the next play, setting up Indianapolis at the San Diego 33-yard line. They moved to a 2nd and 10 from the 22 before Seau made an interception at his own 1. The Chargers could gain only 7 yards before punting, and Ray Buchanan's 46-yard return set the Colts up at the Chargers 27-yard line; Harbaugh's first touchdown came on 3rd and goal from the 2. San Diego responded with an 18-play, 68-yard drive in which they converted six separate 3rd down situations. Humphries converted one with a quarterback sneak and five with passes: three to Harmon, one to Martin and one to Pupunu for the touchdown. Indianapolis retook the lead with Zack Crockett's first touchdown run, 1:47 before halftime. Humphries led San Diego from their own 10-yard line to the Colts 17, but his pass to the end zone was deflected and intercepted with 17 seconds left, and Indianapolis remained 14–10 up at the break.[42]

Both teams punted to start the second half, then the Chargers went 90 yards to retake the lead: Hayden converted a 3rd and 1, Humphries and Pupunu combined to convert a 3rd and 5, and Jefferson scored with an 11-yard catch. The Colts again responded on the following drive, with Harbaugh's second touchdown covering 42 yards on 3rd and 7. Fletcher and Hayden ran for gains of 20 and 15 yards back to back as the Chargers drove into Colts territory, but the drive broke down at the 12-yard line and they took and field goal to draw within a point. The Colts pulled away after that: Crockett broke away for his second touchdown on the next play after eluding O'Neal near the line of scrimmage, Humphries was intercepted, and Harbaugh ran in a touchdown. Humphries was intercepted for a fourth time as San Diego tried to make a comeback.[42]

Crockett replaced an injured Marshall Faulk during the game—he ran for 147 yards after gaining none in the regular season.. The Chargers outgained Indianapolis by 429 yards to 333, but committed four of the game's five turnovers.[43]

References

[edit]
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