1971 San Diego Chargers season

1971 San Diego Chargers season
1971 San Diego Chargers season
Owner	Eugene V. Klein
General manager	Harland Svare
Head coach	Sid Gillman (games 1-10); Harland Svare (games 11-14)
Home stadium	San Diego Stadium
Results
Record	6–8
Division place	3rd AFC West
Playoffs	Did not qualify
All-Pros	None
Pro Bowlers	2 WR Gary Garrison; G Walt Sweeney;

The 1971 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's second season in the National Football League (NFL), and its 12th overall. The team improved on their 5–6–3 record in 1970. It was Harland Svare's first season as the team's head coach. After a 1–4 start, the Chargers would slightly improve, winning 3 of their next 4 games. However, they would lose 3 of their final 5 games en route to a 6–8 finish. The only bright spot was quarterback John Hadl who completed 233 passes out of 431 attempts for 3,075 yards and 21 touchdowns and won the NFL Man of the Year award as well as leading the league in both passing yards and touchdown passes.

Offseason

NFL draft

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College
1971 San Diego Chargers draft
1	13	Leon Burns	Running back	Long Beach State
3	65	Mike Montgomery	Running back	Kansas State
5	115	Bryant Salter	Safety	Pittsburgh
5	117	Ray White	Linebacker	Syracuse
5	119	Phil Asack	Defensive end	Duke
6	143	Jacob Mayes	Running back	Tennessee State
7	169	Chuck Dicus	Wide receiver	Arkansas
8	195	Leon Van Gorkum	Defensive end	San Diego State
9	221	John Tanner	Linebacker	Tennessee Tech
10	247	Gary Nowak	Linebacker	Michigan State
11	273	Don Pinson	Defensive back	Tennessee State
12	299	Wes Garnett	Wide receiver	Utah State
13	325	Sammy Milner	Wide receiver	Mississippi State
14	351	Edward O'Daniel	Defensive end	Texas Southern
15	377	Eric Humston	Linebacker	Muskingum
16	403	Ed Foote	Center	Hawaii
17	429	Chip Kell	Center	Tennessee
Made roster * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Roster

**1971 San Diego Chargers roster**
Quarterbacks (QB) 14 Marty Domres 21 John Hadl Running backs (RB) 38 Leon Burns 20 Mike Garrett 23 Mike Montgomery 22 Dickie Post 47 Jeff Queen FB 36 Eddie Ray Wide receivers (WR) 28 Chuck Dicus 27 Gary Garrison 84 Walker Gillette 25 Jerry LeVias 32 Billy Parks Tight ends (TE) 88 Pettis Norman 89 Art Strozier		Offensive linemen (OL) 69 Ira Gordon G 58 Harris Jones G 55 Carl Mauck C 76 Terry Owens T 57 Jack Porter C 78 Walt Sweeney G 70 Russ Washington T 63 Doug Wilkerson G Defensive linemen (DL) 82 Steve DeLong DE 77 Ron East DT 86 Wes Grant DE 80 Kevin Hardy DT 75 Gary Nowak DT 79 Andy Rice DE 85 John Tanner 73 Lee Thomas DE 87 Tom Williams DE		Linebackers (LB) 60 Bob Babich 59 Pete Barnes 56 Bob Bruggers 66 Rick Redman 53 Mel Rogers 81 Jeff Staggs 55 Ray White Defensive backs (DB) 40 Joe Beauchamp CB 35 Chuck Detwiler 44 Chris Fletcher FS 39 Jim Hill SS 24 Bob Howard CB 30 Bryant Salter SS 43 Jim Tolbert SS Special teams (ST) 29 Dennis Partee K/P		Reserve {{{Reserve Lists}}} Rookies in italics

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue
1	August 7	Washington Redskins	W 19–10	1–0	San Diego Stadium
2	August 14	Minnesota Vikings	L 7–34	1–1	San Diego Stadium
3	August 22	at San Francisco 49ers	L 17–28	1–2	Candlestick Park
4	August 28	New Orleans Saints	W 22–7	2–2	San Diego Stadium
5	September 3	at Los Angeles Rams	W 20–14	3–2	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
6	September 11	Atlanta Falcons	W 21–14	4–2	San Diego Stadium

^[1]

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	Recap
1	September 19	Kansas City Chiefs	W 21–14	1–0	San Diego Stadium	54,061	Recap
2	September 26	Oakland Raiders	L 0–34	1–1	San Diego Stadium	54,084	Recap
3	October 3	at Pittsburgh Steelers	L 17–21	1–2	Three Rivers Stadium	44,339	Recap
4	October 10	at Kansas City Chiefs	L 10–31	1–3	Municipal Stadium	50,514	Recap
5	October 17	at Denver Broncos	L 16–20	1–4	Mile High Stadium	51,200	Recap
6	October 23	Buffalo Bills	W 20–3	2–4	San Diego Stadium	49,261	Recap
7	October 31	New York Jets	W 49–21	3–4	San Diego Stadium	44,786	Recap
8	November 7	at New York Giants	L 17–35	3–5	Yankee Stadium	62,905	Recap
9	November 15	St. Louis Cardinals	W 20–17	4–5	San Diego Stadium	46,486	Recap
10	November 21	at Oakland Raiders	L 33–34	4–6	Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum	54,681	Recap
11	November 28	at Cincinnati Bengals	L 0–31	4–7	Riverfront Stadium	59,580	Recap
12	December 5	Minnesota Vikings	W 30–14	5–7	San Diego Stadium	54,505	Recap
13	December 12	Denver Broncos	W 45–17	6–7	San Diego Stadium	44,347	Recap
14	December 19	at Houston Oilers	L 33–49	6–8	Houston Astrodome	35,959	Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week One: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	7	7	0	0	14
Chargers	0	0	7	14	21

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: September 19
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
Game weather: 73 °F (22.8 °C), relative humidity 74%, wind 12 mph
Game attendance: 54,061
Referee: Ben Dreith
Box score

Game information

First quarter

KAN – Warren McVea 6-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 8:29. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 1:36.

Second quarter

KAN – Ed Podolak 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 14:10. Chiefs 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:12.

Third quarter

SDG – Mike Montgomery 39-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 4:04. Chiefs 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 2:56.

Fourth quarter

SDG – Jerry LeVias 37-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 9:34. Tied 14–14. Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 1:01.
SDG – Mike Garrett 26-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 5:20. Chargers 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:17.

Top passers

KAN – Len Dawson – 11/22, 152 yards, 2 INT
SDG – John Hadl – 17/37, 260 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

KAN – Ed Podolak – 17 rushes, 65 yards, TD
SDG – Mike Garrett – 15 rushes, 59 yards, TD

Top receivers

KAN – Otis Taylor – 3 receptions, 76 yards
SDG – Gary Garrison – 4 receptions, 72 yards

Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week Two: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	3	3	14	14	34
Chargers	0	0	0	0	0

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: September 26
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
Game weather: 68 °F (20.0 °C), relative humidity 57%, wind 11 mph
Game attendance: 54,084
Referee: Jack Vest
Box score

Game information

First quarter

OAK – George Blanda 37-yard field goal, 4:26. Raiders 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:29.

Second quarter

OAK – George Blanda 42-yard field goal, 5:01. Raiders 6–0. Drive: 7 plays, 27 yards, 2:37.

Third quarter

OAK – Fred Biletnikoff 36-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick), 7:55. Raiders 13–0. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 4:48.
OAK – Clarence Davis 2-yard run (George Blanda kick), 0:10. Raiders 20–0. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:44.

Fourth quarter

OAK – Fred Biletnikoff 13-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick), 4:27. Raiders 27–0. Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards, 4:32.
OAK – Ken Stabler 1-yard run (George Blanda kick), 0:21. Raiders 34–0. Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 2:10.

Top passers

OAK – Daryle Lamonica – 11/17, 162 yards, 2 TD
SDG – John Hadl – 14/29, 174 yards, 5 INT

Top rushers

OAK – Clarence Davis – 9 rushes, 75 yards, TD
SDG – Jeff Queen – 9 rushes, 31 yards

Top receivers

OAK – Fred Biletnikoff – 5 receptions, 93 yards, 2 TD
SDG – Billy Parks – 5 receptions, 70 yards

Week 3: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Three: San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	3	7	7	0	17
Steelers	7	0	7	7	21

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Date: October 3
Game time: 1:10 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 68 °F (20.0 °C), relative humidity 82%, wind 7 mph
Game attendance: 44,339
Referee: Jim Tunney
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SDG – Dennis Partee 21-yard field goal, 6:26. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards.
PIT – John Fuqua 5-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 4:15. Steelers 7–3. Drive: 1 play, 5 yards.

Second quarter

SDG – Billy Parks 16-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 4:19. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:02.

Third quarter

PIT – John Fuqua 1-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 8:47. Steelers 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 22 yards, 1:31.
SDG – Mike Garrett 4-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 2:09. Chargers 17–14. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:38.

Fourth quarter

PIT – Terry Bradshaw 5-yard run (Roy Gerela kick), 12:02. Steelers 21–17. Drive: 13 plays, 82 yards, 5:07.

Top passers

SDG – John Hadl – 25/36, 283 yards, TD, 2 INT
PIT – Terry Bradshaw – 15/24, 175 yards

Top rushers

SDG – Mike Garrett – 12 rushes, 72 yards, TD
PIT – John Fuqua – 15 rushes, 60 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

SDG – Billy Parks – 8 receptions, 111 yards, TD
PIT – John Fuqua – 5 receptions, 53 yards

Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week Four: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	3	7	0	0	10
Chiefs	0	10	7	14	31

at Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Date: October 10
Game time: 1:05 p.m. CDT
Game weather: 53 °F (11.7 °C), relative humidity 53%, wind 10 mph
Game attendance: 50,514
Referee: Jack Reader
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SDG – Dennis Partee 43-yard field goal, 9:58. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 29 yards.

Second quarter

SDG – Mike Garrett 3-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 14:15. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards.
KAN – Jim Otis 3-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick), 6:24. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards.
KAN – Jan Stenerud 29-yard field goal, 1:13. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 1:52.

Third quarter

KAN – Otis Taylor 3-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick), 4:23. Chargers 17–10. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 3:23.

Fourth quarter

KAN – Warren McVea 15-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 11:15. Chargers 24–10. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:24.
KAN – Ed Podolak 7-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick), 0:16. Chargers 31–10. Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 8:28.

Top passers

SDG – John Hadl – 12/23, 125 yards, TD, 2 INT
KAN – Len Dawson – 16/23, 188 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

SDG – Mike Garrett – 7 rushes, 44 yards
KAN – Wendell Hayes – 11 rushes, 80 yards

Top receivers

SDG – Billy Parks – 2 receptions, 36 yards
SDG – Gary Garrison – 1 reception, 36 yards
KAN – Otis Taylor – 6 receptions, 97 yards, TD

Week 5: at Denver Broncos

Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	3	3	7	3	16
Broncos	7	13	0	0	20

at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado

Date: October 17
Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
Game weather: 50 °F (10.0 °C), relative humidity 90%, wind 9 mph
Game attendance: 51,200
Referee: Dick Jorgensen
Box score

Game information

First quarter

DEN – Bobby Anderson 1-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 11:58. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 3 yards.
SDG – Dennis Partee 41-yard field goal, 9:15. Broncos 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:43.

Second quarter

DEN – Jim Turner 49-yard field goal, 14:55. Broncos 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 5:07.
SDG – Dennis Partee 20-yard field goal, 11:20. Broncos 10–6. Drive: 10 plays, 36 yards, 3:35.
DEN – Floyd Little 2-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 3:54. Broncos 17–6. Drive: 12 plays, 83 yards, 7:26.
DEN – Jim Turner 10-yard field goal, 0:18. Broncos 20–6. Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, 0:39.

Third quarter

SDG – Gary Garrison 21-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 0:53. Broncos 20–13. Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards.

Fourth quarter

SDG – Dennis Partee 35-yard field goal, 13:48. Broncos 20–16. Drive: 5 plays, -2 yards, 1:19.

Top passers

SDG – John Hadl – 18/44, 236 yards, TD, INT
DEN – Don Horn – 7/17, 71 yards, INT

Top rushers

SDG – Billy Parks – 1 rush, 54 yards
DEN – Bobby Anderson – 25 rushes, 106 yards, TD

Top receivers

SDG – Gary Garrison – 4 receptions, 105 yards, TD
DEN – Bobby Anderson – 3 receptions, 43 yards

Week 6: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week Six: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	0	0	3	0	3
Chargers	7	3	3	7	20

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: October 23
Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT
Game weather: 64 °F (17.8 °C), relative humidity 78%, wind 7 mph
Game attendance: 49,261
Referee: Bernie Ulman
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SDG – Billy Parks 56-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 9:51. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:37.

Second quarter

SDG – Dennis Partee 9-yard field goal, 4:13. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 15 plays, 70 yards, 7:28.

Third quarter

BUF – Grant Guthrie 36-yard field goal, 9:31. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:27.
SDG – Dennis Partee 10-yard field goal, 6:31. Chargers 13–3. Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 3:00.

Fourth quarter

SDG – Billy Parks 12-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 2:27. Chargers 20–3. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 3:14.

Top passers

BUF – James Harris – 4/8, 36 yards, INT
SDG – John Hadl – 14/28, 215 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

BUF – O. J. Simpson – 18 rushes, 106 yards
SDG – Mike Garrett – 19 rushes, 94 yards

Top receivers

BUF – Ike Hill – 2 receptions, 20 yards
SDG – Gary Garrison – 4 receptions, 106 yards

Week 7: vs. New York Jets

Week Seven: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	7	7	7	0	21
Chargers	0	21	7	21	49

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: October 31
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 57 °F (13.9 °C), relative humidity 54%, wind 10 mph
Game attendance: 44,786
Referee: Fred Wyant
Box score

Game information

First quarter

NYJ – Rich Caster 23-yard pass from Bob Davis (Bobby Howfield kick), 6:59. Jets 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 35 yards, 0:57.

Second quarter

SDG – John Hadl 2-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 10:32. Tied 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 93 yards, 6:09.
NYJ – John Riggins 31-yard pass from Bob Davis (Bobby Howfield kick), 5:59. Jets 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:33.
SDG – Mike Montgomery 37-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 2:45. Tied 14–14. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:32.
SDG – Billy Parks 17-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 0:26. Chargers 21–14. Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 0:24.

Third quarter

NYJ – Emerson Boozer 6-yard run (Ralph Baker pass from Bob Davis), 12:52. Tied 21–21. Drive: 3 plays, 18 yards, 1:35.
SDG – Gary Garrison 49-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 9:44. Chargers 28–21. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:08.

Fourth quarter

SDG – Mike Montgomery 13-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 10:57. Chargers 35–21. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:52.
SDG – Pettis Norman 21-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 9:10. Chargers 42–21. Drive: 2 plays, 21 yards, 0:17.
SDG – Chris Fletcher 36-yard interception return (Dennis Partee kick), 3:30. Chargers 49–21.

Top passers

NYJ – Bob Davis – 8/18, 83 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
SDG – John Hadl – 19/27, 358 yards, 4 TD, INT

Top rushers

NYJ – John Riggins – 10 rushes, 63 yards
SDG – Mike Garrett – 9 rushes, 55 yards

Top receivers

NYJ – Rich Caster – 4 receptions, 53 yards, TD
SDG – Gary Garrison – 6 receptions, 162 yards, TD

Week 8: at New York Giants

Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at New York Giants – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	3	14	0	17
Giants	7	14	0	14	35

at Yankee Stadium, New York, New York

Date: November 7
Game time: 1:07 p.m. EST
Game weather: 53 °F (11.7 °C), relative humidity 69%, wind 19 mph
Game attendance: 62,905
Referee: Norm Schachter
Box score

Game information

First quarter

NYG – Ron Johnson 1-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 0:47. Giants 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 8:09.

Second quarter

NYG – Charlie Evans 9-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 9:54. Giants 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 3:44.
NYG – Rich Kotite 43-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Pete Gogolak kick), 1:10. Giants 21–0. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:34.
SDG – Dennis Partee 28-yard field goal, 0:02. Giants 21–3. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 1:08.

Third quarter

SDG – Gary Garrison 7-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 7:14. Giants 21–10. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 6:31.
SDG – Gary Garrison 21-yard pass from Mike Montgomery (Dennis Partee kick), 4:02. Giants 21–17. Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 1:10.

Fourth quarter

NYG – Charlie Evans 1-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 14:58. Giants 28–17. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 4:04.
NYG – Charlie Evans 1-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 0:55. Giants 35–17. Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards, 4:24.

Top passers

SDG – John Hadl – 16/31, 194 yards, TD, 2 INT
NYG – Fran Tarkenton – 16/20, 83 yards, TD

Top rushers

SDG – Mike Garrett – 6 rushes, 45 yards
NYG – Ron Johnson – 12 rushes, 67 yards, TD

Top receivers

SDG – Jeff Queen – 5 receptions, 85 yards
NYG – Coleman Zeno – 4 receptions, 90 yards

Week 9: vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Week Nine: St. Louis Cardinals at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	7	3	0	7	17
Chargers	0	3	7	10	20

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: November 15
Game time: 6:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 57 °F (13.9 °C), relative humidity 66%, wind 9 mph
Game attendance: 46,486
Referee: John McDonough
Box score

Game information

First quarter

STL – Jim McFarland 3-yard pass from Jim Hart (Jim Bakken kick), 2:49. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:36.

Second quarter

SDG – Dennis Partee 25-yard field goal, 13:36. Cardinals 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:11.
STL – Jim Bakken 13-yard field goal, 0:30. Cardinals 10–3. Drive: 14 plays, 72 yards, 4:28.

Third quarter

SDG – Jeff Queen 4-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 5:32. Tied 10–10. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 4:52.

Fourth quarter

SDG – Jeff Queen 4-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 3:16. Chargers 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 5:36.
STL – Cid Edwards 1-yard run (Jim Bakken kick), 0:17. Tied 17–17. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 1:08.
SDG – Dennis Partee 45-yard field goal, 0:00. Chargers 20–17. Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards, 0:16.

Top passers

STL – Jim Hart – 17/35, 214 yards, TD, 3 INT
SDG – John Hadl – 20/28, 216 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

STL – MacArthur Lane – 18 rushes, 82 yards
SDG – Mike Montgomery – 17 rushes, 98 yards

Top receivers

STL – John Gilliam – 5 receptions, 76 yards
SDG – Mike Montgomery – 6 receptions, 77 yards

Week 10: at Oakland Raiders

Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	10	14	0	9	33
Raiders	3	7	14	10	34

at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Date: November 21
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 50 °F (10.0 °C), relative humidity 65%, wind 7 mph
Game attendance: 54,681
Referee: Jim Tunney
Box score

Game information

First quarter

OAK – George Blanda 34-yard field goal, 7:42. Raiders 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 51 yards, 7:18.
SDG – Dennis Partee 14-yard field goal, 2:01. Tied 3–3. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 5:41.
SDG – Jeff Queen 2-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 0:09. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 14 yards, 1:39.

Second quarter

SDG – Mike Garrett 11-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 5:43. Chargers 17–3. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:53.
OAK – Raymond Chester 16-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick), 4:48. Chargers 17–10. Drive: 3 plays, 61 yards, 0:55.
SDG – Mike Garrett 18-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 1:10. Chargers 24–10. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:38.

Third quarter

OAK – Raymond Chester 13-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick), 11:37. Chargers 24–17. Drive: 5 plays, 46 yards, 2:02.
OAK – Pete Banaszak 2-yard run (George Blanda kick), 2:10. Tied 24–24. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 4:52.

Fourth quarter

OAK – George Blanda 40-yard field goal, 11:05. Raiders 27–24. Drive: 9 plays, 28 yards, 3:55.
OAK – Rod Sherman 32-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick), 6:49. Raiders 34–24. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 3:29.
SDG – Walker Gillette 15-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 3:08. Raiders 34–31. Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 3:30.
SDG – Safety, Ray White tackled Jerry DePoyster in end zone, 0:00. Raiders 34–33.

Top passers

SDG – John Hadl – 20/36, 321 yards, 2 TD, INT
OAK – Daryle Lamonica – 16/26, 190 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

SDG – Mike Garrett – 13 rushes, 63 yards, TD
OAK – Pete Banaszak – 10 rushes, 50 yards, TD

Top receivers

SDG – Mike Garrett – 4 receptions, 81 yards, TD
OAK – Fred Biletnikoff – 7 receptions, 80 yards

Week 11: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week Eleven: San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	0	0	0	0
Bengals	7	14	7	3	31

at Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Date: November 28
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: 36 °F (2.2 °C), relative humidity 80%, wind 10 mph, wind chill 29
Game attendance: 59,580
Referee: Bob Frederic
Box score

Game information

First quarter

CIN – Fred Willis 2-yard run (Horst Muhlmann kick), 5:41. Bengals 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:22.

Second quarter

CIN – Bob Trumpy 10-yard pass from Virgil Carter (Horst Muhlmann kick), 11:57. Bengals 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 3:05.
CIN – Al Beauchamp 18-yard interception return (Horst Muhlmann kick), 3:42. Bengals 21–0.

Third quarter

CIN – Fred Willis 3-yard run (Horst Muhlmann kick), 1:59. Bengals 28–0. Drive: 17 plays, 86 yards, 9:21.

Fourth quarter

CIN – Horst Muhlmann 40-yard field goal, 13:06. Bengals 31–0. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:22.

Top passers

SDG – John Hadl – 5/18, 49 yards, 4 INT
CIN – Virgil Carter – 19/24, 174 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

SDG – Mike Montgomery – 7 rushes, 30 yards
CIN – Fred Willis – 2 rushes, 90 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

SDG – Pettis Norman – 1 reception, 28 yards
CIN – Bruce Coslet – 5 receptions, 62 yards

Week 12: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week Twelve: Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	7	0	0	14
Chargers	7	3	0	20	30

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: December 5
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 55 °F (12.8 °C), relative humidity 45%, wind 8 mph
Game attendance: 54,505
Referee: Jack Reader
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SDG – Gary Garrison 5-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 7:46. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 71 yards, 7:14.
MIN – Oscar Reed 10-yard run (Fred Cox kick), 1:56. Tied 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:50.

Second quarter

SDG – Dennis Partee 12-yard field goal, 8:57. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 4:37.
MIN – Clint Jones 1-yard run (Fred Cox kick), 6:31. Vikings 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 78 yards, 2:26.

Third quarter

No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

SDG – Mike Garrett 5-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 13:14. Chargers 17–14. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 2:52.
SDG – Dennis Partee 43-yard field goal, 2:35. Chargers 20–14. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 2:51.
SDG – Dennis Partee 22-yard field goal, 1:27. Chargers 23–14. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 0:39.
SDG – Pete Barnes 36-yard interception return (Dennis Partee kick), 0:58. Chargers 30–14.

Top passers

MIN – Bob Lee – 8/20, 122 yards, INT
SDG – John Hadl – 20/29, 165 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

MIN – Clint Jones – 26 rushes, 96 yards, TD
SDG – Jerry LeVias – 2 rushes, 61 yards

Top receivers

MIN – Bill Brown – 3 receptions, 61 yards
SDG – Jerry LeVias – 7 receptions, 56 yards

Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos

Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	0	3	7	7	17
Chargers	7	7	14	17	45

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

Date: December 12
Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
Game weather: 51 °F (10.6 °C), relative humidity 52%, wind 8 mph
Game attendance: 44,347
Referee: Ben Dreith
Box score

Game information

First quarter

SDG – Jeff Queen 9-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 2:20. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 45 yards, 1:28.

Second quarter

DEN – Jim Turner 13-yard field goal, 10:13. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:53.
SDG – Chuck Dicus 13-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 5:08. Chargers 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 5:05.

Third quarter

SDG – Gary Garrison 77-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 13:33. Chargers 21–3. Drive: 2 plays, 72 yards, 1:27.
SDG – Jeff Queen 2-yard pass from John Hadl (Dennis Partee kick), 5:33. Chargers 28–3. Drive: 14 plays, 72 yards, 5:51.
DEN – Floyd Little 12-yard run (Jim Turner kick), 1:01. Chargers 28–10. Drive: 1 play, 24 yards, 0:18.

Fourth quarter

SDG – Dennis Partee 9-yard field goal, 10:15. Chargers 31–10. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:46.
DEN – Fran Lynch 40-yard pass from Steve Ramsey (Jim Turner kick), 7:56. Chargers 31–17. Drive: 4 plays, 82 yards, 2:19.
SDG – Mike Garrett 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 4:52. Chargers 38–17. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 3:04.
SDG – Walker Gillette 25-yard pass from Marty Domres (Dennis Partee kick), 1:54. Chargers 45–17. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 1:44.

Top passers

DEN – Steve Ramsey – 10/25, 169 yards, TD, 3 INT
SDG – John Hadl – 21/36, 332 yards, 4 TD

Top rushers

DEN – Floyd Little – 18 rushes, 96 yards, TD
SDG – Mike Garrett – 15 rushes, 62 yards, TD

Top receivers

DEN – Billy Masters – 4 receptions, 43 yards
SDG – Jerry LeVias – 6 receptions, 83 yards

Week 14: at Houston Oilers

Week Fourteen: San Diego Chargers at Houston Oilers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	23	7	3	33
Oilers	0	7	28	14	49

at Astrodome, Houston, Texas

Date: November 28
Game time: 1:00 p.m. CST
Game weather: N/A (game played indoors)
Game attendance: 35,959
Box score

Game information

First quarter

No scoring plays.

Second quarter

SDG – Jeff Queen 4-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 11:57. Chargers 7–0.
SDG – Dennis Partee 50-yard field goal, 11:57. Chargers 10–0.
HOU – Charlie Joiner 14-yard pass from Woody Campbell (Mark Moseley kick), 3:42. Chargers 10–7.
SDG – Jeff Queen 5-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 11:57. Chargers 17–7.
SDG – Bob Babich 27-yard defensive fumble return (kick failed), 11:57. Chargers 23–7.

Third quarter

HOU – Robert Holmes 1-yard run (Mark Moseley kick), 1:59. Chargers 23–14.
SDG – Leon River 1-yard run (Dennis Partee kick), 1:59. Chargers 30–14.
HOU – Ken Burrough 62-yard pass from Dan Pastorini (Mark Moseley kick), 3:42. Chargers 30–21.
HOU – Ken Houston 35-yard interception return (Mark Moseley kick), 3:42. Chargers 30–28.
HOU – Ken Houston 29-yard interception return (Mark Moseley kick), 3:42. Houston 35–30.

Fourth quarter

SDG – Dennis Partee 20-yard field goal, 11:57. Houston 35–33.
HOU – Robert Holmes 2-yard run (Mark Moseley kick), 1:59. Houston 42–33.
HOU – Bob Atkins 25-yard interception return (Mark Moseley kick), 1:59. Houston 49–33.

Top passers

SDG – John Hadl – 12/29, 147 yards, 3 INT
HOU – Dan Pastorini – 14/22, 212 yards, TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

SDG – Jeff Queen – 13 rushes, 53 yards, 2 TD
HOU – Robert Holmes – 16 rushes, 92 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

SDG – Jerry LeVias – 5 receptions, 68 yards
HOU – Ken Burrough – 4 receptions, 122 yards, TD

Standings

AFC West
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
Kansas City Chiefs	10	3	1	.769	4–1–1	8–2–1	302	208	W3
Oakland Raiders	8	4	2	.667	4–1–1	7–3–1	344	278	W1
	6	8	0	.429	2–4	4–7	311	341	L1
Denver Broncos	4	9	1	.308	1–5	3–6–1	203	275	L2

Note: Tie games were not officially counted in the standings until 1972.

Awards

Walt Sweeney and Gary Garrison were named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad;^[2] No Chargers were named All-Pro by the Associated Press, though Sweeney was named the best in his Conference.^[3] Hadl was a runner-up for the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award, receiving one of the sixty available votes.^[4]

References

^ "2021 Los Angeles Chargers Media Guide". chargers.com.
^ "1971 NFL Pro Bowlers". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
^ "1971 NFL All-Pros". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
^ "1971 awards voting". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved April 18, 2025.

[1] "2021 Los Angeles Chargers Media Guide". chargers.com.

[2] "1971 NFL Pro Bowlers". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved April 18, 2025.

[3] "1971 NFL All-Pros". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved April 18, 2025.

[4] "1971 awards voting". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved April 18, 2025.

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[2]

[3]

[4]

Los Angeles Chargers
Founded in 1960 Played in San Diego (1961–2016) Based in Inglewood, California Headquartered in El Segundo, California
Franchise	Franchise History in San Diego NFL in Los Angeles Coaches Seasons All-time roster Retired numbers Hall of Fame Anniversary teams 40th 50th Starting quarterbacks First-round draft picks
Stadiums	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Balboa Stadium San Diego Stadium San Diego stadium proposals Dignity Health Sports Park SoFi Stadium
Culture	Fearsome Foursome Air Coryell Alex Spanos "San Diego Super Chargers" Los Angeles Charger Girls Bruise Brothers
Lore	Holy Roller Epic in Miami Freezer Bowl Snowball Game 2006 playoff game vs. New England Patriots
Rivalries	Denver Broncos Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders
Wild card berths (5)	1995 2013 2018 2022 2024
Division championships (15)	1960 1961 1963 1964 1965 1979 1980 1981 1992 1994 2004 2006 2007 2008 2009
Conference championships (1)	1994
League championships (1)	1963
Media	Broadcasters KYSR Matt "Money" Smith
Current league affiliations	League: National Football League (1970–present) Conference: American Football Conference Division: West Division
Former league affiliation	League: American Football League (1960–1969)
Category

Los Angeles Chargers seasons
Played in San Diego (1961–2016)
1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Bold indicates AFL Championship (1960–69) or Super Bowl (1966–) victory Italics indicates AFL Championship (1960–69) or Super Bowl (1966–) appearance