1965 San Diego Chargers season

NFL team season November 2013 March 2026 San Diego Chargers 1965 9–2–3 1st Western Division Sid Gillman Sid Gillman Barron Hilton Balboa Stadium Lost AFL Championship(vs. Bills) 0–23 11 FL Lance Alworth (1st team) LB Frank Buncom (2nd team) CB/KR Speedy Duncan (2nd team) DE Earl Faison (1st team) S Kenny Graham (2nd team) QB John Hadl (2nd team) TE Dave Kocourek (2nd team) DT Ernie Ladd (1st team) RB Paul Lowe (1st team) T Ron Mix (1st team) G Walt Sweeney (2nd team) 12 FL Lance Alworth LB Frank Buncom CB/KR Speedy Duncan DE Earl Faison S Kenny Graham QB John Hadl DT Ernie Ladd RB Keith Lincoln RB Paul Lowe T Ron Mix G Walt Sweeney T Ernie Wright Chargers seasons thumb|right|273px|Paul Lowe broke league and franchise records with 1,121 rushing yards in 1965. The 1965 San Diego Chargers season was their sixth as a professional AFL franchise; the team improved on their 8–5–1 record in 1964. Head Coach Sid Gillman led the Chargers to their fifth AFL West title with a 9–2–3 record, before losing the AFL Championship Game to the Buffalo Bills for the second consecutive season. It would prove to be the Chargers' last post-season appearance until 1979.Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Franchise Encyclopedia https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/index.htm pro-football-reference.com 10 July 2022 San Diego took the lead in the AFL Western division early in the season, as they won five of their first seven games and tied the other two. They maintained first place despite two midseason defeats and finished with three wins in a row, clinching their division with a game to spare. During the regular season, they led the league in several key statistical categories, ranking first for rushing and passing yardage on both offense and defense. They entered the AFL Championship game as 6 1 2 point favorites on their own home field, but were shut out by the Bills 23–0. Several individual Chargers had strong seasons, with the offense featuring the top passer, runner and receiver, ranked by yardage. Quarterback John Hadl, in his first season as the full time starter, threw for 2,798 yards, running back Paul Lowe set both team and league records with 1,121 yards while leading the league with 5 yards per carry, and flanker Lance Alworth's 1,602 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns are yet to be surpassed as Charger records. The defense featured strong performances by safety Bud Whitehead, cornerback Speedy Duncan (also the AFL's leading punt returner), and defensive linemen Earl Faison and Ernie Ladd. The latter two players fell out with Gillman, and declared their intention to leave at the end of the season. Offseason AFL draft 1965 American Football League draft Regular draft The 1965 AFL draft took place on November 28, 1964, late in the previous season. The rival National Football League (NFL) conducted its draft on the same day. Where the same player was drafted by both AFL and NFL franchises, the two would compete to sign him.Hand Jack Fierce competition seen for top talent https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104084970/draft-competition-28-nov-1964/ AP 10 Jackson Clarion-Ledger 28 November 1964 Newspapers.com The Chargers were able to sign their 1st-round pick, defensive lineman Steve DeLong, who had also been drafted by the Chicago Bears. DeLong stated that he preferred the city of San Diego, and that the Chargers had made him a better offer.Chargers sign Vols' DeLong https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104088633/delong-signs-2-dec-1964/ 40 Knoxville News-Sentinel 2 December 1964 Newspapers.com While DeLong was used as a backup during his rookie season, he went on to start in 75 games during seven seasons in San Diego, making one AFL All-Star game.Steve DeLong stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeLoSt00.htm pro-football-reference.com 20 June 2022 Other successful signings included linebacker Rick Redman, who started 81 games over nine years in San Diego and made one All-Star game, and running back Gene Foster, who scored twice in 1965 and gained over 2,500 yards during a six-year career with the Chargers.Rick Redman stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RedmRi00.htm pro-football-reference.com 20 June 2022Gene Foster stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FostGe00.htm pro-football-reference.com 20 June 2022 Other Charger draftees opted to sign with NFL clubs, including 2nd-round pick Roy Jefferson, who joined the Pittsburgh Steelers.Steeler bid okayed by Jefferson https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104120969/jefferson-to-steelers-23-dec-1964/ 18 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 23 December 1964 Newspapers.comJefferson went on to earn three Pro Bowl appearances, two Associated Press All-Pro nominations (once on the 1st team, once on the 2nd team), and a Super Bowl ring with the 1970 Baltimore Colts.Roy Jefferson stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JeffRo00.htm pro-football-reference.com 20 June 2022 In total, five of the Chargers' selections chose the NFL, including four of their top eight picks, while five signed with San Diego.1965 San Diego Chargers draftees https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1965_draft.htm pro-football-reference.com 20 June 2022 1965 San Diego Chargers draft Round Pick Player Position College Notes 1 6 Steve DeLong * Defensive end Tennessee 6th pick in NFL draft 2 14 Roy Jefferson * Wide receiver Utah 18th pick in NFL draft; signed by Pittsburgh Steelers 3 22 Allen Brown Tight end Mississippi 38th pick in NFL draft; signed by Green Bay Packers 4 30 Steve Tensi Quarterback Florida State 224th pick in NFL draft 5 38 Rick Redman * Linebacker Washington 132nd pick in NFL draft 6 46 Will Beasley Fullback North Carolina A&T Signed by 1966 Brooklyn Dodgers (COFL) 7 54 Jack Snow * Wide receiver Notre Dame 8th pick in NFL draft; signed by Los Angeles Rams 8 62 Clancy Williams Defensive back Washington State 9th pick in NFL draft; signed by Los Angeles Rams 9 70 Jerry Whelchel Quarterback Massachusetts Signed by Holyoke Bombers (ACFL) 10 78 Gene Foster Running back Arizona State 201st pick in NFL draft 11 86 Veran Smith Guard Utah State 232nd pick in NFL draft 12 94 Jim Allison Running back San Diego State 13 102 Bill Quigley Linebacker Villanova 162nd pick in NFL draft 14 110 Don Floyd End Florida State Signed by Norfolk Neptunes (COFL) 15 118 Mike Howell Defensive back Grambling State 111th pick in NFL draft; signed by Cleveland Browns 16 126 John Godden Linebacker San Diego State Signed by 1966 Hartford Charter Oaks (COFL) 17 134 Leon Hardy Tackle Texas Southern 18 142 Bob Evans Defensive end Texas A&M Signed by Houston Oilers 19 150 Braden Beck Kicker Stanford Signed by 1971 Houston Oilers 20 158 Jack Edwards Center Florida State Signed by Norfolk Neptunes (COFL) #d9e9f9     Made roster   #faecc8  *  Made at least one AFL All-Star game or NFL Pro Bowl during career   #d2f8d2     Played in the NFL in 1965   Redshirt draft As well as their regular collegiate draft, the AFL also held a separate redshirt draft. This covered players whose graduation had been delayed by taking a redshirt year, meaning that they still had a further year of college football eligibility.Patriots pick Cappadona on 'Red-Shirts' https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104160835/redshirts-29-nov-1964/ 92 Boston Globe 29 November 1964 Newspapers.com With their first pick in this draft, the Chargers chose San Diego State Aztecs wide receiver Gary Garrison. They eventually signed him on December 5, 1965, after outbidding the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.Chargers acquire end Gary Garrison https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104161801/garrison-signed-5-dec-1965/ AP H10 Sacramento Bee 21 June 1965 Newspapers.comTobias Todd Charging Through the AFL 2004 Turner 1-59652-012-4 104 Garrison went on to spend eleven seasons with the Chargers, accumulating over 7,500 receiving yards while being nominated to one AFL All-Star game and three Pro Bowls.Gary Garrison stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GarrGa00.htm pro-football-reference.com 21 June 2022 He was also inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame in 1985.Scouting report https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104162621/garrison-inducted-3-nov-1985/ D2 Escondido Times-Advocate 3 November 1985 Newspapers.com Unless noted otherwise, these players began their professional careers in 1966. 1965 San Diego Chargers redshirt draft Round Pick Player Position College Notes 1 6 Gary Garrison * Wide receiver San Diego State 77th pick in NFL draft 2 14 Larry Martin Defensive tackle San Diego State 195th pick in NFL draft 3 22 Stan Dzura Tackle California 106th pick in NFL draft 4 30 Doug Woodlief Linebacker Memphis 65th pick in NFL draft; signed by 1965 Los Angeles Rams 5 38 Jim Weatherwax Defensive tackle Los Angeles State 150th pick in NFL draft; signed by Green Bay Packers 6 46 Tom Good Linebacker Marshall 211th pick in NFL draft 7 54 Wayne Waff End East Tennessee State 8 62 Roy Shivers Running back Utah State 264th pick in NFL draft; signed by St. Louis Cardinals 9 70 Tony Carey Halfback Notre Dame 73rd pick in NFL draft 10 78 Dave Plump Defensive back Fresno State 156th pick in NFL draft 11 86 Jeff White End Texas Tech 248th pick in NFL draft; signed by 1967 Orange County Ramblers (COFL) 12 94 Mike Ciccolella Linebacker Dayton 239th pick in NFL draft; signed by New York Giants #d9e9f9     Made roster   #faecc8  *  Made at least one AFL All-Star game or NFL Pro Bowl during career   #d2f8d2     Played in the NFL in 1966   Departures and arrivals Quarterback Tobin Rote, who had started for the Chargers in the past two AFL championship games, retired after the 1964 season.Rote later came out of retirement for a brief spell with the Denver Broncos.Tobin Rote stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoteTo00.htm pro-football-reference.com 23 June 2022 John Hadl took over as the starter, having split time with Rote the previous year.Hadl signs 1965 pact with Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104300936/hadl-contract-17-may-1965/ 9 Escondido Times-Advocate 17 May 1965 Newspapers.comRichardson Bill Chargers tabbed to win division again https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104302030/hadl-to-start-2-august-1965/ 11 Kansas City Star 2 August 1965 Newspapers.com There was also a change on the offensive line. Don Rogers had started every game at center over the past two seasons, and featured in all but two Charger games over the first five years of the franchise.Don Rogers stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RogeDo20.htm pro-football-reference.com 23 June 2022 He lost his starting job to Sam Gruneisen during the offseason, and did not play professionally again.Olderman Murray Pro charts https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104304501/preview-3-sep-1965/ B-4 El Paso Herald 3 September 1965 Newspapers.com Defensive lineman Hank Schmidt, who had featured in every game for San Diego over the previous four seasons,Henry Schmidt stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SchmHe00.htm pro-football-reference.com 23 June 2022 switched to the Buffalo Bills midseason and beat the Chargers with his new team in the AFL title game at season's end.Buffalo had to prove 1964 win wasn't fluke https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104306758/schmidt-to-bills-27-dec-1965/ UPI 17 Lima News 27 December 1965 Newspapers.com New players included Dick Degen, an undrafted rookie who missed time through injury but still started seven games,Brute force tests finesse when Broncos face Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104306044/degan-starting-7-nov-1965/ AP 15 Grand Junction Daily Sentinel 7 November 1965 Newspapers.comDick Degen stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DegeDi20.htm pro-football-reference.com 23 June 2022 specialist kicker Herb Travenio, who had briefly featured for the Chargers in 1964 before being dropped and working for the postal service,Herb Travenio stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TravHe20.htm pro-football-reference.com 23 June 2022Rathet Mike Placekicker unsung hero for Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104308303/travenio-back-13-dec-1965/ AP 14 Hanover Evening Sun 13 December 1965 Newspapers.com and safety Bob Zeman, back for a second stint with the team after starting 23 games from 1960 to 1961; he would start 7 more from 1965 to 1966.Bob Zeman stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZemaBo00.htm pro-football-reference.com 23 June 2022San Diego signs Zeman https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104308596/zeman-back-2-may-1965/ 6S Kansas City Star 2 May 1965 Newspapers.com San Diego stadium vote The future of the Chargers franchise was uncertain entering the 1965 season, with owner Barron Hilton indicating that he would choose to move his team to another venue unless the city of San Diego approved a new stadium. Press speculation named Anaheim as a possible alternative for the team, as well as Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.Hall John San Diego or Anaheim Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104457920/anaheim-possible-13-oct-1965/ III-3 Los Angeles Times 13 October 1963 Newspapers.com On November 2, over 130,000 citizens of San Diego voted by a majority of roughly 72% to 28% to allocated $27 million for the construction of a 50,000-seat stadium in Mission Valley. Hilton signed a 10-year lease, beginning in 1967.Big vote for stadium https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104459107/stadium-vote-3-nov-1965/ AP 1E Kansas City Star 3 November 1965 Newspapers.com Jack Murphy, sports editor of the San Diego Union, was credited with getting the stadium project approved.San Diego Stadium bears name of Jack Murphy https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104462628/jack-murphy-stadium-7-jan-1981/ AP D-1 Escondido Times-Advocate 7 January 1981 Newspapers.com Initially known as San Diego Stadium,Other names included Jack Murphy Stadium, Qualcomm Stadium and SDCCU Stadium. this would be the Chargers' home until their return to Los Angeles in 2017.Korman Chris The old Jack Murphy Stadium looks like ancient ruins in its final days of demolition https://ftw.usatoday.com/2021/03/the-old-jack-murphy-stadium-looks-like-ancient-ruins-in-its-final-days-of-demolition USA today 26 June 2022 Personnel Staff 1965 San Diego Chargers Owner – Barron Hilton General manager – Sid Gillman Publicity director - Jerry Wynn Business manager - John Gough Head coach – Sid Gillman Offensive backfield coach – Tom Bass Offensive line coach – Joe Madro Defensive line coach – Walt Hackett Defensive backfield coach – Chuck Noll Strength coach - Alvin Roy Zimmerman Paul Chargers plan to stay put https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104237874/wynn-and-gough-personnel-27-june-1965/ C2 Los Angeles Times 27 June 1965 Newspapers.com'Kid Sheleen' wins award from Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104236596/madro-and-bass-coach-28-oct-1965/ UPI 2 Ukiah Daily Journal 28 October 1965 Newspapers.comChargers meet Raiders Sunday https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104235801/hackett-coach-18-sep-1965/ AP 7 San Pedro News-Pilot 18 September 1965 Newspapers.comChargers to host Patriots https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104236971/noll-coach-30-oct-1965/ 11 Escondido Times-Advocate 30 October 1965 Newspapers.comRosenthal Harold The Chargers' Roy https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104234534/alvin-roy-23-oct-1965/ 13 Escondido Times-Advocate 23 October 1965 Newspapers.com2021 San Diego Chargers Media Guide Roster 1965 San Diego Chargers 15 Don Breaux 21 John Hadl P 22 Keith Lincoln 23 Paul Lowe 32 Jim Allison y American football 37 Gene Foster y 19 Lance Alworth 20 Miller Farr y 88 Don Norton 38 Jacque MacKinnon 83 Dave Kocourek 60 Ed Mitchell y no G 61 Ernie Park T/G 62 John Farris American football y G 65 Sam Gruneisen C 72 Gary Kirner T/C 74 Ron Mix T 75 Ernie Wright T 78 Walt Sweeney G 56 Steve DeLong y DE/DT 71 Fred Moore no DT/DE 77 Ernie Ladd DT 79 George Gross American football DT 85 Bob Petrich DE 86 Earl Faison DE 87 Howard Kindig y DE 30 Bob Horton no OLB 50 Chuck Allen MLB 51 Dick Degen y OLB 55 Frank Buncom OLB 89 Ron Carpenter no MLB 25 Dick Westmoreland CB 33 Kenny Graham American football SS 34 Bob Zeman FS 36 Dick Harris cornerback SS 45 Speedy Duncan CB 47 Bud Whitehead FS 49 Jimmy Warren CB 35 Herb Travenio K Chiefs shock Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104274937/chargers-7-31-chiefs-15-nov-1965/ UPI 20 Boston Globe 15 November 1965 Newspapers.comChargers ready for Saturday's Denver opener https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104278156/mitinger-injured-8-sep-1965/ AP III-1 Monrovia Daily News-Post 8 September 1965 Newspapers.com FitzGerald Tommy Dolphins seek veteran to help Norton https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104274265/tensi-taxi-12-dec-1965/ 3C Miami News 12 December 1965 Newspapers.com 24 Jack Jacobson y no S IR 41 Nat Whitmyer CB/S IR 64 Pat Shea American football G IR 66 Rick Redman y LB/P IR LB/P 13 Steve Tensi y QB 39 Dick Van Raaphorst K 81 Sammie Taylor y no WR AFL title game rosters https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104248165/title-game-rosters-22-dec-1965/ 44 Atlanta Constitution 22 December 1965 Newspapers.com Preseason San Diego lost their exhibition opener despite outgaining the Raiders by 293 yards to 116. An interception thrown by Hadl was run back 42 yards for a touchdown, and rookie kicker Les Murdock made only one of three field goal attempts.Valli Bob Raiders shock Chargers, 10–3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104507822/chargers-3-10-raiders-8-aug-1965/ 37, 39 Oakland Tribune 8 August 1965 Newspapers.com Hadl improved in the second game, running for one touchdown against the Chiefs and throwing another to Jacque MacKinnon. Rookies Foster (with a run) and DeLong (on a fumble return) also scored.Chargers rip past K.C., 31–10 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104508364/chargers-31-10-chiefs-16-aug-1965/ UPI C-3 Long Beach Independent 16 August 1965 Newspapers.com Three 3rd-quarter touchdowns were enough to beat Denver in the next game: running back Keith Lincoln threw a 62-yard touchdown pass to Lance Alworth on a trick play, and Hadl and Dave Kocourek combined for two more.Chargers finish strong to knock over Broncos behind Hadl's passes https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104508517/chargers-21-6-broncos-22-aug-1965/ UPI D6 Los Angeles Times 22 August 1965 Newspapers.com The last two Chargers exhibition games were played in neutral venues. They faced the Raiders again in Portland, Oregon, scoring 37 unanswered points after facing a 10–3 deficit in the first half. MacKinnon, Hadl and Alworth all scored again, and the defense contributed with a safety from Earl Faison and a fumble return touchdown for Jimmy Warren.Hadl fires Chargers in rout of Raiders https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104510609/chargers-46-17-raiders-29-aug-1965/ UPI 4-S Fresno Bee 29 August 1965 Newspapers.com Finally, they lost in Little Rock, Arkansas to a George Blanda field goal with 8 seconds to play. Rookie Jim Allison scored the lone San Diego touchdown on a 12-yard reception from Hadl.Blanda's boot beats Chargers in last seconds https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104511310/chargers-13-16-oilers-5-sep-1965/ UPI D7 Los Angeles Times 5 September 1965 Newspapers.com Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance 1 August 7 Oakland Raiders L 3–10 0–1 Balboa Stadium 27,168 2 August 15 at Kansas City Chiefs W 31–10 1–1 Municipal Stadium 13,132 3 August 21 at Denver Broncos W 21–6 2–1 Bears Stadium 18,913 4 August 28 vs. Oakland Raiders W 46–17 3–1 Multnomah Stadium, (Portland) 15,234 5 September 4 vs. Houston Oilers L 10–13 3–2 War Memorial Stadium, (Little Rock) 17,000 https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/chargers/tcv8eed5f0tt6mxvavys chargers.com 2021 Los Angeles Chargers Media Guide Regular season Summary thumb|left|240px|alt=Refer to caption|Defensive tackle Ernie Ladd (pictured in 2004) was named both an AFL All-Star and 1st-team All-AFL in 1965, his last year with the Chargers.Ernie Ladd stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LaddEr00.htm pro-football-reference.com July 10, 2023 San Diego were unbeaten over the first half of the season, with five wins and two ties. This included an easy victory at Buffalo, who had beaten them in the previous season's AFL Championship Game. They lost two of their next three games, but maintained first place in the AFL West.AFL standings as of week 10 of 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/standings.cgi?week=10&year=1965&wk_league=AFL pro-football-reference.com 4 July 2022 After tying the return match with Buffalo, they won their final three games, clinching their division with a game to spare and setting up a rematch with the Bills.1965 AFL standings & team stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1965_AFL/ pro-football-reference.com 27 June 2022 The Chargers' offense led the league in points scored, total yards gained, passing yards, rushing yards and first downs gained.1965 San Diego Chargers statistics & players https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1965.htm pro-football-reference.com 27 June 2022 Hadl started every game, completing exactly half of his passes while accumulating 2,798 yards, with 20 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. His passer rating of 71.3 was down on the previous season,John Hadl stats https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HadlJo00.htm pro-football-reference.com 27 June 2022 but still the second best in the AFL, behind only Len Dawson of the Kansas City Chiefs.1965 AFL passing https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1965_AFL/passing.htm pro-football-reference.com 27 June 2022 He led the league in passing yardage, yards per attempt (8.0) and yards per completion (16.1); the latter two statistics would stand as career highs. His most prolific receiver was Alworth, who accounted for nearly half the team's receiving yards and over half the receiving touchdowns. He ranked second in the league with 69 receptions, joint first with 14 touchdown catches, and top with 1,602 receiving yards, 384 clear of any other player.1965 AFL receiving https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1965_AFL/receiving.htm pro-football-reference.com 27 June 2022 2023, Alworth still holds the franchise record for receiving yards in a season, despite playing in only a 14-game season;Most receiving yards, season, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/F3jcF stathead.com 27 June 2022 his touchdown tally was tied by Tony Martin in 1995, but has yet to be surpassed by any Charger.Most receiving touchdowns, season, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/h4DYs stathead.com 27 June 2022 San Diego's second-ranked receiver Don Norton added 485 yards. With his fellow running back Lincoln struggling with injuries throughout the season, Paul Lowe had a career-high 222 carries.Roach Ron MVP Kemp to go for Bills against Chargers https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104541467/backfield-24-dec-1965/ 20 Port Chester Daily Item 24 December 1965 Newspapers.com He gained a new AFL record 1,121 yards at 5.0 yards per carry, a league-high average;Minimum 100 carries. six of his eight touchdowns were runs, tied for most in the AFL.1965 AFL rushing https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1965_AFL/rushing.htm pro-football-reference.com 27 June 2022 Like Alworth, Lowe set a franchise single-season yardage record, surpassing his own tally from 1963; this record was broken by Don Woods in 1974.1,000+ yard rushing seasons, Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/jX0zf pro-football-reference.com 27 June 2022 He was supported by the rookie Foster, with 469 yards. Lincoln only played in ten games, but added 302 yards and 3 touchdowns rushing, plus 376 yards and 4 touchdowns receiving. San Diego were also statistically dominant on defense, topping the league with the fewest total yards, passing yards, rushing yards and first downs conceded. They were also second in points against, a single points behind the Bills. Defensive end Bob Petrich unofficiallyThe NFL did not keep sack statistics officially until 1982. Members of the Professional Football Researchers Association have largely reconstructed sack data from 1960 onwards based on official gamebooks, but the NFL does not acknowledge pre-1982 sack numbers.NFL not making pre-1982 sack stats official? https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/nfl-not-making-pre-1982-sack-stats-official/ar-AAMeYLw?li=BB15ms5q 16 July 2021 Wassink Zac MSN led the team with 8 1 2 sacks, third most in the AFL.1965 AFL defense https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1965_AFL/defense.htm pro-football-reference.com 28 June 2022 Faison and Ernie Ladd added 7 1 2 and 6 respectively, despite both men expressing dissatisfaction with head coach/general manager Sid Gillman's contract negotiations in August, and stating their intentions to leave at the end of the season.Valli Bob Ladd fined, suspended https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104549257/unrest-2-aug-1965/ 35, 36 Oakland Tribune 2 August 1965 Newspapers.comLadd, Faison go to Oilers for 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104548572/faison-and-ladd-traded-16-jan-1966/ AP 1S Kansas City Star 16 January 1966 Newspapers.com Safety Bud Whitehead led the team in interceptions with 7, tied for second most in the league. Cornerback Speedy Duncan had 4 interceptions, and also served as the team's kickoff and punt returner. His average of 15.5 yards per punt return led the AFL,Minimum 10 returns. and included a league-high two touchdowns.1965 AFL Kick & Punt Returns https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1965_AFL/returns.htm pro-football-reference.com 28 June 2022 Travenio converted 18 of his 30 field goal attempts, his 60% success rate ranking joint-third in the league. He also converted every one of his 40 extra point attempts, but missed every field goal try of over 40 yards.1965 AFL kicking and punting https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1965_AFL/kicking.htm pro-football-reference.com 28 June 2022 Four players attempted at least one punt during the season; Hadl and Redman split the bulk of the duties between them, but both posted a worse average than any of the seven regular punters in the league. Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap 1 September 11 Denver Broncos W 34–31 1–0 Balboa Stadium 27,022 Recap 2 September 19 at Oakland Raiders W 17–6 2–0 Frank Youell Field 21,406 Recap 3 September 26 Kansas City Chiefs T 10–10 2–0–1 Balboa Stadium 28,126 Recap 4 October 3 Houston Oilers W 31–14 3–0–1 Balboa Stadium 28,190 Recap 5 October 10 at Buffalo Bills W 34–3 4–0–1 War Memorial Stadium 45,260 Recap 6 October 17 at Boston Patriots T 13–13 4–0–2 Fenway Park 20,924 Recap 7 October 23 at New York Jets W 34–9 5–0–2 Shea Stadium 60,679 Recap 8 October 31 Boston Patriots L 6–22 5–1–2 Balboa Stadium 33,366 Recap 9 November 7 at Denver Broncos W 35–21 6–1–2 Bears Stadium 33,073 Recap 10 November 14 at Kansas City Chiefs L 7–31 6–2–2 Municipal Stadium 21,968 Recap 11 Bye 12 November 25 Buffalo Bills T 20–20 6–2–3 Balboa Stadium 27,473 Recap 13 December 4 New York Jets W 38–7 7–2–3 Balboa Stadium 32,169 Recap 14 December 12 at Houston Oilers W 37–26 8–2–3 Rice University 24,120 Recap 15 December 19 Oakland Raiders W 24–14 9–2–3 Balboa Stadium 26,056 Recap Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Game summaries Week 1: vs. Denver Broncos San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week One: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 11 Broncos 14 3 0 14 Chargers 3 24 0 7 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 27,022 67 °F 1, relative humidity 70%, wind 9 mph Box score First quarter DEN – Abner Haynes 2-yard run (Gary Kroner kick), 12:21. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 4 yards. SDG – Herb Travenio 32-yard field goal, 6:14. Broncos 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards. DEN – Bob Scarpitto 33-yard pass from Mickey Slaughter (Gary Kroner kick), 2:07. Broncos 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards. Second quarter SDG – Gene Foster 2-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 13:39. Broncos 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards. SDG – Herb Travenio 25-yard field goal, 10:41. Broncos 14–13. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards. SDG – Paul Lowe 41-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 8:06. Chargers 20–14. Drive: 1 play, 41 yards. SDG – Gene Foster 17-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 1:29. Chargers 27–14. Drive: 4 plays, 78 yards. DEN – Gary Kroner 37-yard field goal, 0:01. Chargers 27–17. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter DEN – Cookie Gilchrist 29-yard pass from Mickey Slaughter (Gary Kroner kick), 14:14. Chargers 27–24. Drive: 3 plays, 51 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 38-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 13:25. Chargers 34–24. Drive: 3 plays, 54 yards. DEN – Bob Scarpitto 13-yard pass from Mickey Slaughter (Gary Kroner kick), 10:09. Chargers 34–31. Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards. Top passers DEN – Mickey Slaughter – 16/27, 214 yards, 3 TD SDG – John Hadl – 11/25, 246 yards, TD, INT Top rushers DEN – Cookie Gilchrist – 17 rushes, 49 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 18 rushes, 124 yards, TD Top receivers DEN – Bob Scarpitto – 5 receptions, 108 yards, 2 TD SDG – Lance Alworth – 7 receptions, 211 yards, TD San Diego overcame an early 11-point deficit to win their opener.Chargers score wild win over Broncs https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104627592/chargers-34-31-broncos-12-sep-1965/ UPI D4 Los Angeles Times 12 September 1965 Newspapers.com Hadl's second pass of the game was intercepted and run back to the Chargers 4-yard line, setting up a Denver touchdown. Alworth's 48-yard catch on 3rd and 25 led to a Travenio field goal on the next drive, before the Broncos drove for a second touchdown and a 14–3 lead. San Diego responded with a run of 24 unanswered points, beginning with an 8-play, 78-yard touchdown drive – Foster converted a 3rd and 7 with a 23-yard catch, and eventually scored on a 2-yard run. Ladd recovered a Cookie Gilchrist fumble three plays later, setting up another Travenio field goal. The Broncos went three-and-out on their next possession, and a 22-yard punt started the Chargers at the Denver 41-yard line. Lowe followed a Walt Sweeney block to the right on the next play and broke clear for the go-ahead touchdown. Following a Trevenio miss and a Denver punt, Lowe took a pitch to the right before throwing downfield for Alworth, who was double covered but nonetheless made the catch for a 42-yard gain; Foster scored with a 17-yard run two plays later. Denver managed a field goal with a second to play in the half, but still trailed 27–17 at the break.1965 week 1 gamebook, Broncos at Chargers September 11, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Denver missed two field goals in the 3rd quarter, but Lowe fumbled near midfield to set up a Gilchrist touchdown early in the final period. The Chargers responded quickly, with Foster's 36-yard kickoff return soon followed by Alworth's first scoring catch of the season; Hadl found him in stride in the end zone for a 38-yard touchdown. The Broncos needed only five plays to score again, pulling within 34–31 with ten minutes to play. After forcing a three-and-out, Denver reached a 2nd and 10 at the Charger 40, but Ladd forced another Gilchrist fumble, with Faison recovering. San Diego were soon faced with a 3rd and 19, which Hadl converted with a 45-yard pass to Alworth. Lowe converted another 3rd down, and the Chargers ran the clock out. Alworth and Lowe accounted for 347 of the Chargers' 459 total yards between them.Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers - September 11th, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196509110sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com 29 June 2022 Week 2: at Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Two: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary September 19 Chargers 7 3 0 7 Raiders 0 6 0 0 Frank Youell Field, Oakland, California 21,406 62 °F 1, relative humidity 66%, wind 9 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 5-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 9:19. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 5:41. Second quarter OAK – Gene Mingo 48-yard field goal, 14:30. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, -7 yards, 1:34. SDG – Herb Travenio 29-yard field goal, 10:37. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards. OAK – Gene Mingo 35-yard field goal, 6:41. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 10 plays, 32 yards, 3:56. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 25-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 4:47. Chargers 17–6. Drive: 3 plays, 24 yards, 2:12. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 11/28, 148 yards, TD OAK – Tom Flores – 6/16, 83 yards, INT Top rushers SDG – Gene Foster – 21 rushes, 104 yards OAK – Tom Flores – 2 rushes, 17 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 4 receptions, 71 yards, TD OAK – Art Powell – 5 receptions, 72 yards A strong defensive performance propelled San Diego to their second win.Schwartz Fred Chargers slap Raiders, 17–6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104708512/chargers-17-6-raiders-20-sep-1965/ McClatchy Newspapers service A-11 Modesto Bee 20 September 1965 Newspapers.com The Chargers took the opening kickoff and drove 72 yards in 10 plays without facing a 3rd down, going ahead to stay on Lowe's 4-yard run. Oakland missed a field goal on their next drive, but were soon given another scoring chance after Hadl's 25-yard punt, this time converting a field goal. The Raiders fumbled a punt return soon afterwards, setting up a 29-yard field goal by Travenio. Further field goal attempts followed, with a success for Oakland and a 22-yard try by Travenio blocked. Degen stopped a Raiders drive with an interception shortly before halftime, leaving San Diego 10–6 up.1965 week 2 gamebook, Chargers at Raiders September 19, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription There were few scoring threats for either team in the second half, with Oakland failing to cross midfield in six possessions, and San Diego punting on six out of seven possessions. Former Charger Dick Wood replaced Tom Flores as the Raiders' quarterback, but was intercepted by Duncan and Kenny Graham, with the latter running the ball back 29 yards to the Oakland 18-yard line. The offense moved back to a 3rd and 16 from the 24, from where Hadl found Alworth over the middle for a decisive touchdown with five minutes to play. Wood completed 4 of 14 passes for 31 yards, with 2 interceptions.San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders - September 19th, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196509190rai.htm pro-football-reference.com 30 January 2022 This gave him a passer rating of 0.0, the first such rating posted against the Chargers.Passer rating 0.0 versus Chargers https://stathead.com/tiny/LyJ05 stathead.com 30 June 2022 Week 3: vs. Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Three: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 26 Chiefs 0 0 7 3 Chargers 0 3 0 7 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 28,126 67 °F 1, relative humidity 67%, wind 8 mph Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter SDG – Herb Travenio 19-yard field goal, 7:30. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards. Third quarter KAN – Otis Taylor 12-yard pass from Len Dawson (Tommy Brooker kick), 4:49. Chiefs 7–3. Drive: 1 play, 12 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Speedy Duncan 64-yard punt return (Herb Travenio kick), 7:24. Chargers 10–7. KAN – Tommy Brooker 28-yard field goal, 0:49. Tied 10–10. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards. Top passers KAN – Len Dawson – 14/26, 144 yards, TD, 2 INT SDG – John Hadl – 11/27, 82 yards, 3 INT Top rushers KAN – Len Dawson – 3 rushes, 46 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 13 rushes, 55 yards Top receivers KAN – Curtis McClinton – 5 receptions, 62 yards SDG – Gene Foster – 4 receptions, 42 yards Two punt returns were key in a defensive tie.Chiefs tie San Diego https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104771864/chargers-10-10-chiefs-27-sep-1965/ AP A-12 San Bernardino County Sun 27 September 1965 Newspapers.com A missed 41-yard field goal attempt by Travenio was the closest either side came to scoring in the opening period. Hadl was intercepted on the first play of the 2nd quarter, but Whitehead intercepted Len Dawson on the ensuing drive. A 22-yard pass from Lowe to Foster then helped the Chargers move into field goal range, and Travenio opened the scoring from 19 yards out. The score remained 3–0 at halftime.1965 week 3 gamebook, Chiefs at Chargers September 26, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Hadl's first two passes of the second half were both intercepted, though neither turnover led to any points. Later in the quarter, though, a Hadl punt was run back 28 yards to the Chargers 25-yard line, and a penalty moved the ball to the 12-yard line. Dawson immediately threw a go-ahead touchdown pass. The next six drives ended in punts – Duncan fielded the last of these at his own 34 and angled diagonally left through blockers before breaking free for a 66-yard touchdown return. Duncan added an interception two plays later, but the Chargers were forced to punt. The Chiefs then faced a 4th and 7 from the San Diego 48-yard line, which they converted when Dawson scrambled for 40 yards. A penalty pushed Kansas City backwards, and they settled for a game-tying field goal with 49 seconds to play. San Diego reached the Chiefs 38 as time expired. The Chargers' offense produced a season-low 186 yards. Hadl completed 11 of 27 pass attempts, for 82 yards and 3 interceptions.Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers - September 26th, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196509260sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com 1 July 2022 Week 4: vs. Houston Oilers San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Four: Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary October 3 Oilers 0 0 0 14 Chargers 0 10 14 7 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 28,190 72 °F 1, relative humidity 42%, wind 8 mph Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter SDG – Herb Travenio 14-yard field goal, 9:11. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 69-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 5:08. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 3 plays, 79 yards. Third quarter SDG – Dave Kocourek 15-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 10:37. Chargers 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards. SDG – Earl Faison 24-yard interception return (Herb Travenio kick), 1:48. Chargers 24–0. Fourth quarter HOU – Charley Hennigan 9-yard pass from Don Trull (George Blanda kick), 14:14. Chargers 24–7. Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards. HOU – Don Trull 7-yard run (George Blanda kick), 9:39. Chargers 24–14. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 57-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 7:35. Chargers 31–14. Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards. Top passers HOU – Don Trull – 3/11, 78 yards, TD, INT SDG – John Hadl – 14/26, 242 yards, 3 TD Top rushers HOU – Ode Burrell – 9 rushes, 30 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 20 rushes, 157 yards Top receivers HOU – Ode Burrell – 4 receptions, 54 yards SDG – Lance Alworth – 4 receptions, 145 yards, 2 TD San Diego dominated the bulk of the game, then held off a late Houston rally to win.Hadl to Alworth bombs spark Chargers, 31–14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104810727/chargers-31-14-oilers-4-oct-1965/ UPI III-4 Los Angeles Times 4 October 1965 Newspapers.com The Chargers drove 79 yards in 13 plays to take the lead early in the 2nd quarter – Foster carried 6 times for 38 yards, Lowe carried 4 times for 32 yards, and Travenio kicked a 14-yard field goal. On their next possession, Hadl found Alworth in stride for a 69-yard touchdown pass, and San Diego led 10–0 at halftime.1965 week 4 gamebook, Oilers at Chargers October 3, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription On the first possession of the second half, Lowe carried 3 times for 10 yards, and Hadl threw a 15-yard touchdown to Kocourek on 3rd and 11. Late in the 3rd quarter backup quarterback Don Trull entered the game for Blanda. His first attempt was a swing pass intercepted by Faison and returned 24 yards for a touchdown. At this point Houston had failed to cross midfield in any of their nine possessions. They improved on their next two possessions with a pair of 5-play touchdown drives, Trull passing for one score and running for the other. With their lead cut to 24–14 midway through the final quarter, San Diego soon reached a 3rd and 11 at their own 43-yard line, whereupon Hadl and Alworth combined again, this time for a decisive 57-yard touchdown. Hadl completed 14 of 26 passes for 242 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. Alworth caught 4 passes for 145 yards and 2 touchdowns. San Diego outrushed Houston by 271 yards to 47, with Lowe carrying 20 times for 157 yards and Foster carrying 10 times for 73 yards.Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers - October 3rd, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196510030sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com 2 July 2022 Week 5: at Buffalo Bills San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills – Game summary October 10 Chargers 0 14 17 3 Bills 3 0 0 0 War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo, New York 45,260 48 °F 1, relative humidity 92%, wind 9 mph Box score First quarter BUF – Pete Gogolak 38-yard field goal, 10:58. Bills 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 16 yards. Second quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 14-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 12:47. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 8-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 8:11. Chargers 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards. Third quarter SDG – Herb Travenio 15-yard field goal, 9:51. Chargers 17–3. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 52-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 6:50. Chargers 24–3. Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 2:12. SDG – Bud Whitehead 35-yard interception return (Herb Travenio kick), 6:00. Chargers 31–3. Fourth quarter SDG – Herb Travenio 15-yard field goal, 8:19. Chargers 34–3. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 18/29, 314 yards, 3 TD, INT BUF – Daryle Lamonica – 8/14, 60 yards, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 19 rushes, 37 yards BUF – Billy Joe – 4 rushes, 22 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 8 receptions, 168 yards, 2 TD BUF – Ed Rutkowski – 4 receptions, 44 yards San Diego dealt the defending AFL champions their first defeat of the season with a one-sided win in Buffalo.Chargers crush Buffalo, 34–3, to remain unbeaten in AFL https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104842153/chargers-34-3-bills-11-oct-1965/ AP B-5 San Bernardino County Sun 11 October 1965 Newspapers.com The Bills scored their only points of the day with a field goal from the game's first drive. Travenio had a 22-yard field goal attempt blocked soon afterwards, but San Diego took the lead early in the 2nd quarter after a 5-play, 67-yard drive, with Lincoln's 31-yard pass to Norton the longest play. They finished the drive with Lowe improvising a lateral to Hadl on a planned running play, allowing the quarterback to find Alworth for a 14-yard touchdown. The Bills went three-and-out, and Duncan's 26-yard punt return started his offense off at the Buffalo 44-yard line. They needed only four plays to score from there, with Hadl completing a 35-yard pass to Alworth and an 8-yard touchdown to Lincoln. Buffalo later reached a 2nd and 10 at the Charger 15-yard line, but Duncan intercepted Jack Kemp in the end zone, leaving the score at 14–3 going into the interval.1965 week 5 gamebook, Chargers at Bills October 10, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription The Chargers quickly pulled away in the second half, scoring a field goal on their first drive and a touchdown on their second (a 52-yard pass from Hadl to Alworth). On the next play from scrimmage, Whitehead intercepted Kemp and returned the ball 35 yards for a touchdown. Later, George Gross recovered a fumble and Travenio added another field goal to complete the scoring. Whitehead also intercepted a pair of passes by Buffalo backup Daryle Lamonica as the game wore on. San Diego had two 100-yard receivers, as Alworth caught 8 passes for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns and Norton caught 6 for 107 yards. San Diego outgained Buffalo by over 300 yards (458–150).San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills - October 10th, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196510100buf.htm pro-football-reference.com 3 July 2022 Week 6: at Boston Patriots San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Six: San Diego Chargers at Boston Patriots – Game summary October 17 Chargers 3 10 0 0 Patriots 0 7 3 3 Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts 20,924 46 °F 1, relative humidity 68%, wind 11 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Herb Travenio 40-yard field goal, 0:46. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards. Second quarter BOS – Ron Burton 73-yard pass from Babe Parilli (Gino Cappelletti kick), 14:13. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 3 plays, 76 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 85-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 6:50. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 2 plays, 85 yards, 7:55. SDG – Herb Travenio 10-yard field goal, 0:05. Chargers 13–7. Drive: 1 play, 0 yards. Third quarter BOS – Gino Cappelletti 21-yard field goal, 10:03. Chargers 13–10. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards. Fourth quarter BOS – Gino Cappelletti 22-yard field goal, 9:26. Tied 13–13. Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 10/22, 168 yards, TD, INT BOS – Babe Parilli – 5/24, 132 yards, TD, INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 21 rushes, 91 yards BOS – Ron Burton – 8 rushes, 23 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 3 receptions, 109 yards, TD BOS – Ron Burton – 2 receptions, 78 yards, TD San Diego were unable to score in the second half as they tied the winless Patriots.Chargers tie, 13–13 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104875748/chargers-13-13-patriots-18-oct-1965/ UPI C-2 Long Beach Independent 18 October 1965 Newspapers.com In the 1st quarter, Warren stopped a Boston drive with an interception. Later, Lowe's 23-yard run set up a Travenio field goal. Babe Parilli responded with a 73-yard touchdown pass early in the 2nd quarter. The Patriots threatened to go further in front on their next drive, but Warren intercepted Parilli in the end zone. Later in the quarter, San Diego faced a 2nd and 15 from their own 15-yard line after Hadl was sacked. Hadl found Alworth in stride at the Boston 40 en route to an 85-yard touchdown. Travenio was short on a field goal attempt late in the half, but the Patriots went three-and-out, Whitehead blocked a punt and DeLong recovered at the Boston 2-yard line. Travenio came straight back in to convert a 10-yard kick with 5 seconds left in the half.1965 week 6 gamebook, Chargers at Patriots October 17, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Trailing 13–7 entering the second half, Boston soon halved the deficit with a Gino Cappelletti field goal after Duncan fumbled on a punt return. The Patriots had a chance to score again later in the quarter after another special teams error, the long snap on a punt going over Redman's head and setting Boston up at the 6-yard line. A Patriots touchdown was negated by a penalty, and Duncan blocked another Cappelletti field goal attempt. Hadl was intercepted on the next play, but Boston again came away with no points after the Charger defense stuffed a run for no gain on 4th and goal from the 1. San Diego went three-and-out, Boston drove from the Charger 42-yard line to the 15 and Cappelletti tied the score with a 22-yard kick midway through the final quarter. San Diego then reached a 4th and 4 at the Boston 34-yard line, but another bad snap prevented Travenio from attempting a go-ahead field goal. From there, both sides punted once, and the game ended with the Patriots at their own 39. Lowe rushed 21 times for 91 yards, and added 4 catches for 31 yards. San Diego outgained Boston by 284 yards to 178, with over a third of the game's total offensive yards coming on the two long touchdown passes.San Diego Chargers at Boston Patriots - October 17th, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196510170nwe.htm pro-football-reference.com 3 July 2022 Week 7: at New York Jets San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seven: San Diego Chargers at New York Jets – Game summary October 23 Chargers 0 10 14 10 Jets 3 3 0 3 Shea Stadium, New York, New York 60,679 61 °F 1, relative humidity 78%, wind 11 mph Box score First quarter NYJ – Jim Turner 12-yard field goal, 4:58. Jets 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards. Second quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 8-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 14:20. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards. NYJ – Jim Turner 24-yard field goal, 7:51. Chargers 7–6. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards. SDG – Herb Travenio 20-yard field goal, 1:23. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards. Third quarter SDG – Dave Kocourek 2-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 11:19. Chargers 17–6. Drive: 4 plays, 11 yards. SDG – Paul Lowe 59-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 0:18. Chargers 24–6. Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards. Fourth quarter NYJ – Jim Turner 40-yard field goal, 10:20. Chargers 24–9. Drive: 10 plays, 37 yards. SDG – Herb Travenio 19-yard field goal, 5:16. Chargers 27–9. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 57-yard pass from Don Breaux (Herb Travenio kick), 1:51. Chargers 34–9. Drive: 3 plays, 49 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 16/28, 182 yards, TD, INT NYJ – Mike Taliaferro – 17/34, 205 yards Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 16 rushes, 110 yards, 2 TD NYJ – Matt Snell – 15 rushes, 69 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 7 receptions, 142 yards, TD NYJ – Bill Mathis – 3 receptions, 58 yards San Diego pulled away in the second half to reach the midway point of the season unbeaten.Chargers clobber jittery Jets, 34–9 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104895718/chargers-34-9-jets-24-oct-1965/ AP 2-D Fort Myers News-Press 24 October 1965 Newspapers.com In the opening quarter, New York made one field goal and had another scoring chance after Duncan fumbled the ensuing kickoff. However, Ladd blocked a second field goal attempt, and the Chargers drove 64 yards in 8 plays to take the lead on Lowe's 8-yard run around right end. A threatening Jets drive was halted when Zeman forced a fumble that Buncom recovered at his own 31-yard line, but Redman shanked a punt for only 11 yards soon afterwards, setting up another New York field goal. Alworth's 39-yard catch helped set up a 20-yard Travenio field goal, and the Chargers led 10–6 at halftime.1965 week 7 gamebook, Chargers at Jets October 23, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Gross recovered a fumble at the New York 11-yard line three plays into the second half, setting up a Hadl-to-Kocourek touchdown on 3rd and goal from the 2. Duncan's 51-yard punt return gave them another scoring chance soon afterwards, but Travenio missed a 41-yard kick. On the following Chargers drive, they moved from their own 19-yard line to their own 41-yard line, from where Lowe again went around right end, following blocks from Sweeney and Ron Mix en route to a 59-yard touchdown. The teams exchanged field goals in the final quarter, and Chargers backup quarterback Don Breaux completed the scoring with a 57-yard touchdown to Alworth. Lowe and Alworth again accounted for the majority of San Diego's yards, with a combined 252 of 342. New York fumbled six times, with the Chargers recovering four of them.San Diego Chargers at New York Jets - October 23rd, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196510230nyj.htm pro-football-reference.com 3 July 2022 Week 8: vs. Boston Patriots San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eight: Boston Patriots at San Diego Chargers – Game summary October 31 Patriots 9 0 3 10 Chargers 0 0 0 6 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 33,366 62 °F 1, relative humidity 88%, wind 9 mph Box score First quarter BOS – Safety, Jay Cunningham tackled Speedy Duncan in end zone, 3:06. Chargers 2–0. BOS – Gino Cappelletti 29-yard pass from Babe Parilli (Gino Cappelletti kick), 1:28. Chargers 9–0. Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards. Second quarter No scoring plays. Third quarter BOS – Gino Cappelletti 30-yard field goal, 1:04. Chargers 12–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards. Fourth quarter BOS – Gino Cappelletti 46-yard pass from Babe Parilli (Gino Cappelletti kick), 11:52. Chargers 19–0. Drive: 1 play, 46 yards. BOS – Gino Cappelletti 33-yard field goal, 9:03. Chargers 22–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 1-yard run (pass failed), 7:08. Chargers 22–6. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards. Top passers BOS – Babe Parilli – 7/21, 148 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT SDG – John Hadl – 13/26, 119 yards, 3 INT Top rushers BOS – Larry Garron – 11 rushes, 87 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 12 rushes, 47 yards Top receivers BOS – Gino Cappelletti – 3 receptions, 82 yards, 2 TD SDG – Don Norton – 5 receptions, 106 yards San Diego again struggled with the Patriots, sustaining their first defeat of the season while Boston got their first win.Chargers dealt 1st loss, 22–6, by previously winless Patriots https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104904753/chargers-6-22-patriots-1-nov-1965/ AP 27 Allentown Morning Call 1 November 1965 Newspapers.com Gross (with a fumble recovery) and Whitehead (with an interception) both stopped drives in Chargers territory, but Hadl was intercepted on the ensuing possession both times. Boston took the lead when Duncan fielded a punt at his own 2-yard line and circling back into the end zone, where he was tackled for a safety. After a Chargers free kick, the Patriots drove 49 yards for a touchdown pass from Parilli to Cappelletti. Boston had further scoring chances in the first half, but Dick Harris intercepted a Parilli pass, and Cappelletti missed a field goal, leaving the score at 9–0.1965 week 8 gamebook, Patriots at Chargers October 31, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription The Chargers got into field goal range on their first drive of the 3rd quarter, but Travenio was short from 49 yards out. Three further errors (a Hadl interception, a blocked Travenio field goal and a Breaux interception) set up a further 13 points for Boston. Finally, Norton's 61-yard catch and run set up Lincoln's 1-yard touchdown run, preventing a shutout with seven minutes to play, but San Diego failed to cross midfield on their lone possession after that. Hadl and Breaux threw no touchdowns and four interceptions between them. Norton caught 5 passes for 106 yards.Boston Patriots at San Diego Chargers - October 31st, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196510310sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com 4 July 2022 Week 9: at Denver Broncos San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Nine: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary November 7 Chargers 0 7 14 14 Broncos 0 7 14 0 Bears Stadium, Denver, Colorado 33,073 46 °F 1, relative humidity 43%, wind 4 mph Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter DEN – Nemiah Wilson 65-yard interception return (Gary Kroner kick), 14:50. Broncos 7–0. SDG – Keith Lincoln 6-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 9:52. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 66-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 1:51. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 66 yards. DEN – Abner Haynes 1-yard run (Gary Kroner kick), 0:22. Tied 14–14. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards. Third quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 34-yard pass from Keith Lincoln (Herb Travenio kick), 12:10. Chargers 21–14. Drive: 3 plays, 48 yards. DEN – Cookie Gilchrist 1-yard run (Gary Kroner kick), 3:33. Tied 21–21. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 45-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 6:15. Chargers 28–21. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 1-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 3:22. Chargers 35–21. Drive: 4 plays, 15 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 13/23, 256 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT DEN – John McCormick – 18/36, 209 yards, 3 INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 17 rushes, 112 yards DEN – Wendell Hayes – 12 rushes, 46 yards Top receivers SDG – Keith Lincoln – 2 receptions, 73 yards, 2 TD DEN – Lionel Taylor – 7 receptions, 114 yards Lincoln scored three touchdowns and passed for another, and San Diego pulled away from a tied game in the final quarter.Lincoln's three TDs propel Chargers, 35-21 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104961862/chargers-35-21-broncos-8-nov-1965/ UPI III-5 Los Angeles Times 8 November 1965 Newspapers.com Graham intercepted a pass late in a scoreless 1st quarter, and the Chargers reached a 3rd and 3 at the Denver 39-yard line. Then, on the first play of the 2nd quarter, Alworth bobbled a Hadl pass, which was intercepted and returned 65 yards for a touchdown. San Diego came back with an 8-play, 74-yard drive; Lowe broke off a 33-yard run and Hadl combined with Lincoln for a game-tying 7-yard touchdown. After three punts, the Chargers took over on their own 34 and scored on the next play, Hadl finding Lincoln wide open over the middle for a 66-yard score. Denver came back with a touchdown 22 seconds before halftime, tying the score at 14–14.1965 week 9 gamebook, Chargers at Broncos November 7, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription San Diego restored their lead early in the second half with a trick play, Lincoln passing to Alworth for a 34-yard touchdown, but Gilchrist tied the game later in the quarter. Early in the final period, Travenio had a 38-yard field goal blocked, and Denver missed one from 10 yards out. San Diego then moved from their own 20-yard line to the Denver 45, from where Lowe took a screen pass in for a touchdown. Redman intercepted a pass on the next play from scrimmage and returned the ball 11 yards to the Denver 15-yard line; four plays later, Lincoln ran it in from the 1. A late Graham interception clinched the win. Lowe rushed 17 times for 112 yards and caught 4 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown. As well as his 34-yard touchdown pass, Lincoln rushed 8 times for 24 yards and a touchdown, and caught 2 passes for 73 yards and 2 touchdowns.San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos - November 7th, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196511070den.htm pro-football-reference.com 4 July 2022 He was the first Charger to score three touchdowns in a game.Chargers scoring 3+ touchdowns in a game https://stathead.com/tiny/jcsLF stathead.com 4 July 2022 He also became the fifth player and first Charger to have at least one touchdown passing, running and receiving in the same game (LaDainian Tomlinson repeated the feat in 2005).Players with a rushing touchdown, a receiving touchdown and a passing touchdown in the same game https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/players-with-1-rushing-td-1-rec-td-and-1-passing-td-same-game statmuse.com 4 July 2022 Week 10: at Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary November 14 Chargers 0 7 0 0 Chiefs 10 7 0 14 Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri 21,968 42 °F 1, relative humidity 69%, wind 11 mph Box score First quarter KAN – Tommy Brooker 14-yard field goal, 8:35. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards. KAN – Curtis McClinton 1-yard run (Tommy Brooker kick), 2:13. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards. Second quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 51-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 2:33. Chiefs 10–7. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards. KAN – Chris Burford 20-yard pass from Len Dawson (Tommy Brooker kick), 1:15. Chiefs 17–7. Drive: 3 plays, 35 yards. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter KAN – Curtis McClinton 7-yard pass from Len Dawson (Tommy Brooker kick), 11:16. Chiefs 24–7. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards. KAN – Mack Lee Hill 8-yard pass from Len Dawson (Tommy Brooker kick), 3:50. Chiefs 31–7. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 7/18, 152 yards, TD, 4 INT KAN – Len Dawson – 13/22, 170 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 12 rushes, 48 yards KAN – Mack Lee Hill – 11 rushes, 76 yards Top receivers SDG – Lance Alworth – 6 receptions, 181 yards, TD KAN – Mack Lee Hill – 4 receptions, 57 yards, TD San Diego turned the ball over seven times in their second defeat of the season. The Chiefs led through an early field goal before they recovered a Hadl fumble at the Charger 7-yard line, setting up a quick touchdown. The Chargers had to start their following drive at their own 1 after Foster had trouble fielding the kickoff. A 52-yard catch by Alworth moved the ball away from their own goal line, and they reached the Kansas City 4-yard line before Hadl was intercepted, ending a 95-yard drive with no points. Another Hadl interception set the Chiefs up in San Diego territory; they reached a 1st and 10 at the 14-yard line before being driven back by penalties and negative plays, eventually punting on 4th and 60. The Chargers then drove from their own 20 to a 4th and 1 from their own 49-yard line. They went for the first down, and Alworth took a pass in the flat before outrunning the defense up the right sideline for a touchdown. Graham intercepted Dawson two plays later, but Hadl was intercepted again on the next play, setting up a Dawson touchdown pass and a 17–7 Kansas City halftime lead.1965 week 10 gamebook, Chargers at Chiefs November 14, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Breaux came in at quarterback for the second half, but was intercepted on his first drive. Lowe's 33-yard run on the next Charger drive moved them into Kansas City territory, and they reached a 1st and 10 at the 15-yard line. Like the Chiefs in the first half, they were then knocked back out of scoring range by penalties and negative plays, and punted on 4th and 52. Dawson then had touchdown passes on consecutive possessions to put the game away. Hadl completed 7 of 18 passes for 152 yards, with a touchdown and 4 interceptions; Breaux was intercepted twice. San Diego outgained the Chiefs 330–280, with Alworth's 181 yards accounting for more than half his team's total.San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs - November 14th, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196511140kan.htm pro-football-reference.com 5 July 2022 Week 12: vs. Buffalo Bills San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Twelve: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary November 25 Bills 7 0 10 3 Chargers 0 10 0 10 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 27,473 59 °F 1, relative humidity 89%, wind 10 mph Box score First quarter BUF – Wray Carlton 6-yard pass from Jack Kemp (Pete Gogolak kick), 9:42. Bills 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards. Second quarter SDG – Paul Lowe 6-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 5:33. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards. SDG – Herb Travenio 9-yard field goal, 0:18. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards. Third quarter BUF – Daryle Lamonica 1-yard run (Pete Gogolak kick), 10:21. Bills 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards. BUF – Pete Gogolak 12-yard field goal, 5:06. Bills 17–10. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard. Fourth quarter SDG – Herb Travenio 14-yard field goal, 8:17. Bills 17–13. Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards. SDG – Paul Lowe offensive fumble recovery in end zone (Herb Travenio kick), 6:23. Chargers 20–17. Drive: 3 plays, 15 yards. BUF – Pete Gogolak 22-yard field goal, 0:06. Tied 20–20. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards. Top passers BUF – Jack Kemp – 17/36, 211 yards, TD, INT SDG – John Hadl – 18/37, 315 yards, 2 INT Top rushers BUF – Wray Carlton – 6 rushes, 14 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 20 rushes, 69 yards, TD Top receivers BUF – Paul Costa – 3 receptions, 80 yards SDG – Lance Alworth – 7 receptions, 127 yards San Diego and Buffalo traded leads as a battle of division leaders ended in a tie.Bill comeback ties Chargers, 20 to 20 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105037033/chargers-20-20-bills-26-nov-1965/ AP A15, A16 San Bernardino County Sun 26 November 1965 Newspapers.com Foster lost a fumble on the fourth play of the game, and Kemp threw a touchdown five plays later. The next three Chargers drives ended with a missed 37-yard field goal attempt by Travenio and two Hadl interceptions, while Buffalo punted three times. San Diego then drove 80 yards in 10 plays without facing a 3rd down, tying the score on a 6-yard run by Lowe. On their next possession, they drove 79 yards to the Buffalo 1-yard line before Foster dropped a pass in the end zone; they settled for a 9-yard Travenio field goal, and a 10–7 half time lead.1965 week 12 gamebook, Bills at Chargers November 25, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Buffalo took the second half kickoff and drove 79 yards in 9 plays to take the lead; Lamonica scored from a yard out while Kemp was temporarily out injured. Three plays later, Alworth broke away for a 65-yard reception, but fumbled while being tackled at the 3-yard line, and Buffalo recovered. On their next possession, San Diego were set to punt from their own 48-yard line, but a wild snap sailed over Hadl's head, setting the Bills up at the San Diego 6-yard line. The Charger defense kept Buffalo out of the end zone, and Pete Gogolak kicked a field goal for a seven-point lead. Gogolak missed a further field goal in the final quarter, and Lincoln took a swing pass 66 yards to the Bills 10-yard line, setting up a successful Travenio kick. Three plays later, Westmoreland intercepted Kemp at the Buffalo 43-yard line and returned the ball 28 yards. On 3rd and 6, Hadl ran the ball as far as the 2 before fumbling into the end zone. This time Lowe recovered the loose ball for a 20–17 lead. The next two Bills drives ended with a fumble and a punt, but they had one more chance, starting at their own 25-yard line. Kemp had completions of 35 and 16 yards, as well as a 9-yard run that positioned Gogolak for a game-tying 22-yard field goal with 6 seconds to play. The teams combined to fumble eight times, with five of those recovered by the opposition. San Diego committed five of the game's eight total turnovers.Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers - November 25th, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196511250sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com 6 July 2022 Week 13: vs. New York Jets San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Thirteen: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 4 Jets 0 0 7 0 Chargers 0 17 14 7 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 32,169 62 °F 1, relative humidity 38%, wind 7 mph Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter SDG – Keith Lincoln 1-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 14:58. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards. SDG – Keith Lincoln 25-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 5:09. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards. SDG – Herb Travenio 26-yard field goal, 3:17. Chargers 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, -4 yards. Third quarter SDG – Kenny Graham 51-yard interception return (Herb Travenio kick), 14:16. Chargers 24–0. NYJ – Don Maynard 21-yard pass from Joe Namath (Jim Turner), 9:35. Chargers 24–7. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards. SDG – Lance Alworth 46-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 7:30. Chargers 31–7. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 36-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 12:48. Chargers 38–7. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards. Top passers NYJ – Joe Namath – 18/34, 179 yards, TD, 3 INT SDG – John Hadl – 13/19, 236 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers NYJ – Matt Snell – 7 rushes, 28 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 14 rushes, 71 yards Top receivers NYJ – Don Maynard – 5 receptions, 83 yards, TD SDG – Lance Alworth – 7 receptions, 147 yards, 2 TD San Diego forced four turnovers by Jets quarterback Joe Namath in an easy victory.Zimmerman Paul Chargers toss Namath for a loss https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105101279/chargers-38-7-jets-5-dec-1965/ D1, D2 Los Angeles Times 5 December 1965 The Chargers' first two drives ended with interceptions thrown by Hadl and Lincoln, but the Jets could only answer with two field goal tries, one missed and one blocked. After the latter of these, San Diego drove 61 yards in 10 plays to take the lead on Lincoln's 1-yard run. Graham intercepted Namath on the Chargers 42-yard line on the following possession, and San Diego drove to another Lincoln touchdown, this time a tackle-breaking 25-yard catch and run on 3rd and 7. Petrich and Gross sacked Namath on the next play from scrimmage, forcing a sack that Faison recovered at the New York 15-yard line. That led to a Travenio field goal and, after a Degen interception, a 17–0 halftime lead.1965 week 13 gamebook, Jets at Chargers December 4, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription On the first play of the second half, Graham intercepted a Namath pass near the right sideline, and returned it 51 yards for a touchdown. Namath was able to get the Jets on the scoreboard with a touchdown pass on their next drive, but San Diego restored their 24-point advantage only four plays later, with Hadl finding Alworth open at the 5 for a 46-yard touchdown. After stopping the Jets on downs, the Chargers ended the scoring early in the final quarter with another long Hadl-to-Alworth connection, this time of 36 yards. Lincoln rushed 13 times for 57 yards and a touchdown, while catching 2 passes for 46 yards and another touchdown. Alworth caught 7 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns.New York Jets at San Diego Chargers - December 4th, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196512040sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com 7 July 2022 The result left San Diego at 7–2–3, leading the Raiders (7–4–1) and Chiefs (6–4–2), and able to clinch the AFL West title with a win the following week.Chargers seek 3rd in row https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105153277/chargers-to-clinch-12-dec-1965/ AP D-4 San Bernardino County Sun 12 December 1965 Newspapers.com Week 14: at Houston Oilers San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fourteen: San Diego Chargers at Houston Oilers – Game summary December 12 Chargers 7 7 3 20 Oilers 2 10 7 7 Rice Stadium, Houston, Texas 24,120 72 °F 1, relative humidity 75%, wind 8 mph Box score First quarter SDG – Speedy Duncan 63-yard punt return (Herb Travenio kick), 4:22. Chargers 7–0. HOU – Safety, Oilers sacked John Hadl in end zone, 0:00. Chargers 7–2. Second quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 5-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 7:41. Chargers 14–2. Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards. HOU – George Blanda 40-yard field goal, 2:54. Chargers 14–5. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards. HOU – Charley Hennigan 10-yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick), 0:51. Chargers 14–12. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards. Third quarter HOU – Dick Compton 30-yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick), 8:32. Oilers 19–14. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards. SDG – Herb Travenio 32-yard field goal, 4:59. Oilers 19–17. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Herb Travenio 12-yard field goal, 12:29. Chargers 20–19. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards. HOU – Charley Hennigan 9-yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick), 11:35. Oilers 26–20. Drive: 2 plays, 30 yards. SDG – John Hadl 1-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 6:28. Chargers 27–26. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards. SDG – Herb Travenio 32-yard field goal, 3:00. Chargers 30–26. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards. SDG – Paul Lowe 15-yard run (Herb Travenio kick), 1:46. Chargers 37–26. Drive: 1 play, 15 yards. Top passers SDG – John Hadl – 11/25, 146 yards, TD, INT HOU – George Blanda – 13/40, 212 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – Paul Lowe – 19 rushes, 99 yards, TD HOU – Ode Burrell – 10 rushes, 13 yards Top receivers SDG – Keith Lincoln – 5 receptions, 87 yards HOU – Bob McLeod – 4 receptions, 59 yards The Chargers clinched their division after scoring the game's final 17 points.Chargers fly high---and Lowe, 37–26 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105146481/chargers-37-26-oilers-13-dec-1965/ UPI III-8 Los Angeles Times December 13, 1965 Newspapers.com Duncan opened the scoring in the 1st quarter, taking a punt and eluding several tacklers on a 63-yard touchdown return. On their next possession, the Chargers faced a 3rd and 22 from their own 8-yard line, and Hadl was brought down by three Oilers in the end zone for a safety. After forcing a punt, San Diego extended their lead with an 11-play, 85-yard drive: Lowe had a 23-yard run, Norton converted a 3rd and 10 with a 27-yard catch, and Alworth scored on a 5-yard touchdown reception. The Chargers soon had another scoring chance, but Hadl was intercepted in Houston territory, and the Oilers fought back with a field goal and a Blanda touchdown pass, trailing only 14–12 at halftime.1965 week 14 gamebook, Chargers at Oilers December 12, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Houston's momentum continued into the second half as they recovered a Norton fumble and drove to another Blanda touchdown pass. The Chargers responded with field goals on consecutive drives, the first set up by a 41-yard Lincoln catch and the second by three consecutive runs that covered 16, 14 and 17 yards (the first by Lincoln, the next two by Lowe). Blanda threw his third touchdown only three plays later, putting Houston up 26–20 with 11 minutes to play. Hadl made several key plays on an answering touchdown drive, converting a 3rd and 10 with a 22-yard pass to Lincoln and having runs of 9, 23 and 14 yards. Finally, he scored on 4th and goal with a 1-yard quarterback sneak. Warren intercepted Blanda three plays later, leading to a third Travenio field goal. The Oilers then turned the ball over on downs at their own 15-yard line, and Lowe went around right end for a touchdown on the next play. Duncan added a late interception near his own goal line. Both Charger running backs gained over 100 yards of offense. Lowe rushed 19 times for 99 yards and a touchdown, while adding a single catch for 6 yards; Lincoln rushed 11 times for 62 yards and caught 5 passes for 87 yards.San Diego Chargers at Houston Oilers - December 12th, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196512120oti.htm pro-football-reference.com 7 July 2022 Week 15: vs. Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fifteen: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 19 Raiders 7 7 0 0 Chargers 0 7 7 10 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 26,056 49 °F 1, relative humidity 55%, wind 8 mph Box score First quarter OAK – Art Powell 4-yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Mercer kick), 1:53. Raiders 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards. Second quarter OAK – Clem Daniels 1-yard run (Mike Mercer kick), 3:22. Raiders 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards. SDG – Don Norton 22-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 1:34. Raiders 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards. Third quarter SDG – Don Norton 10-yard pass from John Hadl (Herb Travenio kick), 4:35. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards. Fourth quarter SDG – Lance Alworth 66-yard pass from Don Breaux (Herb Travenio kick), 10:21. Chargers 21–14. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards. SDG – Herb Travenio 15-yard field goal, 1:02. Chargers 24–14. Top passers OAK – Tom Flores – 20/38, 193 yards, TD, 3 INT SDG – John Hadl – 8/15, 192 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers OAK – Clem Daniels – 19 rushes, 85 yards, TD SDG – Gene Foster – 17 rushes, 55 yards Top receivers OAK – Clem Daniels – 5 receptions, 72 yards SDG – Lance Alworth – 5 receptions, 160 yards, TD San Diego recovered from a 14–0 deficit to close out their regular season with a win.Valli Bob Raiders lose by 24-14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105231222/chargers-24-14-raiders-20-dec-1965/ 47, 49 Oakland Tribune 20 December 1965 The Chargers had an early scoring chance, but Hadl was intercepted in the end zone. Oakland then drove 65 yards in 11 plays for a touchdown, maintaining possession with a fake field goal. San Diego were soon threatening to score again, reaching a 4th and goal from the 1-yard line, but MacKinnon came down with Hadl's pass narrowly out of bounds; the Raiders then drove 80 yards in 11 plays to double their lead. Hadl responded with a 37-yard completion to Allison, soon followed by a 22-yard touchdown to Norton, pulling the score back to 14–7 at halftime.1965 week 15 gamebook, Raiders at Chargers December 19, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription Travenio was short on a 50-yard kick in the 3rd quarter, before Petrich blocked a Raiders field goal try. The Chargers then tied the game with a 5-play, 71-yard drive; Alworth had a 44-yard reception and Norton caught a 10-yard touchdown pass despite being in tight coverage. Breaux came in to replace Hadl and soon lost a fumble, but Allen intercepted Flores two plays later. San Diego then reached a 3rd and 15 at their own 34-yard line, from where Breaux found Alworth on a slant route at the Oakland 45-yard line, and he outran the Raider defense for the go-ahead touchdown. Whitehead intercepted Flores twice in the final ten minutes; Hadl was himself intercepted at the goal line after the first of these, but the second led to a Travenio field goal with a minute to play. As well as Hadl, Lowe also left the game early – he carried 3 times for 32 yards, enough to break the AFL's single-season rushing yardage record.Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers - December 19th, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196512190sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com 8 July 2022 Standings Playoffs Round Date Opponent Result Venue Attendance Recap Championship December 26 Buffalo Bills L 0–23 Balboa Stadium 30,361 Recap Game summary AFL championship game: vs. Buffalo Bills 1965 American Football League Championship Game San Diego Chargers 1965 2;text-align:center; AFL championship game: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary Bills 0 14 6 3 Chargers 0 0 0 0 Balboa Stadium, San Diego December 26 1:00 p.m. PST 54 F, relative humidity 75%, wind 6 mph NBC Curt Gowdy, Paul Christman and Charlie Jones Jim Barnhill 30,361 Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter BUF – Ernie Warlick 18-yard pass from Jack Kemp (Pete Gogolak kick), 4:59. Bills 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards. BUF – Butch Byrd 74-yard punt return (Pete Gogolak kick), 2:29. Bills 14–0. Third quarter BUF – Pete Gogolak 11-yard field goal, 9:21. Bills 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards. BUF – Pete Gogolak 39-yard field goal, 0:45. Bills 20–0. Drive: 4 plays, -9 yards. Fourth quarter BUF – Pete Gogolak 32-yard field goal, 11:45. Bills 23–0. Drive: 10 plays, 37 yards. Top passers BUF – Jack Kemp – 8/19, 155 yards, TD, INT SDG – John Hadl – 11/23, 140 yards, 2 INT Top rushers BUF – Wray Carlton – 16 rushes, 63 yards SDG – Paul Lowe – 12 rushes, 57 yards Top receivers BUF – Bo Roberson – 3 receptions, 88 yards SDG – Lance Alworth – 4 receptions, 82 yards San Diego faced the Eastern division champion Bills (10–3–1) in a rematch of the previous AFL championship game. Having achieved a win and tie against Buffalo during the regular season, having Alworth fit for the game (he had been injured the previous year), and having dominated the league in several major statistical categories, the Chargers were expected to improve on their 20–7 defeat in 1964. Oddsmakers had them as 6 1 2-point favorites before the game.Chargers, Bills battle for crown https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105263406/chargers-bills-preview-i-26-dec-1965/ UPI 13 Macon Telegraph 26 December 1965 Newspapers.comBuffalo not letting odds discourage them https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105263681/chargers-bills-preview-ii-26-dec-1965/ AP 17 Bellingham Herald 26 December 1965 Newspapers.com In the event, Buffalo won the 1965 game more easily, though San Diego had early chances to take the lead.Bills repeat as champs https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105268219/chargers-0-23-bills-27-dec-1965/ AP III-1, III-2 Fort Worth Star-Telegram 27 December 1965 Newspapers.com Warren intercepted Kemp at the Chargers 33-yard line early in the game, and Alworth's 20-yard catch moved the ball across midfield, but San Diego were forced to punt. After a Bills punt pinned the Chargers at their own 9-yard line, Lowe went around right end for 47 yards on the next play, but they were pushed back when Hadl was sacked and had to punt again. After another Bills punt, Norton's 35-yard catch helped the Chargers drive from their own 11-yard line to the Buffalo 28 early in the 2nd quarter, but Travenio's 35-yard field goal attempt was short after being partially blocked. The Bills scored two touchdowns in quick succession later in the quarter, via a Kemp touchdown pass and a 74-yard punt return from Butch Byrd. Hadl was intercepted on the next play, but Duncan partially blocked a Gogolak field goal attempt. The Chargers then drove from their own 20-yard line to the Buffalo 24, with Hadl completing a 22-yard pass to Alworth and scrambling for 13 yards on consecutive plays. It was their best field position of the entire game, but led to no points as Travenio missed a 31-yard kick, leaving the halftime score at 14–0.1965 AFL Championship Game gamebook, Bills at Chargers December 26, 1965 https://www.profootballresearchers.org/members-only.html subscription San Diego went three-and-out on the first possession of the second half, and Buffalo soon added a Gogolak field goal. Duncan returned the ensuing kickoff 49 yards, and the Chargers reached a 4th and 1 at the Buffalo 29-yard line. Hadl was then stopped for a loss of 5 yards. Further Gogolak field goals were set up by a Hadl interception and another failed 4th down conversion attempt. Hadl completed 11 of 23 passes for 140 yards, while throwing 2 interceptions and being sacked 3 times for losses of 30 yards. Lowe carried 12 times for 57 yards, although 47 of those came on a single carry. Buffalo narrowly outgained the Chargers (260 yards to 223), but had a larger advantage in first downs (23 to 12).Championship - Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers - December 26th, 1965 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196512260sdg.htm pro-football-reference.com 9 July 2022 Chargers lose their final AFL Championship so in 1966 miss the playoffs the first time since 1962. Awards Twelve Chargers were in the squad who faced the Bills in the AFL All-Star game, including five who were named to the Associated Press All-AFL 1st team; there were also six Chargers in the 2nd team.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1965_AFL/allpro.htm 1965 AFL All-Pros Pro-Football-Reference June 29, 2022https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1965_AFL/probowl.htm 1965 AFL All-Stars Pro-Football-Reference June 29, 2022 In addition, Alworth received eight votes as the AP AFL player of the year, while Lowe received four; for the equivalent UPI award, they received four votes each.Kemp of the Bills won both these awards. Gillman received two votes for coach of the year from both AP and UPI.Lou Saban of the Bills won both these awards.1965 awards voting https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_1965.htm pro-football-reference.com 29 June 2022 Player Position All-Star AP 1st-team All-Pro AP 2nd-team All-Pro Lance Alworth Flanker Frank Buncom Linebacker Speedy Duncan Cornerback Earl Faison Defensive end Kenny Graham Safety John Hadl Quarterback Dave Kocourek Tight end Ernie Ladd Defensive tackle Keith Lincoln Running back Paul Lowe Running back Ron Mix Tackle Walt Sweeney Guard Ernie Wright Tackle Notes 60em References San Diego Chargers Category:San Diego Chargers seasons San Diego Chargers